Wetaskiwin’s figure skating club is opening a time warp in the city.
For its annual carnival event, the Wetaskiwin Figure Skating Club will be taking a musical look at past decades with its Rockin’ Through the Ages theme.
President Cindy Warnke says each year the coaches of the club are given a couple of rough themes to look over, and with their work with the skaters the carnival is born. “Our coaches are just really creative.”
The carnival takes place March 17 at 1 p.m., and those who attend will be treated to 19 performances comprised of group skates, solos and semi-solos.
The club’s skaters will perform to song such as Rockin’ Robin, for a Grease and poodle skirt themed number, Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun, New Kids on the Block, and the 1940s Bugle Boy.
“It’s a carnival; we hope that it’s really upbeat. So, we hope that everyone comes out and cheers on our skaters,” said Warnke.
Admission to the carnival is $2, and those 12 years old and under attend for free. Popcorn, hot chocolate, and 50/50 ticket sales help the club cover the costs to host the annual event.
Practice for the carnival begins in March and is the club’s main focus until the event has been performed to the community.
The rest of the season the skaters and coaches focus on program skating and level testing.
“We had a brand-new skating program this year,” Warnke, referring to the club’s CanPOWER program.
“It’s like a prep for hockey,” said Warnke. “That was a big success.”
Skaters in the program will be instructed to improve skills such as edges, turns, and stops.
The Wetaskiwin Figure Skating also offers Canskate, for skaters just learning to skate. Participants are able to level up by earning ribbons for agility, balance and control.
Rising Star is the club’s next program. “They learn more figure skating skills,” said Warnke.
Star Skate allows skaters to test for their levels and compete. Warnke says the skaters can spend up to seven hours per week on the ice honing their skills.