Erin Reed executing a layback spin in O Mio Babbino Caro
Entering their 2014 home season, The Ice Theatre of New York's performing troop of premier skaters thrilled the audience with variety, beauty and complexity for the Benefit Performance on Friday, October 17 th. Here are some of the program highlights.
The performance opened with Reveries which I so enjoyed last season as well. Set to Tchaikovsky's Orchestral Suite #3 in G Major, the choreography made you feel as if you were watching modern ballet being performed on ice. The flowing texture and ice blue of the costumes made them almost disappear into the background. Beautifully choreographed by Edward Villella, you can see the joy and exuberance on the skaters' faces.
Reveries opened the benefit performance
Next principal skater Ryan Bradley did a solo performance of Fragile (music by Sting) which was anything but. Full of fabulous high kicks, jumps and spins, it fully showcased his talents as a championship skater. His outfit was perfect for the music and choreography with both being created for him by choreographer Douglas Webster.
Ryan's long,straight lines are accentuated by the clean lines of his costume.
Show Stopper: Back Bay Shuffle
This was a newly choreographed premier number for 2014 and WOW did this ever get the audience going! Set to the Big Band era music of clarinet player and orchestra leader Artie Shaw it reminisced of those days when men dressed to the nines for a night on the town. The Back Bay Shuffle was originally released in 1938...over 76 years ago but is still "poppin'" and perfect for this number. Full of very technical moves, Brent Bommentre, Ryan Bradley and Joel Dear made it look like they were having the time of their lives. A polished performance with a bit of bravado and a lot of humor. Loved it! Brilliantly choreographed by Edward Villella.
Jazz Hands! Back Bay Shuffle
This stellar evening was made even more complete with the inclusion of Roots which premiered last season for Ice:Dance 2013. Touching and tender, exuberant and joyful the choreography spans all the colors of the human spirit. It not only underscores it, it celebrates it. Infused with antebellum spirituals and hymns, it is a breath of fresh Appalachian Mountain air. I sat through it again, with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Absolutely inspiring composition and performance choreographed by the inimitable Douglas Webster.
Roots - Choreographed by Douglas Webster
This 2014 Ice Theatre Benefit Performance was in honor of Dr. Tenley Albright, the FIRST American woman skater to win an Olympic Gold Medal. Dr. Albright's daughter, Elin Gardiner Schran skated a lovely tribute to her mother in a piece called "Gratitude". With music by Anatole Fistoular and Jacques Offenbach, it was tender and loving. Tenley told me after the performance that it was all she could do to hold it together. I doubt if there was a dry eye in the house when Elin reached out her arms to her mother at the end of her performance. This is really what skating is all about. The gift of joy from one generation to the next. Please visitThe Ice Theatre of New York onlineand support their community outreach and mentoring programs for inner city children. Also be sure to catch their local upcoming seasonal shows.
Dr. Tenely Albright (center) with Dick Button and daughter Elin on the far right end.
Cocktails and Dinner at the Lighthouse After the performance and photos on the red carpet, we all retired to the Lighthouse Restaurant for the reception. We were greeted with flowers for our hair in honor of Tenley's love of this romantic accessory!
Tenley & Dick are the first American skaters to win Olympic Gold.
Hey, we're wearing the same color flower!
L-R Gina Miczak, Emily Hughes, Tenley Albright, Me PHOTO: Ellen Halpern- Halpern Photography & Video
Artistic Director, Douglas Webster saying a few words
The unstoppable Sarah Hughes!
Our Jewelry c/o Sublime Beauty My Dress by Designer Nora Gardner, NYC Our Hair and Makeup by Christo Fifth Avenue, NYC
Johnny Wier's signature performance of "Heartbroken" for the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala. Weir did the choreography and costume design especially for the Ice Theatre of New York. Watch for the interview with Johnny joined by Sarah Hughes at the end of his performance!
Johnny Weir was a guest performing artist for this year's Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Performance. Johnny is a 3 time National Champion, World Bronze Medalist and a 2 time Olympian, (recently at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games). As you can see in the video, from his original choreography to his unique costume design, Johnny is one of the most avante-garde performers on ice today. Johnny joined in the celebration of the Ice Theatre of New York's 2010 Home Season and has contributed his outstanding artistry and creativity to their events.
This event is held each year at the Sky Rink Chelsea Piers, NYC with the cocktail reception following at The Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes, JoJo Starbuck were the celebrity guest skaters on program this year.
Blast From the ITNY Past: The lovely Ivana Trump and my escort Joseph Y. Miczak attending the 2006 21st Anniversary ITNY Gala reception at the Lighthouse Restaurant.
Dorothy's timeless performance to Moon River, (Henry Mancini) as honoree of the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Gala! This special performance took place on Monday night, October 25th, 2010 at the Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers. Watch for the personal interview with Ms. Hamill at the cocktail reception which followed.
The Ice Theatre of New York pulled out all the stops for their 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala this year. This year's honoree, Olympic Gold Medalist, Dorothy Hamill was joined on the ice by skating greats: Two time Olympian Johnny Weir, 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes and two time Olympian JoJo Starbuck. This was a sold out event with more than 750 in attendance. ITNY's founder, Moira North, skating legend Dick Button and fashion designer Vera Wang came on the ice to present Dorothy with her award for the evening. (Pictured here is a unique jewelry piece designed & donated by Vera Wang for the Silent Auction)
The cocktail reception which followed was hosted by the Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Vera Wang was on the scene first so I enjoyed speaking with her briefly between photos. Dick Button who is a fixture and main supporter of the ITNY stopped by to say "hello" with former honoree, Aja Zanova of Prague, Czechoslovakia. Later came Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes and Moira North who posed for photos and interviews with Dorothy (see my interview with Dorothy at the end of her skating performance in the video above).
The Ice Theatre of New York is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and is widely known as the Nation's Premier Ice Dance Company. The ITNY's community outreach program aimed at inner city children offers inclusion rather than exclusion to those seeking to be part of what is now called "theatre on ice". As one of the founding skaters in Ice Capades, Hamill has had four ABC television skating specials in her honor and worked with disadvantaged children in Harlem. Hamill is a most a fitting candidate for this distinction. ITNY's past honorees I have covered include, Moira North, Aja Zanova, Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie.
A Blast from the ITNY Past: Dick Button and Dr. M. enjoying the reception at the 2006 Ice Theatre of New York Gala honoring Czechoslovakian skater Aja Zanova. Notice all the fur I'm wearing. It was a LOT colder in October back in "those days"!
