The Didsbury Memorial Complex arena was filled to near capacity for the Didsbury Figure Skating Club’s Under the Big Top skating extravaganza on Saturday.
The show featured 54 skaters aged three to 16.
StarSkate and Junior StarSkate coach Shannon Black called the show a hit and a great wrap up for a successful skating season.
“We had lots of support from the community not only for the carnival but also generous support for our gala in February,” said Black. “The carnival went well. Lots of parents and lots of grandparents came out to the carnival.
“We had a successful season. We had every skater pass numerous tests throughout the season. As far as the skating club goes we've had one of our best years in 10 years. It was fantastic.”
CanSkate coach Christie Jensen added: “Everyone had fun and they all did a really great job. Thanks to all my program assistants, who are all in StarSkate but volunteer to help coach. They're amazing. They did very well. Everyone improved greatly over the year.”
During Saturday’s show, Amy Black sang O Canada accompanied by flag bearers Hailey and Payton Israelson.
Opening skater Erin Black performed to A Million Dreams, followed by Elephants on Parade by Laura Jansen and Kendra Brood.
The CanSkate Orange skaters performed Be a Clown/Afro Circus, followed by Lost Boys by Caprie Jensen, Cruella de Ville by Madi Fisher, Cars by Nicole Black, and It’s Magic by Elyse Whitehead and Bree Israelson.
Peanuts was then performed by CanSkate Purple, followed by Star Wars by Hailey Israelson, Mission Impossible by Keira Reinhardt, and Human Cannonball by Jorja Thomas.
The Solstice Pre-Novice Team then performed synchronized skating, followed by Clara’s New World – The Nutcracker by Kyra Leaver, The Dance of the Snake Charmer by Reese Blatz and Krystina Gale, and Circus Animals by Canskate Blue.
Payton Israelson performed music from the movie Spirit, followed by music from Peter Pan by Erin Black, followed by Tightrope – Intro to StarSkate performed by various club members.
Bring on the Horses was then performed by Avery Brood, followed by Cinderella’s Waltz by Brynley Mierke, Jack Skellington’s Dance by Madi Fisher, and Strike Up The Band by Brooklyn Fairbrother and Kylah Wittal.
Solstice Synchronized – Intermediate were guest skaters, followed by the finale The Ring Masters by StarSkate.
