Calendar
2010-2011 Season
Upcoming:
Ice Theatre of New York Summer Youth Concert Series - Last concert this Saturday, Aug. 14 at 7pm - see below for details on performers
World Ice Arena (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NYC)
Saturdays, 7:00 P.M. from July 10 to August 14, 2010 – 6 concerts
FREE SUMMER PERFORMANCES AT WORLD
ICE ARENA - last two concerts on Saturdays August 7 and 14!
This summer, Ice Theatre of New York will help cool things down with free, Saturday evening performances at the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
Ice Theatre of New York ensemble members are joined by up and coming young talent and guest artists from the competitive skating world, in a show that is a treat for the local community on hot summer nights.
The public is invited to stay to skate after the concerts. Admission is $8 and skate rental $5. Session runs till 9:50pm.
Guest artists at this last concert on August 14 will include:
Olympic ice dance competitors - Otar Japaridze and Allison Reid - representing the Republic of Georgia
Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland from
Great Britain
Danielle Montelbano and
Yevgeny Krasnopolski - representing Israel
Junior National Gold Medalist Pair skaters - Felicia Zhang and Taylor Toth - USA
2010 Eastern Sectional Novice Ice Dance Silver Medalists- twins, Danielle and Alexander Gamelin - USA
Queens own, Jimmy Ma, Novice Men's Silver Medalist
Joelle Forte, Senior ladies national competitor (and teacher at World Ice Arena)
Featured
Ice Theatre of New York repertory includes: "Revolt Des Enfants" a commission by the NY State Council on the Arts
for Alberto Del Saz of the Murray Louis Alwin Nikolais Dance Company to
create a new piece for Ice Theatre of New York - performed by
professionals from the company.
"Dare Greatly" a commission by the Will Sears Memorial Fund - performed by professionals from the company
"Ronnie
Resentment" performed by theatre artist, dancer, designer and company
member, Greg Wittrock. Greg's masked characters portray aspects of the
human condition. Ronnie Resentment is the angry teenager who
transforms anger into art.
What: Ice Theatre of New York Summer
Youth Concert Series – free to the public
Where: World Ice Arena (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NYC)
When: Saturdays, 7:00 P.M. from July 10 to August 14, 2010 – 6 concerts
ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK 25TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT GALA AND PERFORMANCE HONORING OLYMPIC CHAMPION DOROTHY HAMILL
Ice Theatre's 25th anniversary season celebrations will start with a bang with the annual Benefit Gala and Performance honoring Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill on Monday, October 25th, 2010.
Save the date!
Past Events:
REFLECTIONS ON THE 2010 HOME SEASON
Ice is perhaps the most challenging surface for a choreographer to work on. Surprising then that Ice Theatre of New York marked more than two decades of combining the best of dance performance on ice as the company moves into it’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. Founded by Moira North, Ice Theatre has over the years brought amazing choreography to the world of ice skating, working with luminaries from the dance world like Twyla Tharp, Ann Carlson, Peter Martins, Laura Dean and Susan Marshall, to name just a few. Ice Theatre has enchanted and enthralled us, as they pushed the boundaries of ensemble skating, and broke barriers between the dance and ice worlds. This year was no exception, and Ice Theatre of New York’s 2010 Home Season with special guest artist, Johnny Weir, from April 29-May 1 at Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, highlighted signature pieces from an extensive repertory of dance on ice, showcased new work from the season, and bridged the competitive and artistic skating worlds by presenting the performing talents of Johnny Weir.
Profiling three-time US bronze medalist and two-time Olympian, Johnny Weir, seemed a particularly fitting choice of star talent for ITNY, and for Johnny the evening provided a welcome environment to skate in. Said Johnny, “It is such a pleasure to perform in my backyard and I am happy to skate for the wonderful Ice Theatre of NY audience.” While some may overlook Johnny’s skating because of his flamboyant persona, it was clear from the Home Season performance that Johnny can skate as flawlessly as the best in the world. His first piece, Heartbroken, was especially created for ITNY, choreographed and designed by Johnny himself, to hauntingly beautiful piano music by Richard Clayderman. His second piece, Bad Romance was set to the music of Lady Gaga and skated the way only Johnny can, causing fans to go wild with appreciation. Together, the lyrical and emotive qualities of Heartbroken and the punchier, playful qualities of Bad Romance displayed Johnny’s range as a performer. His artistic individualism fits perfectly with Ice Theatre’s dedication to presenting the best and most diverse choreographic visions on ice.
The evening started with a recognition of the School Figures from which figure skating gets its name. These demonstrations of basic to more complex figures by Elizabeth L’Heureux punctuated the night’s program with a beautiful reminder that from the basic edges comes all other artistry on ice. Alberto del Saz’s Revolte des Enfants featured three skaters whose movements were contained in one costume that connected all three. Give Me One Reason performed by Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre, one of America’s premier ice dance couples, was beautiful and complex. It is interesting to note that Kim was a member of the Ice Theatre ensemble before resuming her competitive career and that together she and Brent had been members of the Ice Theatre ensemble as well.
The mark of a successful dance organization is that a choreographer rises through the ranks of their dancers. Douglas Webster went form ensemble member to a most sought after ice choreographer. This year’s ITNY Home Season opening had three pieces by Doug: Primavera; a delicate choreography of skaters flowing over the ice with deep edges which later develop into spins and jumps featuring the ensemble as well as Kim, Brent, and Doug himself. Dare Greatly a beautiful trio where the skaters intertwine and revolve around each other in sinuous patterns was commissioned by the Will Sear’s Memorial Foundation. Finally, Doug set a beautiful piece, Wild Horses on Kim and her partner Brent that highlighted their elegance and artistic ability.
The enchanting The Dreame by Jacqulyn Buglisi was a reverie of romance on ice as principal performers, Elisa Angeli and Tyrrell Gene, wove a gorgeous rhapsody of line and gesture. Kenny Moir had the audience in stitches with In A Nutshell, Rob Mc Brien’s comic piece about a beginning skater’s trials with the ice set to music by Mozart. Lar Lubovitch's Tilt-A-Whirl, which was originally choreographed for Peggy Fleming and John Curry, was a human carnival ride as the title suggests and showed Mr. Lubovitch's ability to master movement on any surface. Part of Ice Theatre’s mandate is to re-stage dance on ice choreography and the company had previously re-staged Twyla Tharp’s After All, also originally conceived for John Curry. Heart with Line Haddad, Kim, Tyrrell, and Douglas was a triumph and Jo Anna Mendl Shaw’s modern edgy choreography has never looked better than with these excellent performers. Elisa Monte’s Draughtsman’s Contract featuring four masked couples at a masked ball and was a fitting finale and a feast for the eyes!
Commented Moira North, “Ice may perhaps be the most challenging surface for choreographers to work on, but the risks are worth the rewards when the movement is transcendent. If one forgets for a moment that these dancers are perched on thin blades of steel gliding over frozen water they can be transported to a world of ethereal movement and elegance; it is a magical experience.”
May the magic of Ice Theatre continue for at least another enthralling 25 years!
* * *
Click here to order your dvd copy of the 2010 Home Season featuring Johnny Weir
A great, video story on the 2010 Ice Theatre of New York Home Season by Lifeskate is now online. Also, check out a feature on the Home Season on Channel 13, SundayArts News.
2010 Home Season - Opening Night on April 29 featuring Johnny Weir
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1 - Performances at 7 p.m.
Johnny Weir to debut new piece on Opening Night!
Opening Night will feature special guest
star, three-time US National Men’s Figure Skating Champion and two-time
Olympian, Johnny Weir. Mr.
Weir has created a new piece to celebrate the occasion called "Heartbroken". In addition he will
perform the hot new fan-favorite to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". He is very excited to perform with Ice Theatre
of New York in his first appearance in his home town since the Olympics.
There will be a cocktail reception with
the performers at the Sunset Terrace, Chelsea Piers, immediately following the
show on April 29. Tickets are $150 (very limited availability as of 4/27)
All photos of Johnny Weir by Leah Adams
6 p.m. Johnny Weir, Meet & Greet for children 16 and under: $75 (inludes
performance ticket)
At its 2010 Home Season from April 29 to May 1 at
Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, Ice Theatre of New York will present new repertory and
celebrate the visions of some of the remarkable choreographers who have shone
their brilliance on the Company for many years. The performance will feature Elisa Angeli and Tyrrell Gene in Jacqulyn Buglisi’s “The Dreame”, and the Ensemble in Elisa Monte’s “Draughtsman’s Contract” and Alberto
Del Saz’s “La Revolte des Enfants”.
Elisa Angeli, this time teamed with Jiri
Prochazka, will also appear in a restaging of Lar Lubovitch’s “Tilt-a-Whirl”
originally performed by Peggy Fleming and John Curry. In addition the Ensemble
will perform this season’s new works, “Dare
Greatly” and “Primavera”, both
choreographed by ice choreographer Douglas
Webster.
Two-time US Ice Dance Bronze Medalists, Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre will be
joining Ice Theatre's Ensemble for the Home Season. They will have just
returned from participating in the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin,
Italy.
Ice Theatre
of New York will also feature the following
skaters: Elisa Angeli and Tyrrell Gene in the duet "The Dreame"
and
other ensemble pieces, and Alizah Allen, Ali Blank, Eve Chalom,
Angela Chiang,
Michael Dionysiou, Kristina faclo & Andrew Naylor, Michele
Forchione, Marni Halasa, Elizabeth L'Heureux, Kenny Moir, Radmila
Olshansky, Jiri Prochazka, Kevin Sidwell, Steven Smith, Wendy Wilke, and
Felicia Zhang & Taylor Toth in the
ensemble repertory. (Cast subject to change)
Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1 @ 7:00 p.m. NOTE - THERE MIGHT NOT BE ANY TICKETS LEFT TO SELL AT THE DOOR FOR OPENING NIGHT - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW - CALL 212-929-5811
Sky Rink (Pier 61, Chelsea Piers)
Opening Night Performance & Reception: $150
6 p.m. Children's Meet & Greet (under 16): $75
General admission: $25
Students, seniors and groups of 10 or more: $15
To purchase tickets call (212) 929-5811 or download the credit card order form.
Ice theatre Of New York is
for the month of April, 2010
New Works and Young Artists Series in Queens
World Ice Arena, Flushing, Queens
2nd Thursday of the month: April 8 and May 13, 2010
Free skating show. Free skating clinic for public school students. School must apply - call office at (212) 929-5811 to receive an application.
New Works and Young Artists Series at Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park at 145th Street and Riverside
February 25, March 4, 18 and 25, 2010
Free skating show. Free
skating clinic for public school students. School must apply - call
office at (212) 929-5811 to receive an application.
Join Ice Theatre on our Facebook fan page and get regular updates with photos of recent events and behind-the scenes news, as well as links to new videos posted online.
City Skate Concert Series
Free admission
Join us for the 24th edition of our City Skate Concert Series at The Rink at Rockefeller Center:
Wednesdays: February 24, March 3 & March 17 at 1 p.m.
(Rain date for each concert is the following day at 1 p.m.)
Join us for a special St. Patrick's Day edition of our City Skate
Concert. Elisa Angeli and Tyrrell Gene will perform a new piece to the
music of Lord of the Dance.
Click here to see a report on our first concert of the Season on LifeSkate.com
Brooklyn Ice Gala and Skating Party
Kate Wollman Rink Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wednesday, March 10 at 6 p.m.
Ice Theatre is supporting Brooklyn Ice by having principal skaters
Elisa Angeli and Tyrrell Gene perform a preview of a new duet at
Brooklyn Ice's annual fundraiser. Tickets are $25.
Click here for the report on Brooklyn Independent Television
Cupid at Rockefeller Center for St. Valentine's Day
Click here to see photos of Cupid
Holiday Show at World Ice Arena
Saturday, December 19 at 5:30p.m.
Ice Theatre will participate in World Ice Arena's first ever Holiday Show
Free admission
World Ice Arena, Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Queens, NY
Holiday Show at the Rink at Riverbank State Park
Saturday, December 12 at 4 p.m.
Free admission
Riverbank State Park at 145th Street and Riverside
Opening of new rink at Battery Park City
Thursday, December 10 at 4 p.m.
Free admission
Battery Park City- West Side Highway and Warren Street
NY1 coverage of rink opening
2009 CitySkate Concert Series - Wednesday, November 18 - 1 p.m.
Due to inclement weather the 11/12 concert was rescheduled for
Wednesday, November 18. Join us for our first concert at the Pond at
Bryant Park.
Ice Theatre will reprise some of the repertory performed at the annual
Ice Theatre Benefit Gala and Performance, including pieces
choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi and Alberto Del Saz. Free admission.
Monday, October 26th - 7 p.m.
Ice Theatre of New York's 2009 Benefit Gala and Performance
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers and The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers
This year Ice
Theatre of New York will host its Annual Benefit Gala in honor of
Olympic Silver Medalist and Ice Artist, Paul Wylie. The event will start with a performance by the Ice Theatre of New York
at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.
Cocktails, dinner and festivities to follow at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.
In addition to honoring Paul Wylie, Ice Theatre will present a
Choreography Award to Lar Lubovitch in recognition of his many works
for skaters, from pieces for Paul Wylie, John Curry and Peggy Fleming,
to the televised ice ballet "The Planets." Ice Theatre of New York will
present the Ice Angel Award to Sky Rink
for its recognition of ice
skating as performing art and its long-time support. See our News item
about "Program Notes" for more information on the performance.
Click here for Benefit Tickets Information
For additional information about the Benefit and to purchase tables and
individual tickets, please contact the office at (212) 929-5811.
October 21st - 7:00pm - free admission
Class, Lecture Demo and Open Rehearsal at the World Ice Arena - Flushing, Queens
Join the Ice Theatre
Ensemble on the ice for Master Class
View avant-premiere of
new works
5:30
p.m.-7:00 p.m. OPEN REHEARSAL
The Ice Theatre of New York ensemble will
rehearse pieces for the upcoming, Ice Theatre of New York annual performance
and Gala.
7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m. MASTER CLASS
Come this rare opportunity to participate in an
Ice Theatre of New York master class. Developed as a “daily barre” class
alternative on ice, Ice Theatre's Plie Power Workshop is now used to teach
Ice Theatre ensemble members. The workshop’s on-ice format is similar to that
of a dance class with a large group lesson being taught to music. Participants
perform a sequence of steps ranging from basic to advanced difficulty.
Sequences are then performed in small groups to develop spatial sensitivity
among skaters and to facilitate flow on open freestyle sessions. Taught by
renowned ice choreographer, Douglas Webster joined by Ice Theatre of New York
skating talent. Open to Preliminary skaters and above. Class is free but you must RSVP at itny@icetheatre.org to participate
7:45 p.m.- 8:20 p.m. LECTURE DEMO AND PERFORMANCE
OF SELECT PIECES
For
your viewing pleasure: a selection of pieces by ice and dance choreographers
from the Ice Theatre of New York repertory, to be performed at the upcoming,
2009 Ice Theatre of New York Benefit Gala and Performance - some in avant-premiere. Artistic Director and Founder of Ice Theatre of
New York, Moira North, will introduce the pieces as well as give an overview of
the unique vision of the company.
October 23 - 5:30 p.m. - Opening of the City Ice Pavillon - Long Island City, Queens
The ceremonial Zamboni Ride "Ribbon Cutting" will being at 5:30 p.m.,
followed by speeches from City Ice Pavilion officials and others to
officially open the
rink. From 6 to 6:30 p.m. Ice Theatre will present a special performance.
FREE! ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK SUMMER YOUTH CONCERT SERIES
FREE SUMMER PERFORMANCES AT WORLD ICE ARENA
This summer, Ice Theatre of New York helps cool things down with free, Saturday evening performances at the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
Ice Theatre of New York ensemble members are joined by talented young skaters and guest artists in a show that is a treat for the local community these hot summer nights. So far, the ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK SUMMER YOUTH CONCERT SERIES is a huge success. Audience numbers are growing each week.
On Saturday, August 8, Olympian and US National Silver Medalist Emily Hughes will join us for a special performance.
photo by ©J. Barry Mittan (www.jbmittan.com)
August 15, 22 and 29 will feature performances by six-time British Ice Dance Champions from Scotland and European Bronze Medalists, Sinead and John Kerr; newly qualified to represent their country Georgia in the European and World Championships in the 2010 season, Allison Reed and Otar Japaridze, and young Russian ice dancers aspiring to make the 2010 Junior World Team, Angelina Kabysheva & Sergey Komolov.
photo by ©J. Barry Mittan (www.jbmittan.com)
Other featured guest artists this season will be the 2009 Intermediate National Dance Champions, brother and sister team, Danielle and Alexander Gamelin Merrick, NY on Long Island.
The public is invited to stay to skate after the concerts. Admission is $8 and skate rental $5. Session runs till 9:50pm.
Saturdays, 7:00 P.M. from July 11 to August 29, 2009 – next performance is on Saturday, August 1
In the fall ITNY will continue its premier education/outreach initiative, New Works and Young Artists Series at the World Ice Arena. Featuring free concerts, on-ice clinics, as well as in-school lessons, the series serves annually about 3,000 public school students (K-8) from Queens, as well as youths from Harlem and Washington Heights neighborhoods.
Ice Theatre of New York – Revolte des Enfants, choreography by Alberto Del Saz, photo by Jay Colton
Wednesdays April 29, May 13 and 20 - New Works and Young Artists
Series at The World Ice Arena in Queens (schools must make reservations to
participate). Performance at 10:30am and free skating clinic at 11:30 am following.
Wednesday March 18 and Wednesday, April 1 - 1:00 pm - Annual Lunch-time Ice Concert Series at The Rink at Rockefeller Plaza (raindate the next day)
Thursday March 19 - 12:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting at The World Ice Arena, Flushing Queens
Thursday March 12 and Thurday March 26 (additional date) - 10:30 am - New Works and Young Artists Series at
Riverbank State Park in Manhattan
(schools must make reservations to participate) Please note: all performances and skating clinics have been filled to capacity.
March 5, 2009 - New Works and Young Artists Series at
Riverbank State Park in Manhattan
January 29-31, 2009 - Performances in Courchevel and Grenoble, France
On Saturday, January 24 at 5:15pm Ice Theatre will perform at the Winter Lights Festival in Milford, PA. We are delighted to participate in this celebration of the arts produced by Mike Carson, Executive Director of the Marie Zimmerman Center. The Festival will also feature ice sculptures by avantgarde artist Tom Holmes. For some video on the event go to http://www.winterlightsfest.com/
Wednesday, January 21 at 1pm (raindate the next day)
Featuring the Ice Theatre Ensemble in company repertory and guest performer, French Champion and World Silver Medalist, Surya Bonaly.
The Ice Theatre Ensemble and children from Brooklyn Ice will perform at Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect Park on Monday, January 19 at 1:45pm. For more information go to Prospect Park Alliance.
October 23, 2008 - Ice Concert at Rockefeller Plaza - 1pm
October 27, 2008 - Annual Benefit Gala and Performance, Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, New York City - 7pm
Honoring Nancy Kerrigan and Ice Angel Award to Joan Erdheim
Photos - to see a video of the Gala go to http://www.lifeskate.com/skate/2008/12/nancy-kerrigan-and-ice-theatre-of-new-york-celebrate-new-season.html
To see a new video of "Low Duet" go to: http://www.lifeskate.com/skate/2009/01/ice-theatre-of-new-york-low-duet-alyssa-stith-jamie-coffey-reynolds.html
October 27, 2008 - Opening of The Pond at Bryant Park - 12:30pm
October 29, 2008 - Ice Concert at Bryant Park - NEW TIME 12:30pm - Photos
December 6, 2008 - Tree Lighting at Riverbank State Park - show at 4pm - Click here for more information
Ice Theatre Fall Benefit Gala - Monday, October 27, 2008 - honoring Nancy Kerrigan
Ice Angel Award to Joan Erdheim
The Ice Theatre of New York will be hosting a performance and benefit gala in Honor of two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan at 7 PM on Monday, October 27, 2008. The festivities include a performance by the Ice Theatre ensemble and guest stars at Sky Rink, which will be followed by cocktails and dinner at The Lighthouse (both on Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers). Nancy’s friend and fellow Olympian, Paul Wylie, will emcee the festivities.
One of America's most popular and versatile performers, Nancy is known for her beauty and great artistry on ice. Nancy has gone far beyond her results on the ice, becoming one of the more prolific post Olympic career skaters and co-producers with shows like Halloween on Ice, and Footloose on Ice. Always trying to be at the forefront of new developments, Nancy is currently the voice of the icenetwork.com, which is the online home of US figure skating. In addition Nancy has her own show on Comcast CN8 called Nancy Kerrigan's World of Skating, promoting skating on all levels. Nancy is a mother of three and in 2002 she was chosen as Mother of the Year by the Mother's Day Foundation. In 2004 Nancy was inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
The benefit will also recognize Ice Theatre’s board member, Joan Erdheim, for her contributions as a tireless volunteer for both Ice Theatre and the arts world in New York City.
The evening will support Ice Theatre’s New Works and Young Artists, an outreach program for public school children in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, as well as all of our artistic programming.
For more information about the event and where to purchase tickets, please contact the Ice Theatre office at (212) 929 5811 or via email at itny@icetheatre.org.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER PLAZA WILL HOST ICE THEATRE'S FIRST FREE ICE CONCERT OF THE SEASON ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT 1 PM - rain date the next day
This concert is free to the public. This concert will feature some of Ice Theatre of New York’s new repertory. The Ice Theatre Ensemble will perform "APPALACHIA WALTZ" a choreographic collaboration between JoAnna Mendl Shaw and Douglas Webster, "SKATER'S SWINGTIME WALTZ", choreographed by Douglas Webster and more. Start time is 1pm.
Ice Theatre of New York will be participating in the Opening of The Pond at Bryant Park on Monday, October 27. The spectacular seasonal rink behind the NY Public Library is tentatively set to open at 11 am. Nancy Kerrigan, who will be honored that evening by Ice Theatre of New York will be present. Other guest skaters are expected as well. The event is free to the public.
Photo: Elisa Angeli and Jiri Prochazka in "Skaters' Swingtime Waltz"
choreographed by Douglas Webste, which will be performed by the Ice
Theatre Ensemble at the 008 Opening of The Pond at Bryant Park.
Photo credit: Andrea Galbiati
Where to Go: The Pond at Bryant Park is located between 41st and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, behind the NY Public Library.
ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK'S FIRST CONCERT OF THE SEASON AT THE POND AT BRYANT PARK WILL TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 AT 1PM
This concert is free to the public. This concert will feature some of Ice Theatre of New York’s new repertory from Ice Theatre's Fall Benefit Gala. The Ice Theatre Ensemble will perform "APPALACHIA WALTZ" a choreographic collaboration between JoAnna Mendl Shaw and Douglas Webster, "LOW DUET", choreographed by Susan Marshall, and "SKATER'S SWINGTIME WALTZ", choreographed by Douglas Webster. Start time is 1pm.
Where to Go: The Pond at Bryant Park is located between 41st and 42nd
Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, behind the NY Public Library.
PAST PERFORMANCES
Mini-tour in france
On June 1 the Ice Theatre Ensemble traveled to France for two performances in Villard de Lans, located in the French Alpes, on June 5 and 8. Ice Theatre performers and staff also be taught at the seminar preceding the 10th Anniversary of the Mountain Cup, international adult skating competition, which is being held in Villard de Lans. Photos of performance in Villard
EDGING INTO SPRING
ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK DIVIDES TIME BETWEEN ROCKEFELLER CENTER AND RIVERBANK PARK WITH SIX PERFORMANCES, FEBRUARY 27 – APRIL 2
Ice Theatre of New York celebrates the beginning of spring with six free public performances: three at Riverbank State Park (February 28, March 6 and March 13; each at 10:30am) and three at The Rink at Rockefeller Center (February 27, March 12 and April 2; each at 1pm). The Riverbank events are Ice Theatre’s educational programming and each contains both arts exposure (concert) and education (free skating clinics taught by the company skaters for the enrolled public schoolchildren).
The programs for both venues will be selected from among Ice Theatre’s repertory. The dances include Twyla Tharp’s “After All,” originally choreographed in 1976 by Tharp for Olympic skater and ice dance pioneer John Curry. David Liu, co-artistic director and also an Olympic skater, will perform the seven-minute, nonstop solo piece, which received its Ice Theatre premiere in November 2007. The music is by Tomaso Albinoni. There is also JoAnna Mendl Shaw’s snappy, hip quartet “Heart,” set to Mouth Music and Peter diFalco’s fiery “Mi Andalucia“ which joins elements of Andalusian dance, flamenco, and bull fighting. And finally, look out for the New York premiere of Mr. Webster’s “Skater’s Swingtime Waltz” to music by Bob Crosby’s swing version of Strauss’ work of the same name. Ice Theatre NY most recently commissioned downtown choreographer Susan Marshall to create a new dance, marking Ms. Marshall’s first work for ice. The dance will receive its world premiere at Rockefeller Center on April 2. The New Works & Young Artists series will also feature performances by young and upcoming skaters.
Photos of the Spring Concert Series
2008 NEW WORKS AND YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK – 13th Season
The Skating Complex at Riverbank State Park
Free Ice Skating Concert and Open Rehearsal Series at 10:30am.
Group skating and clinic to follow performance at 11:30am.
This series, while being open to the general public, is primarily geared toward public school students from the Harlem and Washington Heights communities. Seniors from homes in Harlem and the Bronx are invited to attend as well. Young apprentices perform with professional Ensemble members and guest artists, and new choreographers are given an opportunity to present their work to new audiences. After watching the concert the young public is invited to join a skating clinic. Students from grades K to 8 have a chance to see young Ice Theatre apprentices perform and then learn to ice skate with them. Ice Theatre's professionals work with the teachers and students to make this an unforgettable experience. The students learn about dance and sport and the exciting new artform that is dancing on ice.
February 28, March 6 and March 13, 2008 (rain or shine)
For more information, please contact the office at (212) 929-5811. Schools must reserve space with Riverbank State Park at (212) 694 3642.
NY1 video report of March 6 Outreach program
Outreach photos
Outreach video
DANCING ON ICE
October 2, 2007
NY TImes Sunday Arts Section from 10/28/07
video of the 2007 ice theatre gala on the NY times website
WORK BY TWYLA THARP, WORLD PREMIERES BY DAVID LIU, DOUGLAS WEBSTER, PETER DI FALCO HIGHLIGHT ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK’S SEASON AT SKY RINK AT CHELSEA PIERS, NOVEMBER 1, 2 & 3
Ice Theatre of New York, which has challenged conventional assumptions about ice skating for 23 years, now takes on the choreography of Twyla Tharp during its 2007 fall season at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, November 1, 2, and 3. There will also be world premieres by Douglas Webster, Peter di Falco and the company’s Co-Artistic Director David Liu. A company benefit takes place October 29. Moira North is Ice Theatre’s founder and Co-Artistic Director.
Twyla Tharp’s “After All,” originally choreographed in 1976 by Tharp for Olympic skater and ice dance pioneer John Curry, will be performed by David Liu, himself a former Olympic skater. Liu’s performance marks the first time that any skater but Curry has performed the work. Filled with daring twists, turns, Tharp’s sly wit and signature footwork, the seven-minute, nonstop solo marked Tharp’s first work for ice. The music is by Tomaso Albinoni.
In his “Pull,” set in part to a Thomas Newman film score, David Liu uses dancers’ improvised responses to the physical and mental challenges posed by the ice to form the core of the lyrical work. The costumes are by downtown fashion designer Jussara Lee.
Tango and flamenco choreographer Peter di Falco turns the ice to fire in "Mi Andalucia," a three-part work that joins elements of Andalusian dance, flamenco and bull fighting. The first section, “Jaleo,” radiates with the joy of dancing; “Gitano,” the second section, a solo for David Liu, embodies the sorrow and exuberance of flamenco; the work concludes with “Ole Manolete,” which expresses a bull fighter’s intense fears.
Natural images inviting a sense of peace and calm are evoked in Douglas Webster’s premiere, “Meditation No. 1.” Imagery of the shifts of wind and quiet whirl of water eddies are suggested in the work’s uninterrupted flow of movement. The dance is set to Philip Glass’s Opening.
Ice Theatre of New York was founded in 1984 by its artistic director Moira North whose vision was to merge contemporary dance and ice-skating. Her pioneering company transformed skating into performing art in no small part by inviting major choreographers to create works for ice. Ice Theatre’s first work, a collaboration with choreographer Marc Bogaerts, was skated by North and Patrick Dean and won them first place in the 1984 Professional Championships in Jaca, Spain. Since then, Ice Theatre has amassed a repertory of over 65 dances, including works by major modern dance choreographers such as Lar Lubovitch, David Parsons, David Dorfman and Laura Dean. Jacqulyn Buglisi, Ann Carlson, Elisa Monte, Alberto Del Saz, Donlin Foreman, JoAnna Mendl Shaw, Heather Harrington, Peter Martins and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux have also choreographed works for the company.
Ice Theatre has performed throughout New York, with annual seasons at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers and Riverbank State Park, as well as at national and international venues. It has also developed numerous educational outreach programs to perform for and provide skating clinics for local public school students. The company is the first ice dancing ensemble to be awarded grants as a dance company by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Designated one of the 25 Most Influential Names in Figure Skating by International Figure Skating Magazine in 1998 and 2003, North has choreographed for film and skating productions in addition to her work for Ice Theatre. Her credits include teaching actress Ileana Douglas to skate for her role in the film “To Die For,” teaching and choreographing a skating scene in the film “The Preacher’s Wife” with Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, choreographing five productions of “Montreal Fashions on Ice” for the Québec Delegation at Rockefeller Plaza and choreographing the opening ceremonies for both the National Hockey League All-Star Game and World Cup Hockey. She also served as creative consultant for Arts & Entertainment's “Winter Solstice on Ice,” a 1999 holiday season television special.
Ice Theatre will also be seen this season at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on October 14; the re-opening of the Long Beach Ice Arena in Long Beach, NY on October 20; as well as at Ice Concerts at The Pond at Bryant Park and The Rink at Rockefeller Center (dates TBD). Other performances include the New Works & Young Artists Series at the Rink at Riverbank State Park on November 15 & 29, and at tree lighting ceremonies at Reckson Plaza on December 1 and at Riverbank State Park on December 15.
The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is on Pier 61 at 23rd Street and the Hudson River. Performances are at 7pm each night. Tickets are $25 and can be bought by calling 212-929-5811 or by visiting www.icetheatre.org. The October 29 benefit is also at 7pm. Tickets begin at $350 and can be purchased by calling 212-929-5811.
David Liu Bio
The Peter di Falco world premiere is made possible by the generosity of the Gertrude Vanderbilt Endowment.
This performance season is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
FALLING INTO THE FUTURE AND BEYOND 2007
September 4, 2007
DANCING ON ICE
WORK BY TWYLA THARP, NEW CHOREOGRAPHY BY DAVID LIU, DOUGLAS WEBSTER, PETER DIFALCO HIGHLIGHT ICE THEATRE OF NEW YORK’S SEASON
AT SKY RINK AT CHELSEA PIERS, NOVEMBER 1, 2 & 3
Ice Theatre of New York, which has challenged traditional ideas about ice skating for 23 years, now takes on the choreography of Twyla Tharp. “After All,” choreographed in 1976 by Tharp for Olympic skater John Curry, premieres as part of the company’s home season at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, November 1, 2 & 3. Ice Theatre Co-Artistic Director David Liu will skate “After All,” in its first performance since Curry. The music is by Tomaso Albinoni. Also on the boards are three world premieres: Liu’s “Pull,” set to a Thomas Newman score; Douglas Webster’s quartet “Meditations 1,” choreographed to music by Philip Glass; and Peter di Falco’s “Mi Andalucia,” inspired by Andalusian dance, bull fighting and flamenco. All four works will be previewed at Ice Theatre’s Gala Benefit at Sky Rink on October 29.
Ice Theatre will also be seen this season at the re-opening of the Long Beach Ice Arena in Long Beach, NY on October 20, as well as at Ice Concerts at The Pond at Bryant Park and The Rink at Rockefeller Center (dates TBD). Other performances include the New Works & Young Artists Series at the Rink at Riverbank State Park on November 15 & 29, and the tree lighting at Riverbank State Park on December 15.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers Curtain Time: 7pm; Tickets: $25
Where to Go:
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is located on Pier 61 at 23rd Street and the Hudson River. Tickets are available by contacting Ice Theatre at 212-929-5811 or www.icetheatre.org.
2007 HOME SHOW DATES ANNOUNCED
JUNE 29, 2007
Ice Theatre's 2007 Home Show performances are scheduled from Thursday, November 1 to Saturday, November 3. These performances will follow the Gala Performance on Monday, October 29. Performances will start at 7pm.
Ice Theatre's 2007 Home Show will feature the company skaters in the world premiere of three new works:
- A Flamenco inspired, three-part piece entitled "Mi Andalucia", choreography by Peter di Falco
- "Pull" to the music of Thomas Newman, choreography by David Liu
- "Meditations 1" to the music of "Glassworks" by Philip Glass, choreography by Douglas Webster.
The performance will also feature Ice Theatre's premiere of "After All", choreographed by Twyla Tharp and originally performed by John Curry. This solo work set to Albinoni's "Concerto for Trumpet in B Flat" will be reset on David Liu.
The company will also perform reprises of "Once Again", choreographed by Heather Harrington, and "2:1", choreography by David Liu.
Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased by check or credit card. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups of 12 and more. For additional ticket information please contact the Ice Theatre office at (212) 929-5811.
ice theatre RECEIVES IN-KIND DONATION TO rehearse at long beach ice arena
Ice Theatre is the recipient of a generous in-kind donation of ice time at Long Beach Ice Arena, and will use this opportunity to do a 5-week intensive rehearsal in preparation of the upcoming fall season. Auditions for new company members will conclude on September 10 and rehearsals will start on September 24. Ice Theatre will participate in the Re-opening of the arena on October 20 (see below), as well as perform Winter Solstice on December 8, 2007. In addition Ice Theatre is planning to do outreach to the community with performances for local school children and free skating clinics.
ICE THEATRE TO PERFORM AT RE-OPENING OF LONG BEACH ICE ARENA ON LONG ISLAND - OCTOBER 20, 2007
Ice Theatre of New York has been invited to perform at the festive re-opening of the Ice Arena of Long Beach in Long Beach on Long Island on Saturday, October 20, 2007.
Benefit Performance and Gala - October 29, 2007
Save the date for Ice Theatre of New York’s 2007 Performance and Benefit Gala at Chelsea Piers on October 29, 2007. This year we will honor Emmy award winning ice skating choreographer Sarah Kawahara, who is known for her versatility and cutting edge interpretations. Having been the head choreographer of Ice Capades, Sarah has also created competitive and professional programs for skaters such as Michelle Kwan, Dorothy Hamill, Peggy Fleming and Scott Hamilton. She was the ice choreographer of the 2002 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies and more recently of the Will Ferrell movie “Blades of Glory.” Toller Cranston says that Sarah “is an artistic skater with an exceptional brain... one of the best choreographers in the world today.” Scott Hamilton wrote in his autobiography “I owe Sarah my entire professional skating career. She’s genius.”
In addition we will be recognizing outgoing board member Peter Eurich for his tireless contributions as board member and volunteer for Ice Theatre as well as so many other skating organizations in the New York Metropolitan Area.
The event will begin at 7pm on Monday, October 29, 2007 with a performance by the Ice Theatre of New York ensemble and guest stars at Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink. We will then adjourn to the “Lighthouse” (the event center directly below the ice rink) for cocktails, dinner and festivities. Please call the office for tickets and congratulatory messages in the Benefit Journal at (212) 929-5811.
2006-2007 Season
Ice Theatre of New York Residency – April 2-22, 2007
Ice Theatre of New York rehearsed in Saugerties, NY for 3 weeks .
Under the leadership of Artistic Director/Founder of Ice Theatre of New York, Moira North, the company spent three weeks in the Town of Saugerties, NY at the Kiwanis Ice Arena to create new choreography and interact with both local artists and the community at large.
Three-time Olympian, dancer and choreographer David Liu, choreographer Doug Webster, and Olympian and television commentator Judy Blumberg accompanied the ensemble. Tango and Flamenco choreographer Peter DiFalco was also in residence to complete a Flamenco inspired work.
The residency in Saugerties, NY began with Ice Theatre’s participation in the Hudson Valley Ice Dance Performance on March 31 at 1PM. Ice Theatre performers Alyssa Stith and Tyrrell Gene performed a duet entitled “Once Again”, created by modern dance choreographer, Heather Harrington.
Ice Theatre’s residency also included an open rehearsal, showing the newly created works and some existing repertory on April 15th at 1:00PM. This residency is the result of a long relationship between Boundless Edge Skating School Director, Beth Woronoff and Moira North. At this residency the company created new works, perform, and teach workshops for the skaters in the area. Rehearsals were open to the public. Apprentices were welcome, particularly during Easter break when special programs were conducted. (Housing was available)
For more information call (212) 929 5811.
2007 FREE CONCERT SERIES AT THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
The 21st Season of free performances, featuring the Ice Theatre of New York Ensemble and special guest artists performing a diverse and exciting repertory on the world's most famous ice stage.
February 14, 2007 at 1pm - postponed to Thursday, Feb 15 due to inclement weather
March 7, 2007 at 1pm
March 21, 2007 at 1pm
(rain date is the next day at 1pm)
2007 NEW WORKS AND YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES AT RIVERBANK STATE PARK – 12th Season
The Skating Complex at Riverbank State Park Free Ice Skating Concert and Open Rehearsal Series at 10:30am Group skating and clinic to follow performance at 11:30am
February 15, 2007
March 8, 2007
March 22, 2007
(rain or shine)
For more information, please contact the office at (212) 929-5811