Suburban rinks spotlight ice shows

Local ice shows provide an opportunity for youngsters to show off their talents and creativity.

Photos by Rita Kallman.

By Rita Kallman

In 1964, spectators huddled six deep in the 23-degree temperature to watch 357 skaters present the first ice-skating recital at the Oak Park Park District's partially enclosed ice rink. That was 20 shows ago for the creator, writer and choreographer, Dodie Bova, now Centennial Ice Rink's skating director at the Wilmette Park District.

Initial efforts

That one performance set a precedent, and today most park district ice rinks present an ice show in April or May as a culmination of winter skating classes. All students attending sessions are encouraged to be in the shows, and most are.

Many changes have been made over the years, but the concept of a show highlighting the accomplishments of skating students remains the same as when Bova created her first show.

"Recent ice shows have come a long way from the original," says Bova. "Skaters wore crepe paper costumes with hats that cost the park district about 60 cents.

"The set consisted of colorful paper streamers strung to cyclone fencing, and a record player hooked into the PA (public address) system provided music."

New directions

Bova left Oak Park in 1969 to become ice skating director of the Park Ridge Ice Rink skating school, then the second largest in the country with

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 January/February 1986

1,300 students. Here she teamed up with ice rink Manager Terry Porter, now director of the Wilmette Park District, to produce the largest ice show in her career. It consisted of 800 students performing in a double-cast spectacular around a "Wonderful World of Disney" theme. The set was highlighted by a castle with movable walls.

While at Park Ridge, Bova also joined Terry Juliar, ice rink building supervisor, and Leroy Lease, maintenance supervisor. The three still are together. Juliar is Centennial's manager and Lease is the maintenance supervisor.

During the early 1970s, the trio left Park Ridge and joined the Glenview Park District Ice Center staff where they continued the large student ice show format. The original concept of a show "for the children and by the children" has remained constant throughout the years. However, Glenview's skating director Toni Friedland recently added a "pro's number" featuring staff instructors.

"Children get a kick out of seeing their teachers skate," says Friedland. "The number will remain in the production since the children thoroughly enjoy it."

Centennial free-style skater Tanya Gross was one of the many soloists selected through auditions to star in the annual show. Many of the rinks also feature amateur guest spots and professionals in soloists spots.

Other productions

At the ice rinks in Highland Park, Northbrook, Evanston and Winnetka, the facilities' skating professionals also take the spotlight during annual productions. Highland Park also features the building supervisors and skating manager Jim Lange, former speed skater.

"We do the show for the kids," says skating director Dawn Ristow. "After working so hard all year, we want them to have fun watching and skating with their friends."

Northbrook has the largest cast with 750 skaters appearing in six double-cast shows. Many professional skaters who took their first lesson at the Northbrook facility return "home" to appear in the large production.

"Our show is primarily a showcase for our students," says Jerry Krewer, Northbrook Ice Rink manager. "It's a demonstration of what they have learned in classes and an opportunity for them to show off and have fun. If we didn't have a show, many of our students wouldn't be here."

The Robert Crown Ice Center presents two annual ice productions: a dazzling Nutcracker Suite and the spring student recital.

"We wanted to do something different," says Sandra Cole, Robert Crown's skating director. "Everyone does a spring exhibition, but no one presented an actual stage production.

"Our spring show is choreographed to express students' ability levels," says Cole. "However, the objective in choreographing the Nutcracker Suite is to tell the story which combines acting and skating."

All skating school children may participate in both shows and most do. Students audition for principal roles.

Wilmette's efforts

By 1975 when Centennial Ice Rink opened, Bova, Juliar and Lease had joined the Wilmette Park District staff. Porter had preceded them in 1973 to take the job of assistant to the superintendent of special facilities.

The Wilmette Park District's first show, "Salute," was presented in 1976.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 26 January/February 1986

It featured students at all levels, plus a few amateur guest soloists. (Most facilities also feature amateur guest stars. Students audition for other soloist spots in the show.)

"I want to show total skating, from beginning four-year-olds to champions," says Bova.

Setting the stage

Selecting an original theme and title is the first step in creating a show. This is followed by dividing the program into four major production numbers.

"Once they are determined, I intertwine them with solos, specials and production numbers," Bova explained.

Bova then selects the music and costumes, titles the numbers, coordinates lighting and sound with technicians and, finally, choreographs the show.

Every skater is costumed, which involves acquiring more than 500 leotards and 500 headdresses. For many

Volunteer parents are the mainstay of most park district ice shows serving on costume and backstage committees.

A little tinker belle tumbles while awaiting her turn on the ice in Centennial Ice Rink's show.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 27 January/February 1986

years, each student would receive a packet including a leotard and an assortment of sequins, maribou, fringes or material trim to be assembled by parents, friends or the local tailor. Performers' costs ranged from $5 to $25.

For the past two years, costumes were purchased (to the relief of most parents), although at a slightly higher cost. But performers usually get their money's worth, since they continue to use their costumes long after the show ends. Many show up back at Centennial for the annual Halloween party.

Special help

Parents play a vital role in all ice show productions. Costume committees coordinate distribution of costumes and headdresses. "Backstage mothers" take charge of the hundreds of younger children waiting for their turns in the spotlight.

"A show of this caliber, even though it's amateur, has its professional problems; last minute leotards with stuck zippers, broken laces, lost headdresses, forgotten props and a few tears," Bova says.

Sound and lighting technicians work with the director, as does the set designer. Show costs and admission charges always are set to break even, not to make money.

Special effects include a 64-square foot rear projection screen for photographs and graphics coordinated with the show, three panel color organs, a black light and a marquee bedecked with sequenced lights for skaters' entrances.

Shows have come a long way from the original production when skaters wore costumes of crepe paper and shivering spectators braved freezing temperatures. However, the concept remains the same.

"I feel that the show is for the children, by the children and for the entertainment of all ages," says Bova ... a sentiment echoed by all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rita Kallman is publicist for the Wilmette Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 28 January/February 1986