At the end of another season the Northern Maine Figure Skating Club transported Aroostook County to the land of Agrabah.
Girls and boys hit the ice at the Presque Isle Forum for two shows with steel on their feet and moved to the beat of classic Disney tunes.
The County turned out in numbers to take part in the March 12, 2016 performances of Aladdin, the club’s 34th annual Musical on Ice.
The evening’s performance dazzled the audience with jumps, twirls and sparkling costumes. Club members landed intricate moves one after the other making the sport of figure skating look effortless. Skaters ranging in ages and abilities showed off their talents as they told the story of Aladdin, a street rat in love with a princess.
Aladdin, played by Kimberly Cook, isn’t just a high advanced skater, she’s also one of the club’s junior coaches. She helps the little children learn the ropes so they can move away from hugging the side of the rink to center stage.
“You have to be friendly with the kids and remember to smile,” Cook said.
She and the other NMFSC coaches try to keep a pressure free atmosphere to encourage love for the art and the sport.
To make it as a figure skater takes self-control and grace. There’s lots of falling before you get up in front of an audience. Saturday’s performance was nothing short of magical and proof that hard work and a couple costume changes can leave an audience wanting more.
Over the years the club has created a tight-knit community of growing athletes and parents. The March 12 show capped off six months of rehearsing, sometimes three days a week. Club members agree the sport is a fun way of making winter go faster.
“It’s bittersweet,” performer and coach Lee Ireland said. “It’s the end of a great season.”
Ireland and her fellow performers can’t wait to put on another show next year.
