What is Theatre on Ice?
Theatre on Ice is a form of competitive figure skating that is popular in Europe, where it is known as Ballet on Ice. It combines the grace of figure skating with the excitement of theatre and dance. TOI teams consist of 8 to 24 skaters (5 to 24 for Special Olympics/Therapeutic Skating teams), and the emphasis is on skating together as a group. Solo skating is generally discouraged, but is permitted in limited amounts if it enhances the overall telling of the program’s story.
TOI is associated with the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). Programs are judged by regular USFSA judges and are evaluated on technical merit and presentation with emphasis on originality, costuming, artistry, and musicality. There are several TOI teams and competitions around the country, and USFSA is making an effort to standardize and promote this discipline.
Skaters, both competitive and noncompetitive, can learn and grow on a theatre team. Being part of a TOI team teaches us to respect one another’s strengths and to help each other in areas of weakness. It allows skaters to work together fostering an environment of teamwork, camaraderie, dedication, and fun.
For more information on Theatre on Ice, visit United States Figure Skating’s Theatre on Ice page.
What does a Theatre on Ice team do?
A Theatre on Ice team works to tell a short story through the artistic medium of figure skating. They may use elaborate props and costumes to enhance the storytelling, or a minimalist approach could be used to allow the skating, music, and basic movement to tell the story. Each of our teams works on two programs throughout the season. Generally, one program tends to fall in the aforementioned “elaborate” category, while the second program tends to fall in the “minimalist” category.
What level skater do I have to be?
Theater teams can have skaters competing at various skill levels, but a skater must be at least at the Freestyle 3 level or higher. Every year VITOF has teams competing at various skill and age levels, depending on interest and on eligibility rules set forth by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA).
For the 2018-2019 Season, Intermediate skaters must have passed at least the Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test and Junior skaters must have passed at least the Juvenile Moves in the Field test.
Is there an age limit?
Intermediate skaters must be 18 years of age or under on January 1, 2019, with the exception of 4 skaters who may be outside the age range by no more than 3 years.
Junior skaters must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years as of January 1, 2019, with the exception of 4 skaters who may be outside the age range by no more than 3 years.
There are no age limit requirements for Special Olympics/Therapeutic Skating team members.
How long is the season?
The season begins in September with tryouts and goes through the National Theatre on Ice Competition in June, which in 2019 will be held in Birmingham, AL.
When and how often do you practice?
Our teams practice on Sunday afternoons at the Prince William Ice Center for both on and off-ice throughout the season.
How much does it cost to be on the team?
Monthly dues vary from season to season and are determined based on the projected cost of that season and the number of skaters registered with Virginia Ice Theatre. Dues for the 2018-2019 Season are $200 per month from October through June for our Intermediate and Junior teams and $125 per month for our Special Olympics/Thereapeutic Skating team. Fees may vary for families with more than one skater participating in the program. Monthly dues cover the bulk of expenses associated with running a Theatre on Ice team, such as: ice rental, coaching expenses, competition fees, costumes, props, etc. Additional expenses, separate from the monthly fees, may include but are not limited to: team uniforms and apparel, travel and lodging expenses for competitions, and skaters’ individual lessons, testing, and SCNV/USFS/ISI membership fees.
Is Theatre on Ice for boys and girls?
Absolutely!!!!!