Holiday show glides into Pegula Ice Arena

The holiday rush is now in full swing, and to help celebrate the season, the Penn State Figure Skating Club will host its annual Happy Holidays Ice Show at the Pegula Ice Arena on Dec. 13. A Centre County staple for over two decades, this U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned event aims to get audiences of all ages into the yuletide spirit.

Each year, the Happy Holidays Ice Show goes out of its way to ensure a slate of creativity and originality. The skaters and their coaches have been rehearsing for weeks and making sure that their routines are like nothing else that has ever previously graced the ice.

“This show is unique in that all of the numbers are created by the skaters or the skaters and their coach,” said Cari Gustafson, who is the club’s marketing chairwoman. “The skater chooses or helps to choose the music, the choreography and costume. It is a time where an individual can shine and showcase their talents and creativity.”

Established in 1961, the Penn State Figure Skating Club has a storied history of churning out incredible skaters. In addition to wowing audiences with their on-ice prowess, they strive for a family atmosphere and do a fantastic job of encouraging their club mates.

“We open the show up to skaters of all ages and abilities and try to make their experience — whether it’s their first time in front of an audience or a seasoned performer — a great one,” Gustafson said. “Club members are very supportive of each other’s routines and welcome the newest participants and their passion for figure skating.”

For many families, ice skating is as much of a holiday tradition as candy canes and holly wreaths. Being able to recreate the sheer beauty and picturesque landscapes that adorn many of those iconic Currier and Ives prints is truly special and the Penn State Figure Skating Club is carrying the torch to see that this on-ice custom remains as strong as ever.

“Ice skating is one of the quintessential holiday themes,” Gustafson said. “The beauty, power, grace and the wonder of ‘how do they do that?’ continues to attract people to our sport. Charismatic performers who draw an audience onto the ice with them keep crowds coming back for more.”

With State College and Centre County in its corner, the Penn State Figure Skating Club is beyond excited to be performing for their hometown fans. This show encapsulates so much of the holiday spirit and the skaters are anxious to take the ice and showcase their unbelievable athletic abilities.

“I really enjoy skating in these shows because I know that my family and friends are out there cheering for me while I’m on the ice,” said Julia Thompson, of Howard, who will be skating to “What Child is This?” with State College native Lexi Tingley.

“It’s a relaxed event that allows the skaters to pick their own music and show off what they’ve been working all year to their friends and family,” added Cherish Fong, a skater and coach with the club.

“State College really is an area that truly appreciates and supports the athletic endeavors and the time and commitment that these skaters put into their sport,” Gustafson said. “This show is a fun way to glide into the holiday season and for less then what it costs to go to a movie.”

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Holiday show glides into Pegula Ice Arena."