This is how we traveled - Ice Capades edition

Before I start, I need to mention, I skated in Holiday On Ice and several small productions.  I never skated in Ice Capades, nor Disney On Ice.  But, we ice skaters, are a big, sometimes happy family, and we work we each other in all sorts of shows. So you hear or you see what the other shows were/are all about.

So, let me explain ...

In the early days of ice shows, being on the road meant carrying everything with you ... on the road.  That meant your suitcase was probably stuffed to almost exploding levels, you were never really sure what was clean and you may not have seen the bottom of your suitcase for weeks.

Luckily, someone came up with the idea to let the skaters use trunks, that traveled with sets and costumes, so we could store additional clothing and whatever crazy items we brought with us.  One girl had a coffee maker in her trunk, another stashed a guitar in there.  And one girl in my division filled hers entirely with yarn.  Lots of yarn.  So much yarn, she knit everyone a vest for Christmas.  Yeah, lots of yarn.

In another post, I'll explain what was the weekly schedule of Holiday On Ice, and fold in the saga of getting, storing and using a trunk.  It deserves its own post.  It felt like a saga back in the day.

For now, I'll show you photos that someone had recently posted about the Ice Capades trunks.  I've got to say, I'm jealous because HOI trunks were big metal boxes, nothing fancy.  These are like works of art.

But wait a minute, Ice Charades, that trunk says Holiday On Ice on it.  

Why, yes.  Yes it does.  By the time I skated in HOI, these older steamer trunks had fallen out of fashion.  

I wish they hadn't, because this style is so much more useful than a big metal box.  Ice Capades still used these.  Look how cool that is!  It has drawers!  Our trunks never had drawers.

And the best thing about Ice Capades trunks is that they got delivered to your hotel door.  How convenient.  It's a moving closet (which, most importantly, you never had to move yourself.)

An entire hotel hallway lined with Ice Capades trunks.  I sure hope the front desk didn't stick any hotel guests wanting to get, you know, some sleep near these rooms.  

Ice Capades Kicks The Bucket - Reposted from 11 Years Ago

Lots of people love to joke about Ice Capades.  It was (and still is) an easy target (anyone see the new Geico commercial with Flo On Ice?)

ahem, excuse me, Ice Charades, but it's Progressive on Ice

Why, yes.  Yes it is.  But doesn't Flo On Ice have a better ring to it?

Anyway, you don't need to read the entire post, or the Slate article to remind you that Ice Capades is still dead.  Although there were some signs of a comeback even weeks after I posted this.  Stay tuned for more of this trip down memory lane.

But for now, I'm doing my best to keep the name out there.  For obvious reasons.  hehehe

Reposted from July 21, 2008

Ice Capades kicks the Bucket

This article in Slate states Ice Capades is dead.

Okay, no secret there. 

"The Ice Capades is dead. America's most glorious ice carnival, which barnstormed civic centers for nearly six decades, vanished about five years ago. That its death has gone largely unreported is puzzling."

First off, two things ... 1) Five years ago? It was more like ten years ago, buddy - nice investigative work - he obviously doesn't know there have already been two reunions in 2000 and 2005 and 2) why is this covered in Slate? Don't they have some campaigns to write about?

But back to the article - it's not puzzling to me. I'm willing to proclaim that Stars on Ice and Tour of Champions shoved the sword in the belly (nice and flat and sucked in - thank you very much) but the "Stars" didn't want to shout about it.

As the article points out all of those skating champions decided they didn't want to play second fiddle to Goofy or Big Bird, and I can't blame them.

But here's my prediction - Ice Capades will make a comeback (limited time only).

I think the television audience is getting tired of seeing those champions rework the same old signature jumps and spins into new show programs presented with yet another singer who has slid down the charts a ways.

Don't get me wrong, they are great skaters, but they can't do a kickline, eggbeater or pinwheel in their programs by themselves (and they can't do one together either.) Sorry Brian, not your specialty, you're the triple axel man, and we love you for it.

So for the sake of variety (and time for costume changes) I think a new ice show with a couple of well-choreographed chorus number would be a big hit on TV. (Are you listening Karen Kresge? Paul Guerrero? Chris Nolan? You guys could do it!)

Any predictions out there if and when Ice Capades returns?

500 Posts!

I didn't realize until this post at #501, but Ice Charades has now posted 500 posts!  And at least a dozen have talked about skating!!! hehehe


But in all seriousness, I'm trying to get back to writing - putting more time into blogging and less into Facebook.

The question is - is there anyone out there reading blogs anymore?  I hope to find you and engage.  Stay tuned.

It's almost that time of year again ....

You could say that for many events.  For me, I'll be excited for my annual obsession with Le Tour de France.  This year we bought an internet package, so I may get to see every stage!!!

For some, this time of year could mean some fabulous summer vacation.  Do you have one of those coming in July?  I hope so.

But for this post, I'm talking about Sun Valley, Idaho!  It's the place to skate in the summer.  Someday, someday, someday I'll make it there to skate.  Really, someday, I hope.

That's right, on July 21, 2019, the ProSkaters organization will be hosting a live competition.  As they say on the website:

Held on the outdoor rink on Sunday, July 21, 2019, beginning at 8:00 pm,  this exciting annual event will be a theatrical and competitive experience.  Skaters in Singles, Pairs, Dance, Adagio, Comedy, Show Acts, and Groups who will compete against each other. Winner take all!  A panel of judges PLUS a panel of audience members will determine the winner.  

I will try to update this blog with the results.  I sure wish I could see it live though.  Someday.

Then on July 22- 23, 2019, there are seminars for skaters who want to learn about life as a professional, or as they say, "the tricks of the trade."

If anyone reading this goes to this session OR has gone at any time, please let me know.  I would love to hear some first hand accounts.