CANORA - The energy and colour of the Canora Skating Club was once again on full display on March 19 during the annual carnival, this year entitled Ice Show 2023.
The theme for the program, "Flashback to the ’50s," was evident in the high energy music and the colourful costumes.
In addition to the club members, two guest skaters from Skate Yorkton made the trip north to add their special flair to the program, according to Canora Skating Club President Heather Chabun. She estimated the attendance for the carnival was approximately 150, or perhaps more.
“The skaters all did so well, and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them!” said Chabun. “It was very entertaining and fun to watch. I absolutely love carnival. It’s finally the chance to see them show off their skill development and to see how much farther they've come compared to the year before. To see the youngest of them out there that couldn't stay standing up at the beginning of the year, move around on the ice without falling was so special.”
Meridee Kopelchuk was the MC for the program, which began with the singing of O Canada.
The performance portion of the show kicked off with Ashton Lamb skating to that old Chubby Checker favourite, The Twist. Mahra Collingridge followed with a performance to Stupid Cupid.
The first duet of the afternoon was Chloe Doogan and Rachel Mentanko skating to another ’50s favourite Rockin’ Robin.
Canskate Group 1 skaters Ella Nykolaishen, Emma Ostafie, Jake Shewchuk, Lakken Baillie, Carlee Abbott and Monty Kwas performed to Splish Splash.
Jazmine Chasse charmed the audience with her interpretation of Dream a Little Dream of Me.
Next up were solo performances by Skate Yorkton skaters Aya Burrell and Addison Tribe.
A Canora group of Starskate performers then skated to the high energy of Jailhouse Rock, appropriately dressed in prison attire
That was followed by another Elvis Presley classic Hound Dog providing the music for Canskate Group 2 skaters: Roco Sliva, Willow Smith, Chloee Abbott and Jebidiah Collingridge.
Paisley Wolkowski followed with a solo performance to I Got a Woman.
A duet by Rori Love and Isabelle Chabun gave their interpretation of Stop in the Name of Love.
Canskate Group 3 skaters really turned up the energy when they performed to Shout. Performers were: Kadence Goulet, Keira Owchar, Olivia Owchar, Presley Owchar, Ava Sliva, Emily Mentanko and Harper Chernoff.
Kenzee Kopelchuk skated to Chuck Berry’s ’50s classic Johnny B Goode.
Graduating skater Haydyn Parmley was the final Canora solo performer, and skated to It’s All Right.
“Haydyn is graduating from high school this year, so this was her last season with us,” said Heather Chabun. “She has been with the club since she was young and just has this natural ability with skating, she makes it look easy. Her final performance was just wonderful to watch. The club wishes her all the best in her future endeavors and will miss seeing her at the rink. Of course, she's welcome to come and visit anytime!”
The program closed with all skaters performing their version of Hand Jive.
Chabun shared her thoughts in remarks delivered by Meridee Kopelchuk.
"Thank you everyone for joining us today to celebrate our skaters' achievements as we close another successful season. It takes many hands to run this club and I am so grateful for the help, from parents, program assistants and of course our coach Rebecca Trost, who pours so much time, effort and love into making this club a great place for the kids to come and learn. Finally, thank you to guest skaters Addison Tribe and Aya Burrell for joining us today and we wish you both the best as you go forward from here."
The carnival committee in charge of putting together the visuals for Ice Show 2023 included: Brandi Zawislak, Jessica Kwas, Koren Baillie, Carmen Wolkowski, and Lauren Mentanko.
“They did a phenomenal job of creating a 1950's atmosphere in the lobby and on the ice,” said Chabun. “Many people commented to me about how amazing everything looked.”
