The sea comes to the ice this weekend at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.
The Okotoks Skating Club is holding two performances of The Little Mermaid On Ice on Saturday, March 29 with the community invited to attend a true showcase of the sport.
“We’re telling the story of The Little Mermaid and there will be lights, costumes, music clips from the movie, everything,” said OSC coach Talia Sargent. “Myself and the coaching team as well as all of our volunteers have been working so hard, making all of the props, ordering costumes, choreography, all of those things.
“It’s been a lot of work, but I think it will come together.”
The Little Mermaid On Ice is based on the 1989 Disney animated musical which was remade in 2023. The show will feature every member of the club, showcasing iconic characters like Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian and groups such as the Sailors, Sea Creatures, Dinglehoppers, Fireflies and Fireworks taking to the ice.
“I think it’s going to be awesome to be in The Little Mermaid as a sister because we’re going to get to do cool routines and tricks,” said skater Sadie Hilbert. “I’m just looking forward to being with my friends and to have fun.”
Olivia Holeha, a veteran of the club’s last big ice show where it took on the musical Grease, is playing one of the lead roles in the show, King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica.
“I’m super excited, I haven’t done the ice show in a while so I’m glad I have more of a solo role, instead of a big group, I like that better,” Holeha said. “I think (The Little Mermaid) is a really good choice because lots of kids can come watch and enjoy it.
“It works for all age groups.”
The show happens during a busy stretch of the season for the skaters with the week leading up to the performances used to sharpen the routines and performances.
“It’s usually that week in advance where we really get it going and practice every day for about an hour and a half,” said skater Claire Kruszelnicki. “A few of the girls are at championships and there’s testing too and now the ice show, so it’s a lot right now.
“We’re making up full new routines with stuff we’ve done in competitions, spins, jumps, footwork. I’m doing a duet, and a lot of the other girls are doing solos and duets.”
The shows run at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on March 29 at the Murray Arena, a format that allows more options for spectators and gives volunteers the chance to take in one of the performances.
Sargent, who grew up skating with the club before moving into coaching, said the shows have always been her favourite memories on the ice.
“I think it’s important to them because figure skating is such an individual sport,” Sargent said. “These ice shows that we put on are something where they can really come together and hopefully show that sportsmanship, that friendship.
“It’s such a great memory for everyone.”
Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of the event via the OSC website.
