Last weekend’s Funskate in Virden attracted figure skaters from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and even North Dakota. And it’s easy to see why they came.
Unlike the sectionals held a few months ago in Virden, the Funskate is less about competition and more about creating a fun, low pressure environment where skaters can gain experience without high stress.
The event began with the Canskate kids, small people all alone in the middle of a huge rink bravely demonstrating the basics of ice skating on wobbly but determined legs. In the stands, you could almost hear their parents’ hearts bursting with pride.
Performers in the Improv and Interpretive events really put on a show, wearing costumes and performing choreographed moves inspired by the music.
A fedora, cowboy hat, glittery disco jackets, and even a Pink Panther suit were employed in the serious business of having fun.
Feeling the Music
Linda Little, co-chair of the Virden Funskate, says, “The interpretive skater is not judged for jumps or spins like they are in a free skate program, but instead on skating quality, interpretation of the music, presentation to the judges and audience, unique movements and choreography.”
The Improv category comes with its own challenges. Little says the skaters only hear the music twice (first off ice and then to practice on ice) before they have to perform their improvisation for the judges.
“It’s great for the artistic skater and is meant to develop musicality,” says Little.
New: Team Awards
Funskate organizers added a new feature this year: team awards.
Little says all the registered clubs were categorized as either A, AA, or AAA depending on how many skaters attended. Clubs won for having accumulated the most points based on their skaters’ performance scores, sportsmanship, team spirit, cheering and the club poster.
Russell won the A team award, Pilot Mound took the AA banner, and Waskada got the AAA award.
