Gotta dance

Heating up the ice with a hula are (from left) Erin Hegarty, Alyssa Whitney, Aidee Espino, Hailey Meader, and Lindsy Dario. Photos by Ralph Stewart

Posted March 29, 2007

More than 85 skaters took to the ice last Saturday and Sunday for the annual Martha's Vineyard Figure Skating Club show. Skating coach and show director Janie Taylor was very happy with the large crowds who came to cheer on the skaters for both shows. She was proud of the youngest skaters, more than 50 preschool age children, who performed in their first show. These young skaters are part of the Snowplow Sam program paid for through a grant from the United States Figure Skating Association. Ms. Taylor said we will see many of these skaters continue in hockey and figure skating because their first experience on the ice was such a positive one.

A 1940s swing dance was a hit at the Martha's Vineyard Figure Skating show. (Counter-clockwise from top left) Alex Clark, Annie Yuen, Maya Segal, Kaelin Nelson, Samantha Billings, and Emelia Cappelli.

This year's show was a salute to dances from around the world. Many styles of dance were included, from the waltz to the 1950s hand jive.

The guest skater, 13-year-old Gretchen Donlan, was a big hit with both the audience and the other skaters. Ms. Donlan is the current Intermediate Ladies United States champion. Her performance was an inspiration to the Island skaters, some of whom are close in age to Ms. Donlan.

Ms. Taylor said the club is growing and hopes to announce soon an exciting summer program, which will include another public performance.

For more information on the Martha's Vineyard Figure Skating Club, call 508-693-0208 or the Arena at 508-693-4438.

Renee Goodale is all smiles in a top hat.	Kendall Robinson skates a Charleston in last weekend's club show.
Hailey Meader in the 50s hand jive.	Virginia Hackney, dressed in formal attire, skates her solo.