The Fernie Figure Skating Club is prepping for their annual winter Carnival show, which will be performed on Feb. 19 and 20. This year’s show was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella.
“Recently, there was a new release of a version of Cinderella which was quite a beautiful movie with lovely music,” said Jenna Harrad, one of the producers of the Carnival. “One of our skaters who is graduating this year suggested the theme. It is a great classic story how good overcomes evil through kindness and courage. It’s always good to use a story that has a theme to learn from.”
Approximately 60 skaters will be performing, ranging in ages from three to 17. Coaches Debbie Joseph, Lisa Skubovius and Diane Stemberger choreographed the show, which took multiple hours to organize.
“It isn't just the on ice choreography, there is lots of off ice work that involves casting each role, finding music and cutting it, plus coming up with a version of a story that will transfer onto the ice,” said Harrad. “We also have parents who do tons of work with props, costumes and group organizing for the shows, there is the decorating which includes ice painting, people who run spotlights and security people.”
Harrad said the Carnival features a blackout routine, where the arena goes completely dark with the exception of small lights on the ice. The Fairy Godmother’s scene will light up this year’s blackout routine, and Harrad credits the arena staff with helping the scene come to fruition.
The Club is inviting everyone to come see the performance, which is set for 7 p.m. on both nights.
“We are very grateful to have such amazing families in our club that are willing to help out so much. Our skaters love putting on this show each year, they work so hard and have so much fun,” said Harrad. “We would love for everyone in the community to come out and support our club as it is a fundraiser for us. We try to make it as much of a family event as possible, so that everyone will enjoy the event.”