Lower Cape Figure Skating Set To Host Spring Skating Show

ORLEANS – Lower Cape Figure Skating is ready to put on a show.

On May 18 and 19, the club will welcome members of Nauset’s state champion skating team, members of the Lower Cape Figure Skating Association and members of Charles Moore Arena’s bridge program for A Skater’s Circus, the association’s annual spring show at Charles Moore Arena in Orleans.

“The skaters love the show so much because it’s fun being able to skate together with your friends rather than your individual programs,” said Nauset senior Ashley Tortora, a skater/soloist from Brewster. “The skaters love the costumes and skating to fun songs that we wouldn’t usually skate to. And it’s a good way to show everyone your progress and what you’ve been working on.”

The show will kick off at 6 p.m. May 18 followed by a 1:30 p.m. show the following day. Although the bulk of the association’s year is spent preparing for competitions and test sessions, the annual spring show allows skaters to work together and skate while entertaining an audience.

Lower Cape Figure Skating’s nine coaches work together as directors and create a show that grants skaters an opportunity to come together around a theme, complete with costumes and props that help transform the rink into a show stage.

This year’s show will highlight six groups and four soloists, including Tortora, Monomoy senior Victoria Lentendre, Monomoy junior Dori Walsh and Nauset sophomores Morgan Philbrick and Amari Rizzardini.

“Our show is so fun to be a part of and to watch because we put so much time and effort into it,” said Monomoy junior Mikenzie Eldredge, a Harwich resident. “The parents work hard to find costumes and the coaches spend many weeks putting together the choreography and ideas.”

Lower Cape Figure Skating Association represents the largest figure skating club on Cape Cod, with nearly 80 skaters ranging from ages 5 through 18. The skaters participate in synchronized and individual figure skating competitions throughout New England, with skill sets ranging from beginners to the senior level. Some even rank among the top 100 skaters in the country at their level.

Sixteen of the skaters hail from Nauset’s figure skating team, which defended its crown as state champion earlier this year.

“The show is an incredible event for people of all ages — our skaters train all year to perform in our annual show,” said Lyndsay Clarke, a former LCFSA skater who now coaches and manages Charles Moore Arena. “Spotlights highlight the experience. The rink is transformed to accentuate the theme, on-ice VIP seating creates a memorable experience and it almost feels like you are a part of the show.”

The spring show’s impact extends beyond the ice. It’s especially gratifying for the skaters’ parents, who watch their children work so hard to improve their craft throughout the year.

“These girls work their tails off all year round, practicing and perfecting their routines,” said Sarah Flaherty, parent of Harwich Elementary second-grader Emerson and Chatham Elementary fourth-grader Dayton. “Their dedication and passion shine through in every graceful glide and impressive jump. It's inspiring to see their hard work pay off in the amazing performances they put on during the spring skating show.”

Tickets cost $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/ycx4yd5y or in person at the door.