American Ice Theatre

YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE Applications Now Open

Calling all aspiring skating choreographers!

Get ready to unleash your creativity on the ice because the Young Artists Showcase (YAS) is back, and applications for 2024 are officially OPEN! Founded in 2010 by the visionary Olympic Coach Audrey Weisiger, with incredible support from Doug Mattis and Sheila Thelen, YAS is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of artistic expression in figure skating. Imagine your choreography being seen by renowned and world class choreographers and fellow skating artists who share your passion.

YAS is your chance to shine, create, and connect with the artistic skating community. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – let the world see your artistry on ice! The deadline to apply is Friday, January 26, 2024.

AIT & Ice Theatre of STOCKHOLM collab

Stockholm, Sweden (January 6-7, 2024)

For contemporary skaters in Europe: AIT & Ice Theatre of Stockholm will embark on a special collab seminar and performance in January 2024. Check out more details below:

AIT Seminar in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (January 15, 2024)

Jimmy Morgan and Kate McSwain will be leading an AIT Seminar in Philadelphia, PA on Monday, January 15, 2024. Let’s learn some skating skills, artistic expression tools, and a fun choreography combo! Check out our upcoming seminars page or register below.

20th Anniversary Show

Minneapolis, Minnesota (November 5, 2023)

AIT turned 20 this year…so we celebrated in style!

AIT marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular celebration in the form of the show “re:member.” This contemporary skating performance, a collaborative creation produced by Kate McSwain and Garrett Kling, featured choreography from all our Satellite Directors. The show invited the audience to delve into the intricate ways memories are woven into the very fabric of our being.

The entire weekend proved to be an unforgettable experience, filled with a mix of wonderful, stressful, fun, busy, exhausting, creative, playful, and collaborative moments as we came together to commemorate this milestone.

The off-ice rehearsals outdoors, the challenges of patching ice holes caused by the lights, and the seamless transitions between rinks every four hours showcased the incredible flexibility, helpfulness, and amazing spirit of everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you to each and every participant for contributing to the vibrant and supportive community that AIT has become. Your expertise and talent shared on the ice played a significant role in making this 20th-anniversary celebration truly special. Cheers to the memories made and many more to come!

Produced by American Ice Theatre – Garrett Kling & Kate McSwain; AIT Professional Company Performers Representing Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis – St. Paul, New Hampshire, New York City, and Phoenix; Performers: Jordan Bailey, Brittany Ballard, Jacqueline Benson, Taryn Brandt, Brianna Brehm, Cameron Claire, Hilary Clausius, Abby Dalsin, Isabelle Desens, Cheri Donnelly, Toby Evett, Joanna Geary, Steven Grant, Brenna Greco, Zofia Janusz, Rebekah Johnson, Garrett Kling, Liz Lehtola, Elise Little, Alex Martin, Elizabeth Misson, Jimmy Morgan, LorRae Portner, Chelsea Ridley, Gillian Robidas, Natalie Schoonover, Katelyn Shurts, Berlin Sohn Carlson, Vladimir Tchernov, Robin Van Amber, Jenna Valleen, and Taylor Wismeg; Choreographers: Jordan Bailey, Jacqueline Benson, Cameron Claire, Garrett Kling, Elise Little, Alex Martin, Kate McSwain, Elizabeth Misson, Jimmy Morgan, Chelsea Ridley, and Gillian Robidas

ACT II performers: Vladimir Tchernov, Johanna Geary, Brittany Ballard, Jimmy Morgan, Chelsea Ridley, Alex Martin, Kjerstyn Hall, Tara Lorenz, Elsa Peterson, Gabby Sefer, Taryn Brandt, Lucy Dau, Lily Bueling, Sage Filmore, Berlin Mossak, Nadia Pressnall, Saanvi Ramamoorthy, Maisie Stover, Jordan Bailey, Taylor Wismeg, Elizabeth Misson, Chloe O’Brien; ACT II Choreographers: Vladimir Tchernov, Kjerstyn Hall, Gillian Robidas, Johanna Geary, Alex Martin, Chelsea Ridley, Taryn Brandt, Elise Little, Cameron Claire, Taylor Wismeg, Jordan Bailey, Elizabeth Misson

Dick Button Artistic Skating Festival

Norwood, Massachusetts (October 14, 2023)

The Dick Button Artistic Skating Festival, held at the Skating Club of Boston on Saturday, October 14, was a momentous occasion that celebrated a convergence of artistic and contemporary skating. This event, marked by a spectacular display of talent and creativity, served as a significant milestone for the skating community. AIT took great pride in being an essential participant in this collaborative gathering, where skaters not only demonstrated their skills but also engaged in a rich exchange of experiences with other esteemed artistic companies. The festival provided a platform for the artistic and contemporary skating world to come together, fostering mutual inspiration and appreciation among the participants.

AIT Featured Pieces at the Festival:

• Solo Performance by Jacqueline Benson – “Closer” choreography by Jacqueline Benson
• AIT Boston Small Ensemble – “Happiness does not wait”:
  • A small ensemble from AIT Boston, featuring Kristina Ruiz, Carly Munoz, Torie Wojcek, Toby Evett, and Natalie Schoonover; choreography by Kate McSwain
• AIT Boston Ensemble – “HaHa”:
  • Performed by Jacqueline Benson, Jimmy Morgan, Gillian Robidas, Garrett Kling, Elizabeth Misson, Vlad Tchernov, Cameron Claire; choreography by Garrett Kling & Kate McSwain

AIT Community Support and Participation:

AIT was deeply grateful for the support and involvement of its community members, who played crucial roles behind the scenes and on the ice:

• Community Members Support:
  • Johanna Geary, Hilary Class, Brittany Ballard, Kelly Annese, Jade Lee , Zoey Janusz, and Lydia Waldo all played vital roles, providing support with makeup, hair, running counts, and various aspects of event coordination. Their dedication demonstrated the true spirit of the AIT community beyond the performance arena.

AIT Learning and Collaborating:

AIT was honored to participate alongside artistic companies including Ice Theatre of New York, Ice Dance International, The Next Ice Age, Joy Skate Productions, and Stephanee Grosscup. The festival provided a platform for AIT to learn from and share experiences with these esteemed organizations, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the broader artistic skating community.

ELISE LITTLE & ALEX MARTIN JOIN AIT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Congratulations Alex Martin (they/them) and Elise Little (she/her) who have joined the AIT Leadership Team!

Martin is now Co-Assistant Director of AIT Chicago and Little is Co-Assistant Director of AIT MSP. They both officially came onboard in the new fiscal year starting July 1, 2023. We are so excited to have their expertise, passion and leadership with us at AIT!

2023 CSA PERFORMING ARTS PROJECT

Moneteau, France (October 27-29, 2023)

The Contemporary Skating Alliance, a non-profit foundation supporting International contemporary skating companies, held its annual Performing Arts Project from October 27-29 in Moneteau, France. It was a weekend of collaboration, connection, and building contemporary skating pieces together.

Special thanks to Moins 5 and Pationoire Cyber Glace for hosting the event. AIT was represented by Kate Mcswain, Jacqueline Benson, Rebecca Cacioppo, Gillian Robidas, Toby Evett and Alexa DerBoghosian.

AIT Seminar IN FRANCE

Colmar, France (October 30, 2023)

AIT traveled to Colmar, France on October 30 to put on a seminar in a collaboration with Lison Zimmer and Bolero Ice Camps. AIT Co-Executive Director, Kate Mcswain, and Vice President, Jacqueline Benson, taught classes on contemporary skating, full body movement, improv and 6 Ways of the Spine.

2023 American contemporary skating festival

Boston, Massachusetts (June 9-11, 2023)

The #ACSFest2023 took place at the beginning of June in Boston for its 7th annual event bringing together a vibrant community of over 70 skaters, choreographers, and enthusiasts for a dynamic experience.

Day 1: :Kate McSwain: “Opening Ice Breakers & Warm Up”, Caren Tackett: “Breaking Barriers with Theatre Games”, Jacqueline Benson: “Release”

Day 2: Elizabeth Misson: “Accessing the Authentic You”, Paula Jagodzinska: “Shape: Positive v. Negative Space”

Day 3: Lison Zimmer: “Body Musicality”, Liz Schmidt: “Edge Class to Define Lines”, Sadie Pressman: “Daily Improv Challenge”, Synthecise: “What is Groove On Ice?”, Karina Manta: “Howdy Partner”

Day 4: Alyssa Jones: “Art Therapy: Soul Art”, Elin Schran: “Ice Flow”, Cameron Claire: “Recess: Playtime, Wiggles, & Giggles”Garrett Kling: “Beyond Boundaries”

The Showcase was the grand finale at Warrior Ice Arena on Sunday evening. Attendees enjoyed a spectacular showcase of contemporary skating!

2023 CORE CAMP in pleasant prairie, wi

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (July 20-23, 2023)

Day 1: Community, Connection, and Creativity Unleashed!

Over 100 enthusiastic skaters from across the country (and even Canada!) gathered for a jam-packed Day 1 at #CoreCamp2023. Gratitude to our incredible presenters:

• Angela Como: Ballet for Figure Skaters, Ellie Roscher: Mindfulness, Sean Marshinski & Garrett Kling: Foundational Skating Skills, Jacqueline Benson, Cameron Claire, Sean Marshinski, Alex Martin, Jimmy Morgan, and Garrett Kling: Tricks Class, Jacqueline Benson & Jimmy Morgan & Garrett Kling: Six Ways of the Spine, Angela Kim: Acro Yoga, Da’Rius Malone: Modern, Chelsea Ridley: Hip Hop, Katie Lubrich: Yoga, Jordan Bailey, Garrett Kling, Kate McSwain: Improv, Alex Martin, Cameron Claire, Rin Reikowski, Nora Klein, Garrett Kling: Ensemble Choreography, Molly Olson: Theatrics & Storytelling, Jordan Bailey: Contemporary

Thank you to everyone who made Core Camp 2023 a resounding success. Stay tuned for an announcement on exciting news for CORE Camp next summer 2025!

2023 Adult weekend SKATEAWAY

Austin, Texas (September 15-17, 2023)

The Adult Weekend Skateaway in Austin, TX proved to be a transformative experience, seamlessly weaving together artistry, creativity, and community for an unforgettable weekend of growth and connection. Hosted by Chaparral Ice, the event provided a unique space where adult skaters of all ages and levels could delve into the depths of their artistry while embracing the strong sense of community that defines American Ice Theatre.

Skateaway 2023 kicked off with an exhilarating Day 1 centered around Movement and Choreography. Presenters, including Jacqueline Benson, Elin Schran, Garrett Kling, and Kate McSwain, led engaging workshops that guided the skaters on a journey of self-discovery. Jacqueline Benson explored warm-up techniques and spatial awareness, Elin Schran infused artistry into movement, while Garrett Kling and Kate McSwain led a class on contemporary skating.

The integral roles played by AIT Faculty members Cameron Claire, Alex Martin, Jimmy Morgan, and Gillian Robidas fostered a welcoming environment for skaters to explore their artistic potential, irrespective of their skill level. Day 2 continued the creative exploration, with Gillian Robidas inspiring shapes and movement, and Garrett Kling and Kate McSwain leading a dynamic choreography combo session. The day concluded with a community dinner, further solidifying bonds beyond the rink.

Day 3 provided a restful conclusion to the weekend, with Elin Schran leading an ice flow and yoga session, and Garrett Kling and Kate McSwain closing with another invigorating choreography combo. Nikita Ahuja facilitated a mindful meditation and yoga class.

AIT is profoundly grateful to continue hosting Skateaway, providing a cherished space for our adult skating community to celebrate individual expression, receive community support, and share their profound love for skating.

2023 KEY TO CREATIVITY award recipient

Celebrate with us as we extend heartfelt congratulations to Elin Schran, the recipient of the 2023 Key to Creativity Award! Elin’s unwavering passion, positivity, and invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in the growth of AIT. A heartfelt thank you to Elin for her outstanding dedication and support.

2023 RICKY HARRIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to Synthesice, a contemporary skating company based in Oslo, Norway, founded by Laura Britt Järvsoo and Melanie Kajanne Källström. Both former competitive single skaters turned dance enthusiasts, Laura and Melanie united in 2022 with a shared vision of infusing creativity and inclusivity into the Nordic skating scene. Together, they formed Synthesice, dedicated to exploring movement on ice and sharing their findings through workshops and shows.

In recognition of their innovative work, Synthesice was awarded a travel stipend as part of the 2023 American Contemporary Skating Festival in Boston, where they presented a workshop and choreographed for an ensemble. Congratulations to Synthesice, and we look forward to seeing more of you in the future!

As a tribute to Ricky Harris, a trailblazer in figure skating choreography, AIT offers an annual scholarship for skating choreographer-entrepreneurs aspiring to lead in contemporary skating. To explore more about the award, visit AIT Opportunities.

AIT Seminar in HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia (May 5-6, 2023)

On May 5-6, 2023, American Ice Theatre (AIT) conducted a transformative seminar in Halifax, Nova Scotia. AIT Executive Directors Kate McSwain and Garrett Kling were thrilled to share AIT’s philosophy of movement and artistry with the talented skaters of Halifax.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to the incredible organizer, LeeAnne Cross, and the Halifax Skating Club, whose dedication and passion were instrumental in making this event possible.

Throughout the seminar, participants immersed themselves in the world of contemporary skating movement, encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and explore the boundless potential of their inner artist. The ice became a canvas where emotions were expressed, and stories came to life.

To the vibrant skating community of Halifax, thank you for embracing the contemporary skating movement and joining us on this incredible journey! Your enthusiasm and openness made the weekend truly unforgettable.

2023 YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE / QUest for CreaTivity WINNERs

Congratulations to Jimmy Morgan, 31, from Providence, RI, for securing victory in the Young Artists Showcase 2023 with an impressive 346 stars. Lison Zimmer from France earned a well-deserved second place with 342 stars, while Sophia Perepelitsyn, from Minneapolis, claimed third place with a notable 321 stars. As the YAS 2023 champion, Jimmy will enjoy mentorship and choreographic opportunities with AIT, including presenting at the 2023 American Contemporary Skating Festival and enrollment in AIT’s Mentorship Program. Additionally, he received a free pair of blades from Home Ice Boston! Special thanks to performers Jeremy Abbott, Toby Evett, Ryan Dunk, and Kate McSwain for contributing to Jimmy’s YAS pieces.

In the Quest for Creativity category, Abby Pierce, 19, from Peabody, MA, emerged as the winner for 2023! She showcased her exceptional talent with both an ensemble and a solo piece of her choreography, securing victory in both categories. Belle Desens, 17, from Rochester, MN, was the runner-up in both categories. Congratulations to all the talented participants!

2023 YAS AWARDS

Best Choreography Piece: Auriane Collet for Challenge 5: Poetry in Motion featuring Aline Challandes, Auriane Collet, Fanny Crettenand, Loredana Di Maggio, Camille Oggier

This is awarded to the YAS Finalist who created the most exceptional, standout piece of skating choreography from the entire season. This piece must exhibit a truly momentous and riveting overall choreographic performance.

Best Diverse Body of Choreographic Work: TJ Carey featuring Rachael Flatt, TJ Carey, Arianna Joyce, Effie Chen, and Ja Yi Kirwan

This is awarded to the YAS Finalist who demonstrated the most diverse range of dance styles, music genres, and movement vocabulary in their choreography choices over the course of the five challenges.

Most Innovative Piece: Lison Zimmer for Challenge 3: All Aboard featuring Lison Zimmer & Camille Reist

This is awarded to the YAS Finalist who showcased the most unique, out-of-the-box movements and choreographic choices that effectively exemplified ‘innovation on ice.’ To check out all the results from YAS2023, go to our YAS 2023 Season webpage.

2023 THEATRE ON ICE DEMO VIDEO

Check out our Theatre on Ice (TOI) Choreographic Exercise (CE) video, showcasing the creativity and artistic expression of our skaters while giving clear examples of choreographic terms from the Theatre on Ice / Ballet sur glace dictionary. This video provides a glimpse into the choreographic ‘process’ and ‘gesture’ elements, exploring CONTRAST and RELEASE for the 2024 Theatre on Ice / Ballet sur Glace season.

AIT SatelliteS Update

AIT CLEVELAND

AIT Cleveland Director Elizabeth Misson and company member Chloe O’Brien performed in the AIT 20th Anniversary Show in Minneapolis, MN on November 5. They skated to a duet entitled “Morning Light” choreographed by Misson.

The AIT Cleveland Fall Seminar was lead by special guest instructor Kristy Brickel, alongside AIT Cleveland Director Elizabeth Misson. The seminar featured work through core body movement, skating skills and step sequences.

Kristy is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves and Free Skate and is a trained USFS Technical Specialist who knows what it takes to get a level 4! 

AIT Cleveland was invited to perform in Sk8 to Elimin8 show in downtown! It was a magical evening and we are so happy that we could help fundraise for cancer research!

Their Spring Seminar will be on Sunday, April 7 at North Olmsted Recreation Center. Registration coming soon!

AIT NEW HAMPSHIRE

AIT New Hampshire was represented at the AIT Anniversary Show by AIT NH Director Gillian Robidas and her company members Zoey Janusz and Natalie Schoonover.

They also performed their 2022-23 company piece at the American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase. They performed “Woman’s Work” a piece choreographed by Robidas and skated to by company members Kyla Dolan, Lydia Waldo, Shreya Khanal, Zoey Janusz, Natalie Schoonover, Alexa DerBoghosian.

SAVE THE DATE! American Ice Theatre New Hampshire’s 2024 Winter Seminar will be on Saturday January 27th from 4-5:20pm at the Dover Ice Arena in Dover, NH. Seminar will be led by AIT New Hampshire Director Gillian Robidas, with a contemporary combo taught by Professional Company Member Alexa DerBoghosian.

On Saturday, September 23, AIT had a special crossover American Ice Theatre Boston / New Hampshire Seminar! At our “6 Ways of the Spine Celebration” we will explore our core movement philosophy while engaging in a variety of edge exercises. 

AIT Boston Director Kate McSwain, AIT New Hampshire Director Gillian Robidas, and AIT Boston Company Member Johanna Geary all presented.

AIT BOSTON

AIT Boston presented a piece at “re:member” featuring Johanna Geary, Jimmy Morgan, Taryn Brandt, Hilary Clausius, Brittany Ballard, Toby Evett and Cheri Donnelly.

Solos in Act II were by Jimmy Morgan, Brittany Ballard, Johanna Geary, Taryn Brandt

The AIT Boston Fall Seminar took place with AIT Boston Co-Assistant Director, Jimmy Morgan and Special Guest Artist, Caren Tackett.

The AIT Boston Professional & Junior Companies performed at the American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase on June 11, 2023.

You can check out the AIT Boston Professional piece on YouTube, called “Choreography by Chance” choreographed by AIT Boston Director Kate Mcswain.

The AIT Winter Seminar will take place on Sunday, February 4.

AIT Minneapolis-St. Paul

AIT MSP was represented at the AIT Anniversary Show in a variety of pieces: a trio performance by Kate Charbonneau Shurts, Liz Lehotla and Steven Grant choreographed by Garrett Kling.

The Professional AIT Company performing their season’s piece “Slip Away” choreographed by Kling. AIT MSP Professional company members include Berlin Sohn Carlson, LorRae Portner, Liz Lehotla, Brianna Brehm, Rebekah Johnson, Elise Little, Jenna Valleen, Robin Van Amber, Cameron Claire and Belle Dessens.

They performed their piece “Witness” choreographed by AIT MSP Assistant Directors Cameron Claire & Elise Little. Junior company members include Saanvi Ramamoorthy, Lucy Dau, Maisie Stover, Nadia Pressnall, Lily Bueling, Sage Filmore and Berlin Mossak.

And a special ensemble performance choreographed by Kjerstyn Hall and performed by Hall, Tara Lorenz, Elsa Peterson and Gabby Sefer.

AIT Co-Assistant Directors Elise Little & Cameron Claire also performed solos in the show.

AIT MSP hosted their Fall Seminar on October 22, celebrating the spooky and kooky season with special guest artist, Steven Grant. Their summer seminar in August was led by guest artist Eric Pothen, life coach and public speaker, who lead a special seminar entitled “Embracing You.”

AIT MSP also performed at the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer Celebration Ice Show, which benefited cancer research at CARES & M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.

The Winter Seminar will be on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at TRIA Rink in St. Paul. Registration coming soon!

AIT NEW YORK CITY

AIT NYC Director Jordan Bailey and company member Taylor Wismeg performed together at the AIT Anniversary Show, performing duets in both acts. In Act II they performed to “Memories of You” choreographed by both Wismeg and Bailey.

AIT NYC performed at the American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase on June 11 in Boston back in June, featuring AIT NYC Director Jordan Bailey and AIT NYC Company members, Taylor Wismeg and Haley McKee. They performed a piece entitled “Claire” choreographed by Bailey.

AIT PHOENIX

AIT Phoenix presented pieces at the 20th Anniversary show “re:member” – a quartet, choreographed by AIT Phoenix Director Jacqueline Benson, and performed by Benson, Gillian Robidas, Brenna Greco, and Abby Dalsin. Benson also performed a solo.

The AIT Phoenix Fall Seminar took place on Sunday, December 10th with AIT Phoenix Director, Jacqueline Benson. Skaters explored modern and contemporary dance concepts in addition to various improvisation techniques. Participants learned about the connection between dance and contemporary skating, and had the space to explore movement in a different way than we do on the ice.

AIT CHICAGO

AIT Chicago Assistant Directors Chelsea Ridley & Alex Martin performed at the AIT Anniversary Show, presenting a duet in the first act.

In act II, they both skated solos with Ridley performing to “golden hour” and Martin skating to “Lamentations.”

The AIT Chicago Fall Seminar featuring Guest Artist, Ania Lopez and AIT Chicago Co-Assitant Director, Chelsea Ridley took place at the Northbrook Sports Center on Saturday, October 14. Ania lead skaters through a class on creative tricks and techniques for on ice expression, and Chelsea taught a hip hop combo off ice.