Congratulations to our graduates of the Spring 2024 semester of Master Choreography Techniques (MCT)! They include:
Tuesday Class
Jeremy Abbott, Aspen, CO
Lina Ishii Peralejo, Manilla, Phillipines
Sarah Nolan, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Maddie Patrell, Novi, MI
Natalie Schoonover, Ipswich, MA
Holly Trpik, Berkley, MI
Robin Van Amber, Mankato, MN
Sunday Class
Zoe Brandt, Los Angeles, CA
Peggy Sue Grant, Hutto, TX
Ariel McCoy, Crofton, MD
LorRae Portner, Edina, MN
Tabitha Sandberg, Jackson, WY
Jessica Wasch, Naples, FL
Master Choreography Techniques (MCT) is an advanced online certification and training program for both seasoned skating coaches and those looking to specialize in a career as an ice choreographer. Created by AIT Founder Jodi Porter, the class is a mixture of choreographic creation, video lecture, reading and monthly discussion meetings. AIT Co-Executive Directors Garrett Kling & Kate McSwain lead the semester class.
At the end of the semester, each student creates a final capstone project incorporating the choreographic elements of time, space, energy and form.
View the graduates final video projects, get to know their background and hear their thoughts about the course:
“This was the perfect space to take risk, challenge creativity, and strengthen vocabulary to both grow the creative process and the skill of teaching.”
Lina is a former professional ballet dancer and she currently teaches ballet at her studio, primarily training pre-professional dancers. She is also a master-level certified ballet instructor for figure skaters under Ms. Annette Thomas’ program, with full endorsement from AIT.
“This course is great for individuals with a good understanding of skating skills, dancing skills, and the basics of proper form and how these connect. I would encourage it for those who are dedicated to putting in the work to refine their skating or explore new movements. It is a great course for those who are generous in spirit, as there is a level of vulnerability required to explore your work each month.”
Sarah is a Skate Canada Regional Certified Coach and a Skate Canada Triple Gold Test Level (Skills, Freeskate, and Artistic). She toured for 13 years as a professional figure skater with with Disney On Ice, Holiday On Ice, Magic On Ice Mexico and Snoopy Rocks On Ice at Canada’s Wonderland. She is a Level II Certified AIT Choreographer.
“I will take away from MCT, the power of people. As a group, we had intentional, and constructive conversations during every meeting. This, and collaboration is a piece of the puzzle I have been missing since leaving tour. The diversity in location, skating/performance/coaching careers, and lived experiences of each individual is refreshing, and being able to come together monthly and speak a common language has been an incredible gift.”
Maddie is a Professional Show Skater, Coach and Choreographer.
“My biggest take away is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Stepping outside of my bubble and moving my body in new ways is the most freeing experience and that has helped me take a huge leap in my personal journey as a choreographer.”
Holly has skated for 18 years. She grew up focusing on Freestyle, Theatre on Ice, and Showcase. She is a Gold Medalist in Skating Skills and was a member of a National and World TOI team for 5 years. After graduating college, she transitioned from skating for herself to coaching.
“MCT taught me how to create programs where every movement is intentional and creates unity within a piece. It is a safe space for students to challenge themselves to explore different forms of movement. Observing the growth everyone experiences from the first project to the final was a great opportunity.”
Robin Van Amber is a 25 year old Genderfluid person who has been skating for as long as they can remember- their first steps were on the ice! Robin is a two-time Minnesota State Champion, and is also a member of the American Ice Theatre Professional Company Minneapolis/St Paul chapter. When not on the ice, Robin can be found working on a degree from Rasmussen College in Early Childhood Education, spending time with their 7 pets, and coaching for the Southern Minnesota Skating Club.
“There is so much to learn when it comes to choreographic decisions! This course was immensely helpful in providing vocabulary terms for many different choreographic elements, and the feedback given at each meeting was constructive and encouraging.”
Zoe is a showcase figure skater and has worked on both large production and mini ensemble teams for ten years.
“There is such a broad spectrum of choreography that I’ve never discovered was possible before this class. Learning about all types of movement and watching my peers create has helped me tell my stories more clearly on the ice and step out of the box.”
Peggy Sue Grant
Peggy Sue is a 39-year-old twin of four siblings and has been skating for 19 years starting as an adult at age 20. She is a USFS Gold Level Singles Test Judge, Adult Silver Freeskate, Adult Intermediate Moves in the Field, Adult Bronze Figures. She is the Assistant Show Director for Chaparral Ice. Her Favorite competition category: Artistic or Emotional Showcase and her goal is to inspire others older and younger to skate with their hearts and their passions.
“Great choreography is based on multiple layers that are woven into a seemless idea, thought, or story and performed with the passion and confidence that bubbles from within. Knowing the history influences the future, whether it is to be honored as is, varied in some way, shape or form, or created from a whole new concept every idea, movement, or piece becomes the art and the choreographer the artist.”
Ariel is a 2-Time USFS Gold Medalist, AIT 2020 Quest For Creativity Champion, Coach and Choreographer.
“This course has helped me find my choreographic voice. Exploring my own movement has never felt more freeing, and my values as a choreographer have never been so grounded.”
LorRae is a USFS Gold Medalist, 2023 National Showcase Bronze Medalist, and 3x National Showcase Competitor. She is also a 2021 National Solo Dance Finalist and AIT MSP Company Member.
“The Master Choreography Techniques course enabled me to explore my unique style as a choreographer and grasp the complexities of crafting a well-rounded program. It equipped me with the skills to effectively convey my creative vision to skaters and breathe life into it on the ice. This course deepened my understanding of musicality and taught me how to choreograph movements that harmonize with the music. I also acquired essential techniques for choreographing for skaters at different skill levels, enabling me to design programs that are both challenging and attainable for my students. Overall, the Master Choreography Techniques course has significantly enhanced my choreography skills and motivated me to continually expand the horizons of my creativity within the realm of figure skating.”
Tabitha is a coach, choreographer and club ice director.
“MCT has encouraged me to think outside of the box, and be comfortable trying new things. There’s so much more to beautiful skating than straight arms and pointed toes. This class has given me a whole new perspective on what skating can be.”
