UPCOMING EVENTS
Adult Weekend Skateaway Registration Still Open!
Late registration is still open for the Adult Weekend Skateaway in Austin, TX September 20-22. This retreat style weekend offers a unique opportunity for adult figure skaters to come together for a time of artistic skating, self-reflection, body movement. In addition, participants will enjoy a wine tasting, a community dinner, and a performance showcase. The schedule features a combination of on- and off-ice presentations on a variety of topics including yoga, full body movement, self-discovery & awareness, mindfulness practices, contemporary dance, choreography concepts, and improvisation techniques. Presenters include Elin Schran, Kate McSwain, Garrett Kling, Cameron Claire, and Jacqueline Benson.
2024 CSA Performing Arts Project
Moneteau, France (October 31 – November 3, 2024)
The Contemporary Skating Alliance, a non-profit foundation supporting international contemporary skating companies, will hold its annual Performing Arts Project from October 31 – November 3 in Moneteau, France. Join this international exchange of skating artists working to expand contemporary skating as an art form. This year’s schedule features workshops, performances, and discussions with artists from around the world.
Registration is now open!
6 Ways of the Spine Class Launched
6 Ways of the Spine™ is AIT’s core body movement philosophy, and this advanced, online AIT certification and college-level training course for figure skating coaches and choreographers as well as professional figure skaters. It offers comprehensive training in 3-dimensional movement exercises and cutting-edge teaching tools for expanded expertise in the field. With this certification, coaches & skaters will improve their teaching methods for skating skills combined with core body movement. We have successfully launched the first 2 certification sessions with a third one coming in Winter 2025.
Spots are now open for the Winter 2025 session!
UPCOMING SEMINARS
AIT Seminars in Indianapolis, IN & Greensville, SC
Below are upcoming AIT seminars that will be occurring across the country:
AIT Seminar in Indianapolis, IN: September 28, 2024
- AIT Faculty: Kate McSwain & Jacqueline Benson
- All ages (8 & above) and Levels FS 1+
- Saturday, September 28 @ 10 AM – 4:45 PM
- Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion, 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205
AIT Seminar in Greenville, SC: October 18-19, 2024
- AIT Faculty: Kate McSwain & Garrett Kling
- All ages (8 & above) and Levels FS 1+
- Friday, October 18 @ 5:00 – 7:45 PM & Saturday, October 19 @ 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (with a lunch break)
- The Pavilion, 400 Scottswood Road, Taylors, SC 29687
Show in Providence
re:member
Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, June 15, 2024
AIT performed a revamped version of their 20th anniversary show “re:member” in Providence, RI last June. This contemporary skating performance, a collaborative creation produced by Kate McSwain and Garrett Kling, featured choreography from all of our AIT Satellite Directors. The show invited the audience to use modern dance movements to delve into the intricate ways memories are woven into the very fabric of our being.
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 with production assistance by Jacqueline Benson; AIT Performers Include Jordan Bailey, Taryn Brandt, Cameron Claire, Toby Evett, Joanna Geary, Zofia Janusz, Garrett Kling, Elise Little, Jimmy Morgan, Gillian Robidas, Natalie Schoonover, Vladimir Tchernov
AIT Choreographers: Jordan Bailey, Jacqueline Benson, Cameron Claire, Garrett Kling, Elise Little, Alex Martin, Kate McSwain, Elizabeth Misson, Jimmy Morgan, Chelsea Ridley, and Gillian Robidas
2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival
Boston, Massachusetts on June 6-9, 2024
Photos by Joren Romaniuk
The #ACSFest2024 was in its 8th annual year, bringing together a vibrant community of over 70 skaters, choreographers, and artists. The festival once again was held for four consecutive days, with a performance showcase at the end of the event.
Day 1: Opening Ice Breakers & Warm Up // Kate McSwain & Garrett Kling; MOVE – Somatic Based Improv // Nora Klein; Moving Around Challenges // Alexa DerBoghosian
Day 2: Emotions, Colors, and Choreo // Emily Murdach; Sonic Sensory Skating // Caren Tackett
Day 3: Breathe, Be Kind, Get Curious // Taryn Brandt; Liz’s Lines // Liz Schmidt; Interdisciplinarity in Movement Improv // Malgorzata Osypinska
Day 4: Getting Un-Stuck // Elizabeth Misson; Ice Flow // Elin Schran; Mindfulness and Experimentation // Alex J. Martin; Making Choreography Your Own // Jimmy Morgan
2024 Festival Showcase Performance
Sunday, June 9, 2024
As the culminating event at the end of the American Contemporary Skating Festival, the Festival Showcase features ensemble and solo performances by international skating artists. Presenters can share new insights gained over the seminar through performance, display works in progress or fully formed pieces, and give an opportunity to the public to witness a new style of skating.
Held on Sunday, June 9 at Warrior Arena in Boston, this year’s event featured the ensemble works of five international choreographers: Jeremy Abbott from San Francisco, Daisuke Isozaki from Japan, Malgorzata Osypinska from Norway, Vlad Tchernov, from Toronto and Jimmy Morgan from Providence, RI.
Professional Mentorship graduate Emily Murdach presented her thesis piece “What Good Am I?” alongside Gabriel Martinez, Nora Klein, Victoria Harmon and Murdach. Skating artists performing included 2024 Young Artists Showcase winner Tchernov and finalists Riona Harris, Meryl Shackett, Belle Desens, duets by Alina & Kseniya Ponomaryova, Malgorzata Osypinska & Aga Kosiolek, and soloists Vitale Vaugin, Daisuke Isozaki, Liz Schmidt, Cameron Claire, and Jeremy Abbott.
The show also featured AIT Professional & Junior companies from Boston, Cleveland, and New Hampshire.
Upper left L-R: Meryl Shackett, Alina & Kseniya Ponomaryova, Jeremy Abbott Ensemble Piece / Lower L-R: Daisuke Isozaki, AIT BOSTON Jr Company, Jeremy Abbott – photos by Joren Romaniuk
2024 CORE CAMP(s)
Phoenix, Arizona from July 1-3, 2024
CORE Camp Phoenix – photo by Carolina Takahashi
For the first time, AIT held another CORE Camp in Phoenix, AZ from July 1-3. Special thanks to our faculty: Jacqueline Benson, Kleiton Sistelos, Angela Como, Jimmy Morgan, Sean Marshinski, Chelsea Ridley, Kate McSwain, Garrett Kling, and Cameron Claire; and counselors: Jimmy Morgan, Jacqueline Benson, Shannon Rakovsky, Madalyn Ahlstrom, Katie Stewart, and Cameron Claire. The camp concluded with a showcase event featuring choreography pieces by all the campers and an ensemble piece by 2024 Quest for Creativity winner Sekar Prasetya.
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin from July 25-28, 2024
Over 80 skaters gathered for this annual summer camp and showcase event. Our presenters & counselors include:
- Angela Como: Ballet for Figure Skaters, Alyssa Jones: 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, Da’Rius Malone: Modern, Chelsea Ridley: Hip Hop, Katie Lubrich: Yoga, Jordan Bailey, Garrett Kling, Kate McSwain: Improv, Alex Martin, Cameron Claire, Nora Klein, Garrett Kling: Ensemble Choreography, Molly Olson: Theatrics & Storytelling, Jordan Bailey: Contemporary
- Special thanks to Our counselors Madalyn Ahlstrom, Ellie McClellan, Nora Klein, Sterre van Der Gouw, Nora Klein, Alex Martin, Cameron Claire Jacqueline Benson, Jimmy Morgan.
2024 Key to Creativity Award Recipient
Jimmy Morgan from Rhode Island
Congratulations to Jimmy Morgan, the recipient of the 2024 Key to Creativity Award! Jimmy has been a bright light in our community and has recently been named Co-Vice President alongside Jacqueline Benson. He has helped further artistic and contemporary skating through his creativity, passion and platform. A heartfelt thank you to Jimmy!
Jimmy Morgan (photo by Joren Romaniuk)
2024 Ricky Harris Scholarship Award Winner
Malgorzata Osypinska from Norway
Małgorzata Osypiska presenting at ACSFest – photo by Joren Romaniuk
Congratulations to Nordic Ice Theatre, a contemporary skating company based in Bergen, Norway, founded by Malgorzata Osypinska. Born in Poland, Malgorzata is a professional figure skater, dancer, choreographer, as well as dance and figure skating pedagogue and former competitive figure skater at an international level. She Graduated from Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw – a Choreography and Dance Theory program (MA), under Klaudia Carlos-Machej, PhD, DSc and from WSU University in Kielce (Poland) – a Dance program (BA), under Zofia Rudnicka PhD, DSc.
In recognition of their innovative work, Nordic Ice Theatre was awarded a travel stipend as part of the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival in Boston, where they presented a workshop and choreographed for an ensemble. Congratulations to Nordic Ice Theatre, 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 Seminars in Seattle, WA & Raleigh, NC
Seattle, Washington from August 10-11, 2024
AIT Faculty Kate McSwain and Jacqueline Benson conducted a seminar at Sno-King Ice Arena in Snoqualmie, WA on August 10-11. Special thanks to Director of Snoqualmie Stars Training Academy, Ashley Wyatt for hosting AIT!
Raleigh, North Carolina on Sunday, August 18, 2024
McSwain and Garrett Kling traveled to Hillsborough, NC on August 18 to have a day seminar with the Eastern Elite Synchro teams. Special thanks to Eastern Elite Executive Director Jayme Gaster and Skate Director and Coach, Sasha Bucci for hosting us!
2024 Young Artists Showcase & Quest for Creativity Winners Announced
Vladimir Tchernov – photo by Joren Romaniuk
Congratulations to 2024 Young Artists Showcase Champion, Vladimir Tchernov, 23, from Toronto, Canada. He won the entire event with a total of 346.5 stars, with runner-up Isabelle Desens receiving 312 stars. Third place went to Riona Harris with 308.5 stars. The top 6 finalists also included Meryl Shackett, Gillian Robidas, and Alex Demetriou.
The 2024 YAS Finalists (L-R): Isabelle Desens, Gillian Robidas, Meryl Shackett, Vladimir Tchernov, Riona Harris (missing: Alex Demetriou)
As the winner of #YAS2024, Vladimir will receive a variety of mentorship and choreographic opportunities with AIT in the coming year including presenting work at the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival, enrollment into AIT’s Mentorship Program, and receiving a free pair of blades via Home Ice Boston. Performers in Vladimir’s YAS pieces include Maé Berenice Meite, Quinn Melenbacher, Elvin Yam, and Cameron Claire.
Check out all results and info of this season of YAS here.
In Quest for Creativity, out of 24 submissions, the solo category winner was Sekar Prasetya, 21-years-old from Fort Collins, CO. Runner-up was Alyssa Cross of Halifax, Canada; 3rd went to Kirsten Wotruba of Wisconsin.
Pictured left: Sekar Prasetya (photo by Carolina Takahashi) at CORE Camp Phoenix; Pictured right: Nadia Presnall with her ensemble of 9 skaters at CORE Camp Chicago
In the ensemble category, the winner was Nadia Pressnall of Minnesota; second place went to Megan Holloway of Maryland and third to Kailey Soyko of Michigan.
Both Sekar and Nadia received $300 in funding to support their travel to CORE Camp and presented ensemble works during the CORE Camp Showcases.
Check out all Q4C results and info at our website here.
2024 YAS Awards
The YAS Awards are given out each year to YAS finalists in 3 categories:
Best Choreography Piece: Vladimir Tchernov for Challenge 2: 6 Ways of the Spine™ featuring Vladimir Tchernov
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: Isabelle Desens featuring Jeremy Abbott, Isabelle Desens, Brianna Brehm, Nadia Pressnall
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: Vladimir Tchernov for Challenge 4: Ready for My Closeup featuring Cameron Claire, videography by Elise Little
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 YAS2024, go to our website:
2024 Professional Mentorship Graduates
Paula Jagodzinska, Emily Murdach & Alessandra Lico
Pictured L-R: Emily Murdach, Alessandra Lico, Paula Jagodzinska
Congratulations to our most recent graduates of the Professional Mentorship Program. Check out their individual thesis projects, and learn more about these graduates by clicking the link on each of their names below!
Paula Jagodzinska, Sydney Australia
Alessandra Lico, Shelby Township, MI
To learn more about the Professional Mentorship Program, check out our website here.
AIT Satellites Update
AIT Boston
AIT Boston Professional Company performed their company piece at the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase.
- “00:00” Choreographed by Kate McSwain
- Music selections from Son Lux
- Professional Company Performers: Kelly Annese, Taryn Brandt, Brittany Ballard, Hilary Clausius, Toby Evett, Johanna Geary, Hannah Laird, and Lily Thorpe.
- Video by On Ice Perspectives
AIT Boston Junior Company performed at the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase.
- “Uninvited” Choreographed by Jimmy Morgan
- Music by Alanis Morrisette
- Junior Company Performers: Amelia Costa, Anissa Leung, Ella Clontz, Tessel van Schaaik, and Molly Krupat
- Video by On Ice Perspectives
AIT Boston Summer Seminar
AIT Boston hosted their Summer Seminar on Saturday, August 24 in Somerville, MA. Jimmy Morgan and Kate McSwain led the seminar with movement themes “learning the rules to break the rules” in skating!
Upcoming AIT 6 Ways of the Spine Celebration & Adult Seminar
AIT Boston & New Hampshire Collaboration
- Date: Saturday, September 14
- Time: 6:00 – 7:50 pm
- Location: McVann O’Keefe Skating Rink, 511 Lowell St, Peabody, MA 01960
- Registration Fee: $45
- This seminar is for skaters ages 18+ and levels Freeskate 1+
Join us for this special collaborative adult skating event hosted by AIT Boston and AIT New Hampshire! This is an adults-only seminar focused on exploring AIT’s 6 Ways of the Spine™ curriculum. We will use full body movement while learning a variety of edge exercises! We will move through many different exercises and provide modifications for skaters to make them their own. After the seminar, there will be a get together at a local restaurant for seminar participants to chat and connect!
AIT Cleveland
AIT Cleveland performed at the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival with AIT Director Elizabeth Misson and company members Chloe O’Brien and Emily Kovalcik.
AIT CLE Summer Seminars
AIT Cleveland held their summer seminar on Thursday, August 8, 2024 with both a youth and adult seminar! The youth seminar was led by Holly Moore, a US National medalist. She worked with the skaters on edge control, balance, and mechanics. AIT Cleveland Director Elizabeth Misson led a contemporary combo and 6 Ways of the Spine™. The adult seminar was led by Misson, and focused on balance exercises for adult skaters of all ages and abilities.
Upcoming Cleveland Fall Seminar
The AIT Cleveland Fall Seminar will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Alice Noble Ice Arena.
This seminar is for skaters ages 8+ and levels FS 1+
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm EDT
Location: Alice Noble Ice Arena (851 Oldman Rd, Wooster, OH 44691)
Registration Fee: $65
As we transition into fall, join us for our AIT Cleveland Fall Seminar on TRANSITIONS! Transitions are an integral part of any skating performance, regardless of your skating discipline or your ability level. If you’re looking to up your transition game for competition or are just simply passionate about exploring new dimensions in your skating for fun, this is a great opportunity to learn about core body movement. What is it? And how do you apply it to make your skating more dynamic?
AIT New Hampshire
AIT New Hampshire performed at the 2024 American Contemporary Skating Festival Showcase. Check out their piece on YouTube:
Choreographer Gillian Robidas | Performers Alexa DerBoghosian, Gillian Robidas, Natalie Schoonover, Kyla Dolan | Music Cosmic Sans by Cory Wong.
AIT NH Summer Seminar
AIT New Hampshire held their summer seminar on August 3. Led by AIT NH Director, Gillian Robidas, the seminar focused on building choreography phrases through improv, exploring shapes in movement, and learning a fun choreography combo with opportunities to use your choreography phrase.
Upcoming AIT 6 Ways of the Spine Celebration & Adult Seminar
AIT Boston & New Hampshire Collaboration
- Date: Saturday, September 14
- Time: 6:00 – 7:50 pm
- Location: McVann O’Keefe Skating Rink, 511 Lowell St, Peabody, MA 01960
- Registration Fee: $45
- This seminar is for skaters ages 18+ and levels Freeskate 1+
Join us for this special collaborative adult skating event hosted by AIT Boston and AIT New Hampshire! This is an adults-only seminar focused on exploring AIT’s 6 Ways of the Spine™ curriculum. We will use full body movement while learning a variety of edge exercises! We will move through many different exercises and provide modifications for skaters to make them their own. After the seminar, there will be a get together at a local restaurant for seminar participants to chat and connect!
AIT Minneapolis-St. Paul
AIT MSP Summer Seminar
AIT held their summer seminar on August 25, hosting both an adult and all ages seminar. The seminars featured special guest artist Becky Cacioppo, an AIT Certified Choreographer from St. Louis. She choreographed a combo and moving skaters through improv. Joining Becky were AIT MSP Director Garrett Kling and AIT Assistant Director Cameron Claire. The theme of the event was “Color The Ice” inviting participants to wear their favorite colors and bright colors.
Registration for fall seminar coming soon!
AIT News & Transitions
We are reaching a significant moment in the AIT journey as we prepare for the 2024-25 season. After much reflection and careful consideration, we will be closing our AIT NYC, AIT Chicago, and AIT Phoenix satellite locations. This decision, while difficult, allows us to focus on future opportunities and growth within AIT at future locations down the road.
We want to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible leaders who have been at the heart of these locations, driving our mission forward with passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment. To our AIT NYC Director Jordan Bailey and Assistant Director Sarah Zanolli, AIT Chicago Director Molly Olson and Assistant Directors Chelsea Ridley and Alex Martin, and AIT Phoenix Director Jacqueline Benson—thank you. Your dedication and leadership have not only shaped these satellites but also enriched the entire AIT community.
Your efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are profoundly grateful for your contributions and support over the years. We celebrate all you’ve accomplished and the lasting impact you’ve made on AIT. Thank you for being an integral part of our success!
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