Speaking of skating

Ice Theatre of New York cast-members at RiverBank State Park Skating Complex

Hopefully, you all took advantage of last weekend's good weather to check out the low-cost ice-skating options I outlined in a previous article.  If you didn't, this coming weekend is your last chance to do so, as many of New York City's outdoor ice-rinks close for the season on March 29.

On the other hand, if you prefer your figure-skating from a watching, rather than actually doing perspective, this is your lucky week!

The World Figure Skating Championships began on Sunday, March 22 in Los Angeles, CA.  The Oxygen Television Network will feature live and tape delayed coverage of the event March 24-28.  NBC will offer live coverage from 9PM - 11PM on March 28.  (Detailed schedule, here.)

But if it's live skating you're hankering to see, and you can't afford either the plane fare to Southern California or the front row World Championship all-event ticket for $2270, consider dropping in on The Ice Theatre of New York.

Founded in 1984, ITNY was the nation's first not-for-profit ice dancing ensemble dedicated to creating a unique environment in which professional artists from various backgrounds collaborate with dance choreographers, musicians, writers and visual artists to create and perform innovative works on the ice. The Company has created a repertory of over 60 pieces, including works by major modern dance choreographers such as Jacqulyn Buglisi,Ann Carlson, Laura Dean, Alberto Del Saz, Donlin Foreman, David Dorfman, Lar Lubovitch, Elisa Monte, David Parsons, JoAnna Mendl Shaw, and emerging choreographers like Heather Harrington and David Liu.  The repertory ranges from 12-skater ensemble pieces, to solos, duets and trios, with music from classical to contemporary.

Olympic and World Champions and competitors who have performed with the company in the past include John Curry, Oksana Baiul, Sarah Hughes, Toller Cranston, Paul Wylie, Yuka Sato and Judy Blumberg.

On Thursday, March 26th at 10:30 AM at RiverBank State Park, ITNY will host a FREE Performance and Skating Clinic for approximately 500 localschool children. While only students attending specified schools from the WashingtonHeights, Harlem, and Queens areas will receive free skating lessons from ITNY company members along with free skate rentals, the actual show itself is open and FREE to the general public.

Similar events will also take place on Wednesday, April 29th, Wednesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 20, all at 10:30 AM at the World Ice Arena at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens.