Figure skating isn’t just a sport — it’s art. For years, champion figure skaters have won the hearts of audiences around the world with their athleticism and grace. Generations of families have gathered around their television sets to watch Olympic greats like Dick Button, Dorothy Hamill, and JoJo Starbuck demonstrate the flight, beauty, and awe that only figure skating can inspire.
Ten years ago, Dick Button joined talents with ballet legend Edward Villella to create a new art form on ice called Ice Dance International (IDI). With the goals of furthering the legacy of figure skating, celebrating its profound beauty, and inspiring younger generations, IDI quickly garnered support from the sport’s best, including Hamill and Starbuck who now serve as board members.
This year, IDI celebrates a decade of commitment to developing skating as an art form by launching SOAR!, a 14-city national tour coming to the Berger Foundation Iceplex March 23.
Featuring world-class skaters including Olympic champion Gabriella Papadakis, two-time U.S. champion Alissa Czisny, renowned skater and choreographer Rohene Ward, and junior world champions Oona Brown and Gage Brown, the ensemble performances bring audiences on a mesmerizing journey of artistry and athleticism.
IDI Company member and renowned choreographer Rohene Ward.
IDI Company members Alissa Czisny and Rohene Ward in Garrett Smith’s Swarm.
IDI performs Douglas Webster’s In the Light.
The show builds on the resurgence and fervor for ice skating across the U.S., with rink reservations up 698 percent in 2024 from 2023, according to ClassPass’ year-end trend report, and spectacular performances in stunning locations going viral on social media.
IDI’s ensemble cast also includes U.S. Open champions Kseniya Ponomaryova and Collin Brubaker, junior champion and internet sensation Ryan Dunk, and Karina Manta, the first openly gay competitive female skater. See performances created by world-renowned choreographers Benoît Richaud, Cindy Stuart, Garrett Smith, Rohene Ward, and IDI artistic director, co-founder, and executive director Douglas Webster.
IDI has reached thousands across the globe with its live and virtual performances, community-building events, and educational programs. Beyond performances, the all-star cast participates in educational clinics and meet-and-greets with skating clubs and provides free public school programs, recreational therapeutic on-ice programs, and panel discussions around the country.
United States Champion Alissa Czisny performs Douglas Webster’s Nocturnes.
Dancers perform Emotional Seasons.
“Ice Dance International offers competitive skaters the opportunity to continue doing what they love and to grow as artists and performers,” Dorothy Hamill says. “Sharing their passion with audiences is a tremendous part of the magic and joy of figure skating.”
In all they do, IDI is committed to combining the grace of ballet with the athleticism of figure skating, providing former competitive skaters an opportunity to continue their passion, and inspiring the next generation. By doing so, they pave the way for a growing, diverse community of skaters from all backgrounds, genders, and ages who cherish this special sport and art.
SOAR! comes to the Berger Foundation Iceplex on March 23. For tickets and information, visit icedanceinternational.org.
