The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Champion skaters put on ice spectacle
Club’s members have rehearsed 30 hours a week to stage big show
Thousands of people packed out the Dundee Ice Arena on Saturday for a flight of fantasy to Neverland.
Dundee Ice Skating Club’s annual Christmas performance saw enthusiasts as young as five take part in a fairytale spectacular.
British and Irish champions Natasha McKay, Karly Robertson, Danni Harrison and Conor Stakelum joined the boys and girls of Dundee’s figure skating club for a special production of Pete And Tink – a modern take of children’s classic Peter Pan.
Committee member Lynne Robertson said: “We put on three shows throughout the day on Saturday, with about 800 people in attendance at each.
“It took about three months to prepare for Pete And Tink and all our club members have put in a lot of time and effort for Saturday’s performance.”
The club has 104 children members, plus an additional 50 volunteers, committee members and parents involved.
Ms Robertson said the training schedules had been exhausting, with some of the senior skaters practising for up to 30 hours a week. The youngest performer is aged just five and the seniors include some of the best known names in skating.
Natasha – who plays Peter Pan – is British number one and Conor – Peter’s shadow – is the Irish champion.
“Most of our club members are competitive skaters, which means they take part in competitions across the country throughout the year,” Lynne added.
In another festive treat at the Ice Arena on Friday, Dundee Stars fans took part in the annual Teddy Toss during the ice hockey team’s 4-2 victory over Edinburgh Capitals.
The quirky tradition sees fans launch toy teddy bears on to the ice following the home team’s opening goal.
The bears are rounded up and the Dundee contingent will be donated to the Ninewells Children’s wards, Tay FM Mission Christmas and Wave 102’s Help for Kids charities.