The SOAR! cast consists of Olympic and World Champion Figure Skaters

Ice Dance International (IDI) announces SOAR!, its 14-city national tour coming to the Berger Foundation Iceplex March 23. Featuring world-class figure skaters, including current Olympic Ice Dance Champion Gabriella Papadakis, and work by renowned choreographers, including ballet great Edward Villella, SOAR! is a theatrical journey of artistry and athleticism that showcases the magic of skating through mesmerizing ensemble performances.

Alissa Czisny and Rohene Ward with IDI company members performing

SOAR! builds on the current resurgence and fervor for ice skating, one of the fastest growing past times with rink reservations up 698% in 2024. Social media has helped fuel the fervor with elegant performances in spectacular locations showcasing a beauty that invites all to take part. As interest in ice skating grows, SOAR! celebrates its legacy and inspires the next generation while taking the sport to a new level of artistry.

The IDI company performs Rohene Ward’s Emotional Seasons.

Joining Papadakis are two-time U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny; Rohene Ward, Puerto Rican National Champion and choreographer for World Champion Kaori Sakamoto and U.S. Champion Jason Brown; Junior World Champion Ice Dancers Oona and Gage Brown; national Junior Champion, LQBTQ+ advocate and internet sensation Ryan Dunk; former Team U.S. member and first competitive female skater to come out Karina Manta, former Team Canada member Jean-Simon Légaré, and U.S. Open Champions Kseniya Ponomaryova and Collin Brubaker. SOAR! showcases repertory by world-renowned choreographers Edward Villella, Benoît Richaud, Cindy Stuart, Garrett Smith, Rohene Ward, and IDI’s Artistic Director Douglas Webster.

Webster, who is also executive director, founded IDI in 2014 with acclaimed ballet dancer and choreographer Edward Villella, skating icon Dick Button (in memoriam), Olympian Linda Villella and the late Debbie Gordon. Its active board includes skating legends Dorothy Hamill and JoJo Starbuck, Olympic Bronze Medalist Scott Allen and leader of the national synchronized skating movement Josh Babb.

“SOAR! is an uplifting and entrancing show,” says Webster. “Prepare to be immersed in the experience as our cast of 10 takes you on an expressive journey through the flight and flow of theatrical ensemble skating. The show continues to build a bridge from sport to art and pushes the boundaries of dance on ice.”

SOAR! takes place Sunday, March 23, 3 – 4p.m., at the Berger Foundation Iceplex and will be hosted by Dorothy Hamill. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $75 for VIP which includes a meet and greet with the cast. An advanced Edge skating class with cast members will take place 1:30-2:30pm ($40). Tickets are limited; please visit www.icedanceinternational.org.

Lauren Del Sarto is founder and publisher or Desert Health. Wendy Fink is lead editor and both may be reached at [email protected]. (Photos by David J. Murray, Cleareyephoto.com)

Source: 1) Statistic by fitness app ClassPass and reported by GWI’s Global Wellness Trends and NBC’s “Today.”