The Enduring Magic of Ice Shows
Often caricatured in popular culture as mere entertainment for children or Disney enthusiasts, ice skating shows have historically not been regarded as emblematic of high art. However, while other companies like Ice Capades in the United States have shuttered their doors, Holiday On Ice has thrived for an impressive 80 years, captivating over 330 million spectators with more than 60,000 performances across five continents. The producer of their latest touring spectacle in France, Olivier Genest, asserts that such remarkable longevity is no mere coincidence.
“It’s the longest-running touring show in the world,” Genest emphasized. “That doesn’t happen by accident.” Currently celebrating its 80th anniversary, Holiday On Ice’s newest show, Aurore (A New Day), is traversing the landscapes of France. Genest shared with Euronews Culture that those who dismiss ice shows as outdated would do well to reconsider their assumptions.
“Many people tell us that Holiday On Ice is old-fashioned or fading away,” Genest noted. “But once you’ve experienced the show, you’ll realize that’s simply not the case. Our ability to adapt to new technologies, as well as to innovate in skating and production techniques, has been key to our success.”
A Modern Take on the Traditional Ice Show
Aurore unfolds the narrative of a humanoid being from an alternate dimension, where inhabitants don monochrome silk pajamas and move in a mechanical, emotionless manner, devoid of love and feelings. Aurore, yearning for something more, escapes this colorless existence, embarking on a journey through time and space until she reaches Earth, where she encounters a young human named Adam. He introduces her to the vibrant beauty of humanity.
Gabriel St-Jean, who portrays Adam, remarked, “We have always presented shows centered around escape, but I believe Director Francisco Negrin wanted to emphasize the splendor of what we possess in our world.” He added, “After the isolation brought on by Covid, it’s refreshing to celebrate the beauty of being human and everything that surrounds us, as we momentarily lost sight of it.”
The show, directed by the acclaimed stage director Francisco Negrin, known for his innovative opera productions, infuses a contemporary flair into the classic ice performance. Aurore artfully combines elements of theater, acrobatics, technical figure skating, extravagant set designs, and intricately crafted costumes. The show oscillates between dramatic moments, emotional resonance, and sheer campiness, offering a unique viewing experience.
- The opening Rococo rock opera sequence dazzles with tall, neon-colored powdered wigs, petticoats, and tailcoats, while a performer humorously dons a rubber Albert Einstein mask.
- One segment features performers in whimsical animal costumes, including an unfortunate snake clad in what appears to be a black gimp suit.
- The magnificent finale before intermission showcases a towering sun god character, measuring five meters high, who requires the assistance of several performers to be rolled across the ice. This scene culminates with the ice being literally set ablaze.
The eclectic and vibrant style of Aurore sometimes evokes the feel of a variety show, which may divide audiences accustomed to traditional performances. At the Paris premiere, French Olympic bronze medalist and veteran Holiday On Ice performer Philippe Candeloro expressed some uncertainty regarding the abstract storyline. “The technique and scenery were exceptional, as one would expect from Holiday On Ice,” he shared with Euronews Culture after the show. “I adored the lighting, but the narrative was a bit complex to follow without prior knowledge. Additionally, there were numerous musical interludes that might not resonate with die-hard fans of the show.”
A Spectacle of Athleticism and Artistry
Beyond the theatrical elements, Aurore serves as a stunning exhibition of high-caliber figure skating. The athleticism displayed is nothing short of breathtaking, with skaters executing intricate lifts and jumps just inches above the solid ice. Most performers hail from the competitive figure skating circuit, merging technical prowess with dramatic flair.
Gabriel St-Jean, a principal skater, shared, “I’ve been part of this show for a year and a half, and it remains the most physically demanding and impressive production I’ve ever participated in.” He continued, “The blend of theater and acrobatics is spectacular. There are things you can’t achieve in competition that you’re able to explore in the realm of performance. Conversely, some competitive techniques are left behind in favor of aesthetics.”
St-Jean mentioned that his solo in Aurore is among the most challenging routines he has ever tackled. “I am definitely feeling the strain,” he joked. “But the moment you finish and hear the applause, and see the audience genuinely appreciating the effort put into the show, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Holiday On Ice also shines a spotlight on craftsmanship, uniting specialists from various fields. For Aurore, a talented team of artisans meticulously crafted 350 unique costumes by hand, many featuring velcro for swift changes, and created hundreds of wigs to enhance the visual storytelling.
Genest explained that the crew manages the logistical challenge of installing 38 tonnes of equipment in every new venue, which includes three suspension systems, pyrotechnics, and a sophisticated light installation composed of numerous screens. “We dismantle the rink in city A while en route to city B, where we reassemble the second rink to ensure it’s ready before our arrival,” he elaborated. “It takes three days to install and requires a substantial number of staff, many of whom we hire locally.”
Performing in diverse venues means that, unlike traditional theater productions, the performers must constantly adjust to varying stage sizes. The cast and crew of Aurore is a melting pot of talent, with more than 18 different countries represented among the 80 dedicated staff members, which includes 40 performers, 30 technicians, and 10 administrators. Together, they collaborate to deliver a show that encapsulates eight decades of entertainment expertise.
“Even if you’re not a fervent admirer of figure skating, I believe you’ll be impressed,” St-Jean stated. “It’s not merely a figure skating show; there are so many additional elements that contribute to creating this unforgettable experience.”
Holiday On Ice’s show “Aurore (A New Day)” is touring in cities across France until April 28.
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