The worlds of music and skating fused Saturday September 2, 2006 in San Francisco, as skaters from several countries and ranging from Olympic level to beginning adult skaters performed in the Cabaret on Ice Series “One Hit Wonder!” The live musical sensations of Martha Wash, the queen of club music, brought down the house. Additional singing talents included cover band ‘The Cheeseballs’, Chris Schwartz and Linda Kosut.
For the third year, the unmatched creative talents of producer and skater Thom Mullins offered audiences an outstanding show, featuring dazzling skating performances and incredible singing. Mullins’ personal investment and passion for this project provides not only an opportunity for skaters, but also extends his generosity to charity. Profits from each performance are donated as grants to local non-profit organizations. This year, beneficiaries were: API Wellness Center of San Francisco, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, and Team San Francisco.
“People ask me why I do this show. There is nothing like this for adult skaters anywhere else. It’s a chance for us to have fun, be in the spotlight, and under a whole new set of circumstances. It is different than competition,” says Mullins, “and even the most basic skater involved in the ensemble gains something meaningful. It becomes empowering to all participants. Why not do this?”
The Cabaret on Ice Series, the nation’s premiere adult skating show, has previously showcased world class skaters Rudy Galindo, Surya Bonaly, and Caryn Kadavy. This year, Olympians John Baldwin, Jr. and Rena Inoue headlined the show, which also featured United Kingdom National Champion Neil Wilson, United States phenom Rohene Ward, the American Ice Theatre, Cheer SF and special guest, John Braun (aka The Contessa de la Fromage).
The Series began in 2004, with One Voice: A Cabaret on Ice, featuring Broadway star Jason Graae, forty skaters and twenty singers. Skaters included Grand Prix Champion Emanuel Sandhu and former NHK Trophy winner Angelo D’Agostino.
Cabaret on Ice combines the athleticism and artistry of figure skating with live vocal performances. SkateOut’s mission is to create unique skating events and competitions, and to build bridges between diverse communities. Events provide positive reflections of these communities and demonstrate thriving creativity in an open atmosphere. SkateOut is affiliated with the Federation of Gay Games and Team San Francisco.
Eligibility of all skaters is ensured with proper ISI Show Endorsements in cooperation with the USFSA and/or Skate Canada, and all skaters volunteer their time and talents to this benefit exhibition.
If you are interested in performing in future productions, you must be at least 18 years of age, and a current member of ISI or USFS.
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Lexi Rohner is a freelance writer and skating coach based in Los Angeles. She also serves as the Pacific Coast Sectional Vice Chair for the USFS Adult Skating Committee.
