NATIONAL SHOWCASE 2016
Parade of Interpretive Champions Choreographing a program on the spot is
always a challenge, but when the fi rst notes of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” played, Kyle Barnes from the Stars FSC of Texas knew he had his work cut out for him. “I was happy to fi nd that the music this year
was recognizable,” said the seven-time National Showcase competitor. “But I knew my compet- itors would come out with some great perfor- mances, so I made sure to come up with my own creative approach that would set me apart.” He engaged the audience through his use of
props, including a spin with his cane around his neck and presented fl owers to the audience at the end.
Masters interpretive winner Grant Huang
Members of the Harmony Theatre Company in Hartland, Michigan, claimed top honors in the Production Ensemble division, performing to music from the movie Aladdin. Right, National Showcase veteran Kyle Barnes, a member of the Stars FSC of Texas, put his improvisational skills to the test, performing a program on the fl y to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” His ability to think on his feet earned him the Parade of Interpretive Champions title.
‘INCREDIBLY ENRICHING’
Coaches bring Michigan, California teams together by LEXI ROHNER
T e 2016 National Showcase in Strongs-
ville, Ohio, provided another opportunity for Crystalrose Guerra’s squad from the All Year Figure Skating Club in Ontario, California, and Piercyn Hunt’s skaters from the Ice House Skating Academy in Hartland, Michigan, to re- kindle friendships. Guerra and Hunt, two of theatrical skating’s
superstars and renowned coaches, became best friends after meeting at the 2008 National Show- case in Rochester, Minnesota. In recent years, Guerra and her skaters have traveled to Hartland to work with Hunt and her teams. Ice House skaters, meanwhile, have made the trek to Cal- ifornia to work alongside Guerra and her teams. “Piercyn and I met rehearsing for a Rich-
ard Dwyer performance,” Guerra, 27, said. “Her and I talk all of the time over the phone, texting, Snapchat, and we try to visit each oth- er as often as we can when we’re not in compe- tition season. “I love Piercyn’s straightforward and hon-
est approach to things. It’s been everything I could ever hope for my skaters to share the ex- periences they’ve shared with Piercyn’s skaters. T ey have friends for life.” For Hunt, it’s also been rewarding to
watch her skaters forge a union with the Cali- fornia skaters. “T ey stay at each other’s houses and to see the kind of bond that they have re- minds me of Crystal and me,” Hunt said.
36 OCTOBER 2016 Interestingly, though, Hunt and
Guerra don’t talk shop much when they visit on the phone or in person. “Even though we have (National)
T eatre on Ice, Showcase and all of these things going on, skating is something that we don’t seem to talk about. It’s very much a side thing and our friendship is the most im- portant communication for us. We both need that escape from skating.” Hunt, 23, is a six-time and reigning Na-
tional Showcase champion and has led her team to numerous titles at National T eatre on Ice. She’s also the primary choreographer for all of her skaters and teams. Guerra, who started competing at National Showcase in 2004, has also been a fi xture on the podium individually and with her teams. She’s been instrumental in the growth of theatrical skating at the All Year FSC. She, too, handles most of the choreogra- phy for her teams. It was Hunt’s mother, Michelle, however,
who suggested Guerra bring her skaters to Mich- igan to train at the Kensington Ice Arena. Vari- ous Ice House Skating Academy families host the California skaters when they come to town. “I love all of our out-of-town girls like
they are my own,” Michelle Hunt said. “I’m so proud of how the girls fall in when they arrive.” “When the California girls arrive it’s a family reunion,” Ice House senior member
Novice-level skaters from Michigan and California perform a routine together.
from the Kansas City FSC placed second. His program included a costume change that played to the audience and he highlighted his skating skills and fl exibility in a Russian split jump and Ina Bauer. Pauline Bynum from the All Year FSC
rounded out the podium in third place. Her fl ap- per costume suited the music perfectly, and her spread eagles and split jump showcased her skat- ing skills.
Left, Crystalrose Guerra and Piercyn Hunt have developed a close friendship through skating. Right, Guerra greets Hunt with a hug following the Michigan native’s fi nal solo Showcase performance.
Paige Bartholomew said. “We always pick up right where we left off .” T e parents of Guerra’s students immedi-
ately realized the opportunity for their skaters. “Crystalrose and Piercyn have demon-
strated for my daughter Lili and other young skaters the true essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie that can exist in skating,” All Year FSC mother Annie Burrows said. “It’s incredi- bly enriching.”
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