What is Theatre on Ice?

Theatre on Ice (TOI) is the United states Figure Skating Association's (USFSA) newest competitive figure skating event.  Merging the athleticism and technically demanding jumps and spins of individual figure skating with aspects of dance and theatrical performance, theatre on ice utilizes unique choreography to tell a story or act out and emotion or idea. 

A TOI team can be composed of up to 30 skaters.  Though they compete at a specific skill level (Basic Skills, Novice, Junior, Senior or Adult), teams often feature skaters at many different skill levels.  A TOI skater is not just another figure skater.  TOI skaters must not only be skilled individual skaters, they must also master elements from ice dancing, pairs and synchronized skating.  As with any team, a good coach is essential.  A TOI coach designs the program and blends the unique talents of the team's skaters to tell the story or impart the emotion that is the basis of the program. 

A TOI competition may contain two types of programs, either Freeskate or Choreographic Exercise.   A Freeskate program is designed around a message: a story to be told, an emotion, or an idea.  The message us delivered by a combination of the skater's movement on the ice, expressions and body language.   The program will feature music, costumes, sets and props which support and enhance the theme of the program.  A Choreographic Exercise program differs from Freeskate in that no sets or props are used and skaters must wear a simple black costume. 

The US National Competition for Theatre on ice is held in once a year and is recognized by both the United States Figure Skating Association and the International Skating Union.  After the national competition in June of 2009, the first Nation Cup Theatre on Ice Worlds competition was announced.  Previously, there had not been a unified worldwide competition.  The top three teams in each division from the 2009 national competition are eligible to compete in the TOI Worlds.  The first Nations Cup was held in Toulouse, France in April 2010, the competition featured teams from around the globe.  Though a number of teams were forced to cancel due to the travel restrictions resulting from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano.  The 2010 Nationa Cup Worlds competition will be held in April 2010 in the USA at Cape Cod, Massachusetts.