Figure skaters prepare for show

Jackets were thrown off as members of the IU Figure Skating Club warmed the rink Monday night at the Frank Southern Ice Arena.

Sophomore Elisabeth Bell, president of the IUFSC, said the team was practicing for its spring show, “Love to Skate,” at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Frank Southern Ice Arena. Admission is $5.

The show will include ice dancing and freestyle numbers, and anyone on the team is welcome to participate, Bell said.

IUFSC encompasses all different levels of figure skaters and consists of a recreational team for people of all skill levels and an intercollegiate competitive team for skaters with more experience. There are about 25 members, about 12 of which compete, Bell said.

All different levels of skaters make up the IUFSC, from people who have just started learning to skate to one who has been skating for 24 years.

Recently, the club took fifth place in the region at the competition they held, called The Hoosier Challenge, Bell said. The competitive intercollegiate team competes three times a year.

Sophomore Kadie O’Malley, vice president for IUFSC, talked about the music selections for the show, which will include popular songs such as “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and “Wannabe” by Spice Girls.

“There is a big variety, but they’re all good songs,” O’Malley said. “They’re everybody’s favorites.”

During Monday’s practice a few pairs practiced their duets for the show. Graduate student Rachel Fyall and her partner danced on the ice to “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. The duo will perform at “Love to Skate,” Fyall said.

Graduate student Cori Weinel said she started learning tricks last summer with a coach in Columbus, Ind., but is also learning at practices with the experienced members.

Weinel will be performing a freestyle number, which consist of jumps and spins, at the show.

“I just like to skate,” she said. “It’s fun.”