Skaters impress at showcase

From Thunderstruck to the Hoedown Throwdown, last weekend’s Kahnawake Figure Skating Club show was one to remember, as skaters of all levels took on a Country vs. Rock theme at the Kahnawake Sports Complex.

“All the feedback I’ve received has been so positive about how our skaters just looked so happy, they were really enjoying what they were doing, and they were so proud of themselves,” said Kimberly Kanienténhawe Cross, who coaches at the club. “This is why we put all this work in, it’s for them, so to see that pride in their faces when they come off the ice just makes it all worth it.”

It was a packed program of skating, with performances from groups at each level, including adult skaters who were either returning to the ice or learning to skate for the first time.

“It’s great to see that multigenerational relationship happening and just to know that our club is growing,” Cross said.

For 17-year-old Kodee Leblanc, the show was a special one. Having taken a long break from figure skating in 2020, this show marked her comeback and left her excited for the upcoming season to begin again in September.

“While performing, all the nerves and worries went away and the adrenaline took over. It was the best feeling, being back to performing,” she said.

She performed in a trio alongside Olivia Paul and Kaiya Stacey - the three skated to Loggins and Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” The trio performance ended up being Leblanc’s favourite moment of the show.

“I was really anxious and scared of messing up any jumps or spins, but I ended up landing all of them,” she said.

Stacey, 16, also considers the trio performance a highlight.

“My favourite part is everyone coming together and being able to help each other as a team, since figure skating is a solo sport,” she said. “It’s the confidence and happiness you feel when you perfect a new spin or land a new jump, or pass a dance test.”

Stacey’s mother, Deborah Quinones, said it’s always rewarding to attend the annual figure skating show.

“I love that figure skating in Kahnawake continues to grow. It’s been amazing to see the friendships and bonds that have been built over the years, and how skaters of all ages support one another and celebrate each other’s progress,” she said.

“They are fortunate to have talented, dedicated, and caring coaches, working with them to develop their skills and build their confidence on the ice.”

Bethany Douglas is the other coach at Kahnawake Figure Skating - she said she’s proud of the community spirit being fostered at the club.

“When they’re not performing, our skaters go sit in the stands and watch the show, and the highlight for me is just watching them watch their friends and cheer them on,” Douglas said.

This year, just under 90 skaters took to the ice, more than in past years.

“I really love the fact that our club keeps growing, a few years ago we had a really young club, and a lot of skaters had never skated before,” Douglas said. “It’s been really cool to just see all ages have fun, learn together, and work together at all ages.”

Some of the youngest skaters include 10-year-old Ienonwí:ne Printup and nine-year-old Iakotokénhse McComber.

“There’s two things I liked about the showcase, and that’s the opening act and my duo,” said Printup, who performed a routine to “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” alongside Lacie Irvine. “I felt excited and nervous, my favourite part is learning new things.”

Her father, Emmett Printup, said he was proud to see her skate.

“Her journey has been amazing, watching her progressively get better each week,” he said. “Her dedication to the sport and learning new moves has been awesome to watch. Watching all of her hard work pay off and seeing her smiling and enjoying herself out there, that’s what it’s all about.”

For McComber, who took part in group routines and a solo routine to “TNT,” the nerves kicked in during the dress rehearsal.

“It felt normal practicing for the showcase but on the dress rehearsal I felt nervous, excited, and proud, because the show was the next day,” she said.

Her mother, Wahsontanoron Nicholas, said she’s always proud of her daughter’s confidence on the ice.

“Aside from watching her solo performance, greeting her after the show was over, seeing her eyes light up as she saw her family waiting to give her flowers and congratulate her was so special,” she said. “It was very emotional in the best way. We were unbelievably proud of her.”

Nicholas said she’s excited to watch figure skating grow in Kahnawake - her daughter is already excelling, despite only starting skating last year.

“I feel very fortunate for our children to have this awesome program with such passionate coaches. I’m excited to see what these amazing figure skaters will achieve in the years to come,” she said.

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