Summary: The Dream Show is a unique blend of skating and dancing, coupled with stars and local children, ages 5-18. It will take place at the Alice Noble Ice Arena on August 6. Parker Pennington is responsible for the idea, and is also organizing the event to inspire children while providing a new, innovative show.
Ice skating and dancing are two different worlds; contrasted by training techniques, methods and the environment in which the art is performed.
Parker Pennington, skater, and U.S. National Champion at four levels, recognizes and appreciates these variations, but his vision is to blend the two, concocting an entertaining and inspiring spectacle for community members. He works as the president and creative director for Parker Pennington Productions.
August 6 at 7:00 p.m. will mark the first of the Dream Show series, and it will take place at the Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster. Penningtons original idea of uniting aspiring children and national stars on the ice and dance floor has become an exciting reality.
Basically, what I believe the Dream Show is about is inspiring skaters and dancers coming up; giving them great role models to be able to perform with in a show atmosphere, Pennington explained. I think its important that we teach these kids to go after their dreams and have fun in the process.
Gev Manoukian and Jessica King, two of the top ten finalists from Foxs So You Think You Can Dance, will be performing. Along with Pennington, the skaters include the following athletes: Richard Dornbush, 2011 U.S. Senior National Silver Medalist and World Team Member, and Lynn Kriengkrairut and Logan Giulietti-Schmitt, 2011 Skate America Competitors.
Though these skaters and dancers are considered the stars of the evening, each of the 60 children, ages 5-18, will be spotlighted for their developing talents as well. Some of the children will be offered solos, but all of them will have the opportunity to skate or dance. Penningtons hope is to demonstrate the spectrum of skills, and ultimately, the potential each young participant has.
Additionally, the show will rotate between dancing and skating sequences, and the performers are from both the Wooster and the Cleveland area. Auditions took place at the Cleveland Skating Club, and fittingly featured both dancers and skaters as judges.
Further, Pennington is originally from Connecticut, but his pursuit of skating as a child guided him to Cleveland, where he did the majority of his training.
I was that crazy little kid that thought well Im going to take a shot, and my parents believed in me, Pennington added.
In other words, the skater is partaking in the most extreme form of paying it forwardand he agreed that he recognizes those same child-like ambitions in those that he now includes in his shows.
I got a chance one time to perform with Scott Hamilton and Friends. That was an experience with my idol that I am certain kept me skating a lot longer and pushed me towards my goals. That was basically the story behind me wanting to do this. I think its something that skating and dance needs, Pennington said.
This isnt his first show, however. Pennington has produced charity shows in the past with similar themes. He described this particular show as an expansion on those.
Ive done international competitions for about 12 years or so. So, its been incredible, getting to travel the world. Its something that I love to do. Those are all experiences that I try to take with me to now this different side, this show perspective. For me personally, my accolades dont matter to me as much as being able to just inspire these kids, and give them that chance to go after their dreams, Pennington continued.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.eventbrite.com or at the Alice Noble Ice Arena. Those interested can also visit the shows website at www.skatedancedream.com. Tickets will be sold at the door until there is no more seating. A public skate will be offered afterwards for anyone that watches the show, and they are encouraged to bring their own skates, or to rent them there. Further, on Friday August 5, at 6:00 p.m., community members can meet the stars at the Alice Noble Arena. The first 100 patrons will get to meet the dancers and skaters.
Everyone that Ive worked with as well as spoken to about this has been really easy to work with and really excited about this. The Alice Noble Ice Arena and the Wooster Figure Skating Club in particular have been tremendous, which makes my job easier. Were all working towards the same goal; we want to see that the Wooster community knows about the event, and that the kids have an amazing experience, Pennington said.
