Jefferson City's 55th annual Ice Show, taking place Friday through Sunday at the Washington Park Ice Arena, will highlight the evolution of music through figure skating.
The "Platinum Beats" theme is based on how modern platinum-selling music has been inspired by prior gold records. The show is split into sections based on the development of different musical genres: Motown to pop, easy listening to Broadway, blues to rock, and jazz to funk.
"Gold record albums from way back are influencing (today's) platinum records," said Brent Echols, the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department's assistant skating director. "The show is about some genres influencing other genres. It's the evolution of music."
For example, think about how Bruno Mars was inspired by the likes of James Brown to create his hit song, "Uptown Funk."
Echols said it will be a lively show with approximately 250 skaters ages 4-17 participating in spotlight solos and duets, as well as group and synchronized performances. The skaters' costumes and choreography will change to match the musical genre they skate to.
The ice show is different every year. This performance will be more free and fun than last year's "Off the Pages" classic novel theme.
"Everyone knows the music," Echols said, "so it will be entertaining at least in that way, but I think the skating is going to be awesome, too."
All skaters who met a minimum skill level were given a role in the performance. The spotlight solo and duet performances were given to best skaters who tried out for a featured slot.
"The spotlight (performances) stand out," Echols said, noting it was a heated competition. "We had about 25-26 kids try out, and 12 made solos and duets."
The Capital Classic Synchronized Skating Team performances will also be highlights of the show.
"It's a team atmosphere," Echols said. "Our synchronized skating teams practice for the whole season."
Older skaters also served as instructing assistants, helping youngsters learn their roles in the show.
"It definitely takes a community to bring this ice show together," Echols said, giving thanks to the parents, ice arena staff and others who helped make the show possible.
Shows on Friday and Saturday are scheduled for 7 p.m., and Sunday's show will be at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 17-3, and those age 2 and younger will get in for free.