BROOKINGS — Skaters from the Brookings Figure Skating Club will present Under the Big Top Circus on Ice during the 28th annual ice show at Larson Ice Center on April 1-2. The Saturday performance begins at 7 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Discounted ice show tickets are available in advance from club members and at the Hy-Vee customer service counter in Brookings. The discounted prices are $7 for adults and $5 for K-12 students. Preschoolers are free. Tickets will also be sold at the door for an additional $2 per ticket.

The performance will feature 49 skaters, ranging from 3 to 19 years of age, a significantly larger cast than in recent years.

“During the 2022-2023 season, we more than doubled the size of the Brookings Figure Skating Club, and we implemented strategies to improve the trajectory of the club for the future,” said Trish Matson Buus, membership chair.

Buus added, “Our very affordable New Member Special and our ‘Ice CHIPS’ Group Class for Beginners were even more successful than we had imagined. We also started a Junior Coach program to develop and grow our own coaches, and we incentivized coaches who were already credentialed.”

Beth Wainman is one such coach. “I love coaching because I love connecting with all the skaters and getting to know each of them,” she said. “I love watching them grow as skaters and as amazing people. Coaching helps me grow because I learn from each of my skaters just as much as they learn from me.”

New this year, the club is selling raffle tickets. Tickets are $10 each for the chance to win a $500 gift card. Two winners will be announced during intermission of the Sunday, April 2 performance (need not be present to win). Winners will have their choice of a gift card from Hy-Vee or Amazon. Tickets can be purchased from club members and at Back in Motion Chiropractic (1453 Sixth St., Brookings).

For the past several years, the club has put on a production that followed a storyline. “Our theme show this year, compared to the productions we have done in the past, has allowed for more variety in the groupings of skaters,” Katie Bratburg, show director, said. “We weren’t limited by the characters in a specific song. The theme show allowed me to be more creative in casting the specific songs throughout the show.”

When asked why people should come watch the show, Aleah Olson, 11, cast as a fortune teller, enthusiastically stated, “It’s exciting! It’s an experience! It’s life changing!”

Five-year-old Tongfei (Jennifer) Miao is excited for the show “because it is my first skating show!” She will be skating as part of the clown ensemble.

This year’s show will be the third show siblings Harriet and Lee Boltjes have participated in together. Harriet, skating as a gypsy, said that she enjoys putting on something that they can be proud of. Lee, cast as a strong man, said, “I enjoy all of the decorations.”

Each year hours of effort are put into creating a set and decorations to accent the show. This year’s circus theme promises to be colorful and vibrant.

“Creating props are a team effort including both parents and skaters. We are very resourceful and sustainable when planning props, reusing materials from past shows,” said Abby Whitelock, props coordinator for the first time. Spectators are encouraged to take photos off ice at various photo locations set up.

During intermission at each show, concessions will be available. Additionally, a variety of fresh flowers will be available for purchase for those who want to congratulate skaters with a gift after the performance.

Special solo performances by the club’s high school seniors will again be included in the show. “The purpose of the senior solos is to feature the talents of our graduating seniors and honor their time with the club,” explained Victoria Dubbelde, ice show and costume coordinator. Three seniors shared a favorite memory from their figure skating years.

Kaitlyn Doom, cast as an ariel silk artist, said, “My favorite memory from figure skating is when we had the Wizard of Oz production. I was in charge of the little kids, and we were called the munchkins. I made sure they knew their parts and helped them when they fell down. One day all of the little kids started calling me mama munchkin. I felt so proud that I was able to gain their trust. I still babysit a couple of them.”

“Some of my favorite memories have been with my own coach, Haley Patrick. I absolutely love skating with her and watching her skate is just mesmerizing,” said Beth Wainman, cast as a baton twirler. “She makes me love the sport, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have her as my coach.”

JulieAnn Freeman, skating as a contortionist, said, “One of my favorite memories of skating would be the competition weekends. I enjoy being with my family and skating friends. The car rides may be long, but the hotel nights with doing hair and face masks to waking up early to compete and having dinner with friends and family are my favorite.”

The annual ice show is a partnership between the Brookings Figure Skating Club and the City of Brookings Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. Park & Rec offers group lessons each semester. Private coaches are also available to give one-on-one lessons to club members seeking individualized instruction.

In addition to the annual ice show, Brookings Figure Skating Club offers a variety of events throughout the year. Two such events include Glide-and-Slide where community members can try figure skating for free and a holiday exhibition where those taking park and rec lessons and club members can show off their new skills. This season, club members also participated in the Parade of Lights in downtown Brookings for the first time.

After many years, the club is planning to host a figure skating camp once again. The camp will utilize a coach from New York. “We have secured the services of Max Aaron, who is widely respected in the figure skating world. He is a coach for all ages,” said club president Chris Buus. It is set to be held August 2023.

For more information or to inquire about joining, visit the Brookings Figure Skating Club page on Facebook or email the club’s board of directors at brookingsfsc@gmail.com.