Gliding Into Your City… And Straight Into Your Hearts

The recent visit from Stars on Ice made its way through St Louis at the Enterprise Center this week, bringing Team USA, fresh off their gold medal performance in Milan.   The team harkoned back to the moment, at that very rink, they became “Team USA”…destined to win.   

A roaring crowd of over 11,000 fans, young and old, roared to life as the cast started the night off with an ensemble number, set to music by Tommee Profitt.   Each member being introduced and garnering cheers and clapping from the crowd. 

As the night moved on, each of the skaters took their turn recreating award winning performances, revisiting medaling moments in Olympic history and sharing those moments and introspective thoughts with the crowd.   Balancing out those deep, personal moments, the skaters, free of technical constraints, were able to loosen up and enjoy their performances: cartwheels, flips, chairs and more graced the ice as the crowd collectively gasped in excitement and awe, as these phenomenal athletes showcased their talents.  

Performances would ebb and flow, music to go along with it.   Amber Glenn skating to Like a Prayer, balanced with Andrew’s This Place was a Shelter.   Contemporary mixed with traditional.   The Blade Angels (Amber, Alysa, and Isabeau) skating to K-Pop Demon Hunters and Kam and O’Shea sharing a slower moment with us thanks to Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga.   Special guests Emilea Zingas and Vadim Kolesink brought a wonderful touch and change to the lineup with their program.  

The skaters took moments to interact with the crowd.    Flowers handed out by the men, and high fives, engaging those sitting close to the ice.   Indeed, performances seemed to be encouraged to leave the ice at times and interact, both Ilia and Andrew pointing to members of the crowd and smiling, no doubt making someone’s night.  

In the end, though, the crowd showed their two favorites, to close out the night.   Ilia Malinin started the standing ovations off with a program set to Lose Yourself and Jump Around, befitting his engaged and energetic skating style.   Not one….or two..but four (yes…FOUR) flips on the ice, had the crowd practically frothing with excitement.   Running down the sides, high fiving spectators before ultimately ending in a class b-boy pose.  

Quickly following, Alysa Liu carried that energy forward, showcasing what she is known for:  having fun!   The smiles were apparent and the joy beamed out of her as she was gliding throughout the rink, bopping to Stateside (Pink Panthress/Zara Larsson).  

Finally, it came time to close out…one last ensemble number.   The Cast skating to Life in Color by OneRepublic….and easing us into the home stretch.   A night that will not be forgotten as St Louis celebrated the fruits of moments that were created there, not 4 months before, and watching the golden team enjoy time with each other.