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An ice show is an entertainment production which is primarily performed by ice skaters.[1][2] The major ice shows were founded between 1936 and 1943, when professional figure skaters began to appear in shows, in hotels, at fairs, and "at any place a sheet of ice could be set up" since the beginning of the 20th century in North America and Europe.[3] They were produced and toured North America, Europe, and throughout the world for many years in the years following World War II. According to figure skating historian James R. Hines, ice shows "took spectacular skating to large audiences, contributing to the development of the sport's first major fan base".[3]
Such shows may primarily be skating exhibitions, or may be musical and/or dramatic in nature, using skating as a medium in order to accompany a musical work or to present a story. The term generally excludes skating competitions in (professional) sports. Many companies produce fixed or touring ice shows, which are then performed for the general public in facilities such as multipurpose arenas or skating rinks which can accommodate spectators, or in theatres with a temporary ice surface installed on the stage. Ice shows are also featured as entertainment in amusement parks and on some large cruise ships.
- ^ Definition of ice show - Merriam-Webster's Student Dictionary
- ^ "ice show definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta". Archived from the original on 2009-08-31.
- ^ a b Hines, James R. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. xxxii. ISBN 978-0-8108-6859-5.