Patriotic salute a hit at 'Rondy on Ice'

The event, put on by the Anchorage Figure Skating Club and hosted at the UAA Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday, took you from the world of cabaret to the pop culture of today to the dreams of children, featuring pieces such as "All That Jazz," "Do It Again" and "Candy Man."

Don't forget the "Oompa Loompa Songs," starring a group of elementary-age skaters helped along by Jim Barnes, a 27-year veteran of the show. The children, in their pink outfits, bobbed up and down in time with the music.

Cast didn't disappoint either, with several big names performing. The first featured soloist of the day, skater Keegan Messing, 18, from Girdwood, performed a sensuous version of "Sexy Back." With a literally dazzling outfit and top hat, Messing proved true to his reputation as a 2009 U.S. junior silver medalist.

One problem: His hat flew off his head as he executed jump after jump. They should have played "I'm Too Sexy" instead and changed the lyrics. Messing tested his footwork with a danceable version of "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" during the second half of the program.

U.S. National Figure Skating Team pair Jane Summersett and Todd Gilles, both 22, also took to the ice twice. Fire started to melt the rink when the duo performed their first number, "Whole Lotta Love," barely apart from each other throughout the piece. Summersett and Gilles just returned from a trip to Korea to compete in the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. The true stars of the show were the children from AFSC who always kept a smile and engaged with the audience, never lacking in attitude. From blowing kisses to moving their hips, the kids had as much fun as the viewers, who cheered after every jump and fall.

Tina Williams, the director of the show, was proud of the entire cast.

"They have been practicing for weeks," Williams said. "They have really helped to restore the former glory of the show."

Some of the cast in the show will be competing in the Arctic Winter Games in Grand Prairie, Alberta, said Williams.

One piece struck a special chord with the audience. In a "Salute to Our Armed Forces," several skaters dressed up in Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine outfits. Jennifer Hufford, artistic director for the event, led the military around the rink as they saluted to the crowd. Hufford carried the American flag over her head.

Felix Rivera is a liberal studies junior from Alaska Pacific University.