Bennett wins dramatic performance to "Unchained Melody"

Remington Bennett, a member of Ice House Skating Academy in Brighton, Michigan, delivered a fast-paced dramatic program to the classic song "Unchained Melody" to secure the overall Parade of Champions title at National Showcase 2019 in Wenatchee, Washington.

More than 300 skaters and 100 teams competed at the Toyota Town Center from July 31 through Aug. 4.

"I have always loved 'Unchained Melody' and had heard it many times before," said Remington. "I loved the simplicity of the music and made it my goal to make my movements seem simple and effortless.

"I've never thought the dramatic programs were my strong suit, so my focus this year was to improve my dramatic program and discover a new and mature side to my skating."

Her junior dramatic program showcased strong edges and skating skills, and was highlighted by an Axel and double Salchow, as well as an expressive spiral on the crescendo of the music.

Bennett, who previously competed in pairs skating, found her place in theatrical skating.

"I started doing Theatre On Ice and discovered my love for the entertainment of it and the atmosphere it had," she said. "I found that same atmosphere in [National] Showcase. Everyone is friendly and supportive."

Marco Berg (Santa Rosa FSC) energized the audience with his senior light entertainment program to music from famed pianist and performer Liberace. His performance showcased his gifted sense of timing and got the audience clapping along.

Skating to music from Evita, Nira Barlow (Everett FSC) grabbed bronze for her senior dramatic program. With expressive footwork and a stunning layback spin, Barlow's program captured the heavy despair from the ballad You Must Love Me, and was highlighted by a double loop and polished skating skills.

Parade of Junior Champions

National Showcase rookie Presley Faherty (Spokane FSC) won the title and Haley Gans "Skate With All Your Heart" trophy for her pre-juvenile light entertainment program.

Flaherty performed to "Teachers Pet" from School of Rock, and her dynamic program featured a series of split jumps and spread eagle to accentuate the music, and her expression shone throughout the program.

She also competes in singles at the pre-juvenile level, and exploring another discipline of skating proved fruitful.

"As her technical coach I am so happy she exposed herself to Showcase," Moe Herr said. "Not only did it bring her amazing confidence, but it has allowed her to grow as a skater both choreographically and emotionally. Having a skater rewarded for performing from her heart with passion and confidence is what this sport is all about."

MaddieGrace Moore (Everett FSC) skated a lighthearted program to Judy Garland's "I Don't Care" to win the silver medal for her light entertainment juvenile program. The routine featured a fast layback spin and Axel, and highlighted Moore's musical interpretation and expression.

Katrina Impellizzeri (Ice House SA) won bronze for her teen light program. She skated to "School House Polka" from the popular children's series Veggie Tales. Her performance and facial expressions embodied the whimsical polka, and she showcased multiple elements, including Axels and a back-tuck spin. 

Parade of Adult Champions

Jacqui Scibior (Coyotes SC) secured victory with her adult gold/silver light entertainment program. Skating to "Dive in the Pool" by Barry Harris, Scibior found inspiration from past experiences.

"I wanted to play the role of a strong, fierce woman, one who can conquer the world and empower others," Scibior said.

An avid traveler who's been to 42 countries, Scibior drew upon her travels for the program.

"In 2016, I spent a summer living in a small village in Uganda," she said. "I was intrigued by their cultural dance — full of big strong movements that told powerful stories. I, too, wanted to express myself through tribal dance."
              
Jillian Massie (Boise FSC) skated her adult gold/silver dramatic program to "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" from the musical Burlesque. Using a chair as a prop, she demonstrated dynamic performance quality and highlighted the music with a strong sit spin and Ina Bauer.

Edythe Neilson (Tacoma FSC) carted home bronze for her adult bronze dramatic program to "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Her powerful program emphasized the music with a fast sit spin and a camel spin, and her expressions highlighted the forceful music.

Parade of Duet Champions

Paige Bartholomew and Alyssa Kormos (Ice House SA) captured the title with their buoyant senior duet performance of dueling vehicles, skating to "Beep Beep" by The Playmates. With creative interactions and energetic skating, the program highlighted their skating skills and apt sense of musical timing. The duo landed synchronized Axels.

Billed as "Kat and Emma," Katrina Impellizzeri and Emma Vermillion (Ice House SA) claimed silver for their teen duet.  Skating to "Professional Showbizness Comedy" from the musical My Favorite Year, the team performed with precise unison and charisma. 

Calli Blumenthal and Hayden Paige (All Year FSC) performed a delightful Chaplin routine that won the novice category and earned them the Parade of Duet Champions bronze medal. Performing split jumps into Axels and a partner spiral, the team showcased an entertaining program with droll movements that captured the spirit of Chaplin.

Parade of Interpretive Champions

A circus theme highlighted the music in this category. For the Parade, skaters performed to the piece "La Passerella Di Otto E Mezzo," written by Nina Rota for the 1963 film 8 1/2.  Whimsical and fanciful, the music conjures images of a clown performing at a circus, and many skaters highlighted that aspect in their performances.

Winner of the teen interpretive event, Ashely Miya (St. Moritz ISC) earned gold for her interpretation of a clown that kept pace with the fast-paced and erratic movement of the music.

"It was a unique and unfamiliar song that had multiple shifts in speed and expression," Miya said. "I enjoy doing interpretive because I get to choreograph my own program and put my own flair to my skating. I like the thrill and challenge of thinking on my feet."

Miya used props, comically pulling a string of handkerchiefs from her oversized jacket. She also choreographed multiple elements into the program to accent the music, including a layback spin, Axel and hydroblade.
              
Bella Buehrle (SC of Huntsville), who placed fourth in the overall Parade of Champions, claimed silver for her routine. She performed to a storyline in which she tries to catch a fly but ends up being chased by the pesky insect. Buehrle's unique take on the music created a captivating program that featured an Axel and soaring split jump.

KatieLyn Miller (Mountain Edge SC) performed a program of a clown struggling to perform tricks, including juggling plastic cups and pulling never-ending handkerchiefs from her waistband. Her bronze-medal effort featured a beautiful spread eagle and sit spin, and polished skating skills.

Next year's event will be hosted by the Fort Collins FSC in Fort Collins, Colorado, Aug. 4–9, 2020.