Figure Skating in Harlem's Champions in Life Virtual Benefit Gala will showcase a special performance by
Starr Andrews and French pairs skater Vanessa James on April 22. The piece, choreographed by Andrews' coach Derrick Delmore, will pay a special tribute to Mabel Fairbanks, Atoy Wilson and fellow skaters of color everywhere.
"Without Mabel and Atoy, [figure skating] would not be the same," Andrews said. "Historically there has not been a lot of representation of BIPOC skaters, but the FSH community is bringing awareness to that."
"While Mabel was never able to compete, she paved the way for Black skaters like Starr, myself and others," James said. "I remember growing up looking to Derrick as an idol in skating because he looked just like me and [because he] was a very beautiful skater. So, it's nice that it has come full circle and that I'm doing his choreography alongside his star athlete."
When Delmore was first asked by FSH to choreograph the piece he hoped Andrews, James and French skater Maé-Bérénice Méité would have the opportunity to practice and perform the piece together in New York. Unfortunately, due to an injury at the 2021 World Championships in March, Méité was not able to participate. Then, due to travel restrictions, Andrews and James were forced to work on the piece separately from Los Angeles and Montreal, respectfully, as Delmore provided guidance via video. The final performances were filmed and edited together as a montage for the gala.
"I chose the piece 'Listen' from [the 2006 musical film]
Dreamgirls with the idea that there would be all three ladies [to mirror The Dreamettes]," Delmore said. "While the meaning in the movie is a little different, the lyrics can pertain to the state of affairs for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community in skating. I thought it was something that could make a wonderful statement and something the three ladies could share together."
James expressed it wasn't until after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 that figure skaters started to speak up and bring light to the lack of diversity in the sport.
"[Last summer] people listened to try and understand these issues. We came together during this Black Lives Matter movement to create FSDIA [Figure Skating Diversity & Inclusion Alliance] in an effort to make change through policy, funding and mentorship," she said. "Organizations like FSH are continuing the [BLM] movement to inspire and motivate BIPOC youth in figure skating."
FSH offers access to figure skating for young girls of color. It also combines "rigorous academic support with leadership development" -- thus, challenging systematic barriers and providing a holistic approach to youth development.
"[FSH] not only does a lot for skating, but it helps enrich the lives of the girls involved while providing a place for support," Delmore said. "These girls are growing up, having a positive experience and are then coming back as educated women and role models. The group helps to continue this legacy of minorities being involved in skating, which is so important."
Andrews, who will perform Fairbanks' signature split jump for the gala, appreciates the increased focus on BIPOC skaters.
"The FSH Gala celebrates Mabel and Atoy because they had such an important role in figure skating. The representation Mabel and Atoy showed and the support organizations like FSH provide is such a huge thing," Andrews said. "There aren't a lot of us [skaters of color], so now that support is growing, more doors are opening to get involved in the sport."
James hopes the annual FSH gala will serve as a reminder to the skating community and the world that Black Lives
Still Matter
. This past week, the country witnessed protests erupt again as after two young men of color, Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo, were shot and killed by police.
"Black Lives Matter isn't just a moment -- it's a movement. We haven't forgotten this is important, needs to be continued, showcased and highlighted," James said. "BIPOC people have been doing a lot of work to be heard and sharing their experiences. But, it's not just up to us to make change. We need our allies to help us move forward and share our experiences."
While allyship can look different for each individual, supporting the Champions in Life Virtual Benefit Gala is one way to support BIPOC youth and learn about the excellence and history of Black figure skaters.
"If [Fairbanks] could see it, I think she would be very proud," James said. "[This performance] is a true representation of what Mabel engrained in her athletes."
The 2021 Champions in Life Virtual Benefit Gala will stream at 7 p.m. ET. An e-reception will take place at 6:45 p.m. ET. Registration is still open, as are sponsorship opportunities. Learn more here.
