General Information

There is no formal standard of ice skating required to join but a reasonable proficiency in the basics, i.e. forward and backward skating, various stops (hockey, show/overstop) and turns (three turns, mohawk, etc) are expected.

There is no lower age limit and provided a skater is tall enough so as not to look out of place with the rest of the team, they can join as a junior member. There is no upper age limit either.

The team is run as closely as possible to that of a professional show, so as to give the girls an insight as to how a professional show is run in terms of rehearsal, costume, make-up etc. as opposed to competitive skating.

The team rehearses once a week at the Blackpool Ice Arena. Rehearsals consist of a one hour training session on the small ice pad (Arosa) for the junior members of the team followed by an hour on the main ice pad for all team members.

Baton training is provided by a qualified baton twirling instructor.

On-Ice choreography and music is provided by John ably assisted by his two daughters who are both professional show skaters (when they are home).

John is a local amateur skater with many years experience as an ice-dancer (Silver Medallist), skating competitor, and judge. For many years he was an Ice Dance and Figure Test Organiser for the sport’s governing body, NISA, at Blackburn Arena and has organised skating competitions, Galas and amateur ice shows, at Blackpool, Blackburn, and Birmingham.

Parental participation is much encouraged and provides team support by way of fund raising, assistance at venues during exhibitions and many other important jobs which need to be addressed to provide a “well oiled machine”. An informal Committee, which is made up of parents, includes a Team Treasurer, Fund Raisers, and Secretary.

Team costumes are designed and made by John’s wife, Pauline. A full set of costumes are provided for each number. Each set is designed to reflect the character of the number and is tailored to suit each member of the team. Pauline has many years experience both in dressmaking and ice skating costume design and designed and produced costumes for the Blackpool children’s Christmas Show for approximately 10 years.

We also occasionally hold social evenings at a local restaurant for team members, their friends and family.

The girls are the only dedicated Baton Twirling On Ice team in the country, and to the best of our knowledge the only team in the world.