Princeton University Figure Skating Club brings Broadway to the ice

On April 12 and 13, the Princeton University Skating Club presented their annual “Tigers on Ice” show. This year, the performance’s theme was “Broadway on Ice,” where the club showcased a series of performances accompanied by songs from various popular Broadway soundtracks. The theme led to a theatrical and playful display of skills, creating an entertaining atmosphere while demonstrating the mastery of the skaters.

The first piece was set to a mashup of Ruelle’s “War of Hearts” and “Game of Survival,” performed by the club’s specialized and award-winning Synchro team. The skaters performed an array of graceful movements, coming together in circles and doing a series of synchronized spins and jumps. The second piece, performed by Zachary Yaninek ’26, was accompanied by an AC/DC medley that served as an ode to “School of Rock.” Yaninek ’26 gave a remarkable performance, engaging the audience by bringing classical rock to the ice.

Following this rock performance, the show shifted to reflect the invigorating experience and excitement of attending a traditional Broadway performance. Selena Xiang ’27 gave a stellar skating performance to “El Tango de Roxanne” from Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge.” While Xiang’s skills were undoubtedly magnificent with flawless jumps and glides, her dramatic expressions truly captured the intensity of the song, giving the piece a theatrical feel.

“All I’ve Ever Known” from “Hadestown,” performed by Arlette Cojab ’24, was beautiful as well. Other notably emotional pieces included “Burn” from “Hamilton,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom of the Opera, “For Good” from “Wicked,” “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman,” and “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from “Sweeney Todd.” The costumes were also carefully chosen, creating a cohesive show to emphasize the theatrical Broadway theme. Melissa Woo ’24 sported a black costume that faded into red, creating an illusion of the flames in “Hamilton’s” “Burn.” Alongside Lana Utley ’24, Woo also performed a piece from Wicked, in which the two wore white and black to highlight the musical’s contrasting protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda.

The show featured two pieces from “Mamma Mia”: “Honey, Honey” and a medley of the musical’s soundtrack. Both performances were fun and lighthearted, matching the warm and chaotic spirit of the musical and movie that inspired the pieces.

The program also had a fair share of comedic and spirited pieces. The club’s president, Anne Xu ’26, performed a piece to a medley from the timeless musical “Annie.” She did a spectacular job of summarizing the musical’s story through the selection of music and lively choreography. Another “Hamilton” piece, “You’ll Be Back,” along with “Gaston” from “Beauty and the Beast” were particularly humorous pieces, generating lively laughter from the audience. Both pieces featured dancers in costumes that resembled 18th-century gentleman’s attire: white ruffled shirts and shortened pants. “Gaston” included a humorous ending, where one performer dramatically pushed the other onto the ice.

The seniors then presented a special piece to a “High School Musical” medley, which created a heartwarming and nostalgic feeling, causing audience members to sing along and cheer for the students’ final show.

The final piece was set to “The Greatest Show” from “The Greatest Showman.” The song’s title captured the entire afternoon’s showcase. It was the perfect ending as the skaters transformed the ice rink into their own Broadway stage and left the audience with a performance to remember.