Figure skaters have to train to an expert level and exceed the standards in the sport before being able to perform successfully. Junior Kate Wilson’s experience in the sport allows her to fully embrace her talent and showcase her skills in figure skating performances. As a performer of twelve years, her ability to succeed on the ice prevails over others.
Wilson is an expert figure skater who embraces the sport through performances with The Coyotes Community Ice Center. Wilson’s performance skills have built off of her twelve years of figure skating, in which time she’s been able to go on trips across the country and perform in on-ice renditions of popular movies and shows. Most recently, Wilson was able to go on a trip to Chicago where she showcased her skating skills.
According to Wilson, the biggest part of training for ice skating is perseverance, “I think it [ice skating] can be hard at times because it’s a really mental sport. You fall a lot, but it helps build determination and patience.” Her practices are typically up to five hours long and more than four times each week. She emphasized that it can be hard to keep up with everything in the sport and it’s easy for her to get burnt out.
Wilson also shared, “I think figure skating is an underappreciated sport but it’s actually really fun. I love skating so much. My favourite part is getting ready for performances and the feeling of first getting on the ice.” The adrenaline rush of first getting on the ice is similar to any other sport, giving Wilson the final burst of energy needed to perform her best.
The Coyotes Community Ice Center has done performances of ‘The Little Mermaid’ where Wilson played Scuttle, and ‘Peter Pan’ where she played Wendy. Both roles allowed Wilson to showcase her skills. On April 12th, Wilson’s performance company will be performing an on-ice version of ‘The Lion King,’ called ‘The King.’ Wilson explained, “It’s like Disney on Ice, but less professional.” The show features the popular story of Simba’s life and his rivalry with his uncle, Scar. Wilson also shared that in the show she’ll be playing the role of Pumba. Wilson uses figure skating as a way to express herself and is excited for where it will take her.
