With temperatures in the 20s around Central Otago on Friday (August 5), the Alexandra Ice Skating Club was wondering if its annual ice show would go ahead.

But on Saturday night, in the calm between two storms, more than 50 ice skaters - ranging in ages from four to 18, took to the ice and performed another outstanding show for the town.

Development group skaters perform the opening sequence of the Winter Wonderland ice show to ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’

The club’s Kiwiskate and school’s skating instructor Rebecca Cowley choreographed the entire ‘Winter Wonderland’ show, but when she was hit with Covid-19, she resorted to drawing the plans and sequences from her bedside.

Fourteen-year-old competitive figure skaters Maia Smith and Jessica Coleman then stepped in, and taught all of the various groups their routines on the ice, while Rebecca recovered in isolation. 

The season hadn’t already been without its difficulties - afternoon temperatures in late May also disrupted the ice conditions, and the scheduling of some practices.

By Friday night a massive downpour and high winds forced the cancellation of the ‘Winter Wonderland’s dress rehearsal - and the show itself looked like a goner. 

But Saturday’s conditions couldn’t have been more perfect.  

The scene is set for the Alexandra Ice Skating Club’s annual Ice Show. 

“It was beautiful,” Rebecca said. “We were so ahead of time and had people here at 10am helping instead of 4pm at the last minute.

“It went so swimmingly and we didn’t have a swimming pool to skate on,” she said, recalling the 3-4cm of water on the ice rink on Friday night and Saturday morning.

The backdrop of the winter wonderland was held down with curling stones, to add extra weight, and to ensure it didn’t disappear into the crowd from the high winds.

And as with past ice shows, which are a huge tradition in Alexandra, the spectators around the rink were packed two people deep with family, friends and the community.

It will be back again next year, rain, hail, snow or shine - because the show must go on. 

PHOTOS: The Central App