You think this is about ice skating?

Posted on 11/29/23 by Kate in A Note from Kate Borders

You know that smooth sound that the blade of the skate makes when it glides through the freshly smoothed ice? The sound itself has an arch. It begins with resistance that has a scratchiness when the skater pushes off the railing. Then the skates carve through the ice and begin to have a steady hum as the blades pick up inertia. Then there is a rhythm that emerges when the feet are crossing one another in long strides. And the song comes to its finale with the crunch of the ice collecting against the side of the blade as the skater twists to a stop.

OK, maybe that’s the melodic tale of a more accomplished skater. For others the song may be more like contemporary classical music with fits and starts, highs and lows, crashing into the last few measures – AKA the rink walls. Truly, the entire experience has an even broader soundtrack that accompanies it. There’s the sound of feet outside the rink crunching in the trodden snow. The music is being played to provide a festive and comforting holiday ambiance. Onlookers, parents, and friends reacted with well-placed gasps and cheers.

And the greatest sound of all…laughter. I think of most laughter as smiling out loud. People are smiling and laughing through their initial fears, laughing at their friends’ jokes, chuckling when they fall, and giggling when they achieve new skills. Every version of laughter is the making of a memory.

It begins Friday at 1:00 PM. The temperature should be in the mid 40’s and I’m optimistic that the rain will be a no-show. From that point on, the rink will be part of our holiday fabric through February 25th. There are many extras that you should take advantage of during the twelve-week season, like characters, carolers and comedians. You can get all the details here.

Spend your holidays in University Circle. Skate with us. Explore the institutions. Take holiday photos around the parks and street decorations. Buy subscriptions and memberships for people on your list (because an experience beats a sweater any day). But above all ~ smile, snicker, chuckle, giggle, chortle, even snort ~ and make memories in University Circle with the people you love.

It was never just about the ice skating. It’s about the joy.