Ribbon reads "Skate Reflections Winter Extravaganza
Kissimmee, FL ~ 2008"

What a beautiful gift of appreciation. For those of you who have never been to Skate Reflections, it is one of the nicest rinks Mrs B has skated. The skaters are a great group. Most of them go out of their way to be kind. Although, the adult sessions are more for the artistic Reflection skaters, they welcome other skating styles with open arms. Courtesy is a must for the host skaters and that level of courtesy is returned by the visiting skaters.

It was a culture shock the first time Mrs B visited Skate Reflections. However, visiting a "shuffle" session in a home rink was almost mind blowing. Having skated almost all of her life at The Oaks where session and "polished" skaters shared the floor during each session, the idea of a whole floor of skaters doing the same step was definitely eye - opening.

The level of skating skill at Skate Reflections is amazing. If understood correctly, the majority of skaters take classes and enjoy themself. Retired as well as active competitive skaters "let their hair down" and have a good time. Their skill level is so high, they can work their dances around other skaters.

Extravaganza brings different skating worlds together. Its amazing to watch a "dance set" or "shuffle" number during this event. Due to an unexpected cancellation of the Cruise, skaters had an opportunity to mingle at a dinner / dance held at The Orlando Elks.

The styles are so very different yet all seem to share the floor. Old fashioned courtesy is the priority. Many of the "shuffle" group include competitive artistic skaters with several National Champions and, at least, one skater who went to World's in 2007.

Extravaganza this year was missing a key ingredient, Nick Viscuso (house organist), during most of this event. However, he did create the music schedule and was very careful to ensure artistic and shuffle skating styles had an equal amount of music and skating time.

A test 5-hour session was split giving the shuffle and fun skaters 2 1/2 hours of their music style followed by 2 1/2 hours devoted to skate dance music. All skaters were welcome to come to each of these sessions; however, during the shuffle time, dance skating was not done and visa versa. Most interesting is that skaters from both styles preferred to have a mixed session rather than special sessions.

Bob Dalton, of the Skate Reflections coaching staff, was at the sessions and seemed to be enjoying himself. It is very difficult for coaches to skate sessions as students oftentimes will ask for help. Bob is very gracious. His teaching style is more of the old conservative school. He and Ron Jellse made a great team. Ron knew how to win events and Bob was strong on fundamentals. Between them, many skaters were able to participate at the National level. Since Ron's passing, Nancy Jellse and Bob continue to produce champions at all levels.

Per usual, there were glitches in the program. These were noted and an effort is being made to eliminate them for next year. All who attended the Dinner / Dance (with live music by Nick Viscuso) had such a great time it will probably become a yearly event.

Thanks has to be given to Skate Reflections staff, the musicians who travel at their own expense and donate their talents, volunteers who helped with mailings and flyer design and, most of all, the owners of Skate Reflections as without their support this style of skating would no longer exist.

Skate dancing as it is known today started around 1938. Robert Bollinger was on the original skate dance committee. He never passed a dance test (although Mrs B did teach him the Glide Waltz and steps of Progressive Tango when he was in his late 80's) yet, throughout his connection with the skating world, he was a strong support for artistic skating and understood the need of fun skating enjoyed by the session skaters.

What other form of skating can people do from the earliest years of their life through the "golden" years. Robert, also, understood the skating business depended on repeat customers so resisted changing to disco knowing it was a passing fad. He refused to lower The Oaks to compete with other entities offering that same style of music.

Understanding music changes from generation to generation, Robert chose to keep the WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ playing at The Oaks as organ music seems to transcent time.

Mark your calendar to check for Extravaganza 2009 dates that should be announced in September 2008. Look forward to seeing you in 2009.

updated: 03/13/2008