Miss NBC's Airing of Skate for the Heart? Not to Worry

If you are like me, being one of the unfortunate few individuals left on this planet without Tivo or some other new-fangled technological contrivance to record TV programs directly for your future viewing pleasures (I'd say we're a dying breed, along with people without Facebook accounts and people with Myspace accounts), you may have missed the NBC airing of Cold-EEZE Skate for the Heart last month. If you were one of the lucky locals or die-hard skating fans that traveled to see the live show on October 10, 2010, at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, you can tap into your personal cherished memory bank and hit "replay" again and again.

If not, and you have resorted to cursing your respective deity or deities or just cursing; fear not. You have one more shot to view this amazing Disson Skating production that brings together skating champions and music powerhouses for an unforgettable show linking the passion and excitement we all experienced during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, with the important message of living a healthy life while raising awareness of heart disease.

Featured in this show is 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist Joannie Rochette, who won over the hearts of her home nation of Canada and millions more who watched her perform at the Winter Games in Vancouver. Her beautiful and emotional performance, shortly after her mother's untimely passing due to a heart attack, was one of the standout moments of the Winter Games and earned Rochette a 2010 ESPY nomination. Rochette joins an outstanding line-up of skaters for "Cold-EEZE Skate for the Heart" airing on the Hallmark Channel Tuesday, February 8th, 2011.

Special music guests include ATCO/ Atlantic recording group Straight No Chaser, performing eight of their hits. Founded at Indiana University in the fall of 1996, Straight No Chaser’s goal was to expand the boundaries of the traditional college acappella group. Fueled by appearances on the Today show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN Headline News and two PBS specials, the group's 2008 release spent fourteen days in the number one slot on Amazon and five days in the top slot overall on Itunes. But, original member Randy Stine comments, “We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously.” American Idol season two winner and Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ruben Studdard and American Idol season seven Runner-up David Archuleta will each perform two of their hits in “Cold-EEZE Skate for the Heart.”


Show: Cold-EEZE Skate for the Heart

Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm EST

Place: Hallmark Channel (check your local listings for channel information)

Skaters:
Ryan Bradley 2011 U.S. National Champion

Joannie Rochette 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist
Six-time Canada National Champion

Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists
Five-time U.S. National Dance Champions

Sasha Cohen 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist
Two-time World Silver Medalist

Rachael Flatt 2010 U.S. National Champion
2010 Winter Olympian

Jeremy Abbott Two-time U.S. National Champion
2010 Winter Olympian

Johnny Weir Three-time U.S. National Champion
Two-time Winter Olympian

Caydee Denney &Jeremy Barrett 2011 U.S. National Pairs Silver Medalists
2010 U.S. National Pairs Champions



Musical Guest Stars:
David Archuleta
Ruben Studdard
Straight No Chaser

National Charity:
American Heart Association

"Skate for the Heart": airing on NBC Today

With the start of a new year one can expect the inevitable deluge of T.V. events including new seasons of major network and cable series and the viewership-hording NFL Division Playoffs leading to the Conference Championships and the grand finale of the Super Bowl. The world of figure skating is no stranger to this magical time of year, with the airing of various skating- entertainment productions.

For figure skating fans one of the most successful productions airs this afternoon (Sunday, January 16) on NBC at 4pm Eastern Standard Time (check your local listings). Disson Skating presents “Cold-EEZe Skate for the Heart” which brings together top National, World and Olympic figure skaters, displaying their artistic vision and athletic prowess to live music performances by American Idol alumni and critically acclaimed recording artists Straight No Chaser, to garner attention for living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Figure skating fans that are also football aficionados will have to make some tough viewership decisions, as the second round of Division Playoffs occurs at 4:30pm Eastern Standard Time on CBS with the New York Jets facing off against the New England Patriots. But perhaps, this is exactly the reason the “recall/last channel” button on most T.V. remotes, Tivo and picture-in-picture capability were created; to assuage the double-life led by the elite few; the hardest of hardcore sports fans: the figure skating /NFL connoisseurs.

“Skate for the Heart” includes ATCO/ Atlantic recording group Straight No Chaser performing eight of their hits live with a cast of champion figure skaters including numbers from their new album “With a Twist.” Founded at Indiana University in the fall of 1996, Straight No Chaser’s goal was to expand the boundaries of the traditional college acappella group. Fueled by appearances on the Today show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN Headline News and two PBS specials, the group's 2008 release spent fourteen days in the number one slot on Amazon and five days in the top slot overall on Itunes. But, original member Randy Stine comments, “We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously.” In addition, American Idol season two winner and Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ruben Studdard and American Idol season seven Runner-up David Archuleta will each perform two of their hits for the show.

Skating cast members include 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist and six-time National Champion (CAN) Joannie Rochette, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists and five-time U.S. Champions Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist and two-time World Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, 2010 U.S. Champion and 2010 Winter Olympian Rachael Flatt, two-time U.S. Champion and 2010 Winter Olympian Jeremy Abbott, three-time U.S. Champion and two-time Winter Olympian Johnny Weir 2010 U.S. Champions and 2010 Winter Olympians Caydee Denney & Jeremy Barrett and 2007 U.S. Silver Medalist Ryan Bradley.

For more information on other Disson shows visit DissonSkating.com

Downtown Denver ice skating:

Robert Putnam's 2000 book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community bleakly notes the decline in levels of national civic engagement since the end of World War II. This is argued to be linked with dwindling supplies of social capital, which the author defines as “social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them". This dismal conclusion is supported through the existence of a stark drop in membership rates for community groups, unions, professional associations and of course, bowling leagues as alluded to in the book's title. Furthermore the generational nature of this disturbing phenomena is put forward by Putnam as “each generation that has reached adulthood since the 1950s has been less engaged in community affairs than its immediate predecessor.”

With the current economic downturn, continued discussions of the detrimental effects of climate change, peak oil and repercussions of our global population reaching seven billion people, the likelihood of changing this trend of declining social capital seems unlikely. But there may be hope from the unlikeliest of sources: figure skating. But more importantly, figure skating's existence at community ice rinks which may act to reverse this social capital decline, becoming one of the last bastions of cross-generational social capital creation.

Walking by community ice skating rinks, whether on the grand scale of Rockefeller Center in New York City, or the tiny-by-comparison community rink in Old Town, Fort Collins, one witnesses a kind of disengagement from much of the existing political and economic woes of recent times and a shift from self-isolating proclivities including avoiding eye contact with strangers and perpetual and self-contained hermitage through iPod or iPhone. People at these rinks are laughing and engaging one another and generally seem happy to do so. Additionally the generational gap decried by Putnam is more often than not overcome as the ice is shared by an array of people from families with young children, to university students, to the young at heart.

Denver once again has this frozen community meeting ground after a long absence. The first skating rink in downtown Denver opened in Zeckendorf Plaza at 16th and Court in 1957 and was followed by the first Skyline Park ice rink in 2001 which closed abruptly for the park's remodeling.The return of the Skyline rink located next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower is thanks to the efforts of Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership. The grand opening of the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park occurred on November 26, 2010 with Southwest's Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach, Linda Rutherford stating, "Southwest's partnership with the Downtown Denver Partnership has given us the opportunity to provide Denver residents with something they have been requesting for a long time. The rink is a unique way for us to make a positive contribution in the Denver community, and we're excited to interact with our customers where they work and live."

As the inaugural season of the new rink winds down (the last day is Sunday, January 30th) and the second installment of much needed snow begins falling across the front range into tomorrow (Monday, January 10), community members should take advantage of this economically friendly activity that will for a limited time afford a beautiful winter view of downtown Denver while helping reinvigorate a sense of community in the mile high city.The rink is located at 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver (1611 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80202). Admission is free if you bring your own skates and rentals are cheap at $2. For those seeking a little more adrenaline and excitement in their on-ice community building efforts, broomball competitions are another option with registration proceeds benefitting Volunteers of America and the Parade of Lights. The rink's hours of operation are: 
Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm, Monday through Wednesday
 12pm-7pm and Thursday and Friday
12pm- 9pm.
Some final upcoming events include “Date Night” Saturday, January 15th and 29th (7-9pm), with an evening consisting of dinner, music from Queen City Jazz Band, treats and ice skating, as well as “Kids Learn to Skate” clinics the mornings of Saturday January 15th, 22nd and the 29th. For more information, visit downtowndenver.com.

Perhaps Putnam was wrong, or maybe he just needs to take up a new winter hobby. In any case, Denver residents have a limited time to take up some local on-ice community building this winter season.

From Examiner.com

Major Announcement for NBC Skating Series

A major announcement just occurred yesterday for the NBC figure skating series (produced by Disson Skating). See the official release below.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2010



PANDORA SIGNS AS UMBRELLA SPONSOR FOR NBC'S SKATING ENTERTAINMENT SERIES


THE SEVEN ORIGINAL SKATING SPECIALS MAKING UP THE “PANDORA NBC SKATING SERIES” WILL AIR BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21, 2010 AND FEBRUARY 19, 2011 ON NBC


As a world leader in the jewelry industry, Pandora's commitment to excellence and growing global status is undeniable. With US national headquarters in Columbia, MD and worldwide headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora manufactures and markets hand-finished modern jewelry at affordable prices with their product sold in over fifty countries on six continents. Joining as the umbrella sponsor for NBC's skating entertainment series, Pandora now partners with one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, NBC Universal, and the premiere figure skating production company Disson Skating, which has produced these made-for-television entertainment specials on NBC for the past twenty-one years.


The series of seven original two-hour skating entertainment specials each feature celebrity guest entertainers and top Olympic, World, and National skaters including special music guests Foreigner, Mannheim Steamroller, America, Heart, Lonestar, American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard, American Idol Finalist David Archuleta and Straight No Chaser (America’s #1 men’s acapella group), as well as the internationally acclaimed performance company, Riverdance.


Additionally, Pandora is the Title Sponsor of Disson Skating's holiday special "Pandora's Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice", airing this Sunday, November 28 from 4:00 to 6:00pm EST. The show features Mannheim Steamroller performing the entire show live and stars Olympic Gold Medalists Brian Boitano, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Ilia Kulik.

Pandora has recently started national TV advertising in the United States, using the “Pandora NBC Skating Series” to help launch its U.S. advertising campaign. As the Title Sponsor of the Pandora NBC Skating Series, the company will be receiving television commercials, name-entitled vignettes featuring the star skaters and skating hosts, and featured in-show segments and billboards on each of these seven NBC national telecasts, as well as similar exposure in the fourteen national rebroadcasts of the shows on The Hallmark Channel scheduled between December 24, 2010 and March 21, 2011. Furthermore, Pandora will be actively promoting the Pandora NBC Skating Series through videos and counter cards at Pandora retail locations around the country and online.


Angel Ilagan, Chief Marketing Officer, North America of PANDORA notes their excitement in partnering with NBC and Disson Skating as the umbrella sponsor for the Pandora NBC Skating Series saying, "Pandora is thrilled to be partnering with NBC Universal to sponsor this series of skating specials. The artistry of figure skating and the skill and craftsmanship behind our jewelry are a natural fit. Both take years of practice to perfect, and both focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. And with these specials being broadcast on NBC we’re confident that we’re going to reach millions of skating fans, young and old.”


Stephen Disson, President and founder of Disson Skating further exudes the enthusiasm of creating such a partnership stating, "Disson Skating is thrilled to have Pandora, one of the fastest growing and most exciting jewelry companies in America, as our first-ever Umbrella sponsor of our NBC Skating Series. We are committed to building the Pandora NBC Skating Series into an important equity brand for Pandora."


About PANDORA

PANDORA, a global Danish brand, has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. PANDORA’s affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with handset precious gemstones. The perfect gift for any occasion, PANDORA jewelry is available in PANDORA retail stores and authorized dealers worldwide. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jeweler, please visit PANDORA.net.

Check www.dissonskating.com for more information on the “Pandora NBC Skating Series” or contact

Matt Luizza, LPC Publicity, (970) 402-7276, mluizza@lpcpublicity.com

Lynn Plage, LPC Publicity, (303) 716-9500, lplage@lpcpublicity.com




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Get Ready! Smucker's Stars on Ice 2011 Tour is Coming!

Smucker's Stars on Ice 2011 tour is almost here. We'll be posting blogs, pics and video links from the road as the tour kicks off in Lake Placid, New York on November 27th (next week).

For this 25th anniversary show, Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek and Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen will be joined by a stellar cast of world-renowned athletes, including Olympic Gold Medalists Jamie Salé & David Pelletier (Canada); Four-Time World Champion & Four-Time Canadian National Champion Kurt Browning; Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva (Russia); World Champion and Six-Time U.S. Champion Todd Eldredge; Olympic Silver Medalists Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto and more!

In the meantime, keep up-to-date by visiting www.starsonice.com for more information as well as exciting show announcements and join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/officialstarsonice: and follow the official SSOI Twitter: @starsonice, www.twitter.com/starsonice.

NBC TUNE IN ALERT! (CHRISTMAS DAY)


VOTE FOR THE MOST IMPROV-ED SKATER ON NBCOLYMPICS.COM


What: In the sports and music world, often the greatest moments in history are the least expected or prepared for Amway Global Improv Ice, takes this idea to an exciting level with top figure skating champions putting their creativity and athletic prowess to the ultimate test of performance under pressure, in an off-the-cuff show where viewers and the live audience help pick the most innovative routines backed by the live music of one of the biggest popular rock bands of the past two decades, the Goo Goo Dolls. Hosted by Olympic Champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi and featuring an all-star cast of Olympic, World and National Champion skaters including 2009 World Champion and newly crowned Grand Prix Champion Evan Lysacek, who is one of the most consistent medal winners on the international scene and favored to be on the podium at the 2010 Winter Games held in Vancouver. Viewers can go to nbcolympics.com and vote for the skater that they thought improv-ed the best. The results will be reveled during Musselman's Presents Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular on New Year's Day.


When: Friday, December 25, 2009

Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST

Where: NBC (check your local listing for channel information)

Cast: Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Jeffrey Buttle, Kurt Browning, Evan Lysacek, Michael Weiss, Joannie Rochette and Shae-Lynn Bourne.

Musical Guest Stars: Goo Goo Dolls

TV Hosts: Kristi Yamaguchi & Brian Boitano


Check www.dissonskating.com for more information.

Not Just a Pretty Face: Tanith Belbin. Accomplished Woman is Fast-Paced World.

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Sadly, the dynamic Ice Dancing duo Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto were forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix Figure Skating Finals in Tokyo, Japan December 3rd-6th due to Tanith having an infected wisdom tooth. Last year the couple had to withdraw due to partner Ben Agosto sustaining a back injury. Doctor’s orders won’t allow Tanith to do physically strenuous activity for a week after surgery. So skating is out, as well as roller-derby, base jumping and competitive eating (pretty much all the fun things in life). But do not fret; the couple will be back in action for the U.S. Championships in January and they are still favored to represent the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. All we need is The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to sponsor the U.S. Figure Skating team to one-up Stephen Colbert’s support of the U.S. Speed Skating team. I can see it now…”Team Colbert…Team Stewart…Showdown on the ice!” We give the TV hosts/New Head Coaches oversized sweatshirts and whistles and have them do their respective shows from the ice. Let the insanity and hilarity ensue!

Back to Tanith…The 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2009 World Championship Silver Medalist, 2009 World Team Trophy Gold Medalist and recently single goddess of the ice (her ex-boyfriend is 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek), currently graces the December cover of Men’s Health Magazine, giving insight to readers on how to “Woo” a tech-loving lady such as herself. As international and Olympic sports guru Phil Hersh recently noted in his Chicago Tribune blog it’s that time of year with the “Surest sign the Olympics are approaching: an attractive U.S. female athlete pictured in a state of undress for a magazine.”

Men’s Health calls Tanith the “Hottest Olympic Athlete” and she was given the title of “Hottest Female Athlete” in 2006 by ESPN.com. But Tanith is not just another pretty face. With skating partner (and rockstar) Ben Agosto she is a five-time U.S. Champion, three-time Four-Continents Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist (to name a few) and is favored to medal at the 2010 Winter Games. And to top that off she’s a correspondent for NBC (When she’s not winning medals, she’s a journalist.) Born July 11, 1984 in Kingston, Ontario the 25 year old naturalized U.S. citizen holds dual-citizenship so this Winter Olympic season could mean a little extra to her and may even be slightly confusing as she represents her “home country” in her “birth country.” Can she hold both flags on the podium and trade off lines from each national anthem?
Tanith is also a philanthropist like many of her fellow figure skaters, serving on the board of Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), a youth fitness and education program that provides girls ages 6-18 in the Harlem community with vital educational and skating opportunities. She helped create a fundraising ice show, “Tanith & Ben: Home for the Holidays” to raise money for the American Cancer Society and in 2005, created an ice show, “Skate-Aid” which raised over $40,000 for the Red Cross tsunami relief fund.

Tanith on Tanith: “Although I am part of a team, I would like to demonstrate my individuality as a strong and accomplished young woman with endless ambition. I have so many more goals I'd like to achieve outside of my sport and I'd like to serve as a role model for young girls who are looking to find their way and establish themselves as individuals in their own right while developing the confidence necessary to reach any dream they can imagine. I want to encourage the minds of young people to be without limitations.” Keep doing what you do Tanith and maybe take a vacation sometime :)

Also, don’t miss the encore presentation of the following spectacular Disson Skating productions January 3rd through February 14th, 2010 on the Hallmark Channel.

Disson Skating presents the top figure skating talent including former Olympic Champions, 2010 Winter Olympic Contenders, World and National Champions, for a series of unforgettable productions that mixes athletic prowess and grace with the hottest live music acts spanning the iconic classics to the newest breakout artists of the music scene.

Amway Global Presents Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice: (St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa. FL). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring the music of iconic R&B/Soul singer, songwriter and producer Smokey Robinson and starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 1996 World Champion and Six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge, 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist and 2008 World Champion Jeffrey Buttle and more!

Kristi Yamaguchi and Friends: Starring the Backstreet Boys: (US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 1:00am EST/PST. Starring 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, Olympic Hall-of-Famer and Dancing with the Stars Season Six Champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva, Three-time U.S. National Champion Michael Weiss and more!

Scotch Brand Holiday Celebration on Ice: (Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR). Hallmark Channel Airdates: Monday, Jan. 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, Jan. 20, 2009 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring live performances by legendary rock bands REO Speedwagon & Rick Springfield. Starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 2008 World Champion and 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist Jeffrey Buttle, Two-time World Silver Medalist Ice Dancing Champions Marie-France Dubreuil & Patrice Lauzon and more!

Amway Global Improv-Ice: (Honda Center, Anaheim, CA). Hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano. Hallmark Channel Airdates: Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring the live music of Grammy-nominated artists the Goo Goo Dolls and starring 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek, Four-time World Champion Kurt Browning and more!

Musselman’s Applesauce Presents Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular: (Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, CT). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring special live music guest Chicago and starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 2006 World Champion and 2007 National Champion Kimmie Meissner, 1994 World Champion and Two-time Japanese Champion Yuka Sato and more!

Progressive Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular: (Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Starring Three-time U.S. National Champion Michael Weiss, 1996 World Champion and Six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge, 2008 Olympic Individual All-Around Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic Balance Beam Gold Medalist, Individual All-Around Silver Medalist and Dancing with the Stars Season 8 winner Shawn Johnson and more!

Silk Skate for the Heart: (Sears Center Arena, Hoffman Estates, IL) Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring Reigning World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2009 Ice Dancing World Silver Medalists and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Ben Agosto & Tanith Belbin, with live performances from music stars Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society and KSM.

Check www.dissonskating.com for more information.

Happy Holidays!