The #WISDance is the annual World Ice Skating Day dance (WISD) choreography setting the tone of the WISD festivities globally that gets the WISD participants to groove to the #WISDance in tandem with the rest of the world. The idea is to create a feeling of commonality and togetherness amongst the WISD participants all over the world using the common dance hook. There is an element of competition also as the most creative #WISDance entries gets to win the coveted Best #WISDance contest.
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(#WISDance 2022 winners Ice Academy of Montreal © Ice Academy of Montreal)
Last year’s #WISDance was choregraphed by the Club des Patineurs Lausanne-Malley (SUI) who created a unique hook step moving their hands in the shape of ‘W’ ‘I’ ‘S’ and ‘D’ to hit song of the Black-Eyed Peas “Don’t you worry”. The Ice Academy of Montreal (IAM) delivered a fun rendition of the choreography performed by the club’s coaches, senior skaters, and local kids. In addition to receiving a cash prize of USD 3000, the IAM has also been given the opportunity to choreograph the 2023 #WISDance. The result is a very lively #WISDance choreography that even beginners can “skate a leg” and get moving on the “Ice Floor”. Created by IAM’s Choreographer Sam Chouinard, the dance is performed on Pink’s song “Never Gonna Not Dance Again” which, in his own words, is the perfect music for this day of Ice Skating festivities.
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(#WISDance 2023 choreography steps © Ice Academy of Montreal)
The Ice Academy of Montreal are no strangers to the ‘Ice Skating’ world renowned globally for producing some of the world’s best Ice Dancers over the years. I.AM sprung from the founding head coach's desire and passion to advance the sport of Ice Dance. I.AM's achievement in helping the sport's best become world champions is unparalleled. It is the premier training centre for excellence in Ice Dance. The founders' philosophy of always reaching for a higher aesthetic, wholistic development of the individual and a unique team approach to coaching guides the Academy today. Whether at world champion or developing level this proven method allows every skater to realize their fullest potential and say with confidence "I.AM at my best".
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(#WISDance 2023 choreography, an opportunity for WISD organizers to send us their version to win the Best #WISDance 2023 Award © Ice Academy of Montreal)
Some of the big names from the ‘Ice Dance’ and ‘Figure Skating’ world have some affiliations with I.AM. The most decorated figure skaters in history, Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir are affiliated with I.AM with Moir being the head coach of the I.AM, London Campus. Others include the French couple- Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron (Olympic and World Champions), Fournier-Beaudry/Sørensen, Lajoie/Lagha, Sales/Wamsteeker (some of the best active Canadian ice dancers), Madison Hubbell (Olympic medalist with Zach Donohue, now coach at I.AM, London Campus), Adrian Diaz (first Spanish Olympian Ice Dancer, Olympic diploma winner with Olivia Smart, now coach at I.AM London Campus), Marie- France Dubreuil& Patrice Lauzon, the Canadian pair who are 2 time world silver medalists also co-founded the Ice Academy of Montreal together with Romain Haguenauer.
(World Ice Skating Day 2022 @Ice Academy of Montreal © Ice Academy of Montreal)
So, what are you waiting for? Get your skates on and let’s do the #WISDance 23’!
