Above: Photo credit KrPhotogs Photography.
The stage is set for 2024 National Showcase with nearly 600 athletes ready to compete Aug. 5-10 in San Jose, California.
Taking place at Sharks Ice, Peninsula Figure Skating Club will serve as host for the first time in the event’s history, bringing together skaters to compete in 13 different categories at the preliminary through masters levels: emotional performance, choreographic artistry, lyrical pop, character performance, comedic impressions, duet-trios, open inflatables, mini production ensemble, production ensemble and the theme event.
The theme event makes its debut at this year’s competition. Each year, the music category is chosen based on the host city. This year, in honor of National Showcase being contested in California, participants will skate to music made famous by pop stars.
Top finishers at each level from the six singles categories as well as the duet-trio category will earn their spot in one of six Parade of Champions: senior, junior, adult, founders (preliminary, pre-juvenile and juvenile), duet-trio and the theme event.
Of the five Parade of Champions events returning from last season, four of them will include the defending champion.
Ashlyn Olson will return to National Showcase to vie for her third consecutive senior Parade of Champions title with the goal of once again etching her name into the Richard Dwyer Trophy, which is ceremoniously awarded to the senior Parade of Champions victor.
Joining her as a returning champion is Ashlee Pantano. Pantano won the adult Parade of Champions event last year, and together, Olson and Pantano also took home gold in the duet-trio Parade of Champions event.
Coming back to defend her junior crown is Lexi Galuszka, who will compete for her second gold and third junior Parade of Champions podium finish overall.
Showcase is a figure skating program that blends artistry and theatricality with skating through props and costumes to give audiences memorable and entertaining performances.
To follow along with results from the 2024 National Showcase, click here. For more information about the event, including a full schedule, click here.
