Mankato, MN (October 3, 2024) – The Mankato Figure Skating Club is excited to announce its 50^th ice show: Cinderella, If the Skate Fits. This annual frozen experience will take place at All Seasons Arena in Mankato, the Club’s home rink, on April 4, 5, and 6 of 2025. The show is sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating association.

The Mankato Figure Skating Club’s Cinderella: If the Skate Fits promises to be an enchanting celebration of the club’s half-century legacy. This special performance will feature a creative retelling of the classic fairy tale, with skaters of all ages portraying beloved characters such as Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, and the mischievous stepsisters. The production will blend figure skating artistry, storytelling, and music, creating a magical atmosphere on ice that both showcases local talent and brings the community together.

The ice show is expected to draw a large audience across southern Minnesota, including past and present members, families, and supporters. The production will feature multiple skill levels, from the youngest beginners in the Basic Skills program to advanced skaters in the Senior Club, all coming together to make this anniversary show unforgettable.

“The annual ice show is a wonderful way for our skaters to show off their talents and hard work for the year,” says Debbie Radzak, a Mankato Figure Skating coach. “The show is a legacy of Mary Jane Blethen, a local figure skating enthusiast. In 1975, with the help of dedicated skaters and their parents, she organized the first local ice show, “Show Time at the Ice Palace,” iyo began a tradition that has continued for five decades.”

“Mrs. Blethen also helped establish the Mankato Ice Palace, now known as All Seasons Arena and, three years after the first ice show, she founded the Mankato Figure Skating Club,” says Sarah Otto, one of the current coaches and the Club’s first Cinderella, from the 1993 production.

“We are very excited for this show,” continues Otto, “and, even though it’s six months away, the Club is already geared up, with all hands on deck. Following the least year’s great success of our Little Mermaid on Ice, we have so much new energy in the Club. It’s great.”

Otto and Radzak have each been involved with 40 ice shows. “As a coach and a parent, with my daughters Jessica and Rebecca, I have always been so amazed at the dedication—on and off the ice—that our skaters put towards this showcase. They are always very excited to perform for their community,” said Radzak.

Coaches Emily Christenson and Hannah Barnlund also bring a wealth of experience to this production, having participated in numerous ice shows in both skater and coaching roles. Christenson’s ice show debut was in an iteration of Cinderella in 2001. Barnlund started performing at just three years old and will be celebrating her 28^th ice show next spring.

To commemorate this big milestone, the Mankato Figure Skating Club is looking to connect with its alumni. If you have skated with the Club, please reach out—this is the perfect year to reconnect!

To stay up-to-date with the 50^th annual ice show or to learn more about the Mankato Figure Skating Club, visit their website at mankatofigureskatingclub.org/ice-show.

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About the Mankato Figure Skating Club
Founded in 1978, the Mankato Figure Skating Club (MFSC) is devoted to encouraging the instruction, practice, and the advancement of figure skating. MFSC’s mission is to develop the potential of each club member.

MFSC offers a full range of skating instruction, from learning the first moves on the ice to competition and testing. We skate year-round at All Seasons Arena in Mankato and welcome skaters of all ages and abilities, starting at three years old. Our skaters can join the Basic Skills program, Senior Club, and take individual or group adult lessons.

The Club has been a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 1988. MFSC is a member of the U.S. Figure Skating (USFS), the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States. This allows MFSC members to take standardized tests governed by the USFS and to participate in sanctioned competitions and other skating events.

The Mankato Figure Skating Club has been the staple of ice skating in Greater Mankato thanks to our dedicated members, as well as the unwavering support of our community.