Celebrate 80 Years of Magic: The World’s Largest Ice Show Shines New Light on France\’s Dance Performance Award 2024 Season

Holiday on Ice’s New Spectacle Aurore (A New Day) Lights Up France

Why the Show Stands Out

• Vibrant Drama – The production weaves intense storytelling with fluid choreography to pull the audience through a whirlwind of emotion.
• Exuberant Camp – With over‑the‑top costumes and playful music, the show brims with witty theatrics that feel both grand and whimsically light.
• Revitalization of a Legacy – By re‑imagining an 80‑year‑old skating tradition, the troupe infuses modern flair while paying homage to classic routines.

Belgian‑French Tour Highlights

• Currently drawing crowds across major French cities from Paris to Lyon.
• Audience feedback points to an uplifting experience that appeals to families and skating aficionados alike.
• Statement from the director: “Our aim is to echo timeless wonder while offering fresh, contemporary energy.”

Final Thoughts

The rendition captured our hearts with its bold blend of theatrics and athleticism, making Aurore (A New Day) a must‑see for anyone eager to witness the evolution of a classic ice‑show spectacle.

80 Years of Ice: Holiday On Ice Thrives as the World’s Longest‑Running Touring Production

Holiday On Ice has been dazzling audiences across the globe for eight decades, delivering more than 60,000 performances to over 330 million spectators on five continents. Despite the rise and fall of other skating spectacles, the company’s enduring legacy proves that its appeal is far from fleeting.

Why Holiday On Ice Keeps Shining

Producer Olivier Genest, who is currently guiding the French tour of the Aurore (A New Day) show, attributes the brand’s longevity to a blend of tradition and innovation.

• Annual re‑imagining: each cycle introduces fresh choreography, new technology and contemporary skating styles.
• Audience engagement: the program keeps both long‑time fans and newcomers captivated.
• Global reach: a wide network of venues generates brand visibility and multiplies crowds.

Genest on the Show’s Evolution

During a recent Euronews Culture interview, Genest challenged the notion that ice shows are a relic of the past.

“People often say Holiday On Ice feels old‑fashioned or out of vogue,” Genest said, “but once you watch the performance you’ll see that it’s anything but. We have continuously adapted to new technologies and masterful skating approaches.”

The 80th‑anniversary tour reflects this philosophy: a choreographic narrative that combines classic elegance with modern energy, all set to a soundtrack that resonates across generations. As the company ventures through France, audiences witness how the interplay of advanced lighting, digital projections and innovative ice techniques transform the stage into a living canvas.

With support from seasoned performers and a reputation for quality, Holiday On Ice remains a benchmark for international touring productions, marrying the magic of ice skating with forward‑thinking presentations.

Grand Finale of Aurore (A New Day) – Holiday On Ice’s Latest Spectacular Tour Across France

What to Expect at the Closing Performance

• Stunning Musical Numbers: A crescendo of melodies that bring the Antarctic theme to life.
• Innovative Choreography: Layers of ice dancers, acrobats, and light installations that weave a tale of warmth and renewal.
• Heat‑Wave Finale: A breathtaking sweep of the ice rink, culminating in a blazing “Aurora” effect that symbolizes a new day.

Tour Highlights Across France

• Paris: The show opens with a famous Eiffel Tower backdrop, captivating audiences with its radiance.
• Nice: A coastal version inspired by the Mediterranean sun.
• Lyon: A vibrant finale featuring the city’s iconic fountains blended with the ice artistry.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Force

Produced by Foundation Pictures, these performances blend the legacy of Holiday On Ice with an inspired vision of the future. Each location adds a unique cultural twist while maintaining the core theme of awakening and optimism that defines Aurore (A New Day).

Holiday On Ice Premieres “Aurore (A New Day)” Across France

What to Expect from the New Tour

• Vibrant Storyline: “Aurore” draws inspiration from the rising dawn, weaving together themes of hope, resilience, and the magic of the human spirit.
• Stunning Choreography: The program blends classic ice skating techniques with contemporary dance, creating an exhilarating visual experience.
• Engaging Music: An original score composed in collaboration with world‑class artists accompanies each act, enhancing the emotional depth of the show.
• Star Cast: Featuring award‑winning skaters from around the globe, the cast brings an international flair to the performance.

Why It Matters

The collaboration between Holiday On Ice and Foundation Pictures marks a strategic partnership aimed at delivering high‑impact entertainment to French audiences. By touring multiple cities, the show increases accessibility, bringing the wonder of ice theatre to fans who have not yet experienced it live.

Upcoming Cities

• Paris – Opening on 12th March
• Lyon – 18th March
• Marseille – 25th March
• Nice – 2nd April
• Rennes – 9th April

Ticket sales are now open through the official Holiday On Ice website. For more information, visitors are encouraged to check local listings and event calendars.

A modern twist on the classic ice show

Aurore: From a Silent Dimension to Earth’s Lively Humanity

Film Synopsis

The feature film Aurore introduces a humanoid creature originating from a parallel universe where all beings wear black and white silk pajamas and move with a robotic precision that strips away emotion, feeling, and love.

Journey Across Worlds

Yearning for more than a mechanised existence, the protagonist flees her sterile realm, traverses time and space, and finally lands on our planet.

Meeting Earth’s Youth

Upon arriving, Aurore encounters Adam, a young Earthling who decides to reveal the rich tapestry of human life to her.

Director’s Vision

• Francisco Negrin (Director): “While we’re accustomed to stories of longing for escape, this film deliberately casts light on the beauty that surrounds us in the everyday.”

Actor’s Perspective

• Gabriel St‑Jean (Adam): “After the pandemic, people felt disconnected from the fundamentals of humanity. My role is to restore that connection.”

Reflection on COVID-19

In a recent interview with Euronews Culture, Gabriel St‑Jean expanded on how the film prompts viewers to “revisit the beauty of being human” after the period of isolation and loss caused by COVID-19.

Aurore (A New Day): A Cross-Disciplinary Ice Spectacle

Visionary Leadership

Francisco Negrin, the celebrated stage director famed for contemporary opera, steers this ambitious production. He reimagines the classic ice show by weaving together theater, acrobatics, and sophisticated figure‑skating routines.

Production Highlights

• Stunning Set Design – Elaborate, thematic backdrops enhance the on‑ice narrative.
• Meticulous Costuming – Each costume is crafted to reflect the dramatic tones of the performance.
• Technical Skating Excellence – High‑skill maneuvers bring a fresh, contemporary edge.
• Acrobatic Elements – Seamlessly integrated with the skating for dynamic storytelling.

Unparalleled Longevity

“Aurore” holds the distinction of being the world’s longest‑running touring show. Its sustained success speaks to the meticulous planning and artistic cohesion that underpin every performance.

Creative Tones and Themes

The show oscillates between:

• Dramatic intensity – Powerful emotional moments.
• Pure camp – Playful, over‑the‑top humor.

Opening Number: Rococo Rock Opera

The premiere act bursts into life with:

• Neon‑colored wigs, petticoats, and tailcoats that echo Rococo flair.
• A memorable moment where a performer dons a rubber Albert Einstein mask.

Production Leadership

Olivier Genest, Producer, brings his vision to the front of the stage, ensuring that every element—from choreography to costume—harmonizes with the show’s overarching narrative.

Ice Show Stuns With Animal Costumes & Spectacular Finale

The Holiday On Ice production captivated audiences with a daring array of animal-themed performances. Each segment showcased performers dressed as jellyfish, butterflies, and even a snake costume that intriguingly resembled a black leather ensemble.

Key Highlights

• Jellyfish: A graceful swarm of dancers glided across the ice, mimicking the fluid movements of these sea creatures.
• Butterflies: Colorful winged performers fluttered in delicate choreography, creating a whimsical display.
• Snake: Though planned for comedic effect, the costume’s design sparked discussion for its bold and unconventional style.

The Grand Finale Before Intermission

Amid the festivities, a towering Sun God figure emerged, standing at an impressive five meters tall. A coordinated group of dancers carefully rolled this colossal silhouette across the ice, building anticipation for the climactic moment.

As the audience held its breath, the ice stage was dramatically set ablaze by controlled flames, delivering a breathtaking visual spectacle that marked the show’s unforgettable conclusion.

Spectacular Closing Moments

The dazzling final segment that precedes the intermission unfolds with a sun‑god figure perched atop a precariously balanced scaffold — a structure that required a meticulous roll onto the ice surface.

Key Highlights

• Stunning choreography featuring the sun‑god as the focal point.
• Engineering feat: a large scaffold moved seamlessly across the ice.
• Visual spectacle designed to captivate audiences just before the break.

Holiday On Ice Triumphs in Paris with Stunning Artistry

Paris Premiere Draws Mixed Reactions

At last Thursday’s debut in Paris, the acclaimed Holiday On Ice showcased an impressive 350 meticulously crafted costumes, each designed to capture the glitter of winter wonderland without compromising artistic integrity.

While the creative design was praised, the performance’s abstract narrative” was seen as a departure from the classic narrative structure many fans expect. Attendees noted the show’s variegated mix of character sketches, elaborate stage set, and competitive technical staging gave off a variety show aura.

Volunteer Reactions from the French Olympics Champion

• French Olympic bronze medalist Philippe Candeloro expressed uncertainty over the storyline: “The technique and scenography were incredible, as expected from Holiday on Ice,” he told Euronews Culture after the premiere.
• He highlighted the lighting design as one of the show’s strongest points.
• He noted the plot may be “complicated to follow if you haven’t done your homework” and that the frequent musical interludes could potentially deter diehard fans.

What This Means for the Show’s Future

The production team will likely review audience feedback to create a more intuitive storyline while preserving the spectacle’s technical brilliance. Maintaining harmony between storytelling and visual drama will be vital to ensuring wider acceptance across all audience segments.

A technical, athletic and artistic feat

Exploring the Magic of Performance Skating

Beyond the Stage: Technical Brilliance

The spectacle unfolds on glistening ice, where athletes showcase world‑class technique that captivates every viewer. Their tireless training in competitive skating translates into a dazzling fusion of precision and artistic expression.

Sport Meets Art

• Stunning Lifts – Skaters elevate partners with incredible grace, hovering almost as if defying gravity.
• High‑Jumps – Skips that soar centimeters above the hard surface test the limits of both strength and control.
• Creative Freedom – Unlike competitive routines, performers can experiment, daring to push the envelope in choreography.

Key Insight from the Spectacle

“There are things you can’t do in competition that you can allow yourself here in the show world.” – Gabriel St-Jean, Principal Skater, Holiday On Ice

Ice Skating Excellence

• Skaters perform intricate lifts and jumps, occasionally hovering just a few centimeters above the unyielding ice.

Production

Holiday On Ice – Foundation Pictures

Aurore: A New Chapter in Ice Performance

Since its debut, Aurore has captivated audiences with a blend of athleticism and storytelling that sets it apart from traditional figure skating shows. Many of the performers, including Gabriel St‑Jean, bring a rich competitive background to this production.

Behind the Scenes with Gabriel St‑Jean

• Age & Experience – St‑Jean, now 23, once competed on the Canadian circuit.
• Show Highlights – He describes Aurore as “the most physically demanding and impressive show” he has ever staged.
• Creative Freedom – The troupe integrates acrobatics and narrative storytelling, allowing acts that would be impossible in competition.
• Competitive vs. Show Work – Certain moves are intentionally omitted from the performance because they lack visual appeal, whereas others that are discarded in competition are emphasized here.
• Personal Challenge – St‑Jean dubbed his solo “one of the toughest routines” he has performed, noting a mixture of exhaustion and immense satisfaction upon receiving applause.

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

More than just a skating show, Holiday On Ice showcases interdisciplinary artistry:

• More than 350 custom-made costumes, each equipped with velcro for rapid changes.
• Hundreds of handcrafted wigs, tailored to fit the narrative mood and character design.
• A dedicated team of designers, technicians and choreographers, all contributing to the show’s visual and emotional impact.

The Essence of Aurore

With its robust blend of performance, storytelling, and technical flair, Aurore stands as a testament to the evolving art of ice entertainment. The show not only highlights the performers’ athletic prowess but also embraces the creative liberties that come with theatrical production, delivering an unforgettable experience for both skaters and audiences alike.

Ice‑Bound Operations: Holiday On Ice’s Grand Tour

Each new theater requires the Holiday On Ice team to transport and set up an astonishing 38 tonnes of equipment. That includes three suspension rigs, a full pyrotechnics package, and an extensive lighting array of dozens of screens.

Rolling with 12 Semi‑Trailers

• All gear, stage furniture, and two portable ice showrooms are loaded onto 12 semi‑trailers.
• While the crew moves from one venue to the next, they simultaneously dismantle the rink at city A.
• On arrival at city B, the same crew re‑assembles the new rink in time for performance.

Three‑Day Buildtime

Setting up a new venue takes roughly three days. The process demands a large workforce, so the crew hires local staff at each stop.

Adapting to Every Stage

Unlike stationary theater productions, the performers must continuously adjust their routines to match the changing dimensions of each venue’s stage.

A Rainbow of Talent Lights Up Holiday On Ice’s “Aurore (A New Day)”

International Crew & Cast

• Staff: 80 professionals from over 18 countries
• Performers: 40 dazzling athletes
• Technicians: 30 experts behind the scenes
• Administrators: 10 managers ensuring everything runs smoothly

What Makes “Aurore” Exceptional

According to leading performer St-Jean, the show goes well beyond traditional figure skating:

“Even if you’re not a huge figure‑skating fan, you’ll likely be amazed. It’s not just a skating performance; it’s a fusion of countless elements that forge an unforgettable experience.”

Tour Dates & Locations

“Aurore (A New Day)” is on a nationwide tour across France, presenting its magic from a variety of cities and concluding on 28 April.