This holiday season, McMaster's figure skaters put on a holiday show, bringing a celebration of talent, teamwork and holiday spirit to the ice
The McMaster Varsity Figure Skating team hosted their annual holiday ice show on Nov. 23, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Westoby (Olympic) Arena. The event showcased the skills of the team's skaters and was open for anyone to attend.
McMaster Varsity Figure Skating competes in three main categories: free skate events, ice dancing and synchronized skating. Rian Cocchetto, co-captain of McMaster Varsity Figure Skating, explained the details of each category.
"Free skate events are your jumps and your spins . . . then there's dance which is ice dancing and resembles a ballroom dancing style. And then there's synchro or synchronized skating which is our big event at the end of competition which has 16 people in it," said Cocchetto.
Catalina Costiuc, co-captain of McMaster Varsity Figure Skating, explained how the roster for the team is selected.
"In September we have an open tryout where we invite anyone who wants to try out to come. And then the coaches . . . are really involved in choosing the roster and once the team of, I believe, 23 skaters are chosen we typically have three competitions in a season," said Costiuc.
The show began with the team's opening remarks and skaters were given five to six minutes to warm up. The skaters cleared the ice and then the performances began shortly after.
"Essentially, we try to split up as much as we can so we have a dance performance then a free skate performance and even an artistic performance which is similar to free skate except you display your artistry and not so much your jumps and spins . . . and we had synchro as the final show number," said Costiuc.
we have a dance performance then a free skate performance and even an artistic performance which is similar to free skate except you display your artistry and not so much your jumps and spins . . . and we had synchro as the final show number.
Catalina Costiuc, Co-Captain
McMaster Varsity Figure Skating
Costiuc emphasized the purpose of the team's holiday ice show. "Because we want to give the opportunity for everyone to skate, we allow people to basically perform whatever they wish. If they have their own solos from their past competitive careers they're free to perform them. It's really just to showcase the hard work that we've been putting into our practices," said Costiuc.
Holly Marini, assistant captain of McMaster Varsity Figure Skating, clarified that the athletes on the team's competitive roster are not the same as those who perform in the show. "Our competitive roster is 18 but at the show we always try and give everyone [team members] an opportunity to skate in front of their friends and family. If they're not on the competitive roster we offer them the opportunity to skate," said Marini.
Cocchetto, Costiuc and Marini all agreed that, despite the nerves they feel before every performance, the anxiety gradually fades as they begin to skate. "I've always felt that nervous energy before I skate. But with that being said, I've always loved to perform, so it slowly fades away as soon as the music starts," said Marini.
I've always felt that nervous energy before I skate. But with that being said, I've always loved to perform, so it slowly fades away as soon as the music starts.
Holly Marini, Assistant Captain
McMaster Varsity Figure Skating
Cocchetto shared that the team does a pre-show ritual as a way to mentally prepare before every synchronized performance including before their final performance at the holiday ice show. "Before we go on for synchro, we line up and we'll massage the person's shoulders in front us and then we'll turn around and do it to the other person," said Cocchetto.
Cocchetto highlighted that Alistair Lam, the team’s sole male member, and Catalina Costiuc, the other co-captain, consistently deliver outstanding performances. "Alistair is always a fan favourite," said Cocchetto.
The show also included a raffle and bake sales where attendees bid on bags containing the team's merchandise and goodies or purchased baked goods. Costiuc emphasized the crucial role of fundraising events in supporting the team.
"We do these shows because we want to obviously show the hard work that we've put in. But we also want to fundraise for our team because fees can get expensive, especially with having ice off campus, that's a big cost to cover. So it's amazing to see all the support and our friends supporting and the crowds cheering on for each event," said Costiuc.
We do these shows because we want to obviously show the hard work that we've put in. But we also want to fundraise for our team because fees can get expensive, especially with having ice off campus, that's a big cost to cover.
Catalina Costiuc, Co-Captain
McMaster Varsity Figure Skating
To support McMaster Varsity Figure Skating, you can attend their upcoming performances. You can stay informed about their events and activities by keeping up with their Instagram.
The Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts highlights why this ballet remains central to the holiday season, year after year
The Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet—it's a timeless tradition, a cornerstone of the holiday season that continues to captivate audiences year after year. With its themes of imagination, connection, and transformation, it has a way of resonating across generations, drawing people into a world of wonder.
For over 23 years, the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts has been connecting people through ballet. Dec. 6 and 7, 2024 marks their 10th annual rendition of The Nutcracker at the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, blending classic elements with creative touches to create a memorable experience.
Melania Pawliw, co-founder and artistic director of the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts, shared how for many families, The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition and a first step into the world of live theatre. “For young audiences, The Nutcracker is usually their first introduction to the ballet,” said Pawliw.
For young audiences, The Nutcracker is usually their first introduction to the ballet.
Melania Pawliw, Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and the enchanting story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince invite audiences to dream, telling a tale that feels as fresh as it does familiar. Pawliw shared that while The Nutcracker is performed year-round in Europe, in North America it has become synonymous with the holiday season, embodying a sense of community and celebration. “[In Europe] it’s just a ballet like any other ballet.” said Pawliw.
What makes the Hamilton Academy’s production distinct is its ability to marry tradition with accessibility. “Any ballet we do, we stay close to the original storyline and choreography,” shared Pawliw, “We always adapt the choreography to add so many new parts, because it creates more opportunity for children to be in the production.”
Drawing inspiration from Vasily Vainonen’s original choreography, this rendition introduces fresh elements such as a live orchestra and choir, elevating the performance in new and exciting ways. “We always look for ways to expand the production.” explained Pawliw.
Community involvement is at the core of the Hamilton Academy’s approach. With over 100 roles available, dancers from Hamilton and surrounding areas audition to take part, including both young students and seasoned professionals. This mix of backgrounds creates a unique environment where children can gain experience that inspires personal and artistic growth.
Pawliw shared that the most rewarding part of her job is watching young dancers evolve from smaller roles to leading characters over time.
For those new to ballet, The Nutcracker presents a lively and immersive experience. “It’s a holiday celebration that brings people together,” said Pawliw. From the elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance to the mesmerizing Waltz of the Snowflakes, every detail is designed to delight. The live orchestra brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life, surrounding the audience with the richness of his timeless music.
It's a holiday celebration that brings people together.
Melania Pawliw, Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
As the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts continues its annual tradition of bringing The Nutcracker to life, it reaffirms the arts’ power to connect and inspire. They have not only kept the tradition of The Nutcracker alive but have also expanded its impact, making the ballet a shared experience that connects people through the beauty of performance and the holiday spirit.
The Nutcracker invites everyone to celebrate the season’s joy together. Performances will take place on Dec. 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. Don’t miss this classic holiday tradition!
The Holiday Market has quickly become a beloved tradition, bringing good cheer and holiday spirit to campus
The McMaster Holiday Market took place in the arts quad and McMaster University Student Centre from Nov. 25 to 28, 2024 and was open from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. each day. Speakers playing holiday music and a variety of light displays were set up around the arts quad to create a festive atmosphere. This event was run as a collaboration between the MSU, MSU Campus Events, the Alumni Association and the Student Success Centre.
The market had vendors both outdoors in wooden cabins and at tables in the student centre. MSU Campus Events offered student vendor tables for $10 per day and advertised the application form on their Instagram in early November.
In an interview with The Silhouette, Thomas Saab, the MSU Campus Events director, shared that the planning for the market starts in September. “I meet with AVTEK and we go over, we walk through the space and based on our notes last year look at what we want to change as far as the decorations and the layout, so all the physical spaces,” said Saab. The next stage of planning involves coordinating with the SSC and Alumni Association to plan entertainment and activities.
According to Saab, new to the market this year are fireplaces and propane heaters, additional decorations and a snow machine. “I love the snow machine. I think it adds a completely new layer to the event. It just makes it a little bit more magical. That was my vision going in, I wanted to go from a cute little event to a magical event,” said Saab.
I love the snow machine. I think it adds a completely new layer to the event. It just makes it a little bit more magical. That was my vision going in, I wanted to go from a cute little event to a magical event.
Thomas Saab, Director
MSU Campus Events
New programming for the event includes a live reindeer petting zoo, taking place this afternoon and a screening of Home Alone happening tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the Hub. This year’s market also featured live ice sculpture carving and caroling performances from members of the McMaster University Choirs.
The SSC partnered with Hospitality Services to offer a special Taste of Home menu, available at La Piazza from Nov. 25 to 29. The SSC asked international and exchange students to submit traditional dishes from different cultures. The selected dishes were rajma chawal, jollof rice with chicken and plaintain, lasagna Bolognese and stir-fried beef noodles
The SSC also set up a wood and plexiglass dome in the arts quad, which served as a spot for students to take photos. Students could enter a draw to win a dinner in the dome through a form on the SSC website. The winning student got to enjoy dishes from the Taste of Home menu with three of their friends.
Saab shared he had hoped to include a maple taffy station. “We wanted to do maple taffy [like in] the old village and Quebec. We wanted to include that but it wasn’t within the budget this year so hopefully next year we’ll be able to add that as a fun snack for students,” said Saab. Saab estimated that the MSU contributed over $20,000 towards the budget for the market.
With its impressive array of decorations, vendors, food and activities, the McMaster Holiday Market is a must-visit event. Stop by the arts quad today to kick off your holiday season!
Tell us about your winter favourites and we’ll tell you what holiday movie best represents your life
With exam season quickly approaching, you are one last hurdle away from the winter break — congratulations! Take some time for yourself to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with loved ones and recharge before next semester. When you inevitably take a break and start scrolling through Netflix, we’ll tell you which movie you’ll find yourself emotionally projecting onto this year!
[wp_quiz id="44983"]
