An eight-year-old Red Deer figure skater will share the ice with some of the most-decorated athletes the sport has to offer at a Christmas-themed show later this month.
Maria Brant started skating at the age of three and currently trains with the Red Deer Skating Club. Just five years after she started skating, Brant will perform alongside Kaitlyn Weaver at the Stars on Ice holiday show at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Stars on Ice will also feature performances from highly-regarded skaters such as Elvis Stojko, Kaetlyn Osmond, Andrew Poje and more.
"I’m so excited to skate with all the other skaters. This is a dream come true. I’ve been practicing a lot because I want to do my best," Brant said ahead of the show.
Weaver is a three-time world medallist, a two-time Four Continents champion, a two-time Grand Prix Final champion and a three-time Canadian national champion. Brant was nominated to skate alongside Weaver by one of her coaches, Jennifer Shigematsu.
"Maria is an incredible talent whose passion and dedication to skating are inspiring," Shigematsu said.
"This opportunity is not just a dream come true for Maria but a proud moment for the entire Red Deer skating community. I hope everyone in our city will join us at the Peavey Mart Centrium to cheer her on and celebrate this milestone in her journey."
Brant will join Weaver in a special performance set to the song Believe from the film The Polar Express. The piece, choreographed by Weaver, aims to embody the spirit of hope and possibility that defines the holiday season.
“This year in Stars on Ice Holiday, I have the privilege of skating with Maria Brant in Red Deer,” Weaver said.
“The show is built around the magic of Santa Claus, with our title piece being Believe from The Polar Express. Although the song speaks of the holiday season, the metaphor runs deeper. I love the ability to connect with young skaters with big dreams, and I think this piece will be a reminder (to Maria, to the audience, and to me) that anything is possible, if you believe.”
Tickets can be purchased at ticketsalberta.com.
