For Sarah Warden, discovering Theatre on Ice (TOI) as an adult was the beginning of an adventure that combined her love for skating, her talent for theatrics, and a lasting connection to her late mother. Now entering her eleventh season with The Skating Club of Boston’s Imagica of Boston adult TOI team, Sarah has found a way to embrace creativity, competition, and community on the ice, all while paying tribute to her mom’s memory.

Discovering Theater on Ice as an Adult: Sarah’s Start in Skating

Sarah’s journey started with a Learn to Skate program at the Skating Club of Boston. Initially, it was just a way to brush up on skating skills she hadn’t used since childhood. But a coach quickly recognized her flair for performance and suggested she try out for Theatre on Ice. Though her first attempt to join came too late in the season, Sarah signed up the following year, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Combining Choreography and Storytelling on the Ice

In Theatre on Ice, teams train and compete in two key programs: a short, “choreographic exercise” which has three components that must portrayed in the program and a longer “free skate” that focuses on storytelling and creating a “universe” on the ice. The season runs from late summer through June, with tryouts beginning in July or August. For Sarah, the joy of stepping into a character with a costume and telling a story through movement has been transformative. “It’s like you get to become someone else while still being yourself,” she says. Each season brings new creative challenges and opportunities to connect deeply with her teammates.

Building a Team Beyond the Ice: Sarah’s Role in the TOI Family

Beyond performing, Sarah has become a core member of the TOI team off the ice as well. She helps organize team dinners, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs are met and that gatherings are warm and welcoming—a role she took on as part of her commitment to fostering the tight-knit “TOI family” vibe that makes the adult team so special.

Honoring Her Mother’s Memory Through Skating

One of the most meaningful aspects of Sarah’s skating journey is how it connects her to her late mother. Her mother was a big influence on her childhood skating, often waking up early to drive her to practice and cheer from the stands. Sarah rediscovered skating at an event held at Boston’s Frog Pond, where, even in rental skates, she felt the rush of gliding across the ice again. When she called to tell her mother about the experience, her mom encouraged her to pursue her passion wholeheartedly. Although Sarah’s mother never got to see her skate with TOI, each performance is a way for Sarah to honor her memory and keep that connection alive. TOI has also brought Sarah closer to her sister, who enjoys watching practices and especially traveling to competitions to cheer the whole team on.

Advice for Aspiring Adult Skaters: Embrace the Journey

Sarah’s advice to others considering joining Theatre on Ice? “Just go for it—but be prepared for the commitment,” she laughs. Balancing practices with family and work is no small feat, but she assures it’s worth it. Practices are videotaped so that team members can learn choreography even if they miss a session, and there’s always someone willing to help them catch up.

Whether she’s skating in memory of her mom or simply enjoying the energy and creativity that comes with each TOI season, Sarah sees her team as a unique part of her life—a family united not just by skating but by the joy of performing, the commitment to one another, and the many special memories they’ve created together on the ice. For Sarah, each season with Theater on Ice is a beautiful way to honor her mother’s legacy and embrace her own passion for the sport.