Article on Shukan NY Seikatsu published on Jan 23rd, 2021

"THE LAST SKATE AT THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER"

Figure skaters including Japanese skaters performed in the ice show

Ice Skating Show called "Rock on Rock! Ice Show" hosted by a figure skating coach Miki Shimada was held at the rink at Rockefeller Center on Jan 12th. The performers are students of Ms. Shimada, students of her professional coach colleagues, including skaters taught by Olympians, national level competitors. The skaters age and levels varied, from 5 years old beginner to 60 years old adults, different types of programs were performed including solo, mini group, pairs, ice dance teams. Skaters were not only American, including many international skaters, such Japanese, Finnish, Russian, Estonian, Chinese, Taiwanese, South African, British.

Japanese performers are Pair team Miki Shimada & C. Aaron Singletary who competed in US National, ISU Adult National in singles and pairs. A competitive Juvenile skater Sakura Yamanaka who is a medalist in local competitions. A competitive adult skater Mayumi Yamamoto who is a medalist in US National, ISU Adult National in singles.

Ms. Shimada told us " I wanted to offer a place where figure skaters can shine in the ice show since all competitions and ice shows have been cancelled, everyone lost motivation and place to perform even though they have been training hard during the pandemic."

The rink at the Rockefeller Center has closed its season, and will start renovation work for the entire plaza. This was the last season to see and skate in the traditional set up.

Article on NJ.com published on Jan 16th, 2021

"Mount Saint Mary Academy junior skates at Rockefeller Center"

On Jan. 12, Mount Saint Mary Academy junior Cassandra Cavuoto of Bridgewater demonstrated her figure skating skills during an evening performance at Rockefeller Center during the first-ever “Rock on Rock!” show which was live-streamed on YouTube.

Like most sports, figure skating was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and so the 2020 competitive season was canceled for Cavuoto.

Cavuoto, who started skating at age 4, said, “Miki Shimada, a New York figure skating coach, recognized with COVID-19 the inability for skaters to access the ice for many months. Skaters came back to the ice in the summer of 2020 to resume training but still lost the ability to compete and perform in shows. She was behind the idea of the first official Rock on Rock! Ice Show and she invited professional coaching colleagues to ask their students to unite in this special venue with an opportunity for skaters to perform.”