On Oct. 7th, the Codey Arena in West Orange, NJ played host to the stunningly beautiful ICE DANCE INTERNATIONAL during it’s inaugural tour.  The company was founded by Olympic Champion Dick Button, NYC Ballet great Edward Villella, Olympian Linda Carbonetto Villella, acclaimed skating choreographer Doug Webster and Executive Director Debbie Gordon.  

I was honored to co-chair this event with a fellow 1968 Olympian, Linda Carbonetto Villella. The ICE DANCE INTERNATIONAL company wore breathtaking costumes designed and made by Alicia Jackson.  These costumes were funded by a generous grant from my skating partner, Ken Shelley!

I loved seeing so many people from the tri state area come out to enjoy this amazing company and to celebrate Edward Villella on the occasion of his 80th birthday!  He continues to be so fit, dashing and brilliant in his choreography!  His newest piece, Visions of Emeralds, is an homage to his mentor George Balanchine.

Check out this amazing feature about the evening from Dance Enthusiast!

ICE DANCE INTERNATIONAL  is a skating company to watch for…and they’re just getting started!  (PS:  Doug Webster, the founding artistic director and choreographer of IDI is now choreographing “Shall We Dance” (which will star Olympic Gold Medallists Meryl Davis and Charlie White) airing on ABC, February 11th!

80th birthday wishes for Edward Villella

Loved co-chairing with Canadian champion Linda Carbonetto Villella

Kenny and I with fabulous costume designer Alicia Jackson

What’s a celebration without cake??

It’s never a dull moment with skating legend Dick Button!