General News
10 February, 2026
A Mum's World: Ice dancing
Is it just because I was born onto a wheat and wool farm in rural Australia in 1969 that I adore ice-dancing?
Is it just because I was born onto a wheat and wool farm in rural Australia in 1969 that I adore ice-dancing?
Or does every girl child of the 70’s freeze on the spot when those skates and crystal coated costumes hit the ice on the telly in our loungerooms?
I don’t know if figure skating was the only competition televised when I was a tween and a teen, but I am a fan who will never forget Torvill and Dean.
Of course, I do completely forget ice rinks exist four years at a time, but when the winter Olympics hit the screen, I’m glued to the drama.
I specifically remember having the thought growing up, that if only there was an ice rink in my hometown, my life would be complete.
I had academics at school and spiritual growth at church - with a fun Youth Group who took us to the roller-skating rink in Horsham.
After nailing tap and jazz, another dance teacher travelled from interstate to teach classical ballet in Nhill – tick.
at home on the farm.
The one thing I lacked was an ice rink.
If only I could ice-dance – it looked like such a dream, to be athletic and graceful while wearing a gorgeous costume.
My own three girls longed for the ice-skating experience too after catching my drift.
Our first chance came in Sydney with friends, with my little ballerina baby, Tiani Brigitta, the most passionately desperate to glide across the smooth glittering ice in a beautiful pose.
At the age of seven, her heart was broken when ice turned out to be cold and slippery, ice skates difficult to manage and the outfits…everyday clothing.
Dancing was completely out of the question, as was walking. Tears, shock, clutching at anything upright.
A couple of years later, snow turned out to be just as cold, wet and impossible to manage.
My own ice-skating career had been rudely interrupted with a fractured arm on the ice in Queensland when I’d been helping to lead a Youth Group on their dream ice dancing excursion.
These days I can fall over absolutely nothing – I nearly sprained my ankle just getting into my car today – so I’m starting to think I’ll try not to miss ice rinks so much.
Watching during the Olympics is still a massive must though, and I just couldn’t believe that one section was choreographed to the theme of a 90’s disco – and that took me back!
Two daughters were home to watch along with me on the weekend, and during many of the solo performances we were actually moved to tears by the cleverly choreographed dance pieces to magnificent music, with intricately made costumes.
The incredible physical skills on display seem quite difficult to comprehend.
Has anyone thought of building an ice rink here?