Skating with Celebrities

What’s the Story?

SKATING WITH CELEBRITIES is very similar in concept to Dancing With the Stars, celebrities are paired with professional skaters but this time judged solely by the panel of skating experts over seven weeks. They are judged on technical and artistic merit, and starting with week two, the pair with the lowest score is eliminated. Celebrities range from former child stars to past Olympic medalists to sportscasters. Serving as judges are 1976 Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, John Nicks (the current coach to U.S. skating sensation Sasha Cohen), and skating journalist Mark Lund. The show is hosted by Scott Hamilton and Summer Sanders.

Is It Any Good?

This is a great show to share with kids, especially those still trying to find their own extracurricular niche. Kids will learn about sticking with a challenge, cooperatively working with a partner, and the benefits of practice, practice, practice. In the first go-around, Bruce Jenner at age 55 has stepped up to be paired with another 1976 Olympian, Tai Babilonia. With chronically injured knees and no skating background, Jenner is a striking example of why this show sends a good message to kids. He demonstrates that you never know what you're capable of doing unless you try.

Though skating may not be everyone's sport -- even as a spectator -- Skating with Celebrities sends a healthy message to kids about trying something new, learning from critiques, and the importance of having a good time.