The Swedish electronic indie duo Kite, known for their extravagant concerts in unconventional venues like the Cosmonova 3D cinema and the Dalhalla quarry, are set to take their spectacular performances to a new level. Their latest venture, ”Kite on Ice,” will transform the newly renovated Avicii Arena (formerly Globen) in Stockholm into a mesmerizing spectacle of music, light, and synchronized skating. Partnering with Helsinki Rockettes, a renowned synchronized skating team from Finland, Kite aims to create an unprecedented show that blends their signature electronic music with the artistry and athleticism of ice skating. This ambitious project marks Kite’s largest production to date, promising a sensory experience that pushes the boundaries of their previous performances.
The collaboration with Helsinki Rockettes emerged from Kite’s long-standing desire to incorporate innovative dance elements into their shows. Recognizing the team’s world-class talent and precision, Kite contacted them to become an integral part of ”Kite on Ice.” Kaisa Arrateig, Rockettes’ head coach and a multiple world champion in synchronized skating, recalls the initial excitement within the team when the project was presented. While the Rockettes were immediately enthusiastic about the opportunity, they also recognized the logistical challenges of integrating rehearsals for such a major production into their already demanding training schedule, especially during a crucial competitive season leading up to the World Championships. Arrateig carefully planned the season to ensure the show preparations wouldn’t compromise the team’s training for competitions, reassuring the skaters that their primary focus remained on their athletic goals.
For the Rockettes, the ”Kite on Ice” concert presents a unique opportunity to showcase their sport to a wider audience. Indra Sarkola, a member of the Rockettes, describes the initial reaction within the team as a mixture of excitement and curiosity, acknowledging that while they were used to performing exhibition shows, this level of production and collaboration with musicians was entirely new. The prospect of being part of a large-scale entertainment event, stepping outside the traditional confines of their sport, added an extra layer of thrill to the experience. The Rockettes anticipate the concert will be a true spectacle, pushing the boundaries of their usual performances.
The collaboration extends beyond just skating. The Rockettes will share the ice with several other performers, including Nina Persson, the lead singer of The Cardigans, creating a dynamic and diverse show. The experience of sharing the ice with Kite during rehearsals, observing the band members’ attempts at skating, cemented the reality of the collaborative nature of the project, amplifying the excitement and anticipation for the final performance. The skaters were particularly surprised to learn they would be involved in eight different numbers throughout the concert, highlighting their central role in the overall production. For Swedish-born Rockettes member Ella Helgeson, performing in the iconic Globen Arena in her home country adds a particularly special layer of significance to the event.
The scale of the “Kite on Ice” concert dwarfs even the Rockettes’ primary competitive goal: the World Championships in Helsinki. The Avicii Arena’s capacity of approximately 14,000 significantly surpasses the Helsinki Ice Hall’s 8,200, offering the Rockettes an unprecedented platform to perform in front of a massive audience. Arrateig believes this experience can be beneficial for the team’s performance at the World Championships. The pressure and excitement of performing in front of such a large crowd can serve as valuable preparation for the intense competitive environment of the World Championships. This exposure to a larger and potentially unfamiliar audience also provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote synchronized skating to those who might be seeing it for the first time.
Beyond its artistic ambitions, ”Kite on Ice” represents a significant opportunity to introduce synchronized skating to a broader audience. The Rockettes recognize the potential to expose thousands of people to their sport, anticipating that a significant portion of the concert audience may have never witnessed synchronized skating before. They embrace this opportunity to act as ambassadors for their sport, determined to deliver a captivating performance that showcases the athleticism, artistry, and precision of synchronized skating. They see themselves not just as athletes, but as performers contributing to a larger artistic vision, emphasizing their commitment to putting on a show that engages and entertains every member of the audience. This focus underscores the project’s dual purpose: to elevate Kite’s artistic expression while also promoting and celebrating the unique beauty and skill of synchronized skating.
