February 12, the five-part documentary series “Harlem Ice” aired on Disney+, representing the nonprofit organization where figure skater participants find success, using figure skating as a catalyst for development both on and off the ice. The institution allows viewers to experience the highs and lows of a special Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) season through the eyes of its skaters and coaches. As the series progresses, it puts the fans backstage to look beyond the on-ice training and allows the world to see the unique experiences as girls of color break the ice and gain access to a global stage.
“I believe the series did show good representation for Black History Month just because of the talent that was shown and the diversity as well. The show brought light to problems that people would never think twice about and that is what really set apart this documentary from any others. I personally don’t think I can relate to anything that has happened in the show but seeing as they don’t let anything hold them back from what they love is really inspiring,” sophomore Chloe Bettis said.
The series follows two sisters, Tori and Ashley Prentice, newcomer Adrianna Walker and FSH veteran Ariyana Peal as they attempt to achieve recognition and put Harlem Ice on the world map. In each episode, they sequentially showcase the organization’s preparation for competition and performances, culminating in a global experience as FSH skaters bring the lessons of skating to South Africa. Through skating, the program empowers these girls to grow in confidence as they travel around the map, breaking barriers for girls of color as they participate in not only a sport but a revolutionizing movement.
In addition to the obstacles the skaters face as women of color, their community does not entirely support the girls and their goals. As presented in the show, the program did not officially own a rink due to insufficient funding and lack of maintenance. Alternative rinks made training a burden, especially for athletes who could not obtain the means of travel. A majority of the young athletes featured in “Harlem Ice” relied on the training arrangements or commute to rinks in the area, both of which come with financial burdens and time constraints. The young skaters continue to push through setbacks within their community as well as the industry to continue on their path of reaching their dreams in this sport.
As Black History Month comes to an end, “Harlem Ice” leaves a remarkable image on women of color through its international exposure. After twenty-three years the program continues to bring in and teach hundreds of girls from the ages of six to eighteen, aiming to help them grow and show them resilience, perseverance and grace. Even as a program, the people in charge believed in not only the girls’ skills on the ice but also their curricular activities, so the coaches made sure their educational skills came first. The main focus of the series remains the representation on a global spectrum such as the Black Lives Matter movement that took place this summer to help shed light on the diversity issues within the sport. During this campaign professional skaters like Adam Rippon and Ashley Wagner put out the truth on the diversity issue to help speed up historically slow-moving progress.
“After watching the series I saw the inclusion of the women and I believe the program included in the series is very admirable for the girls that don’t necessarily have the funds to get as much help as others do. The documentary made me feel included and seen in a way because of the range of diversity in women. I believe other women of color also felt seen as well while watching the series,” junior Priscilla Morrow said.
By streaming to 159.8 million Disney+ subscribers, “Harlem Ice” brought the global mission and impact of FSH to a massive international audience, complete with a star-powered team, directed by Samantha Knowles. The docuseries earned her and the program immense recognition earning the show the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing. As “Harlem Ice” continues to stream, viewers praise the show for their diversity, especially for the little girls around the world aspiring to pursue figure skating.
