1987 Debut
In 1987, Larry created the annual Nutcracker On Ice production, which debuted at Market Square Mall in downtown Knoxville.
Longstanding Professional Focus
Training skaters for careers in the ice show industry has been a focus of the Ice Chalet since the 1960s. Founder Robert Unger toured with Holiday On Ice in Europe and the United States before settling in East Tennessee and shaping the skating-school culture here.
That professional-show influence continued through later generations of staff and skaters, giving the program a distinct connection to performance skating as a career path.
Head Pro: Larry LaBorde
Larry LaBorde, current Ice Chalet manager and president of Chalet Ice Rinks, Inc., toured for several years with Disney's World On Ice. His background helped shape the rink's strong emphasis on show-quality performance, presentation, and production.
Show skating at the Ice Chalet has never been only about isolated performance numbers. It has been part of a larger culture of rehearsal, presentation, costume, timing, and cast-based production work.
Nutcracker On Ice
Early Production Years
The show quickly became one of the rink's signature traditions and a major performance opportunity for generations of skaters.
Ongoing Tradition
By 2019, Nutcracker On Ice had reached its 32nd year and remained one of the defining performance experiences at the Ice Chalet.
ProSkaters Performance Camp and Live Auditions
Since 2013, the Ice Chalet has hosted ProSkaters Performance Camp and Live Auditions, welcoming skaters from across the United States to learn more about professional skating expectations and the training required to work in international ice shows.
Producers from multiple organizations, including Feld Entertainment and Willy Bietak Productions, have participated in the event and conducted live auditions following the camp experience.
Related Show Skating Links
Show Skating Connections
ProSkaters
Disney On Ice
