Join and Follow Us!

• Home
• Articles
• Forum
• Newsletter
• Upcoming Events
• Site Map

• DIRECTORIES
• Fan Pages
• Clubs & Rinks
• Organizations
• Skater Directory
• Synchronized Skating
• RESOURCES
• Fun & Games
• Graphics
• International Results
• Music & Program Info
• Photography
• Pro-Am Results
• Results & Historical Data
• Reviews
• Tape Trading
• Technical Resources
• Webzines, Forums, & Blogs

Magic On Ice

Life in Seoul, Korea and performing with Magic On Ice

November 24, 2003
Article and Photos © Frank Sweiding

Always up for a little adventure, we signed up to join Magic On Ice, currently running at the Sheraton Grande Walker Hill in Seoul, Korea until April 8, 2004. Not knowing much about Seoul, we (myself and partner Anita Hartshorn), took this as an opportunity to experience life in the far East, as well as work in a show that we had heard a lot of great things about. I have been in Seoul for over a month now, and am happy to report that we are having a great time!

The first thing I noticed about this major city of about 13 million people, is that you hardly see any trash! Seoul has got to be the cleanest city I have ever visited. The metro system is great and makes traveling around town quick and easy. The currency used here in Korea is the Won. At first you think you won the lottery when you exchange $200 dollars and end up with a stack of Won totaling 2,232.oo, but then you also go into shock when the lunch bill comes for 7,000.oo. But wait! You realize that's $6.27, and say, "OK, that's not so bad after all."

In my opinion, the Korean people seem to be very warm, and a bit shy. Not many of the older people speak English, so conversations are often very interesting. It is the young generation (and I mean young - 8 and under) that have been exposed to English and are catching on fast. The children seek out the westerners and want to try out the English that they have learned.

The one thing that does puzzle me about Korea is the fascination with Kimchi. There are numerous ways they serve it, and one way or another you are bound to see it at every meal. I keep being told that I will acquire not only a taste but a desire to eat Kimchi on a daily basis - but I remain skeptical.

I am always in favor of seeing different types of ice shows, and in my opinion, we are lucky that Mr. Wheeler has chosen ice as a vehicle to show off his magic. Magic On Ice is a fast-paced 50 minute show, entertainig with an interesting mix of skating and magical illusions (performed by Steve Wheeler). The show is very good and plays well in this large show room. There is a cast of 16 skaters in the show each night (the show is performed twice daily).

Opening number

Frozen Dream (Tracy & Steve Wheeler)

Rings

Osmosis - Two become one

Fire and Ice

"Magic On Ice" is now playing at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Seoul, Korea. There are 2 shows nightly -- running through April 8, 2004.

The show features the Magic of Steve Wheeler, World Professional Pair Champions Anita Hartshorn & Frank Sweiding, Tracy Wheeler, and a skating ensemble of 12 additional skaters from the US, Canada, Ukraine, and Czech republic.