Figure skating: Guns N’ Roses, leather and blades: Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius bring rock’n’roll to ice dance
The Lithuanian ice dance team, Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius, have devoted their lives to the art of figure skating. But when they step onto the ice, they morph into rock stars, showcasing an energy unique to their performances.
This dynamic duo blends snare drums with electro beats, and integrates the sounds of Guns N’ Roses alongside those of Faithless. Their performances symbolize a fusion of rock attitude and elegance, with leather and leopard prints juxtaposed against intricate dance routines, making each performance a spectacle.
Among their repertoire is a commitment to rock vitality devoid of clichés often seen in traditional discipline. “Our coaches challenged the notion of rock’s essential elements,” Reed remarked, signaling their desire to innovate beyond the ordinary.
The foundation of their creativity was established as early as their first season together in 2017, when they paired up to deliver a vibrant interpretation of a Led Zeppelin classic. With a relentless thirst for change, they embraced beats from non-traditional sources, breaking the mold of what ice dance could represent.
Pushing musical boundaries remains their priority. Since those formative years, they have transitioned from skating to film soundtracks to transforming contemporary rock anthems into fluid motion on ice.
This ambitious undertaking presents challenges but Reed argues that boundaries spark positive debate, adding, “If we’re prompting conversation, it indicates we’re succeeding in our mission. We just try to embody our authentic selves and enjoy every moment.”
As they head into potentially career-defining seasons, the pair remains committed to remaining true to themselves. Their attention to the audience’s reaction is paramount as they aim for a heightened connection, transforming rock’s raw emotion into artistry on ice.
Reed and Ambrulevicius share an unwavering commitment to storytelling through their programs, culminating in performances that promise their audience will leave feeling richly engaged.
