Skating Dreams

The Journey of Ice Dance International

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words by maggie knowles
photography by david j. murray

Douglas Webster, right, teaches a clinic at Strawberry Banke in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Ice Dance International (IDI) has emerged as a beacon of artistry and community engagement in the world of ice skating. For over a decade, this dynamic company has been captivating audiences with its unique blend of grace, creativity, and athleticism. At the heart of IDI is its founder, Douglas Webster, whose vision and passion have transformed a childhood dream into a thriving artistic enterprise.

The story of IDI is one of perseverance and passion, with roots that trace back to Webster’s formative experiences on the ice. Growing up in North Conway, New Hampshire, Webster was surrounded by the natural beauty of New England, where he first discovered the joy and freedom of skating on lakes and outdoor rinks.

In Maine, he learned to skate in Yarmouth and spent summers training in Augusta. This early connection to the ice eventually led him to a career that spanned the globe, choreographing for prestigious productions like Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice, and reality television shows including ABC’s Skating with the Stars.

In 2012, after spending 24 years creating for the Ice Theatre of New York, Webster was named its artistic director. There, he honed his skills and crafted his vision to fully realize Ice Dance International.

Recognizing the transformative power of the flight and flow of dance on ice, Webster founded IDI in 2014 with two icons in the worlds of ballet and figure skating, Edward Villella and Dick Button, with the goal to elevate the sport to the level of a performing art. This vision has seen IDI grace esteemed venues like the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, earn features on PBS, and complete five United States tours, bringing the artistic potential of ice dance to a national audience. Yet, it’s the local performances and collaborations throughout New England that truly capture the essence of IDI’s mission.

IDI’s connection to Maine has been a cornerstone of its identity. For Webster, the state’s picturesque coastlines and outdoor rinks were not just a backdrop for childhood holidays but also a source of inspiration and solace. This deep-rooted affinity for Maine ultimately led to a home in Kittery in 2010 followed by the establishment of IDI’s headquarters in Dover-Foxcroft in 2023. The decision has enriched both the company and the local community, embedding IDI deeper into the fabric of Maine and providing a distinctive setting for the integration of skating and the performing arts.

In 2021 and 2022, IDI performed a magical fantasy tale titled Solstice on Millinocket Lake at the base of Mount Katahdin.

IDI’s mission to elevate ice skating as a performance art is reflected in its innovativeshows and educational programs.

IDI’s mission to elevate ice skating as a performing art is reflected in its innovative shows and educational programs. Through these efforts, IDI has showcased the artistic potential of ice dance across the nation while maintaining a strong presence in New England. Performances at local events like Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s Strawberry Banke Museum’s Candlelight Stroll and Seacoast Skating with the Stars; Providence Parks Networks Lumina Festival in Rhode Island; and Stowe’s Spruce Peak Lights Festival in Vermont have allowed IDI to weave its magic into the cultural tapestry of the region.

At the core of IDI’s values is a commitment to community engagement, particularly within rural communities in Maine and beyond. Through partnerships with organizations such as Monson Arts and the Piscataquis County Ice Arena in Dover- Foxcroft, IDI hosts residencies that attract world-class skaters to the state, including Olympic, world, and national champions. Last year brought the current Olympic ice dance champion, Gabriella Papadakis, and U.S. National Champions Brooke Tufts, Ryan Bradley, and Alissa Czisny to the rural community.

Renowned choreographers Rohene Ward and Garrett Smith created new works for the company last fall. These pieces, premiered in Dover-Foxcroft, not only entertain but also foster a sense of connection and creativity among the local populace through skating skills workshops, community classes, and public school programs.

IDI’s dedication to rural outreach is further exemplified by its celebrated productions and collaborations. Solstice, currently airing on public television’s All Arts, was filmed in Millinocket at the New England Outdoor Center with the support of regional arts councils. Annual Holiday Party on Ice shows bring the joy of skating to rural communities, fostering a sense of festive spirit and community in places like Presque Isle, Houlton, and Dover-Foxcroft.

IDI values community engagement, whether through local clinics or free or
low-cost performances.

IDI’s partnership with L.L. Bean’s Winter Across Maine brought classes and skating performances to Kittery, York, Auburn, Freeport, and Dover-Foxcroft. IDI’s national tours, Grace and Soar, have been seen in Rockland, Portland, and premiered three times at IDI’s home in Dover-Foxcroft. Meanwhile, Space Odyssey, a collaboration with the Maine Highlands Council on the Arts and Central Hall Commons, showcased IDI’s innovative spirit that celebrated the total eclipse that came through Maine in 2024.

Many of these inspiring experiences are offered for free or low-cost bringing the joy of performance skating to many who might not normally have the opportunity to experience the world class performances that IDI provides.

Looking ahead, IDI continues to expand its reach and impact. The company is poised to inspire and engage even more audiences through future tours and new creative projects. December 2025 will see the return of IDI’s Holiday Party on Ice shows across Maine, the company’s twelfth season at Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll and holiday performances in Stowe on December 20th and again on New Year’s Eve.

In February, IDI will host a sixth residency at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena in Dover-Foxcroft, launching its 2026 national tour that will take place for three weeks between the Olympics and the World Figure Skating Championships.

Through Ice Dance International and Douglas Webster, Maine has become not only a home for world-class skating but also a canvas for artistic expression, community connection, and the celebration of the performing arts. With its dedication to excellence and community engagement, IDI is poised to inspire generations to come, continuing its journey from humble beginnings to the global stage. As IDI looks to the future, it remains an embodiment of artistic expression and a testament to the enduring power of dreams on ice.

For more information and to see the Ice Dance International performance schedule, scan the QR code to visit icedanceinternational.org.

IDI is dedicated to spreading the
joy of ice dancing.