About Us

History of The Next Ice Age

The Next Ice Age was founded in 1988 as a not-for-profit performing arts organization in Baltimore by Nathan Birch and Tim Murphy who formerly skated in the John Curry Skating Company. Together, Nathan and Tim created hundreds of original dances on ice that were performed both in local ice rinks as well as prestigious theatrical venues and arts festivals. The mission of The Next Ice Age encompasses both the performance and education of artistic figure skating. The Next Ice Age Academy promises to extend this vision through it’s lessons and classes. Now, after 30 years, The Next Ice Age, funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Lisa McGraw Figure Skating Foundation, maintains a strong 14 week Summer Season of performances on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and has begun teaching its technical curriculum to other parts of the country in the form of The Next Ice Edge seminars.

For more information about the company that conceived this Academy, visit www.thenexticeage.org

Mission of The Next Ice Age Academy

To teach, develop, and enhance the foundational skills, performance, and artistic quality of figure skaters.

Goals

  • Develop artistic skaters starting at the grassroots level
  • Cultivate a community in a sport that is individualistic
  • Retain a strong resident company within The Next Ice Age
  • Provide Opportunities for performance
  • Serve under-served populations through outreach programs

Owners and Instructors

 

Ian Lorello

Currently the Artistic Associate of The Next Ice Age, Ian is PSA rated in choreography, and has been teaching skating for over a decade. As a competitive ice dancer, he represented Team USA for 10 years of International Competitions. He began his professional career as a performer in 2016, and performs with The Next Ice Age, and Ice Dance International. Ian is currently featured in APT’s “The World of Ice Dance International”, which is being broadcast around the country, and is featured in New Black Films’ Documentary on John Curry, “The Ice King”.

 

 

 

 

Photo by Kim Zaruba

 

 

 

Laura Seal

Laura has been a figure skating instructor for over 10 years and is PSA rated in moves in the field and free skate. She is a USFS double gold medalist, and former competitor in singles, synchronized skating, and ice dance. Laura skates professionally with The Next Ice Age and other production companies. She holds a BS in Kinesiology and a Masters in Public Health. Additionally, she is a certified pilates instructor and has developed off-ice techniques for figure skaters.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Kim Zaruba