56 - Wednesday, December 16, 1986 - North Shore News ICE CAPADES performers Paul Martini and Barbara Underhill were not always a world champion skating pair. In fact, until nine years ago, they were not even partners. In 1977, fate and two skating coaches brought Martini and Underhill together and after only two years of skating as a team, the pair won their first of five consecutive Ca- nadian Mational titles. A dedication to perfection pro- duced their crowning achievement: a victory in the 1984 World Championships in Ottawa. “It was a happy ending to our amateur careers,’’ said 23-year-old Underhill in a release. ‘‘We had planned to retire from competition after the Worlds anyway, so the victory was icing on the cake.” Life changed for Martini and Underhill once their gold-medal dreams were realized. Skating no longer involved hours of daily practice to prepare for one major competition annually. While per- formance levels must be maintain- ed in a professional show, rehear- sal ice time is limited to perhaps an hour a day. Rather than striving for a peak performance once or twice a year, the pair must try to skate flawless- ly eight to 12 times a week. “That’s the biggest change from amateur to professional skating,’ said tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Martini. “Every audience, although dif- ferent, is expecting the best. The performance each person sees most likely will be their only opportuni- ty to watch us skate. It has to be the best.’’ When Martini and Underhill began skating together there was much discussion about their poten- tial to be the best. They considered themselves a strong pair, but ques- tions were raised, mainly about their difference in height. Martini, a six-footer, is a full 12 inches taller than his partner. They had to spend a lot of time working to catch the judges’ eyes in com- petition. ‘‘Full extension of my arms and legs in all moves is im- portant during our programs,” explained Underhill. ‘It makes me look taller and gives us a more even line as a pair.’” The size difference does have its advantages, though. ‘‘Difficult moves such as lifts and throws are easier for us,’’ said Martini. “‘And they look spectacular due to the height and distance we can achieve.”” In their third season with Ice Capades, Martini and Underhill have turned a desire to impress judges into a talent for entertain- ing audiences young and old. They enjoy skating more than ever. “Its a wonderful way to make a liv- ing,’’ said Martini. The Ice Capades will be in Van- couver from Jan. 6-i! for five evening shows and four matinees. Tickets are available at VTC/CBO outlets at 280-4444. Prices range from $7-$11. Celebrate the season in grand style Ma ig | at Vancouver's Grand Hotel. FORA VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS: DICKENS BUFFET: A traditional English feast complete with a triumphal Boar's Head procession. Yule Lug. entertainment by Bernic and Red and a buffet cffering everything from Roast Turkey to Plum Pudding. Price: $22.50 Adults. Children 12 years and under $11.25. Dates: Wednesday December 3rd to Wednesday December 24th inclusive. Seven days a week. Monagay to Friday. two sittings 11:00. a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Two hour sittings. Saturday and Sunday 1:30 a.m to 1.30 p.m. Reservations on the half hour. THREE CHRISTMAS DAY FEASTS Thursday. December 25. THE ROOF BUFFET: Pipers. puppets, parades, Santa with gifts for the children and a stunning buffet. Price: $30.00 Adults. Children 12 years and under £:15.00. Times: 12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Reservations on the half hour. Two hour sittings. TIMBER CLUB: Turkey as well as two other festive menus complete with holiday season music. Yuletide parades and. of course. Santa bearing gifts for ‘he children. Price $25.00 - $29.00~ $31.00 per person. Half price for child ‘en 12 and under. Times: 3:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Two hour sittings. SPANISH GRILL: Three lestive menus with all the trimmings in a warr family atmosphere. Yuletide parade and gilts for the children from Santa. Price: $18.00-- $22.00 $24.00 per person. Half price for children 12 and under. Times: 1:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GET AWAY PACKAGE: For $120 per couple ($80.00 single} you can check in when you like, shop at your leisure. dine and dance the night away at the Roof. enjoy a good nights sleep. a Continental Breakfast in the morning and late check out privileges. HAPPY NEW YEAR: GRAND GALA BALL! Dal Richards and his Big Band. featuring vocalist Lynn McNeil will swing in the New Year in Vancouver's most elegant Ballroom. The Pacific. Grandiose Gala Buffet. party favours and noisemakers, Hotel Vancouver's traditional New Year's presents. overnight accommodation and New Year's day breakfast buffet are some of the highlights included in this package. Price: $275.00 per couple ($150 single). Taxes and gratuities included. Time: 8:00 p.m. —- 2:00 a.m. Dress: Black tie recommended. Tickets are non-refundable and reservations are confirmed upon ticket purchase. LOBBY LOUNGE: Another tradition at the Hotel Vancouver, join friends in the Lobby Lourige for a sing-along to welcome the New Year. THE ROOF: It's a Roaring Twenties New Year's Eve. A great party and great prizes for the best costumes. Includes five course dinner. dancing to Mark Hasselbach and band. party favors and noisemakers. Price: $155 per couple ($80.00 single). Taxes and gratuities included. Time: 8:00 p.m.-- 2:00 a.m. Dress: Roaring Twenties costume recommended because we have Ist and 2nd prizes for best dressed couple. Ist and 2nd prizes for best dressed individual. Accommodation and Brunch: Why not stay overnight and join us for our New Year's Day Buffet Brunch. Accommodation and brunch $80.00 per couple ($59.00 single). Taxes and gratuities included. If you would like to see the New Year in with your friends at The Roof, but are unable to come for dinner, join us after I p.m. for a $10.00 cover charge. Tickets are non-refundable and reservations are confirmed upon ticket purchase. _GIFT CERTIFICATES, A GRAND IDEA From S10 to $100- buy 10. get | free. Theyre good for all Hotel Vancouver services from lunch or brunch to a weekend on the town Hotel Vancouver CN Hotels We're changing. O Vancouver, Hotel Vancouver (1) Toronto. Hotel, CN Tower C) Jasper. Jasper Park Lodge [i Edmonton, Hotel MacDonald (1987) 2 Ottawa. Chateau Laurier 2 Montreal. The Queen Elizabeth 3 Halifax, The Citadel {] Moncton. Hotel Beauséjour (St. John’s. Hotel Newfoundland 7 Paris. France Hétel Scribe Reserve now~ many special events are booked well in ads ince. Call 684-3131 for information and reservations.