Reigning U.S. Champion Rachael Flatt and 26 other young women from Southern Colorado were presented at the Colorado Springs Debutante Ball Dec. 22 at the Broadmoor International Center. The Debutante Ball, a 44-year tradition, benefits the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center’s ongoing acquisition fund and over the years has raised more than $525,000 for the museum’s permanent collection.

RISE official selection at Palm Springs film festival us place Jan. 6-17, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Olympic Gold Medal winning men’s figure skater Evan Lysacek, the first American to capture the single’s crown since 1988, will be honored with the prestigious Thurman Munson Award at the 31st annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, February 1, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

Even if you have never heard of Kate McSwain, you might have already enjoyed her work. She’s choreographed for skaters including two-time U.S. Champion Jeremy Abbott, who used her program on the special Skate for the Heart, set to air later this month on NBC, and World Junior Pairs Champion Drew Meekins.

Skaters, parents, coaches and fans are all encouraged to make short videos of themselves answering the question: “What’s so great about figure skating?” These clips will be assembled to create a video that will serve as encouragement to skaters and their parents, and will let potential new skaters know what is so great about this sport.

Katrina Burch weighs in with her thoughts on the December 20 episode.

Katrina Burch weighs in with her thoughts on the December 6 episode.

Katrina Burch weighs in with her thoughts on the November 29 episode.

Melissa Gregory has made a career of podium performances. As an ice dancer with husband Denis Petukhov, Gregory won six medals at the U.S. Championships (2002-2007) and medaled at four international competitions: Skate America, Skate Canada, NHK Trophy and Nebelhorn Trophy. Last month at the U.S. Olympic Assembly in Colorado Springs, Colo., she stood on a podium again, this time to accept the prestigious Rings of Gold award from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The Human Rights Campaign Seattle will honor Johnny Weir with the Visibility Award. He will receive the award at the 11th Annual Pacific Northwest Dinner, September 25, at the Westin Seattle. In 2010, Weir made the U.S. Olympic team for the second time and represented his country in the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, where he finished sixth. Post Games, Johnny has put his fame to good use, appearing at various benefits and charity events across the U.S., including the 88 for AIDS event and Skate for Hope.