A fixture in the Harlem community since 1997, the world will now get a closer look at Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) thanks to the docuseries “Harlem Ice,” which debuted on Disney+ on Feb. 12. Filmed in 2023, the five episodes give viewers a look into the program and the lives of some of its participants.
“When [producers] told me about [FSH], on the surface it sounded like an after school dance program I grew up doing,” said the series’ director, Samantha Knowles, who is African American. “One big difference is that this was specifically created for girls of color. I grew up in a mostly white community in upstate New York, and I never had anything like that, so I was excited to immerse myself in this world.”
Buzzwords like leadership and sisterhood became incredibly real for Knowles as she observed FSH and began filming. “They had such an energy to them, and that is everything that’s in the series—it’s so genuine,” she said.
About 1,200 people got an advance look at the docuseries on Feb. 5 when they attended a private preview at the Apollo Theater. After watching episodes four and five, there was a panel discussion with producer Alisa Payne, Knowles, moderator Kate McNab from Teen Vogue, sisters Tori and Ashley from the series, and FSH alumna and creative director Ila Epperson. FSH founder and CEO Sharon Cohen described the premiere as “pure joy” as FSH participants and their families watched their stories beautifully depicted.
Knowles was nervous before the screening. “They let me into their world to film them, and now I’m showing this entire community a reflection of themselves, and that’s a huge responsibility,” said Knowles, who was moved and elated by the cheering.
The five episodes follow the program in general and four specific girls—Tori, Ashley, Ariyana and Adrianna—as they practice, compete, travel, rehearse for FSH’s annual show, perform and go to school. It also covers a remarkable 2023 trip to South Africa.
Knowles said the series could have told even more stories given the time, and she is open to filming a season two. Right now, she’s eager for the world to get a glimpse into this incredible sisterhood.
“They’re so poised, I learn from them, but they’re also still very much kids. That balance is really important,” said Knowles. “Black joy can be the center of a story.”