Let every skater shine. Remember every skater wants to enjoy the show and feel her family's pride. Don't bury the skaters behind props and sets and other skaters. Better to have 12 skaters on the ice for a minute and a half than 50 skaters on the ice for 3 minutes going every which way so no one really gets a chance to be the star.
Keep the flow. Each half should have an ebb and flow; it shouldn't just be a mish-mash of any old number. Just like a solo it should build and then resolve. Include a surprise.
Segue. Every number should flow into the next in some way. Sometimes an actual segue of a few seconds is necessary to clear the ice or set a prop. There should be no dead air though. Sets can't be hidden coming out so have a skater in costume bring it out as part of the show or distract the attention by having something going on at the other end. Segues are not just for changing sets though- they change mood or place too. For example, a ball rolling out from under the curtain creates anticipation in the audience's mind. Where did that come from? What will happen next?.
Keep it a reasonable length. Recut the music as often as necessary to keep the show a bearable length. No one can stand an overly long show no matter how cute the skaters.
Organize. You will save much more time in the long run if you take the time to organize fully. Do not try to correct information once it is posted (unless it is for a very good reason)
Accomodate everyone. Do not play favourites. Try to keep numbers of a similar level a similar length. If there are more skaters consider making their number a little longer.
Clarity. Make all criteria and rules clear. Post them well in advance so everyone knows and stick to them. You will have far fewer problems if you can justify every decision you make.
Play to your strengths. Know your talent and use it.
Don't let the script dominate the talent. The skating is the important part.
Keep narration to a minimum. Don't use it at all if possible. The audience can almost never understand what is being said so it doesn't help anyway. As with any skating performance the action should be revealed through the movement not the explanation.
Use vocal music in moderation. Of course it is appropriate sometimes but vocal music usually gets in the way of the performance more than it helps.
Colour dominates form. Expecially with the younger ones costume and music are everything.
Keep the comedy funny. Preschoolers tiger costumes 'jumping through hoops' are far funnier and cuter than Seniors in clown costumes.
Keep it light. There is no problem too big or too little to solve. Look after the small issues before they become big ones. Evaluate your options, make a decision, make the decision clear to all and then stick by it.
Look after the volunteers. Thank them, print their names in the programme, provide coffee etc. for those long hours.
