Though tranquilly muggy outside, it's chilly and boisterous inside the Ice Pavilion.

Crowds of skaters outfitted in sequins, spots and sparkles dash around the rink's lobby and bleachers, admiring their costumes, practicing routines and giggling with friends.

It is the first full company rehearsal for Ice Rhythms, the figure skating exhibition opening tonight, just four days from this first practice.

"We wanted skaters to have the opportunity to perform for the public and give the public the opportunity to see what we do here," said Ice Rhythms director Dena Yeagley about Ice Rhythms' purpose.

Yeagley, Ice Rhythms' creator, has been directing the exhibition since its conception 19 years ago.

This year, Gloria Leous joins her as assistant director.

"Every show has gotten better: the level of skating, the costuming, the theatrical performance, the lighting, the performers," said Yeagley, recollecting almost two decades of ice shows.

This year's Ice Rhythms demonstrates its excellence by featuring about 150 skaters, including 25 Penn State students and three national champions.

Matt Savoie, 2002 U.S. Olympic team mens alternate, and Stephanie Kalesavich and Aaron Parchem, 2002 U.S. Olympic team pair skating alternates, join the cast of local talent.

The local skaters, who hail from all over central Pennsylvania, range from three-year-olds to a man in his 50's.

All Ice Rhythms performers are resident professionals or take lessons though Ice Pavilion's student and public programs.

The skaters unite to present a celebration of the American spirit, the theme chosen for this year's Ice Rhythms.

Programs include the energetically patriotic "American Bandstand," the lively group act "A Tribute to NYC," the clumsily cute "2002 Dalmatians" and the exuberantly confident "It's Magic."

"After a year like this, we all need a little magic in our lives," said Yeagley.

Another program, "Eden," is an artistic and lyrical number about remembering relationships and has a full cast of Penn State students.

Stephanie Ling (senior-communications) is skating in "Eden" and choreographed "It's Magic."

Ling, a State College local, is participating in her 15th Ice Rhythms and is a member of the Ice Pavilion's professional staff.

"The most exciting part is having it all come together at the end," said Ling. "The audience appreciates it too, which is always nice."

Audiences can expect to see plenty of variety in this year's Ice Rhythms. The show features group performances, solos and a pair ice dance.

Matt Inman (freshman-communications) and Vivian Olmedo (senior-behavioral health) present a bouncy, flirty ice dance about a guy trying to get a girl.

Inman said that the best part of Ice Rhythms "is getting to perform for friends who never get to see (him) skate."

Most Ice Rhythms skaters seem to love to perform, and radiate the ice with their grins and glowing eyes.

Abby Yeagley, Dena's daughter, is an eight-year-old, poodle-skirt-costume-clad skater who declared that she never gets nervous about skating. Abby said she adores performing in front of a huge audience.

"It feels good when they clap for me," said Abby a couple hours before she and her peers received thunderous applause for their performances in "American Bandstand."

After several hours of technical tweaking, program practices and valuable program criticism, the Ice Rhythms skaters emerge from the cool, sweat-scented Ice Pavilion into the balmy April air.

With only three more practices until the first performance, the skaters will return every night this week to their icy home-away-from-home.

Ice Rhythms will take place at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow at the Ice Pavilion.

Tickets may be purchased between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Adult tickets are $8.75 and tickets for children 12-and-under and for senior citizens are $6.75.

For more information call the Ice Pavilion at 865-4102.