There may be a huge sheet of ice covering it, but this Saturday, the Penn State Greenberg Ice Pavilion heats up as it presents Ice Rhythms 2004, What a Wonderful World.

Ice Rhythms is an annual show that features local, student and professional skaters. The age and experience range of the 120 performers is as wide as the ice rink itself; tots, PSU alumni and students, locals and international professional skaters all have spots on the roster.

"There is a real variety to the show, from tots who can just stand up to really very accomplished competitive skaters," said Gloria Leous, a Penn State figure skating coach who is co-directing the show with skating instructor Marie Ciambotti (senior-management).

Even beyond the professional athletes, the show is still by no means amateur; all 10 of the numbers are professionally choreographed, lighted and accompanied by music. The shows' performers and directors said they are aiming to create a both technically advanced and entertaining show.

Assistant director Skylaur Morris (senior-kinesiology), who choreographed several numbers, noted the event's versatility as its most impressive quality.

"Expect a variety of numbers, some taking you back to the '50s, others with pop culture influences like the Moulin Rouge or 'Hey Ya!' [routines]," Morris said.

Morris and the two directors said they are especially pleased with the world-class skaters joining the show this year.

For several years now, Ryan Jahnke, who placed third at the 2003 U.S. Nationals in the senior men's competition, has been climbing the ranks as one of figure skating's most promising male stars. Jennifer Don and Jonathon Hunt, who took fourth in the senior pairs competition at the 2004 U.S. Nationals, will also glide into the ice pavilion.

Leous said she had the fortune to catch Don and Hunt in a practice a year ago and was very impressed with the couple's skills and style.

"They really blew my mind; they were so powerful and just outstanding," Leous said. "I was really excited to get them for the show."

The pair has been skating together for almost two years now, and though they make no long-term goals, they said they keep the 2006 Olympics in the back of their minds. Don said she and Hunt are more than happy to come to Penn State.

"We are very excited to skate in your show, and we look forward to doing it," Don said.

Not to be sold short, the youngsters being featured have also been working hard, waiting patiently for their moment in the spotlight. Sharon Fong is the proud mother of two girls who are taking part in the Latin beat and Finding Nemo numbers.

"My elder one just loves skating, and it's a great way for her to feel confident and comfortable in front of a big crowd," Fong said. "Sports are very competitive, but if you put a lot of work into skating, then you can move up quickly."

The least experienced skaters, however, are years older then Fong's daughters. In order to showcase some of the kinesiology courses offered at Penn State, 22 students -- from beginners and advanced beginners ice-skating classes -- will perform a number to a medley of OutKast hits. Students guarantee the number will be a splash with the audience and even bring about some laughs.

"We're not gold medalists; no one is coming to see us. We're out there just to have some laughs," performer Andrew Simonelli (senior-public relations) said. "But the audience is going to have a good time when they do see us."