NOTE: There are additional photos in today’s Press-Herald newspaper.

The Unity Skating Club hosted a Battle of the Blades competition at the Unity Community Centre, in Unity SK, January 10. Eight senior skaters were paired up with male volunteers from the community for an evening which delighted the audience of some 500.

Each pair had to perform a compulsory dance – either the Baby Blues, Dutch Waltz or Canasta – as well as a free skate routine with some required elements such as a lift and a spiral.

Every act was a hit with the crowd. The top three were so close that organizers had to count the votes three times to confirm who were the winners.

Here we have the ultimate champions, Cory Wildeman and Raicky Baes, acknowledging the crowd before beginning their free skate routine.

More Cory & Raicky pics here:http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/raicky-and-cory-2/

Father and daughter Robert and Makayla Bakken adding a little humour into their routine.

More Rob and Makayla pics here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/makayla-and-rob/

Kira Mielke and Joshua Lacoursieredoing some interpretative dance during their free skate.

More Kira and Josh photos here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/kira-and-josh/

Devyn McLean and Ash Cooper, in disco gear, performing the required spiral.

More Devyn and Ash photos here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/devyn-and-ash/.

Curtis Sieben and Jenna Horner, bringing their program to an end with a flourish, “sliding into base” to the Centrefield song.

More Curtis and Jenna pics here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/jenna-and-curtis/

Gerald Hauta and Grace Lindsay in a partners’ spin.

More Gerald and Grace photos here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/grace-and-gerald/

Emily Smith and Scott Gilbert skating to the Austin Powers theme song.

More Emily and Scott photos here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/emily-and-scott/

Erika Bretzer and Garan Rewerts performing the spread eagle.

More Erika and Garan pics here: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/erika-and-garan/

SEE ALSO: http://unitystories.com/battle-of-the-blades-extra-fun/