Bronze on Ice
Intrepid figure skater and Fordham High School for the Arts student Zayda Rojas is featured in the vibrant world of competitive figure skating in the new Disney+ streaming event, Harlem Ice. The multi-part docuseries highlights Zayda and her African American–Latino figure skating team in Harlem.
This is especially meaningful, as few talented, bronze-skinned figure skaters have been profiled as serious contenders—among them: Tai Babilonia, Debi Thomas, Surya Bonaly, and Starr Andrews.
Produced by Oscar-winning filmmakers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, along with Good Morning America Co-Anchor Robin Roberts, the docuseries chronicles the ambitions, friendships, and talents of teens of color in a unique sports-academic program founded by former competitive skater and 2014 CNN Hero Sharon Cohen.
Zayda, a former English student of mine whom I feel privileged to know, is a natural fit for both the team and the film. She was encouraged to skate at the age of seven by her mother, who was inspired by the idea of an “all-girls-of-color organization” that emphasized both academics and athletics.
“Being on the ice is the most thrilling feeling ever,” Zayda says.
She deeply values her connection with Figure Skating in Harlem and is honored that her team is featured in this exciting new film.
“We are all so honored to have had the opportunity to get our story told. Everyone who took part in making it happen is a blessing, and I think everyone who participated in the filmmaking process enjoyed the final results,” says Zayda.
“During the two years of filming, I don’t think there was ever a time I personally felt uncomfortable,” says the 17-year-old figure skating aficionado. “If anything, we created our own family—just by how respectful and warm-hearted each individual spirit was. It was more exciting than ever, simply because being on a popular streaming app that so many people use to watch shows and movies doesn’t happen every day. Then seeing yourself on screen—it felt unreal!”
The series follows Zayda and her dedicated team of radiant, brown-skinned skaters as they travel from Harlem to South Africa, where they teach other girls to skate.
When asked about her team’s South African venture—and whether it felt like a contradiction—Zayda admitted that ice skating in Africa initially seemed odd. But ultimately, she found it to be a beautiful experience, connecting her to a culture she was raised to respect.
“It’s really funny because when we first heard about the South Africa trip, we were confused. We assumed that, since it’s Africa, there wouldn’t be an ice skating rink—but there was that and so much more,” she explained.
“It was a cultural reset for all of us. As a child, my grandmother told me about our roots and who we are as a people. I grew up wanting to experience Africa firsthand, to feel that spiritual connection. A group of us had the chance to teach girls from a group called ‘9 Miles’ how to skate. In return, they taught us how to surf. That cultural exchange was such an eye-opener for me. South Africa was my first truly international experience—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The bonds Zayda formed through skating are also cross-cultural. She shared her heartbreak over the tragic loss of lives in the January 29th American Airlines helicopter crash over the Potomac.
“I was especially devastated because a month before the accident, I had performed with my team in Boston, Massachusetts, at the ‘Joy Skate’ show. A beaming ensemble of talented figure skaters from all over came together to perform for an eager audience.
“I got the chance to meet Spencer Lane and the skating couple, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. Their presence on the ice was so elegant and compelling—it inspired me to do more and aim higher.”
Zayda plans to pursue figure skating professionally. She now recognizes how deeply skating has shaped her life—what it has taught her about perseverance, resilience, and the literal and metaphorical meaning of falling and getting back up.
She continues to inspire others through her joyful, transformative journey—most notably under the mentorship of Sharon Cohen, founder and CEO of Figure Skating in Harlem.
“Zayda Rojas has been an amazing scholar-athlete at Figure Skating in Harlem for 12 years!” says Cohen. “We are all inspired by her journey—on and off the ice—keeping up her grades while maintaining a demanding practice and competition schedule.”
The visionary founder added:
“It’s been a joy to watch her grow into a confident, physically and emotionally resilient young woman who is not afraid to use her voice!”
Glide, Zayda… Glide!
