The Americans had arguably the best world championships in their long and distinguished figure skating history, and now they are pointing toward next season and the Olympics.

Figure Skating in Harlem celebrates its 25th anniversary with a gala on April 25, and has become a success story built on academics, social growth and the ice rink.

Tara Lipinski was a sprightly 15-year-old ballerina-on-ice when she won figure skating gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.