Thursday, November 24, 2011

How much is private ice time and how much is an entry fee for figure skating competition?

My figure skating coach was introducing me to competition rules and stuff like that and she started talking about how you need private ice time and cost of compeition entry fee. i was wondering how much is private ice time for routine practice and how much is an entry fee for a figure skating competition. i live in Nj so i dont no if that changes anything and plz dont suggest me asking my coach or the rink. Thanks so much.|||It really depends on the competition and on your level of skating. It can also depend on your local area.





My daughter is still skating in the basic skills levels. On average, I pay 40-50.00 for her first event and 25.00-30.00 for any extra events. Once my daughter starts skating at the non-test level or pre-preliminary, I will pay about 60-70.00 for the 1st event. I then typically pay 10.00 for 30 minutes of practice ice either the day of her competition or the day before. I paid about 100.00 total for her to compete in her last competition. That price included 2 events and 2 practice ice sessions.





Another thing to keep in mind is not only the cost of the fees to enter the competition, but also the fees your coach will charge you too. Around here, the coaches charge a practice ice fee and also a fee for putting you on the ice the day of your competition.





Good luck! Competitions are expensive, but also a lot of fun!|||First off, competitions are always exciting, so good luck to you, and I hope you have a great time! As for practice ice at a competition, usually one practice is included in the entry fee, and then it tends to be about $10-20/hour there on out. An entry fee for a competition is usually done per event, not a flat rate. So if you were entering 2 events, you would pay for each of the events separately. The entrance fee usually depends on how big the competition is, but I would say it is probably going to be in the ballpark of $75-100 per event.





I hope this helps, and have a great skate!

Should I start off with private tuition or group sessions for figure skating?

I am hoping to start figure skating, i already know how to ice skate. The private tuition is more expensive but the thing is one girl who bullied me severely in my last school goes to the group sessions and I'm scared if I go to them she will turn everyone against me and make me feel uncomfortable. But I really wanna figure skate. The nearest ice rink where she goes is quite far enough and I can't go any further so I'm stuck at her ice rink. What should I do?|||if your parents can afford the private lessons?|||Don't let one stupid, ignorant girl stop you from skating there! Normally, skaters are too busy skating to talk, so it can't be that big of a deal.





If you get placed in her group for lessons and she is rude to you, just quietly tell the coach that you know her from school and she is not the nicest person, and request to be switched to a different group if possible.





You can do both private and group lessons, private lessons will help you advance faster in the levels for group lessons.





Also, don't think of it as HER ice rink, its anyone's rink, she just happens to skate there.|||Don't choose because of her. tell someone if she is creating issues. If you are just starting off, I recommend group lessons. Most of the beginner moves are simple, and you work with other people the same level as you. how advanced is this other girl? if she has been skating for a long time, I highly doubt that she will be in the same class- again, they sort groups by level. private is also a choice, it's just more expensive.


good luck :)|||You've already answered your own question just in the way you talk about it. What on earth has this girl got anything to do with YOUR skating? You're going to let one stupid girl interfere with YOUR life. Good grief.





The way you write this question shows you've ALREADY given up and let her win! "her rink" It's NOBODY'S rink.





Are you going to roll over and let her win? Or are you going to show her you don't give a damn about her immaturity?





You could go private. But let's face it. Sooner or later you're going to meet this girl again if you go to the same rink. It could be on freestyle ice, it could be at a test, it could be at a competition. But the chances are extremely high that you WILL bump into her again. Are you going to let her scare you off from something you enjoy?





This is going to sound harsh, but: GROW A SPINE. DON'T let her win! Don't ruin something you enjoy by being paranoid about "people turning against you". You shouldn't give a damn about ANY of the other skaters at the rink anyway, except to be aware of where they are in practice. The only person you should care about when you're at the rink is YOU. (Just make sure you always give way and follow all rink ettiquete and rules.)





And at the end of the day, if this girl is really making trouble for you, tell the coaches.

Ideas for decorating a 10 year-olds room in a figure skating theme.?

I want to redo my daughters room, who is 10 years-old. She loves figure skating, but I am really having a hard time finding decorating ideas. Anybody have any that won't break the bank?|||I wouldn't go too drastic on this one. Chances are that in 2-3 years, she will want to change it again and the fluffy rugs and pink walls will be embarrassing.





Go for a neutral tone on the walls like a cool gray. Do a white bedspread and a silver or white rug (non fluffy). Stencil out skating figures and skates on black paper and mount on a color like light blue. Frame and nail on walls. Make a series of them to line the wall.





Paint the dresser and bed frame white. It will make everything look fresh. You can also add in a punch of color with some bright blue throw pillows with iron on designs of skating.|||Since figure skating attire is very flashy, bright %26amp; sparkly I would get a bed spread %26amp; a bunch of pillows with sequins, tassels, fringe %26amp; silk. I would also maybe put a pair of ice skates on a shelf %26amp; some pictures %26amp; poster of her favorite figure skaters....I cant really think of any thing else, man you got a tough one. I hope this helps! Good Luck :)|||http://www.shop.com/46691401-61136390-p.鈥?/a>





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http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?st鈥?/a>





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http://www.iceexcellence.com/store/18738鈥?/a>|||You can color the walls a light/winter blue and add some snowflakes stencils in a snowy white. Get a skating poster or canvas transfer print and some inexpensive accessories to set around the room.


I found this prints:


http://www.posterunlimited.com/cliqa2773鈥?/a>


http://www.posterunlimited.com/tel5543.h鈥?/a>


Good luck!|||That's a tough one, one thought: Find some old reproductions of Blank and white posters of famous skaters and Olympians, like Sonia Henje, Dorothy Hamill, etc. Frame them identically in plain black frames, paint the walls an icey blue or pink,


carpet in a silvery gray or white, or more cheaply a large round area rug, like a rink shape. A big fluffy white area rug that resembles snow is a thought. Bean bags in light pastel tones to resemble snow. Lots of reflective surfaces and/or mirrors. You could paint her furniture either shiny white or black lacquer depending on look you want to achieve. Just think sparkle...don't forget pillows and mood lighting. Well placed christmas lights could mimic the night sky.


Well, that's a start...have fun!

Is it too late to get into figure skating?

I started figure skating in october and i am 13. I am in level basic 4.Is it too late to start already because my grandma keeps saying that i will never become very good because i didn't start when i was like 5. But i practice like 3 hours a week. I am planning to practice more as I progress because all of the classes are relatively easy for me.








Where do you think i will be by next summer?





and





Do you think it is too late to start?|||It;s never to late. You just must have faith in yourself and you must want to achieve all those things..


Havent you seen Ice Princess?? ;)|||i started in september of last year when i was 12 1/2 (now i'm 13) and i'm in basic 4 too (:





no, it's not to late to start. you won't go to the 2010 olympics but if you keep practicing you will go far in it. my dad tells me that i started late, and i know i did but i'm just having fun in skating, and right now that is all that matters.|||freeking do it! im 14 and i started last week!! its so fun and im already starting stuff from alpha level!! well i dont know usfsa levels so i couldnt tell you. but just keep practicing. im sure you will be amazing!!





good luck!:]|||Do it!!!!!! I'm 14 and I'm starting lessons very soon I'm so excited!|||I started basic skills when I was 10, a few more years won't hurt! I'm now and 18 and have accomplished so much. Realistically, it's more likely that you won't go to the Olympics or anything like that, but who's to say it's impossible. Plus, there are many other high goals you can set for yourself in skating besides going to the Olympics. You will be able to compete in so many competitions and pass so many more tests (after basic skills) definitely stick with it!





Just keep in mind that it is more difficult to start later especially for girls (speaking from personal experience). You've got a different mind set when you're older, and it's difficult to train your body to do things in skating that you aren't used to doing. Just something to keep in mind as you're training and you see things possibly coming easier to the little kids. It's because they don't think about it, the just do. Whereas when you're older, you begin to analyze. But don't let that stop you!





Depending on whether or not your classes run year-round and how long the sessions are, its tough to say where you'll be in the future. If the classes are too easy for you, maybe you should consider going straight into being privately coached or even just asking the program director to have an instructorr test you, and find a level that will challenge you more than you are.





Good Luck!

Do you have to start figure skating when your young?

Could you start figure skating at the age of 16 to be a proffessional figure skater, or would you of had to start when you were 2 or something.|||There have been several famous figure skaters that did not start skating until they were 10-12 or even older. If you can, then the younger you start the better but it isn't a requirement to become a great skater. You just need to practice a lot which means spending all of your spare time at the rink and realizing that you need to be in really good condition to do all of the jumps, spins, and other parts of the sport. You also need to have really strong ankles and getting a good coach is important too. You can't just decide to become a great skater one day and get started. It takes physical, mental and stamina training to get to the top tier in the skating world.|||I started skating 2 years ago (12) and Im already doing the same things that people who started skating at 4 years old are doing. It just takes practice :) good luck! Besides, it's easier to learn how to skate after you are done growing. That way you don't have to re-learn jumps and spins.|||the younger, the better, so that when you get older you won't look so pathetic and you'll know a lot of moves already. but, it doesn't always matter. as long as you are determined and you practice a lot, i'm sure the age won't matter:))|||u can start when ever you want to if u put your mind to it

How do I chill out before a figure skating competition? Any tips?

I am SO nervous in a figure skating competition! Therefore I always pop of freak out during competition. Got any chill tips? Anyone?


Thanks|||Don't be nervous - remember that you are prepared, and that this is just an opportunity to show people how awesome you are at skating! :)





Some of the things I do to relax before I take the ice to compete are to listen to music (it can be really helpful to have your program on a mix of other music that gets you relaxed and ready, so you can walk it through before you actually skate it), slowly warm up off ice in a quiet spot, and to mentally visualize a really good skate.





Otherwise, do everything you can to have your things prepared and ready to go, so there's no additional stress the day of. Get your bag packed and your dress ready ahead of time. Polish your skates. Make sure everything is in order so you don't have to scramble, and can take your time on the actual day of your event.





Arrive at the rink early for your event, too! It makes a big difference for me to not feel like I'm rushing once I get there.





Remember that you have practiced hard, and are prepared. Don't worry about the judges or the scores, just worry about skating the best you can, and leave it at that. Remember to breathe!





Good luck with your competition, I hope that you skate well and enjoy yourself!|||Take several deep breaths when the nerves really hit.


Be organized before. Know your routine and don't keep changing it on days before and check double check and treble check your kit before you leave and when you get there. Then you won't be thinking have i got this that and whatever. You will know.





Also the big one for me is avoiding the types of people who giggle about how nervous they are. Or ask if you are nervous. If your not with them you don't need to think about it. if you are then you will constantly think about nerves.|||I have the same problem, its hard because it can affect your skating!





Take a few deep breaths and envision yourself doing your program flawlessly. You could also listen to music.


Don't watch the other skaters! Have your coach stretch you or something while the other people skate their program. It's perfectly okay.


During your warm up, shake off all the nerves, imagine your warm-up lap as a victory lap, and practice your program once through.





Remember to have fun!|||dont be nerves even if you muck up they will still chear for you, i had a comp yesterday and came 4th out of 12 i was sooo happy i forgot that i had been nerves and now i want to do it again. What i did is


1 got a lucozade and got really HYPER!!!!!!!! helps trust me !!!!!


2. listened to my ipod and watched some contestants( this helpes cause you see what the others are doing !!!!)


3. Just smile if you sdo this the judges will be fooled and give you extra presentation marks whereas if you show your nerves they wont give you pres marks. Just relax back your stuff before hand and get there early so you wont be paniking. Just enjoy it





ITS NOT ABOUT THE WINNING ITS THE TAKING PART THAT COUNTS, ITS FOR THE EXPIRIENCE!!!!!!!!!!\





good luck|||i had the same problem


i found i was only nervous when there where things in my head


so to cure this i would sit in the park and get all of my emotions out


so my head would be clear for the comp


Gluck :)|||Just about everyone does, so don't feel like you're alone. I always listen to some upbeat music and create my own bubble. Not talking and forcing myself not to think tends to help me. If that doesn't work for you - because everyone is different - sometimes talking with friends to take your mind off of everything works. My friends and I make little jokes to help remind us to do things or take the nerves off a bit (like trying to picture the judges skating then remembering how much better you are then them).





Competition is no different then when you run through a practice. It's the same thing and what happens happens. Have fun, you're the star.

How much percent over a hundred is splitting suggested for figure skating?

how much percent over a hundred is splitting suggested for figure skating?|||You don't have to be flexible but it is very encouraged. It will help you with spirals and spin positions, it is also important to have a flexible back so you can do layback spins and positions. I would sayy that the splits are 100% suggested, but only roughly 85% necessary.|||none

Does figure skating stunt your growth or cause you to be shorter?

I started figure skating when I was about 7 years old, but quit after 3 years because our family moved. I just turned 14 years old last month, and I want to go back to figure skating. But I am very short, only about 5" at the most. I want to figure skate, but I also want to grow to at least average height. My father tells me that figure skating might stunt your growth or cause you to be shorter, is this true?|||No, figure skating doesn't stunt your growth - what an idea! hahaha! Your father's just teasing you. In fact, it makes you a little taller because it improves posture and core body strength as well as extension.





As long as you don't have an eating disorder, which can cause growth and developmental problems, it doesn't matter what sport you pursue.





While most female pairs partners are below-average height, there are tall and petite female skaters in the other disciplines as well.





The underlying question is why is your father discouraging you from taking up skating?


Perhaps your family has time or budget issues - that's a private discussion that you need to have.





In the meantime, you should just go to the rink and skate. Take a friend or two, make a friend or two. If you still want to do skating, talk to your parents and work it out.





Good luck.|||average height -- 4' 5'' to 6'





no it is not true. It hasn't stunted my growth anyways|||No, figure skating will not stunt your growth in any way.





Really, REALLY intensive athletic training can do that. Skating two or three times a week? No difference at all.|||Yes figure skating can cause you to be shorter. Figure skating is considered an compact sport. Such as when you land a jump, you're placing a remarkable amount of force and weight on your bones and muscles. Due to the impact of the force on your muscles your body might not grow as much because being taller for skating is much harder on the joints and bones. There is also a benefit with being shorter when skating, less distance to fall. The possible reduction in height only counts if you are skating and doing jumps more often during your growing years. As such skaters are often about a few inches shorter then they normally would have been.





I'd like to note because you've just turned 14, you're very very unlikely to grow more. Most girls last growing age is around 13, so you've likely reached your adult height. Though it is possible you might grow another half and inch or so but if you were to start skating for a large amount of time, you might not grow that last small bit.





Overall, because of your current height, I wouldn't worry about taking up skating because it will make you shorter.





Take it from a Girl who's 5'2, the doctors predicted I'd be at least 5'5 if not 5'6, and I've got the big feet to prove it.





Addition: Forgot to mention, skaters often have higher bone density due to the compacting of bones! Means we're less likely to break bones and have osteoporosis when older.|||no way i don't know one person who has ever had their growth stunted by skating!

Figure skating- how do the skaters avoid getting dizzy when they do a fast spin?

I love watching figure skating. Often in the routine I have seen skaters do a standing or sit spin where they are turning really fast. How do they avoid getting dizzy and falling or stumbling when the stop the spin. I have tried just sitting in a chair and spinning with my eyes closed and I am always dizzy or feeling like I am still spinning when the chair stops. How do the skaters do this?|||Staying in the center of the spin helps to avoid dizziness. If the spin is not centered, it is called "traveling" and the spin is out of control, and can resulting in becoming dizzy. However, during a centered spin, each rotation is in the same spot as the previous spin and the skater does not become dizzy. Takes lots of practice. :)|||Actually


Shelley L


you are wrong





when doing a spin (not rotating footwork that is different)


like the ones you are describing: sitspin etc.


The skater keeps thier eyes open and stays centered on the "sweet spot" of their blade


a figure skater NEVER spots while doing spins! EVER!!!


Pretty much, it is just practice. sorry to disappoint, lol





Also spinning in a chair is VERY different, and you will get MORE dizzy if you close your eyes


and just to let you know trying to spin around on two feet as fast as you can doesn't work either xP





even i get dizzy if i spin on a chair... and if i EVER closed my eyes doing spins at my rink i don't think i would open them again





at most rinks during practice time there are alot of highly competative skaters (if you are @ a level where you are doing fairly advanced tricks) and closing your eyes while doing any move is a bad idea





Also we DO get dizzy sometimes


the better you are the less often


but i have mastered the basic spins


and if i do too many in a combination


or go abnormally fast


i will get a little dizzy


you just hafta snap outa it really quickly so you don't get killed!


lol





sorry for the long answer


hope that cleared things up!|||After practicing and practicing, skaters get used to it


some people don't even get dizzy. only dancers do spotting


skaters just keep their body in the spinning position, keep centered (in one spot on the ice), keep spinning on the rocker of the blade, and keep their balance. One of the tricks is after the spin to skate in the opposite direction to stop the dizziness.|||Contrary to popular belief, figure skaters do not spot.


As we spin, we see a blur going by of the boards, audience, ice, etc., and we focus on that.





I like to say that we "focus on the inconstant" - we don't try to focus on any one thing, so we don't get dizzy.


It comes naturally with practice and experience.|||ive been figure skating for about 5 years and i dont really ever get dizzy coming out of a spin, once in a great while ill feel a teensy bit dizzy.


but i think you can avoid getting dizzy but making sure your doing the spins the correct ways; centering the spin before fully going into it, staying centered, balancing the spin, coming out of the spin once the speed begins to decrease.





hope i helped.|||At first, I got super dizzy, but after, it went away. But sometimes if I stare at the ice floor, or something I'm wearing, like the top of my jacket, or my gloves, i keep concentrated. I even know a few people who do that spaced out look in their eyes...lol. Also, i think it has something to do with centripetal force, where all the the weight is balanced out. If all the weight is balanced out on the skates, then you keep spinning until you stop it (stopping the spin). It's pretty simple to stop the spin, all you do is push your free leg out (no toepicks on the ice), and you start to slow down. Hope You Found Your Answer!|||After a while and some practice, you get used to it, sometimes closing your eyes helps too when you have your balance and center in the spin.|||I think it is about ballance and it you travel (move out of one spot) then you will because you are switching the center of gravity with your body.





hope i helped xoxo etta!|||Oh, we just get used to it after a while and it's no big deal.|||you just get use to it after a while and it becomes sort of like a normal function for our brains


WE DO NOT SPOT!! haha


:)|||Yea i always get dizzy but i have to skate it off. Also keep my eye one thing|||I do not know i think the same thing maybe they get used to it! Maybe just maybe!|||stay centered and stare at a spot on the boards|||It's called spotting.. picking a spot in one place and keeping your eye on it.





takes Practice.

What color outfit should I wear for a Phantom of the Opera themed figure skating program?

In the movie the girl wears white the whole movie, but I need your opinion to the color of the dress I'm going to wear for my figure skating program. I'm looking at an elegant black and white dress, but I'm trying to find if there is a better color or colors to make it more Phantom of the Opera! HELP ME PLEASE!|||you can use dark red


black and white is nice, maybe a light blue?|||Most people associate phantom color wise with Webber's logos and such. So a black and white dress would be good, with a hint of a light blue in accessories. Just a little bit of the blue though.

What are some US states that seem to take figure skating really seriously?

Like how texas is big with cheerleading? For figure skating I'm thinking Colorado maybe? Or some state in New England? Not sure. Any ideas people?|||My friend has been skating her whole life, for the most part in Minnesota. Though for a year she was in Michigan (probably the program the person above me mentioned), and also was in California for a year.|||i live in minnesota and its pretty big here well there is alot of people who dont know who sasha cohen is but there is a club in duluth that is really big in skating and the jumping shrimp girl from ice princess trains in minneapolis and ive met her before there is a rink in almost every town|||well..New England....im guessing haaha..


but other than the U.S Japan is crazy about skating.


sorry..even though i skate i dont do research haha|||So im form Michigan and there's a rink here called the Detroit Skating Club and people from all over the US come here to train with our coaches. People call the club DSC.|||im from michigan and it's HUGE there. DSC is probably the most hard core in the state, maybe out of the country as well|||Texas





I went to skate dallas 2009,very serious.800 people and more

How to convince my mom to let me start figure skating ?

I want to start figure skating but I don't think my mom will say yes... I didn't ask yet but I need to know what to say|||Start by going to the rink just to skate. You can go with friends or just by yourself. After each trip, tell your parents how much you enjoy skating and want to learn more.





Save up some of your money for skates and lessons - I'll bet that, if you pay half, your parents will realize how important this is to you and agree to skates and lessons. It's definitely good exercise and a great after-school/weekend activity. You'll make new friends and learn the value of practicing and working towards goals.





If you have a lot of activities on your calendar now, start thinking about what you'd be willing to give up in order to become a figure skater. If you take three dance lessons each week, maybe you could take just one to save money and time for skating.





Skates:


Ask at the pro shop and the figure skating office about getting a good pair of used figure skates. Check the bulletin boards too - sometimes people put up a flyer or the skating club might have a skate swap. If you're not sure about the fit, ask one of the skating coaches or the pro shop staff to help you check.





A good pair of used skates doesn't cost much and saves you the cost of renting skates each time.


The rentals are usually in poor condition so having your own skates is better. You can have them sharpened as needed, but it's not a big expense.





Lessons:


Bring home the group lesson program brochure from the rink along with the public skating schedule.


Group skating lessons are usually pretty inexpensive and are offered on different days each week.





Figure out if you can fit a group lesson and a public skating session into your schedule each week.


Then, approach your parents about going to the rink for lessons and practices.





Don't worry about the next steps beyond good skates and group lessons. Once you've begun those lessons, you can post another question about private lessons and freestyle sessions, lol.





Good luck - I hope you can arrange to start skating!|||if money/ transportation is not a problem..i wouldn't see her saying , no....just ask and discuss ..|||Hi Emily


maybe start by suggesting the two of you (or the family) take a trip to an ice rink as a family outing. If you do this already and she is not getting the hint, then make a commitment with her.





Of course, I don't know your personality or history, but if you flit around and change your mind on things a lot, she will be quite wary of this being a "passing fad". If on the other hand you give it dedicated 6 months of effort with no excuses and maybe have a plan, then she may be more receptive. That plan could be as simple as "save money for x weeks to pay for 3 lessons and renting some boots. Save/earn some extra money over the next x weeks to buy my own skates. If you come with the start of a plan and show passion for wanting to do it, I am sure she will support you.





Maybe look at aiming for sponsorship from a local business for 6 months or so. Coverage in the local paper, all sorts of little things that show your mum you are not asking her to pay for *everything* and that you are looking at options to make it work.





Good luck and if you are serious and passionate about it, I wish you luck and success from me to you that will match your hard work and dedication.|||Tell her that there will be boys in tights too. She should stop worrying about your marrying well.|||Tell her it was a 50/50 decision between figure skating and smoking crack............she'll come round.

Does it matter if figure skates are used for recreational skating?

i mean, both have toe picks, etc, just the figure skating has more padding.





if i only skated 4 hours total, I should start with the recreational or figure skates?|||An old pair of figure skates would be great for recreational skating. They're sturdy and warm, lol.





However, recreational skates aren't good for figure skating. What you think is "padding" is really hiding the extra support figure skates provide. That support lets us ride on single edges and execute turns, jumps and spins without straining our ankles and feet.





If you're not going to do turns, jumps and spins, pond or recreational skates are fine.


If you're going to take skating lessons, use figure skates, even if you're a beginner. They help you learn faster.|||You can absolutely use figure skates for recreational skating. In fact, it will probably make you a better skater. Recreational skates tend to have less support, especially in the ankles. You will find that having your own pair of skates will make a huge difference in your abilities. However, skates are expensive, so make sure that you are invested enough in the sport to spend the cash on a pair of skates. If you are just beginning and aren't sure whether you want to continue, rental skates should be fine. It really depends on how committed you are. Good luck!|||Do you mean recreational as in clinging to the wall and going in circles for an hour or two and calling it skating? Or like skating and competing and stuff, but just not super-competitive or USFSA? For the first, it doesn't really matter what you wear, I guess. Figure skates have bigger toe-picks and are probably stiffer than hockey skates in general, but rentals will be such a low level and so broken down that it shouldn't really matter (I couldn't say for sure...I've never worn hockey skates in my life). There are also these things called SofTecs that look pretty nifty, for recreational skaters. They're a mix of a figure skate and a hockey skate, I guess, and it's all padded and stuff.





If you meant the latter, of course you need a pair of figure skates! You don't neccessarily need a high FS, $600 pair - and that's just the boots, not the blades! - but get a decent pair for your level. Actually, a bit above your level is probably good because then you won't be buying new skates as often and having to break them in, etc... I'm working on the consistency of my Axels and on my double Sal, but I've got high-level FS boots (on my coach's recommendation). I love them! Even though all the people at the figure skating shop whined at me that it's "too much boot", I think it was the right choice. They've lasted close to a year, now, and are very supportive. I don't feel like my ankle is going to collapse if my foot leaves the ice. :P|||Figure skates are expensive, but mine were totally worth it. For you, I'm not sure though, because I'm a figure skater. They will definately help you better, but it might not be worth it to spend 100-200 on figure skates when your just gonna do it recreationally. If you believe that you will continue skating more advanced, I would just get figure skates. But if your not sure, I would start off with cheap recreational ones.|||You can definatley use figure skates for recreational skating. You might even be better off skating with figure skates. You'll need to break them in first though and you'll probably see lots of blisters but once there broken out, you'll be fine. Good LucK!|||I just skate for fun and use figure skates. At first the toe pick kept tripping me, but now I don't know how I could skate without it.

What is moves in the field in figure skating?

I'm a freestyle 4/5 figure skater and i want to know what is moves in the field in figure skating?


a few of my friends got tested for usfs moves in the field testing today. what is it and can i do it?|||Moves in the Field (aka: MITF or "Moves") is a testing structure introduced to improve the overall basic skating skills. Moves in the Field tests involve demonstrating command of skating maneuvers like crossovers, spirals, edges, and turns with control and speed. They are part of the USFSA's standard track of tests, which is totally separate from the Basic Skills program testing. Some skaters stop taking Basic Skills lessons and switch over to private lessons entirely.





There are eight Moves tests - Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior and Senior. There are also four Adult Moves tests available for skaters over 21. The tests are taken in order starting with Pre-Preliminary, during a very formal skating session where one or more judges evaluate the skaters individually. Each Moves test consists of four or more "patterns" that the skater must perform correctly. I linked the Moves test page below - check out each tests' patterns to see the steps and manuevers required. It's very different than having the instructor evaluate your next class level in Basic Skills.





After a skater passes a specific Moves test, they are eligible to take the corresponding Freeskate test. Based on these tests, skaters can compete in non-Basic Skills competitions at their highest test level. Skaters who test up to Juvenile or higher can compete in qualifying competitions that start locally and lead to the national competitions.





Your first step is to select a private coach to teach you the patterns and prepare you for the testing. The coach can guide you through the skating club membership and signing up for the test session.





The silence during Moves testing is deafening. Every skater should make an effort to go and observe one or more test sessions before they sign up to test.|||Skaters must take and pass each test in order. Everyone starts at the first test, which is Pre-Preliminary. Some Pre-Preliminary patterns are scattered among the Basic Skills' Freeskate tests, so you might know how to do some of them already. (Ex: Edges on the Line)

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|||MOVES IN THE FIELD 鈥?NEW TESTS TO TAKE EFFECT SEPT. 2, 2010








The members of the Moves in the Field Task Force are pleased to present our revisions to the current testing structure. We were charged with the duty of examining the current tests with two goals in mind:





1. To find methods to shorten the length of tests while still allowing the skater to demonstrate important skills bilaterally


2. To re-introduce skills that have been part of figure skating for decades but were not included in the original introduction of the moves tests





Many of the current moves ask the skater to perform a skill in one direction, stop and perform the skill in the opposite direction. Sometimes it's clockwise to counter-clockwise, and sometimes it's forward to backward, but we have taken several of these moves and revised them to flow continuously - saving time without sacrificing what the skater is meant to learn from the skill. These improvements will not only save valuable ice time during tests but also lesson and practice time.





Moves were originally created to help preserve the form and accuracy of the turns that are an essential part of figure skating, but loops and twizzles have been overlooked until now. New patterns including these turns complement the threes, brackets, counters and rockers that have been part of the moves structure since its inception. While new moves are being introduced, some current moves are also being deleted from the test structure. Overall, we believe we have retained the best of the old moves tests and added new moves to present a logical and progressive test structure.





The links below lead to the new tests. Video examples of the new and revised moves are presented here, and eventually all moves will be included to provide a resource center for the entire new moves test structure. Diagrams and descriptions are available here for all the moves. This web site will be updated frequently, so keep checking for new information as we approach the Sept. 2, 2010, implementation date.|||talk to your coach about it


there a book and every level has different moves,


you go out and perform just those moves for that level and if the judges think we preformed well you pass. you keep trying till you eventually pass.


its pretty intimidating at first but if you practice enough the judges will score you good.


GOOD LUCK

What songs are the 2010 Olympics Figure Skating routines to?

I always love watching the figure skating during the Olympics; the songs they skate to are the best!


However, the announcers rarely tell what the songs actually are- I could pick out a few so far this season, but not most... anyone know where I could find the list of these songs? Or rather, anyone know the songs the figure skate routines were to?|||This site lists the music of the skater currently skating: http://www.nbcolympics.com/figure-skatin鈥?/a>





The ISU site lists music of the skaters, but a lot of the listings are out of date: http://www.isufs.org/bios/





Are there any specific skaters you had in mind? For the short program Tuesday night: Mao Asada's program was to Masquerade Waltz. Yu-Na Kim skated to a medley of James Bond movie music. Rachael Flatt skated to Sing, Sing, Sing. I've read that Joannie Rochette skated to La Cumparsita. Mirai Nagasu skated to Pirates of the Caribbean.|||It happens every Winter Games..I can never find a satisfactory list, so I'm working on compiling my own. Here's the link: http://listography.com/crayolaskiies/music/vancouver_2010_figure_skating I know there's still a lot of holes, but I'm filling them in. :) You're welcome to use my findings!|||I recognized as only three of the songs: there is Swan Lake, and Last Claiderman, and Lux Aeterna

What off-ice training do i need to start figure skating? and do know any websites that provide info?

I have figure skating classes in two weeks. So i wanted to start the off-ice training before start class. So I am trying to figure out what to eat, what to focus my workouts on. I am sixteen so i have a lot of work to do so i need so help.|||The three basic things you want to work on off-ice are strength, flexibility and endurance. With your ballet and kickboxing you're already part way there.





You may want to add some basic weight training that focus's on your legs - if you've never done this before, make sure you go to a gym that has a fitness instructor to set up a suitable training program and teach you how to use the machines - you don't want to hurt yourself.





Your ballet is an excellent way to work on grace and flexibility. Yoga and pilates are also excellent disciplines for flexibility training. You could pick up an at home DVD that focus's on strength and flexibility and work out at home.





For endurance training, kickboxing is great. To add some variety you might want to try a little bit of distance running (say 2 miles to start) and add in wind sprints to mimic the fast/slow/fast progression of most figure skating programs.





As far as eating goes it's all common sense. Keep your fat intake low and focus more on complex carbs like pasta and whole wheat bread and fruit's good too, and finally protein found in meats and veggies. You should never feel too hungry, as long as you eat quality foods you should be able to eat as much as you need to.|||Ballet is the perfect thing if your an ice skater. just hen your spinning on ice, don't pick a spot on the wall, it makes you sooooo much dizzzier. just stretch like you were getting ready for ballet practice. If you do ballet then your pretty much covered.|||i have been skating for almost 2 years and i still dont have that much of a rigorous off ice training schedule. for now just eat whatever u want, ur coach will tell u if she wants u to do off-ice training. i hate to break it to u but the first time u go on the ice or the first time u have a lesson or whatever ur not gonna be the best in the world, u probly wont be able to naturally skate that well, so off-ice training wouldnt make a difference or even make ur skating worse.|||If you are just a beginning ice skater I wouldn't say that you need serious off ice training yet. I am careful to eat a balanced diet, and I think some good strength training is good to start with. I would do some basic weight lifting. I think balance training is something that is really good to work with. one of the balance balls that are a half ball and have a hard bottom are one good thing to work on, and the normal exercise balls are good to do things on. Also a little bit of running would be good, and maybe a few sit ups an push ups, but that's about all I do.|||I do stuff like pilates, skipping rope, running and stretching.|||Learn how to fall down and get back up in a safe manner. (stand up using all fours...fall to your side instead of forward or backward, and do not utilize your wrists to stop your falls - especially backwards!)


Anything that will give you overall physical fitness will help you learn to skate. Until you get a feel for what you lack on the ice it's hard to pinpoint what you need to add off the ice.|||try dancing to music from figure skating u see on tv 2 get the rythm in your blood and moves :D


also do some thigh exercises so u won't get a muscle cramp at the beginning|||http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/sportsci/st鈥?/a>





This site shows you skating-specific stretching, illustrated, and why and what it helps.|||Taking ballet classes really helps....trut me on this I am a figure skater and I have been taking ballet my whole life! You will want to work on flexibility, that will help you with artistry. As for your jumps you will need tons of leg muscles so you might want to get a head start on that, and for spins just work on your balence on ice and work on gliding in a straight line holding a spin position. It really works! Good Luck! I hope you like the sport! I know I do!

What to wear to my first figure skating lessons?

I'm going to my first figure skating lesson in a few days. What should I wear to it? A lot of people wear leggings, but I'm afraid I'll get too cold in them. I usually just wear jeans to a public session, but obviously I can't wear that during lessons. I've got some blue sweatpants, will that work?





Also, what should I expect at my first lesson? I know how to skate forward, but that's about it. Thanks for your help. :)|||figure skates would be a good start|||Definitely don't wear jeans, even to a public skate session.





Leggings are great to wear; just wear tights or long socks underneath (don't have bare feet in skates, unless you don't mind getting cold). You shouldn't get cold wearing leggings because you'll be moving around. You may also want to wear rain or wind pants (like this: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/WomensClot鈥?/a> Just not heavyweight; you can find them at any camping supply store), because you'll be learning how to fall down and get up, and all that sitting on the ice can make your legs wet and cold.





After the first few lessons, when you've tried out different things, you'll know exactly what to wear. Everyone likes to dress differently, depending on what they're comfortable in.





Good luck and have fun!|||Hi!


I started figure skating last year.. I was 13 at the time, So i was a little late xD


But, When you go skating you want to dress warm.. and when you walk into the rink area it will be cold


But as you start moving on the ice your body temp. will go up, so what you want to wear is leggings under your sweats.. so if you get hot you take off the sweats.. same with the top.. wear a tank, then a long sleeve, then a jacket or hoodie...


What to expect -


Well basically you should expect a lot of younger kids in your class... You will first learn how to fall and stand up (off ice first) Then you will go on, you will learn how to go forward by marching and maybe how to stop.. By shaving the ice with your edges.. Im assuming your a bit older and have hand eye coordination so you will move onto the next level faster then the younger kids.. I did :)|||Try to be as comfy as possible! What I wore when I was beginning was sweat pants with long socks, knee highs would be good. No no-show socks, those are way too short. I would also wear long sleeves and bring a jacket, try not to bring a sweatshirt because its easier to skate with form fitting clothing. Also I would wear gloves to keep your hands from being cold. Hope this helps!|||Leggings are fine! And i dont think you will get cold! Sweatpants will be fine, because they will show you legg line.


Your first lesson you will learn how to skate forwards in the correct position and also using your arms, you will also learn how to fall to the ice and how to get back up again. ( this may have changed).


I hope i have helped!





Ps Have a great time!!|||Leggings will be fine. You won't get cold because you'll be moving around. If you're worried, you could wear tights underneath.





(You should never wear jeans, even just to a public session.)





At your first lesson you'll probably practice correct technique for skating forward, how to fall and get up properly and so on.|||if its your first lesson its not a big deal. you wont be doing anything intense because its only your first lesson. i recomend a pair of tights and skating pant or leggings. the only problem with sweatpants is that they will get wet easily and then you get cold|||Yes, that's perfect! If you don't want to wear a jacket/north face, try wearing a long sleeved shirt along with that! Don't worry about what you wear, just HAVE FUN!!!!! Hope I helped! (:|||My goodness, im so excited for you :) Never wear jeans though, never, not even during a public session. If you wear the sweatpants and you fall, which you would probably be doing a lot, they'll get wet and you will be frozen. I'd wear tights (skin colored skating tights) under the leggings. I do that and i'm in Pre-Preliminary. Also, wear thick socks or skating socks, or regular socks that go even a little past your ankle. Wear a sweater over a tank top or a long-sleeved shirt, but i wear a tank top by itself without anything else when i skate because it doesn't cover my arms, and therefore my arms do not get sloppy with my skating. It doesn't get that cold after a while, truuust meee. You warm up to it. But since its your first time, a long sleeve or sweater might be good. Also, MUST have gloves; they are essential even to me now.





You should expect:


-Learning to balance better on the ice. As you can skate forward, they will try to polish that up even more, and then teach you how to stop one way, (there are 4 ways to stop) and maybe swizzles, and later on how to glide on one foot, probably. They'll teach you how to go backwards with the swizzles, also. :) Have lots of fun! Remember, that's the important part. They will also teach you how to fall without getting hurt.

Why is figure skating not considered a sport by most people?

I'm a figure skater. And I get made fun of because people tell me i'm not in any sports. When I tell them I'm in figure skating, they laugh at me saying that's not a sport. What I want to know is, if figure skating isn't a sport, then why is it in the olympics? the definition of olympic games is a modern international sports competition. did you see that word sports?|||It is definitely a sport but I suppose many people consider it to be in the same category as dancing which people also argue whether it is a sport or not. It is because figure skating is artistic and artistry for many people isn't sports-like.


It is not because there is no ball involved as commented by Portia. There are many sports that don't involve balls. However she is partly correct too because many people think of ball sports when the word "sport" is mentioned.


Feel proud of your sport. It is very difficult and I think it is beautiful and amazing to watch.|||I agree with you. Figure skating is a sport, and a difficult one too, which is recognized as a sport by people who experience it and by the Olympic Movement. Figure Skating wouldn't be in the Olympics if it weren't officially a sport.





Let these know-nots get out and attempt a grueling program on the rock hard ice, balance on thin metal blades, expend the energy, strength and concentration to complete a program, then you'll be the one laughing at them for ever laughting at you or this difficult but beautiful sport.





You're a tough athlete and a talented individual...don't ever forget that.|||There's no ball involved. When people think of sports they think of things like Baseball, Football, Basketball, Volley, etc....|||It's not as popular as other sports, that's why.

Should my two daughters have the same coach or have their own coach in figure skating?

My kids are 10 and 6. I am planning to have my 6 year old to take private lessons in figure skating. Should i use the same coach that my 10-year old has, or should i get another coach for her? My 10-year old daughther's coach asked me that he wants to teach my 6-year old before the learn-to-skate has started. Now, my 6-year-old learn-to-skate teacher likes to coach my 6-year-old. Any experience in this situation?|||It all depends on your daughters, their personalities and what works for them. I know several sets of sisters who have the same coach and it works out really well, and they even share lessons sometimes.





Maybe you should talk to your 6-year-old and ask her which coach she likes better. Then try them out and see what works for her.|||I would say have their own coaches. Otherwise, there would be too much competition between the two, and they might not enjoy their skating as much. I do know two sisters, age 12 and 8, who have the same coach and it works out ok, but their coach is a national level coach, and she doesn't let them have anything to do with each other on the ice.





Also, if your 6yr olds learn to skate coach wants to coach her, you may as well let it stay that way. Your child is probably more comfortable with it that way.





If you're still unsure, ask the coaches opinions, and your daughters' opinions.|||definitely different coaches. different coaches are usually better for different age levels. your 10 year old should have a coach who challenges her. your 6 year old should have one who lets her know when she does something right, and get her excited about it. different styles of coaches are better for different people. that way your kids will not be competing for 1 on 1 ti me with their coach either.|||i would take a look at all the coaches and the one you thought would be best for your daughter would be the one you picked, also ask her from maybe a couple you choose as she is young who she wants to have teach her, that way you can choose a good coach that she also likes, if it is your other daughters coach so be it, it's what you both pick...|||I think you should find an experienced coach to teach both. They should have the same coach, because why should one child have a different coach than the other? They might complain to you about inequality. And plus, different coaches teach differently so if they are trying to help each other out but they are learning something differently than one another it could get really confusing for them. They should help each other out by having the same techniques.





Good luck!|||It depends on your daughters and their relationships with each other.





They might want the same because, it is sometimes scary to get a new coach! If they both had the same they could share a private lesson, and then have their own lessons and share the advice with each other and stuff.





They might want different coaches so there won't be any competition with each other.|||I think it depends on the personalities of your 6 year old and 10 year old.





There are several pairs of siblings at my rink who use the same coach. It seems to work for them.

How long does a figure skating routine usually last?

I'm writing a volume of music for figure skating routines, and I need to get a general consensus of how long the pieces have to be for competitions, etc..|||There is no general consensus.





If you're talking senior programs, long and short programs are of different lengths, and - if I recall correctly - I think that mens programs are longer than womens.





Also, I'm thinking your market wouldn't even be the people you see on tv (seniors), as they tend to have experts put together their programs with a mission to be unique, and follow along with whatever the judges are trending towards actually looking for at that moment. So, your market would be the lower levels.





Programs, in that case, vary anywhere from about a minute (primary), to around 4 minutes for the juniors. I believe novice and junior also have long and short programs, so again - 2 different lengths.





Your best bet would be to write/compile good pieces for actually skating to, don't pay too much attention to length, and let the coaches / music people for individual skaters cut the music for their skaters' needs. They'll want to mix pieces, as that's also something judges look for.|||I'm no expert, but they usually last about the length of a song, so about 4 minutes I believe.|||There is a short and a long program and a free skate.





http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/2鈥?/a>|||for senior women its 4 min, and i believe for men its either 4 min or 4 min 30 sec. check w/ the isu homepage :D|||about the lenght of an average song 3min 30sec to about 4 min

In which countries is figure skating played and most popular?

Well, I think figure skating is played all over the world. I just need a list of all the countries it is most popular in. Thanks. :D|||You don't really play figure skating as it isn't a game, lol.





It is popular in the UK, France, Russia (most of Europe in fact), Canada, USA, Japan - many places.|||Id say russia, usa, and japan. these are probably the three countries that win the most international events.|||Probably Countries With Winter Temperature|||China





United States





Canada|||umm i know that russia is number one for the longest. then it's china, and canada then US...

How is it determined, in the Olympics, who the figure skating medal contenders will be?

I noticed when they started the ladies first figure skating program at this year's olympics, that this girl from Turkey (who did a very good job) skated, but then they said she is not a medal contender, so how do they decide who is a medal contender?|||you should see http://www.BiznFin.com


try it. i hope that will help you


keep using answers.yahoo.com|||They base it on previous competitions. All of the skaters have rankings going into the games.

How to deal with a problem causing figure skating coach?

There is a figure skating coach at the ice rink where I teach that creates lots of problems for other skaters and coaches. She is always looking for ways to pick on someone and do mean things to them, then skillfully turns it around to make herself look innocent and everyone else the bad guy. Rink management has tried to deal with the problem but can only do so much. Any ideas of how to manage this situation? She can't be allowed to continue behaving like this and getting away with it.|||You could video tape what she's doing to get proof of her demeaning attitude and the way she acts. With proof your rink can then do something about it.





Or everyone that she coaches could fire her and get a new coach since they must not like her. If she has no one to coach she would have no reason to stay at the rink.





Everyone can just ignore her. If no one makes a big deal of her she will stop. Like if she's yelling at someone or whatever she's doing, whoever she's yelling at they can just keep skating and ignore her. It's embarrassing to be the bully and be ignored while attempting to bully someone else.|||Take away her privileges to coach at your club. contact your countrys skating union.. or province/state and tell them the problems.

What can i do to prepare for figure skating classes?

i am going to begin figure skating classes this summer(i have to wait til summer so i can drive myself, i'm 15 now, because the closest ice rink is an hour and a half away and my mom doesnt wanna drive that far, but annyways....) and i want to be prepared, so what are some things i need to know? should i try and learn some moves? what stretches should i do to et more flexible? what will these lessons be like?





and any other advice you have, please give me :)





thanks!|||You should start doing a simple off-ice exercise routine daily.





(1) Warm up with some walking, jogging, running, or jumping to get your heart beating faster.





(2) Calestenics:


- jumping jacks


- toe touches


- knee bends/squats


- waist twists


- one-foot leg extensions


- Leg lifts (front, back and side)


- Toe raises and standing.





(3) 30-Second Stretches:


- Side stretches, arms over head


- Butterfly stretches while seated


- Lunges - side and back


- Spiral/Arabesque position stretches


- Crossed-leg stretches - change feet and extend free leg to the side.


- Backbends / Bridge position stretches


- Balance on one foot with the free leg extended, front back and side.





(4) Skating Specials:


- In an open place, spin around and around until you get dizzy. Try not to fall down.


Do this in both directions several times to overcome the dizziness that plagues beginners.


- Walk backwards - really! - it makes learning to skate backwards easier.


- Jump up and down, from one foot to the other, forwards to backwards, backwards to forwards.


- Spin around in socks on a slippery floor using one foot. It improves balance.

How do i start pair figure skating?

I've been a figure skater for a long while now and i'm in love with the sport.


i'm in freestyle 4. and i really want to try something new, I've been considering pair figure skating but i don't know how to get started, and what we would have to do during competition.


please help :)|||You should check out US Figure Skating's guide to becoming a pair skater:


http://www.usfigureskating.org/Athletes.鈥?/a>


There are certain tests you will have to pass, and of course you will have to find a partner, which is not easy since there are many more girls than boys in the sport.


Good luck! If you have the passion and drive to become a pair skater, I have do doubt that you will be able to do it!|||as a coach, if there arnt many boys at your rink then it will be hard to do pairs


%26amp; the boy would have to be alot taller than you, to do lifts %26amp; throw jumps


pairs is really hard %26amp; scary but i think it would be really fun to do! i would love to do that or ice dancing

Where can i begin doing young teens pair figure skating near Boston Massachusetts?

I am 13 years old and would like to start doing young teens pair figure skating. I am on freestyle 5 and have been skating since i was very young. I would very much love some help on finding a way on how i can do this. THANKS!|||It depends on where you are. I mean you say you're "near Boston", but different areas around here have totally different skating programs. If you're North or West of the city, the best is the Colonial figure skating club in Acton. They have some of the best skating programs in the state; they got the more medals than any other club this year at regionals. I don't do pairs, but I know they do a bunch of pairs skating and they have really great pairs coaches. If you don't live close to there, I'd call up the Skating Club of Boston. They're really good too. Good luck!

What time does figure skating start tonight?

I'm not allowed to watch that much TV so i don't want to waste time watching other sports they show before the figure skating|||You may look up the Olympic times for your area at the following link:





http://www.nbcolympics.com/getlocal/tvli鈥?/a>





They like to drag out ice skating throughout the entire scheduled time because there is a lot of interest in watching it and it is way for NBC to boost their ratings.|||started 30 minutes ago|||It's on NBC right now. It started at 4:30 pm Vancouver time / 7:30 pm EST.|||It's already on... I'm watching on NBC, eastern time.





And just wondering... shouldn't your parents make exceptions for THE Olympics? it only come every 4 years... :)|||The ppl at NBC have it figured out so they will do editing showing some skating and then some bobsled. You can see the highlights tomorrow on nbcolympics.com You can also get results from there, yahoo.com or the radio.

Where do you think is the figure skating capital of the world?

I just wanted to know what city/town/country is considered the figure skating capital of the world.|||Answer: Toronto, Canada %26amp; Moscow, Russia (tie)





Toronto has more skating rinks then any other city in the world. They have over 160 skating pads with over 40 picturesque outdoor skating rinks. Almost every major section of the city has its own figure skating clubs which makes Toronto home to more figure skating clubs then any other city in the world. Even though Toronto has the most skating rinks and the most figure skating clubs, it is still hard to find ice time in this city because figure skating is such a popular sport that most of the rinks are in constant use. Many famous skaters have a permanent home base in Toronto as well including Yuna Kim of Korea.





Moscow is home to the top skating academies in Russia. Most of the top figure skaters %26amp; ice dancers to there for a centralized place to find top notch coaches and choreographers. Russia dominated ice dancing and pairs skating for a decades and most of those top skaters have come from Moscow's skating academies. Many of the world's pairs and ice dance coaches and choreographers pay a visit to Moscow at least once in their careers to learn what makes their figure skating academies so successful.|||Answer: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America





There are training centers elsewhere, but Colorado is home ice to figure skaters from around the world, such as Patrick Chen from Canada, Miki Ando from China, and Susanna Poykio from Finland. Many skaters also visit these training centers for events such as pairs/dance tryouts, clinics, camps and rehabilitation.





The network of skating clubs, rinks, world-class coaches is strong and challenging. Additionally, the facilities are designed for the athlete, incorporating off-ice activities and strength training.





The headquarters for the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) is located there.


The World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame in the same place.|||Colorado Springs, CO is the FS Capital of the US. Maybe Spokane, WA or Lake Placid NY because they are huge skating places.

Why is figure skating considered a sport?

I am wondering how figure skating or ice dancing or gymnastics are considered sports in the Olympics? These are performances, not sporting events. The performers must be very talented and skillful but I can't understand why it is called a sport?





If these are sports, then singing, dancing, juggling, and opera should be sports too.


Isn't a sport defined as a game or race or other athletic competition?|||Sport (noun)-an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature





It's an athletic activity. It requires skill and physical prowess. It's of a competitive nature.





I'd say it's a sport....|||Without defining what is sport and what isn't is irrelevant. It's called the "Olympic Games", not the "Olympic Sports".





Hell, curling is in there, and that's a notch above shuffle board.|||there not sports they just wanted to give the women something to do so they didn't feel left out.

Who are the people dress in blue in the Olympic figure skating background?

In the Vancouver figure skating competition, there are about a dozen people in a group, all wearing what appear to be blue body suits, sitting right behind the wall. They look like women, but I can't figure out the age. Who are these people? What are they there for?|||They are volunteers. They wear light blue jackets, and are everywhere from downtown to assist with directions, ceremonies to keep people in line, and at every event to keep everything under control.|||Most likely they're volunteers. Usually they have younger women that sit behind a wall and collect mementos, flowers, etc from the ice after the skaters are done with their programs.

Is it possible for a 16 year old girl to begin learning figure skating and excel in major competitions?

I'm just asking out of curiosity. I've seen people start figure skating since they're 5 years old or younger. So, is it even possible for a 16 year old girl with a passion in figure skating do the same? You know, start learning and joining competitions because it seems impossible. Thanks!|||Depends on your definitions of "excel" and "major". I know a lady who started as an adult and went to the UK national solo ice dance finals.





But your 16 year old beginner is not going to win the Olympics.





I'd question her motivation, though. If she really has "a passion in ice skating" why has she waited this long to start...and how can she possibly know she's passionate about it before she's even tried?|||My friend started skating when she was 16 and in about a year and a half she is doing axles and toe loops =) But she skates 3 times a week for 3 hours each time and just practise, practice and practise's, she now does paired skating but shes soo good, So yes you can, you just need to put a lot of effort in =)|||I think johnny weir started skating around 14 years old, and then won the junior world 3 years later. Then three national titles, and senior world bronze. Although johnny is a guy, but he's quite girly, so it applies. lol


So I think it's possible for you to do it, but it requires a lot of dedication.|||honestly its a slim chance.





the older you are the harder it is for ur body to be able to perform the elements.





but their have been ppl that started "late" and excelled.





you more than likely wont do amazing at MAJOR or QUALIFYING competitions because of the lack of experience and time you lost from starting so late.





the longer you wait to start skating...the more behind and harder it will be. im sorry but its the truth!!|||You can deffinetly skate. You can do small competions, probably not get to the olympics. Regionals are posable for you plus its just fun. Even if you dont make it very far its fun to do and exciting. Hope it helped.|||if you're natural to the sport yes, you can excel.. olympics and worlds.. probably not, but i guess you can never rule that out, i started at 16 and by 18 i was novice, i think thats a pretty good jump lol.|||yeah johnny weir landed a triple the 1st year he was skating! he said he was inspired by oksana baiul


so i guess if you are really driven to be the best %26amp; preactice on %26amp; off ice everyday you might beable to do it!

How much does a beginner Figure Skating Costs at IL?

I'm only 12 and i really want to join Figure Skating... Can anyone tell me how much Figure Skating lessons costs and where in palatine or near Palatine? Really need help and what equipments do i need?|||(group) Lessons will probably cost around $60-$80 for an 8-10 week session. You don't really need any thing except gloves, a sweatshirt or sweater, pants you can move in (probably not jeans), and warm socks, which are probably all things you already have. You can rent skates at the rink.

How do you sew a figure skating dress?

I'm just asking out of curiosity - I want to learn how to sew a figure skating dress, since even a skirt is pricey.|||1. Buy a dance leotard


2.sew on a skirt (dance skirts can be cheap or make your own)


3. cover where you sewed with ribbon


4. add crystals with a machine or glue them on!|||Buy a skirt and then use the skirt as a template. You can just have one store bought skirt and a dozen more colors that you made. That is what I did. I bought this $100 dress and sent it to Vietnam to have it sewn and custom fitted for me. I saved a lot of money. Make sure that you have the right fabric for the skirt. It has to be stretchy and it'd be best if it didnt absorb water. You can try velvet! Good luck!|||I've never tried, but I've looked into it. There are patterns out there:





This place has a ton: https://specialtysportswear.com/cart/pro鈥?/a>





And a few more:


http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_thumb鈥?/a>





Also, make sure you use a very stretchy material - 4-way stretch, not 2-way stretch.|||you can buy a pattern for a figure skating skirt. Most fabric stores would have one. You also need to buy fabric, velvet or Lycra, usually. Ask around your rink, someone might have a pattern already and be willing to help you out.|||Check out this book:


Kwik Sew's Swim %26amp; Action Wear


http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Sews-Swim-Act鈥?/a>





It includes how to make figure skating dresses . . . think about it - if you can make a leotard - you can just add the skirt! The patterns are included in the book (for the skirts too).





Hope that helps!

Anyone know what the song they did during the Ukraine Figure Skating in the 2010 Olympics?

Ok recently (like just now) the Ukraine did their Figure Skating, and it sucked that he fell. Anyway....anyone know what song they did during the presentation while they were skating? I thought it was a cool song and does anyone know?|||Dreams Illusion mixed by DJI





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xr5H8A-F鈥?/a>|||I agree. what a wonderful mix. Does anyone know where I can download only the song? I researched online and the only thing I could find involving this music is the youtube video of the ukrainian figure skaters.


thanks in advance

How is geometry used in figure skating and/or gymnastics?

I'm doing a project for geometry about how geometry is used in sports and i decided to talk about either gymnastics or figure skating, but I need a little help with the information. Anything is helpful, so please and thank you!|||For figure skating you could talk about how different jumps have different angle degrees or something. Like flips and loops are 360 and axels are 540 (1 and a half turns). Watching the movie ice princess might help you. :)|||i don't know what geometry is sorry|||wait..geometry is shapes..i dont think it has to do with skating/gymnastics....physics does...watch ice princess(:|||well for syncro there'll be usage of geomoetry, ie formation etc.


but for singles there isn't usage that comes to mind, in pairs and dance maybe look into the mirror footwork sequences i guess|||There is a lot of science and math in skating, but not geometry so much...try cheerleading if you want something more artistic, or maybe try football. I think that or baseball could work better for your project. But I am happy you wanted to use the best sport in the world for it.|||I really don't know how it is used....lol sorry.. but you could use dressage! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhP鈥?/a> this is a video and this http://www.usdf.org/ is the site so you can see some patterns that they do. in dressage there are moves like trot circle to point A then canter a line to point B the whole arena is like a plane in geometry.





Or you can you Saddle seat Equitation


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f67lLbit0鈥?/a> this is a video showing a pattern and this http://www.missourihorseshowsassociation鈥?/a> is the patterns they have to do. http://www.missourihorseshowsassociation鈥?/a> this is the website about it. its the same as dressage just different styles of patterns and riding but they both use geometry





but if you REALLY want to use figure skating i suggest going to the usfsa.com - us figure skating site they might have something you can use. =)





Hope this Helped!|||geometry is mostly shapes so mayb eyou can do smoething on syncro


but singles uses mostly physics|||Ok, I admittedly know as much about the link between geometry and ice skating as a fly! lol





apart from say u are learning a sit pin but you are traveling if you put knees in tighter ON AN ANGLE and point your foot you spin faster and on the spot or if you are learning a Russian split the angle your legs split into in the air effects how you travel and the hight you reach.

How do I get into the world of figure skating?

I just finished my cheerleading season and I wanted to do it for High School. But I had found out that High School cheerleading is too exspensive for my taste. I have been wanting to be on my local figure skating team for some time. Could you please help my by giving me important information about figure skating?|||Well figure skating is ann expensive sport too so consider the cost portion of the sport before you get to serious. If the price is what you like then type in your town and ice rinks and there should be a map! Hope that helps!|||Well To Be On The Figure Skating Team You Have To Be A Freestyle Level.. Im Assuming You Have Never Skated Before.. Its Not Easy And Takes Awhile.. So You Might Think About A Year From Now ( Next Competitive Season) But To Find A Basic Skills Group Lesson Program To Help You Get There Go To USFSA.org

Is it possible to make figure skating boots a bigger size?

I have a pair of custom Riedell figure skating boots size 5...


they are only a half size-size small for me but they were so comfortable and molded to my foot that I don't want to sell them...


I know this is a total stretch but is there any possible way to make them a bigger size...maybe like the manufacturer could do something or a shoe repair place...


I don't know.


Any info or advice is appreciated.


Thanks.|||trust me. i have had the same problem. take them to a SKATE shop--not shoe--and ask them to stretch them for you. i have done this a few times. make sure to tell them how much you want it in each direction(wide, length) because sometimes you need it more one way than the other. and if you focus on longer, it will get a little longer before width starts shrinking, but the width will thin, so be careful. thats why you shouldnt go to a shoe store. almost any skate pro shop that i know of can do stretching. good luck!|||I know in Riedell they have a warranty thing. If you bought it within 60 or 90 days(I forget) they repair it for you and give you what you need.|||you could always ask a shoe repairer, but i doubt they can help as i think the size would be dictated by the size of the sole %26amp; you can't do anything about that.


if you can afford it, bite the bullet %26amp; buy a new pair, in no time at all they will feel perfect as well..|||A half size it quite a bit larger to make a skate. They can stretch skates to make them slightly larger, but a half size is quite a bit larger to make them so stretching them may not be an option. I would suggest talking to your local pro shop to see if there is anything you can do. Good luck!|||I would ask at the pro shop that you had them molded at. They have tools that typically they'd use to push out parts of a boot that are causing a skater pain....such as pinky toes, ankles, extra bones in the foot, etc. I know I have had skates "punched out" in the past by using this metal tool that uses a metal ball and loop to push out areas in the leather....sort of like a paper punch. The ball part would go inside the skate and the loop would be lined up on the outside so that when the handles were squeezed, the leather would stretch. You could maybe try that, but I don't know if it will work on the toe box and seam of the boot. Or maybe call the company and see what they suggest. They may have more ideas for you.|||Sorry but I don't think that there is a way and if there is I would love to know about it. :)|||Check with your boot fitting specialist and see if they have a a stretcher. This may give you about a 1/2 size, but any more than that and you will not be comfortable anyway! That should give you time to order a new pair!


Remember, once you start stretching, punching etc...they will no longer be molded to your foot anyway!|||The pro shop should be able to stretch them a bit for you.

What good books and films are there about figure skating?

I really would like to find some figure skating books and films. Do you know of any good ones?





I have already seen both versions of Ice Castles, and I'm reading the book by Ice Leonore Fleischer. I have also read White Boots by Noel Streatfeild.





Thanks in advance!





I would prefer fiction, but non-fiction are good, too.|||Book - http://figureskating.about.com/od/figure鈥?/a>





There are two "Cutting Edge" sequels with different actors/actresses called "Cutting Edge II" and "Cutting Edge III," but the first one is the best, even though it's a bit racy.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cutting鈥?/a>








On January 23, 2010, the Hallmark Channel is airing a new original movie called "Ice Dreams." It looks like a great family movie to enjoy with your favorite skaters.


http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/Programm/鈥?/a>


It's being played a few more times through the end of January, so check the schedule if you miss the premiere.





Almost forgot: there is a classic movie called "Ice Castles" that is a little dated and far-fetched, but everyone loves the touching story. It's from the late 1970's but it's still available and occasionally songs from the soundtrack turn up as skater's programs.





There is a modern-day remake of "Ice Castles" that just finished filming. It stars Taylor Firth, a real Senior Ladies competitor from the United States. There's a trailer online for the movie here: http://www.mefeedia.com/movie/27283807











About.com's list of figure skating movies - lots of others to check out!


http://figureskating.about.com/od/figure鈥?/a>|||Sugar and Ice is a great book. It is middle-grade and just came out. The author is Kate Messner. I read it and LOVED it.|||I really like Ice Princess. Its kind of old, but really good. Its also a fiction movie.|||Blades of Glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best film ever!

Is Plushenko going to skate in the World Figure Skating championship 2011 in Moscow?

Is Plushenko, the Russian skater who received a silver medal at the Vancouver Olympics going to skate today in Moscow? Today there is the World Figure Skating championship in Moscow. Plushenko is a Russian and the event is in his country. Is he skating today?|||No, Plushy is not skating in this year's Worlds. He stopped competing after the Olympics to take some time off to recuperate. Unfortunately, he and his coaching staff failed to file the appropriate paperwork during that break with the ISU, so, he lost his eligibility for this past season. Rules are rules and they apply to everyone, even olympians and hometown heroes.





The fact that Worlds was moved to Russia this year at the last minute has no bearing on who can enter. The members are determined by each federation and the World team had already been selected based on the past season's results.





Truthfully, there are some very talented Russian skaters who qualified for this Worlds because he didn't compete this year. It really opened a door to other skaters, so good did come out of his error.





He will perform in a Moscow skating show next week, which is a benefit for the victims of the Japanese earthquake/tsunami. It has nothing to do with Worlds, however, it's a separate venture.





Plushenko says he will return to competitive skating next season, with the goal of competing in the 2012 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.|||Lose interest? Retire? Are you kidding me? He's keener than ever to win the gold in Sochi and he's in terrific shape.



He is not competing at Worlds this year, through no choice of his own. An unfortunate combination of circumstances and miscommunication between himself, the Russian Figure Skating Federation, and the International Skating Union means that he is suspended for this season. He will be reinstated in June (I believe) and will contest next season and each season thereafter until the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi, injury and health permitting.



EDIT: Actually, he and his management/coaching DID file the correct paperwork with the ISU and the RFSF. The RFSF told him they would approve it and take care of it, and then changed their minds. The ISU then proceeded to change THEIR minds and tell Plushenko that if he skated at the opening Kings on Ice show, he would be deemed ineligible. They told him this THREE DAYS before the show.



Plushenko had already been sued once by tour companies and fans for pulling out when the ISU did that to him several years ago. He decided not to disappoint his fans and risk being sued again, and skated. One cannot blame him for that.



He did not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport because he knew it would, in the end, only make his situation worse, especially if CAS ruled that the ISU were wrong and reinstated his eligibility. A CAS appeal would have made him Enemy Number 1 to the ISU, especially if it went Plushenko's way. He decided (wisely) not to antagonise the ISU any further and not appeal, because he knew they wouldn't ban him forever.|||From Wikipedia: June 28, 2010, the International Skating Union announced that Plushenko had lost his eligibility due to participating in skating shows without his federation's authorization. (Skaters must retain their amateur status to compete in ISU events, therefore they must follow strict guidelines in the shows they perform).





He was given 21 days to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport which he did not do. As a result his loss of eligibility became final as announced by the ISU. August 23, 2010.





In October 2010, he competed in the Japan Open 2010 as a part of the European team. Each team was allowed to have an "ineligible" member. He placed third in the men's portion.





As a result Plushenko will not be competing at Worlds this year. He is still throwing quads in performances, indicating a high level of training and the indication he will continue skating competitively.|||No he's not because he is no longer eligible to skate in ISU amateur competitions. Last year he didn't compete in Worlds Championships but he did shows at the same time , meaning he lost his eligibility.


He is trying to reinstate himself but we'll see what the ISU says :)|||No he's not. There are 2 Russians I have never heard of. If you are interested go to the ISU.org site, it has all the entries.

Do you think Figure skating is getting too glitzy/flashy to be called a sport?

Figure skating in the early days, they dress pretty much like gymnast. Simple.


Now even the men are getting more glitzy wearing frilly, sequenced lycra body suit. Do you think that's wrong?


Do you think figure skating is getting too flashy with the dress code? Should people appreciate the atheleticism or the flashy attire?


Explain this to me, why is say ballet, hip-hop, salsa dancing not considered a sport and figure skating is?|||No, we work extremely hard in figure skating. It is grueling, agonizing work to do one jump or spin perfectly. We face judges and audiences, being judged harshly. I think dance isn鈥檛 considered a sport because it has its own category, DANCING. I take ballet for coordination to go along with figure skating as well as hip-hop just for fun. In ballet they don鈥檛 dress up in a body suit and glitter? In salsa they don鈥檛 wear frilly dresses? In hip hop they don鈥檛 wear costumes? Even in other sports they have uniforms. Figure skating is an elegant sport so it has elaborate costumes and make up.|||Figure skating is one of the hardest sports in the world. The triple jumps, the spins- all require incredible strength. Figure skaters have a rigorous training schedule, both on and off ice, and they can easily kick any football player's butt.


Figure skaters can do things like pistol squats and L-seats, which are considered benchmarks of strength. They're in the Olympics, also, which may be one of the reasons they're considered a sport.





Ballet requires a lot of strength also. I'm not sure why it's not a sport. The definition of sport is an athletic activity that is governed by a set of rules and has competitions. Does salsa/hip-hop have a national organization with professionally organized competitions?





Part of a figure skater's score is presentation, so they try harder and harder to capture the judge's attention with flashy costumes, music and choreography (think Yuna's James Bond routine). Other sports aren't judged so much on presentation and artistic ability.





I wish the men wouldn't be so out there. They can be flashy without being... tacky.|||first of all, why would you think that? part of figure skating is the art of the jumps, spins, and footwork, etc. anyway, do you think people are gonna wear jeans and a tee? NO. The outfit is suppose to (for mainly competitions) match the skaters program, and show who they are. And to tell u, if you're really serious into it, the really good skaters have their dresses personally made. SO NO ITS NOT TOO FASHIONABLE. Figure skating isnt judged by wat u wear, its how u skate. some ppl like it and thathat'seir opinion. ballet actually is part sport, part not sport because most ppl use it to help them with OTHer sports like football, figure skating, etc, but if u just do ballet and nthn else u can consider it a sport. hip hop %26amp; salsa dancing technically are sports under the category of dance. Dont consider them as a sport, consider dance as a sport. figure skating is a sport because of the tequniques you use do do the jumps, spins, etc. If their were no competitions, jumps, spins, etc, figure skating would probably not be a sport, but a fun activity for families to do together. Im sorry i made u read all this, u are a brave soul :)|||Honestly, I don't think it's wrong at all. We're not being judged by what we wear (although it helps if what you're wearing at least matches the piece of music you're skating to since you get a better feel for it), we're being judged by how well we perform the required elements in our programs.





Sure, all the sparkles and glitter is nice out there, it helps the audience notice you when you're on the ice, but it's not necessary. At competitions, we're trying to show off our skills, not how pretty our dresses are. So definitely appreciate the athleticism of the sport.





In skating, there really is no dress code. You don't need all the glitz and the glamour. I believe the only rules are that (with the exception of Interpretives) females must wear a dress, and males must wear some form of pants and a shirt.





As for why skating is a sport and those forms of dance aren't, I personally think it's because dance is more an art form than a sport. It's kind of hard to explain, and dancers most likely won't agree with me, but figure skaters probably know what I'm talking about.


Hope this helps!|||Do you figure skate? I intend for no disrespect to you at all, but if you were a figure skater, you'd realize what a ridiculous question that is. Figure skating requires as much discipline, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears as any other sport. It is absolutely brutal if you want to make it to the top. It requires tons of off-ice training in addition to individual workouts. And these aren't 'do a couple jumping jacks and you're done' off-ice training classes. This is 'work until your legs are about to fall off and you feel like throwing up'. These classes are intense. The on-ice work is just as bad. The falls can injure you for months. The double and triple run-through(s) of your programs can make you pass out and the coaches WILL tell you if something is bad...and not in a kind way. We have tons of on-ice hours(early morning practices, after-school practices, and even people who leave school early or are home-schooled to get in the work they need), off-ice strength and conditioning training, private ice-time, ballet, individual workouts. I mean seriously, no offense, but this is a tough sport and I don't think a lot of people realize how grueling it is. Our outfits are usually only used for competitions, not practice. So I would tend to disagree with your position on this topic. But I do understand where your coming from if you don't see us at practice and at our other training hours.|||figure skaters like me work our butts off and YES it is a sport. the costumes just accent the music and the mood of the program. i believe people can appriciate both costume and the program.


im NOT saying dancing isnt a sport... i used to dance. but do you see ballet in the olympics? hip hop? skating is one of the hardest sports in the world and it takes A LOT of strength. so dont even start saying it isnt a sport.|||I just hate it when people think figure skating is 'gay' because of the costumes.



It's hard work - probably WAYYY harder than rugby or basketball. We can do everything football players do, like run, train, etc. Except we don't tackle people. Figure skaters need to be able to jump high enough to rotate at least two or three times. We need to be super-flexible and as artistic as a musician. How many football players are flexible?



I do NOT think figure skating is getting too flashy. Some skaters wear costumes that are brighter and more eye-catching than the others, but mostly ice dancers, which has nothing to do with this. And of course people should appreciate the athleticism, and also, the artistic abilities of the skaters.



Ballet, hip-hop, etc., is considered a category of dance. You can't be judged going Ballet. But you CAN be judged doing figure skating - from all the jumps (height, rotation, distance, etc.), spins (centering, positions, etc.). Salsa and hip-hop are both great parts of dance, but you just can't be judged doing it.



PS ~ Figure skaters in the old days didn't dress like gymnasts. Gymnasts wear swim-suit-like leotards while figure skaters back then would wear tights and dresses. Sometimes skaters like Kristi Yamaguichi would wear pants. But way, WAY back then, about the Sonja Henie time, skaters wore black skates no matter what their gender and long skirts. Then Sonja Henie came along and changed everything. :) And back then, figure skating was definately more artistic than technical. Just a bit of history. :D



Figure skaters require...

~ The strength of a hockey player

(to launch themselves into jumps, and the male skaters need to perform lifts, etc.)

~ The agility and balance of a ballerina

(to, duh, balance on skates)

~ The speed of a speed skater

(you need lots of momentum to go into those triples!)

~ The artistic skills of a painter

(you totally need to express your feelings in skating)

~ The flexibility of a gymnast

(some spirals are in a full split position!)

~ The accuracy of an archer

(centering spins, edge-changes, etc.)



Hope I helped - and changed your mind. Figure skating isn't judged for it's flashiness. :)

What are the perks of being a figure skating coach?

Hi, i was just wondering what some of the perks of being a figure skating coach were.|||You get to see your students improve, and grow to love the sport as much as their coaches do. You get to watch them discover new things about themselves, and you get to see the looks on their faces when they finally master that one thing they were struggling with.





I gave private lessons to a level one girl who was scared of skating just over three years ago. She had just turned four then; now she is seven and just landed her first lutz a few days ago. She always runs up to me when she sees me and wants me to watch her skate. She says she wants to be just like me when she is older, and that she wants to skate for ever and ever.





The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing that child who - because of your coaching - grew to love skating as much as you do.





Coaching is hard; the pay kind of sucks for a canskate/preliminary coach (I coach in exchange for Ice Time, but I have friends who do it to be paid and they say it's less than minimum wage), and it's a lot of work. But it's so worth it to see your student skate on to new and harder things!|||There are many many perks to being a figure skating coach in my opinion.


What i loved most about coaching Tot 1, Tot 2, and Basic 1 kids over the summers (Just an assistant coach for extra private ice time in exchange) is how you see yourself in them. You watch them grow from little seedlings to beautiful flowers every month, every lesson. And then, when they master something they were about to give up on, or worked so hard they sweat on, when they master that, their face splits into a wide grin and they do some type of victory dance, each their own. And i see myself in my tiny students, when they master something. I see myself smiling, conquering something for the first time, because i've been there before and i can see them growing to be more like me and other well-seasoned skaters.





I also enjoyed seeing the different personalities of kids. Some were stubborn, some were sweet, some were goofy, and some had so much perseverence and motivation to get that little move right; a spin, jump, or moves in the field...they work so hard. They never give up. If they think their jacket/helmet/item of clothing is bad luck, then they tell themselves, "Well then i'm going to prove myself wrong and do this thing right so it won't be bad luck anymore." and then they do master it, and they're smiling and saying, "I proved them wrong." and i ask, "proved who wrong?" and they answer, "Myself. I thought i couldn't do it, so i wanted to prove myself wrong and i did." and its just amazing how talented and determined people can be.





Also, private coaches at my rink do pretty well in pay. If you're a teacher and/or coach, just 30 minutes of private lessons is pretty expensive, let alone private ice time, private coach, and public coach along with the recreational classes. All these different lessons and kids pay a fair and good amount of money. I didn;t get paid for being the assistant coach, but i got an extra hour of freestyle private ice time, which was great. There are many perks to being a coach. But mostly, i like seeing myself in the other kids; when they master something, when they grow from tot 1 to Freestyle, from Freestyle to Juniors...its amazing seeing them grow as you yourself did.





Hope i helped answer your question. Really, the perks are emotional but the money is fair and good, too. Plus being a coach is professional activity.


Ciao! :D


Happy skating.|||The perk I get is being able to give back to a sport that I love, and that has taught me the value of discipline, sportsmanship, focus, determination, self-pride and self-confidence.





I'm not in it for the money. I'm not in it to see how many Private students I can grab. I'm in it for the simple gratification I get when I teach students who truly want to learn, and will stop at nothing in order to learn a skill that's challenging to them; plus teaching forces me to develop different approaches to different skills. One approach may not work for all students, i.e. back crossovers into a scratch spin. Some have problems with that technique, so I'll also teach them the forward inside three into a scratch. Whichever method works, or feels comfortable.





I've taught students who were scared and shy at first...then slowly opened up...then were elated when they attempted a particular skill, achieved it, passed the skills test for that level, then moved higher.





The Tot Groups were the most challenging..some are scared to/wouldn't move/started crying...but when I drew figures, i.e. flowers, smilies, train tracks, ice cream cones, with washable markers on the ice, suddenly they're marching down the lane! Playing games as well worked.





It's hard work. It can even be trying at times working with different personalities, and your patience is tested. Some people think it's easy work. Some parents can even blame you for their child not progressing, or not progressing fast enough (especially if they skate only during Groups). Perhaps the child really doesn't want to be there and won't say it, but the parent wants the child to skate. Some kids may not listen to your directions, and will skate away from the rest of the group into another lane. A kid may not like the kid he/she's standing next to, and may start hitting/pushing him/her. That's when you firmly warn that kid that that kind of behavior won't be tolerated, and if it happens again, he/she'll have to leave; and you alert your Skating Director.





Despite all of that, I wouldn't trade being a FS coach for anything. It keeps me active, the skating world's smaller than some think, I've met many kind (and unkind) people, it's a raw study in human nature, and as long as I'm able to lace up, I'll be out there.





Good question, hava star!|||coach should know everything about skating , many years watching skating...etc


coach should not amazed when seeing something strange ,example


if skates break or lace problems ...etc


and they should work so hard with skaters and they must have keen eyes and seeing mistakes well , great coaches are like parents they care about your food and they give you advices before you skate your program....etc|||How an amazing person can turn into an amazing figure skater, watching them grow within and through growing in skating. The happiness when they get a compliment or when they pass a grade!