Neither of us made it! It was always going to be a long shot, even if we skated as well as we are able, and neither of us did. Husband got dinged for the noisiness of his skate, and the lack of control on his 3-turns (they actually are more controlled than they look, I do know, but how could the judge?). And I got dinged for lack of knee-bend and thus a great deal of toe-rake noise. We were both 0.3 under our respective passing mark.

My judge (we had different ones) was so sweet - she's actually a good friend, but I can always live without her judging me! Anyway, she was like "I'm really sorry!" and explained why, and I said that it was always a long shot. She said "You're very nearly there" - but of course, that's not much good when I can't test these moves again.

Still, joy of joys, I'll never have to skate those awful cross-cuts ever again! In fact, when I was warming up, I was thinking "This is the penultimate time I'll have to do these!"

And, in fact, the only bit of my skate I was pleased with was the second length of the things, where I finally did manage a bit of kneebend and edge. I knew I wasn't skating the cross-rolls as well as I can, and the less said about the first length of cross-cuts, the better!

Oh well, never mind. Better luck to everybody else who has tests this week (and I know of a test session every single day!).

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Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Sorry you and your DH didn't pass.
I like your attitude - "This is the penultimate time I'll have to do these!"

Good luck to the other testers this week. Hope they pass with flying colors.

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Oh no! I'm so sorry. But celebrate the end of cross cuts!!

Good luck to everyone else!

Sorry to hear that Boots. I guess it's better than having what you thought was a great skate and not passing . . . . trying to put positive spin on it You'll get there, I know you will.

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Dianne
(A.O.S.S.? Got it BAD! )

My commiserations too, but as a lowly LTSUK graduate, may I say how reassuring it is to know that even the big guys have bad days ...

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UK Passport (figure)
Bronze : PASSED 13-Oct-07 Woohoo
Silver: PASSED 08-Dec-07 Yippee
Gold: Backspin PASSED One Foot Spin ____ Toe Loop ____ Programme ____
The impossible is just a journey away ...

Thanks! But, you know, you have it harder than we ever did - if I had had to pass Skate UK and the Passport, I'd still be trying. Or given up in despair.

As witness CathRL, who can outskate me any day of the week, but is still stuck on her passport, and there I am already trying Level 3 Bronze Moves, and hoping one of these days to have a go at Level 4 compulsory dances. Which will be my last test, unless we go for a higher level pass of free dance. I have no idea of testing myself out of Adult Elementary as yet, if ever!

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Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Well I see the Passport as my next beacon ... unfortunately both of my preferred coaches are fully booked - which I take as a sign that I chose well ... Sadly at my local rink, the passport is not done as a course, I will enquire of the director if that is a possibility. With the warmer weather, things may start to get a bit quieter ...

You mention not testing any further, is that for technical reasons ?

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UK Passport (figure)
Bronze : PASSED 13-Oct-07 Woohoo
Silver: PASSED 08-Dec-07 Yippee
Gold: Backspin PASSED One Foot Spin ____ Toe Loop ____ Programme ____
The impossible is just a journey away ...

Sorry to hear the test didnt' go so well for you - but never mind Annabel - now you can have all the fun of trying the evil level 3 skating moves!

The problem with taking the old dance moves is that because there were only two moves per level, as opposed to the freeskaters 6 per level, they did expect them to be of a really high standard with lots of control, deep knee-bend and edges, no toe-picks and quiet transitions.

When I first showed my dance coach my back cross-rolls she reckoned that they might pass the field moves (free) skate test but was doubtful if they'd pass the dance moves test as they needed much deeper edges and no toepicking at all on the set down. In the end, by the time I took the field moves test, she reckoned they would have passed the dance test by then too, as I worked hard on them and got the transitions really quiet and smooth and worked on making them much stronger so I only needed 6 to go the length of the rink and starting them at speed from back crossovers.

Although I can do pretty decent back crosscuts, I have never actually had to test them, since I did level 1 and 2 dance moves and then level 4 Field Moves

Must admit I did not like the look of the new level 3 and 4 moves but will probably try them out for fun sometime since all the upcoming people will be doing them.

The level 5 moves are even scarier!!!

Are you going to try the new level 3 ones Annabel? You dont' actually need them for any of the comps do you? The useful thing about dance is that because the levels are often mixed they can't ask you to have skating moves of the same level as your CD tests like they do in free.

Would have to agree Annabel that I reckon I'd have got stuck on passport gold as I still can't do a back spin!!!! That's my next challenge so I can take level 2 Free.

Good luck to everyone else with tests this week and next - especially all those moves tests which have no retry this time. I have my fingers crossed for my friend who tests on the 28th!

I didn't realise you could change tracks between dance and free moves in the current system. I did levels 1-3 dance moves and also have novice - interbronze field moves so maybe I didn't actually need to do prelim since I have level 2 dance moves at the time I tested it.

Ahh, bummer. Good for you for trying though.

Will you continue to test with the new system though?

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-Jessi
What I need is a montage...
Visit my skating journal or my Youtube videos (updated with 2 new videos Sept 26, 2009)

Oh well. I always figure everytime I get out there in front of a judge, it's good experience. and "you are almost there " is better than "honey you never had a chance"

j

Oh no! Sorry you and hubby didn't quite make the pass mark. Great attitude there though Annabel. The thing is, you gave it your best shot and that's all you can expect from yourself really.

Nicki

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www.myspace.com/insatiableskater

Thanks for your commiserations, everyone! No matter how much you know you didn't deserve to pass, it's still disappointing.

Yeah - I'm just cross that I didn't think "Last time ever!" when it came to actually doing it, but I was so desperately trying to get off of my toe-rakes that I couldn't really think of anything else!

Yes - sheer lack of ability. It will take me all my time to get the new level 3 moves, and I don't actually think I'll bother. I do want to test level 4 compulsory dances, but I wouldn't test higher than that as then I'd have to compete at the next level up. I don't mind having the occasional shot at the next level up, but we really aren't competitive at it yet.

Yeah, right, thanks for nothing! You've seen my pathetic attempt at a spiral - no way would I get even the level 1 version, never mind the level 3! These tests aren't designed for fat fifty-somethings like me!

What do you have to do? I am

Nor can't I, more than 1 revolution. Actually, I can't spin much more forwards, either! I have a tidy 2-revolution bi-directional (i.e. 2 revs in each direction), but of course that's not enough.

But I don't think spins are wanted on dance passport - it's mastering the 14-step, in order to be able to go back and test the Novice Foxtrot! Well, duh....

One skater here was due to test Bronze Field Moves, but couldn't get a test date due to total unavailability of judges (although since it was JB this morning, I can't quite see why she couldn't have tested her, although there might not have been time). So she rang up NISA, and they said she could test level 5 Dance Moves, but not level 6 as she had only submitted one application.

I was told I could test Prelim Field Moves since I already had level 2 Dance Moves, but didn't need to do Novice. There appeared to be no question of not doing Prelim.... but as I could only do 3 of the 6 moves to anywhere near passing standard, we decided to focus on Dance Moves instead.

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Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Ah, sorry! But yet you still found some joy, despite your post title! I love the "penultimate time"......and you *were* please with the 2nd length, so good for you. Plus, you are just so gracious.

Best of luck to all else who are testing.

Mrs. R Sorry you didn't have a great go at it, congrats for trying.

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Recycle Love - Adopt a homeless pet

Aww, really sorry to hear about your bad luck (And husband's.)

Am sure you'll pass with flying colours next time...... Guaranteed!

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If you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to move the cat!

thats a shame Mrs Redboots, but good on yer for trying.

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Level one Field Moves......PASSED 05.06.08
Level one Free dance.....PASSED 02.10.08

GOALS FOR 2009

• Level One Compulsary dances.......PASSED 19.02.09
• Level One Elements.....................PASSED 10.07.09
• Level Two Free dance.................PASSED 19.02.09
• Level One Free...........................
• Level Two compulsory dances.......

Loving it, Loving it, Loving it!!!!!

I probably would, but the reason why every rink in the country is having tests this week is because it's the last chance to take these particular tests! And it will be many years, if ever, before I can do the new version - they are designed for people who've done the Passport, and people who are young and flexible, not old and stiff 50-somethings like me!

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Mrs Redboots
~~~~~~~~
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

(((((HUGS))))) Annabel & Robert.

I'm so sorry that you didn't get them ... I do think, though, that at only 0.3 below they could have been a little let's say generous!!!

I really need to get updated on the skating levels, they seem to change almost every hour on the hour. I have no idea where I'd fit into the grand scheme of things now (if I were the same standard as I was previously of course!). I could kick myself for breaking my wrist and not getting to test Inter-Silver compulsories and Inter-Bronze Free/elements & field moves. Maybe I should have had a go with the cast on. I wasn't that far off then so I was in with small (probably very small) chance of passing I doubt that I'd even be able to stand upright now! Well, not at the moment definitely but even if I wasn't crook

What will you do now? Have you thought of what your next step will be?

All the best to you, I heard from Will this morning which was nice



TK x

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The best whisper is a click

You're as young as you feel......... Never say never. You've got years of skating left in you, so even if it takes a while, then don't worry, you'll get there eventually. (Wish I could have that attitude with my impatient self towards skating! )

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If you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to move the cat!

Sorry to hear about your test but I love your attitude. I'm very curious about the british testing system. Is there a link anywhere to where I could see the rules and patterns?

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Happily defying the laws of physics when I skate...and not in a good way

If I could meet ole Axel Paulsen, I would kick him in the teeth

President and Founding member of the I hate Toe-Loops Club

Still a member, but trying to get out of the Pre-bronze peanut gallery.

Visit my skating journal

AH, MAN!!! (((Mr and Mrs. Redboots))) and so close too!!!

The only silver lining is...you don't have to stress about doing any tests for quite a while. And I recommend now is a good time to do something more FUN! And you are NOT too old, believe me! There are plenty of skaters out there who are in Class V and can compete well. Confidence is the key!!!

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Cheers,
jazzpants

11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

Well it's always a pain not to pass, but in the end you become a better skate, so in that regards it's for the best. I failed my Novice FM 5 times, I can do them really well and it's helping me on the next level. See, there is a bright side!

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Who me? Couldn't be....
http://www.youtube.com/bouldersk8r

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't ever get the new level 3 because of the spiral moves either - the inside to outside and vice versa change edge for interbronze was bad enough but the same thing in a spiral position - no way - not ever!!!!! If I'd not passed I don't think I'd have bothered to even try those! I've seen the video of the new moves and am

Can't remember them exactly now for level 5 - I do have a list somewhere but the only one I have a hope of getting anytime soon was the one foot slaloms which are the same as current (for another week or so) interbronze slaloms but you have to do them from a standstill (well two pushes I think) which is harder than being able to go into them with some speed. And although you only do half a side of them instead of a full side, you still have to do all 4 types (forward and back on each foot). They have been rather cunning and though they have reduced the number of moves to 4 (from the FM's 6), some things have been combined so what would have counted as two different moves are now contained within one move
Back changes of edge is the other one I can recall offhand - also


I think the back spin is on the Free passport - do you have to do both sets of passports if you want to test both disciplines later? The backspin doesn't come up again in the Free levels til level 2 so what on earth is it doing in passport?? And I share your incredulity at 14 step being on passport and then not on the proper tests again til level 5 or something - how stupid!!

To answer Kateskate too: I tested dance moves level 1 and 2 when I was doing dance and never got around to testing level 3 dance moves. Then I started doing more free and my new coach (as of a year ago) started teaching me a few field moves but I didnt' think seriously about testing moves til the summer. Then I thought I'd have to do level 3 dance moves before I could test interbronze field moves so I emailed David Wood at Nisa. He said that because the dance moves and field moves had been given equivalence in preparation for the change to 'skating moves' I had a choice to either test level 3 dance moves or to take the next field move test above the one that was equivalent to level 2 dance moves (which was prelim) so I could go straight from level 2 (dance) to level 4 (Interbronze Field moves) since field moves did not at that time have a level 3 equivalent for me to do - yay! Must be the first time NISA's strange rules have ever worked in my (or anyones's) favour.

Field moves : dance moves equivalents

novice : dance level 1

prelim : dance level 2,

no equivalent : dance level 3

interbronze : dance level 4

no equivalent : dance level 5

bronze : dance level 6
etc

Your skater Annabel was trying to do it the other way round so was caught out by the trap of dance moves having more levels. If I had taken prelim field moves and then wanted to take the next dance moves test, I would have had to take level 3 since you are not allowed to skip a level within the discipline. Bronze moves also needs two judges to test so that may be why they couldn't do it if only JB was there - maybe the other judge you mentioned was there was not high enough judging level.

You are credited with the moves in the other discipline at the same level but you can't skip levels within a discipline. So level 2 credited me with prelim and the next test is interbronze. But prelim FM's would have credited me only with level 2 Dance moves so the next dance test would be level 3.
So Kateskate I reckon you did not need to do prelim but it depends how long ago it was since I think the equivalencies came in one or two years ago .

Again I think you must have asked NISA before they decided to regard the (sort of current) dance moves as equivalent to FM's. Technically then, you are now credited with Prelim Field moves so that's a silver lining!

Really I'm not sure why I took the IB FM test though since I am unlikely to ever get level 3 Free let alone level 4 so will never need it. Nice to have level 4 in something though. I am sufferring for it though, since the intensive practicing I did for it has made my bunion flare up and I am in serious pain now when I skate.

Either way it is such a relief to get tests over and done with and you can go have fun with the fun side of skating now Annabel! When is your next comp? That's more fun than moves!

Oh boy, tests... You know our club has to test in the middle of april, but we only have ice till the middle of march!!! The realities of skating in the Netherlands. The club board is now frantically trying to arrange for ice time at least once a week in any of the other neighbouring rinks (we're talking neighbouring very approximately, as in across the border, in Belgium) but we're not sure they'll succeed. That's gonna be the most fun testing session ever... NOT.