I used to be terribly guilty of comparing myself to other skaters and getting frustrated about what I saw as my lack of progress. I am much better at not doing that now and can now see that I am making progress, although I still have my moments.

I think I finally realised that everyone really does learn at different rates and that once I accepted that I'm really not a fast learner at some things (skating unfortunately being one of them!), I have relaxed alot!

I am grateful that my coach is an old school figures fan and refuses to let up on edge work because, having started dance fairly recently, I think it really has helped. Also, as someone else said, when I do finally start to work on spins/jumps properly, I'm hoping all the focus on edges will come into play.

dont panic! You DO NOT need any spins and jumps to do level one field moves. technically if you follow the 'dance' passport, you can then do the level one field moves test which is forward curves (insides and outsides) back crossovers, forward crossovers, spirals and the back crossovers followed by a sutained outside edge. No jumps or spins unless your doing 'free' passport and level 1 elements.

like the others have said, the field moves are the best foundation you can have for anything else.

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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!!!!!

oh yeah, if you ever start feeling really 'down' about your skating, go on an after school session. It's not too crowded, but all the kids will admire you. at least, they do at my rink - every time I go, I get some kid being amazed at me. such an ego boost!

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