Also has anyone EVER heard of a judge having a skater put her skates on and actually giving what amounts to a lesson? This happened to my daughter he other night with her Rocker Foxtrot. She failed it but the judge had her stay after the test, put her skates on and showed her what she was looking for. She also went over the Killean with her. It was amazing. It was worth paying for the two tests.

j

Kind of a similar problem,but a different perspective. We've got a couple of dance coaches (specialists) and some generalists. Both of our specialists are excellent, great pass rates. But.

DD took instruction from coach 1, and struggled with her dances; the guy is great, however, they just didn't click. He suggested that we get specialist #2 to work with her to supplement. #2 and she "click" - and the dances are coming fast and excellent. The way he explained and demonstrated worked for her, although, other students aren't taught as effectively by him as they are by #1.

Long story short: every coach has a different style, every student has a different learning style, and some work better with a student than others. Maybe the judge just had a different and more compatible style to your daughter.

Re the judge helping out: yes, I've seen that happen. Maybe not with skates - but direct and specific from the boards coaching after a test, yes (with the coach's blessing, otherwise that would be an issue, I would think).

Can't comment on your own coach's abilities, of course, just something to think about. Are other skaters having troubles with their pass rates? What does your daughter think about the coaching relationship?

My daughter is very fond of her coach.

jskater-
I could suggest perhaps a weekend in Chicago since you are in Iowa and it's within driving distance. We have a number of very talented coaches in the area with high level dancers that could help out.

Yes, I have heard of judges "helping" a skater out. I had one at a critique show me exactly what she was looking for on a specific pattern.

Our elite skaters often have visits from a high-level judge who will critique their skating Sometimes they travel to other rinks for this, or else we are visited by elites from another rink for such a purpose. And one very popular judge gives the odd critique even to low-level skaters, although not, alas, at our rink!

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