This is already done.

It's not. However, it is hard to convince a group a group of volunteers to take their time our of their busy schedules for a full year to hold a very stressful event if there is no payback for their club. Most Nationals events in any sport have to make money somehow.

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When AN first started there was more of an effort to attend more events, and we liked the days between initial and final rounds for a break.

As said interpretive skating is more interesting for me as there's more room for creative skating. It can be as technically simple or difficult as appropriate. Brian Boitano once skated a program with nothing higher than the edges we did in adult edge class. It was beautiful. The level of difficulty does not matter as much as its execution and presentation. When I refer to wanting to see quality programs, it does not mean higher level skating, but to do whatever you do well and with a purpose. I hate having interpretive treated or refered to as a "throw away" event. It does nothing for the event.

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I agree with Flo that Interp is all about artistry and performance, and presenting a total package. A fall or stumble in an interp performance can really ruin the entire effect. I spend a lot of time preparing and practicing my Interp programs because the timing with the music is especially important. Interp is not "easy"; it's a different focus from freestyle and a challenge to perform well.

Another debate in the interp forum are the costumes - yes, people put lots and lots of time, money and effort into interp but it kills me to see some of these costumes (insert favorite one here) and have the world think that adult skating is all about (insert costume name here). Many are well thought out but some seem to be for the shock (funny) factor. Half the entries for interp are for comedy and these are what seem to get the most attention - who's got the craziest costume. Who wore what instead of the skating.

Why is it called interp anyway - interp in other venues means each skater skates to the same piece of music and are judged on how well they INTERPRET it. Just my pet peeve.

Hi Joy - I agree, I wish it would be called artistic and light entertainment, it is confusing to those familiar with the standard interpretive.
I also agree that costume contests should be held in the lobby, hence my earlier post about the black leotards for initial rounds.
In earlier interp days many costume driven non-skating programs were rewarded, but for the most part that is no longer the case.

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That is often known as Improvisation - also great fun, although the one and only time I tried it, it was a total disaster, but never mind.

Here in the UK, what you call Interp is called Artistic or occasionally Exhibition, and the schedule usually says "Skaters are required to skate an exhibition-style programme". Usually 2 minutes, even at the lowest levels! Props are normally allowed, and you see all too many skaters not using them - they just bring them on to the ice as scenery. That I don't like - if I have props, and sometimes I do, I want to use them!

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Oh me too. I think I just skated around doing three turns and crossovers. I kept thinking I wanted to try something and then the moment would pass...haha. I don't know if I'll ever do one of those again.

Oh actually, I think I did a salchow. I skated against the book and won but I do think the book sat that one out...

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Yeah- ISI calls it "Interpretive". It's rather confusing- since USFSA uses that term to mean something else. I had SO much fun with this event, it was the highlight of my competition. (We did have a young girl who said she was "accidentally" in the event. I wonder if she thought it was a "spotlight" routine -the USFSA interpretive-, but her coach is very ISI oriented, so maybe her mom just checked another box.)

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What ever you call it.. The interp event at US Adult nationals is a show piece.
In my humble opinion. Its not a free style event.. My interp consisted of one lutz and an upright spin and only because it matched the music and those of you who know me know Im capable of much more , but I choose to make my programs entertaining not competitive. It was not a short program (Like one other program I saw which had at least 4 spins and 6-7 jumps in it. ) The costume matched the music but there was little interpretation and not much for selling the number to the audience or the judges..

the costume is important and must match the theme of the routine but the skater must sell the idea to the Audience ( and Judges ) . Smile and sell it baby.. Some of the best interps are those with no jumps and no spins just great skating and showmanship . Some may disagree but I plan to have a new interp next year and I hope it will have lots of impact with no jumps or spins or at least with very few.. grab peoples attention , do something different . Freestyle is on the other ice. ( Just my thoughts..)

Starskate,
Please, please come to AN next year!!! I don't know if you've read much of the board today, but I will definitely be in GR next year!!

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Hi Terri

To be Honest Im not on this very much and I don't read much of it except the last page now and then. Im not sure if Ill be at AN in 2009 , it will all depend on the state of the Airline industry and if I still have a job . Its still cheaper for me to go to Oberstdorf in Germany for that competition than to Grand Rapids for nationals .. Which would you choose.. No contest there eh.. Congrates on your Bronze test....