"Silver standard"

[Melzorina]

An ice show was asking for those who auditioned to be of silver standard. I'm thinking that "Silver standard" would be the Silver levels in NISA? Is that right?
E.g Silver 4 = Lutz, Axel etc? Going through double jumps?

[BelleOnIce]

It possibly means the old Silver NISA standard which consisted of double doubles and combo spins if I remember correctly? It would roughly be Intermediate level at national championships.
Which ice show is it for?
New Silver in NISA is mainly singles I think? If I am wrong feel free to correct me!

Belle

[Melzorina]

Well it said "Silver standard and it's equivalent in the new judging system"
I was just wondering, because it's my ultimate dream and wanted to know the standard that they ask for.

[BelleOnIce]

With some shows they arent just looking for what jumps etc you can do but also how you move and present yourself, you especially need alot of confidence!! I was in an ice show at christmas where most of us were around old Bronze level and above and we got round Europe!
Taking part in some shows like that can also help if you are not one for taking tests. Experience sometimes counts as much as tests.
Good Luck with it!
Belle

[BelleOnIce]

O yeah what level are you at just now?

[Melzorina]

I'm not sure about my level, I think I'm around the old Bronze 2.

[samba]

An ice show was asking for those who auditioned to be of silver standard. I'm thinking that "Silver standard" would be the Silver levels in NISA? Is that right?
E.g Silver 4 = Lutz, Axel etc? Going through double jumps?

Hi Mel

I think it says what it means in that you should be silver standard you would audition anyway silver qualified or not, this would basically be like a test in its own right to see if you have the necessary for a show as in literally being showy and not just doing the moves robotically.

My son took part in two ice shows in the distant past at the old NISA Bronze Test and got in over some that were of a much higher standard than him, one was even gold. With a show its more than just elements.

My advice though would be at your age to give it a few years, its not all that it seems out there. However if its the wonderful show that I have seen at your rink then obviously you will live locally and have your home to go back to. Why not poke your head round the door at the next auditions and see for yourself what is expected.

Hope this helps
Cheers
Grace

[TashaKat]

It possibly means the old Silver NISA standard which consisted of double doubles and combo spins if I remember correctly? It would roughly be Intermediate level at national championships.
Which ice show is it for?
New Silver in NISA is mainly singles I think? If I am wrong feel free to correct me!

Belle

No, I'm sure that it means the 'old' standard too (ie when Silver was the entrance level for coaches and Gold was something really special).

I'm not sure of the levels now but I was doing Inter-Silver compulsories which were Gold Level 7 in the new system so I'm presuming that the equivalent Silver would now be Gold Level 8. I know that the shows previously wanted at least old Silver standard so presume that it's still the same.

At Bronze Level 2 you'd still have some way to go I'm afraid but good luck as it gives you something to work towards :D

[Melzorina]

I'm not thinking of auditioning or anything, I just wanted to know what was meant by "Silver standard" because I believe it means Silver standard as in the old NISA levels, and my friend seems to think silver medalist. Also it would give me an inkling of what standard the ice show wants, I doubt I'll ever be that good, but it will give me something to work for, a goal, instead of floating about not really having anything to acheive.

[max]

I presume you are referring to the advert for Hot Ice. They will be expecting Level 8 and above standards. Although I don't think it is necessarily just free skating as various cast members are ex-dancers and won't have the jumping skills.

Looks and presentation are the key for getting into shows with good footwork.

[Melzorina]

So let's just confirm. I'm right and my friend is wrong? It *is* the NISA levels?

[dooobedooo]

So let's just confirm. I'm right and my friend is wrong? It *is* the NISA levels?

Yes, old NISA silver level equates approximately to current NISA level 8. The old test was harder to pass, however, because there were no separate competitive tests. The old NISA tests used to be structured Novice (level 1), Prelim (level 2/3), Inter Bronze (level 4/5), Bronze (level 6), Inter-Silver (level 7), Silver (level 8), Inter-Gold (level 9) and Gold (level 10). Gold was incredibly hard to pass (much harder than level 10) - only the best few skaters in the country could achieve it.

Approximate free-skating standard for level 8 is good high single axel with flow, and all the other jumps as doubles, plus flying spins etc. But as Max pointed out, ice dancers at level 8 would also be employable.

Different shows have different standards - the ad I saw was for Hot Ice, which is more of a "skater's skating" type of show, so the skating technical requirements are higher. For other shows, like Disney, where you might spend your life padding around in a Yogi Bear outfit, you might get away with level 5 or 6 (or even 4), particularly for a man, as there are far fewer men.

People I know who have been successful at auditions for ice shows, have generally taken a series of lessons just with the ice show in mind. There are requirements in the audition, over and above those for NISA tests. For example, you need to be able to have total command of all the various types of stops imaginable, you need to be able to pick up choreography and remember steps very quickly, you may need faster and more intricate footwork.

[Melzorina]

Cool! :) :)

[dooobedooo]

If you live locally, and you can pop in to watch the auditions, they can be very interesting! Plus, you never know who will turn up ... There are occasional auditions which are never advertised, for pop videos, TV shows, TV commercials etc., and if you let your coach know you are interested to watch, they can tell you about anything coming up.

[Melzorina]

Are you allowed to watch auditions? I don't think I'll be able to make it, as I'm due to start College soon and I'm not sure what day it falls on. I really don't like talking to my coach about wanting to be in an ice show.

[dooobedooo]

No need to tell your coach you want to be IN an ice show.

You only need to tell them you'd be interested to WATCH ...

[Melzorina]

But he'll start asking questions and I feel stupid. Also, won't it be obvious if I say I want to watch auditions?

[TaBalie]

Not at all... I would be interested in watching the auditions, and I have no interest in ever working in a show... I think it would be fun! :)

[Melzorina]

I think he knows though, I mentioned it ages ago, but he might have forgotten.

[samba]

I think he knows though, I mentioned it ages ago, but he might have forgotten.

Jog his memory, it's great to watch.

[Melzorina]

I'd be way too embarrased, I might mention it in a while...

[stardust skies]

I'd be way too embarrased, I might mention it in a while...

Why are you embarassed? I mean, you must trust that your coach believes in you and that he believes there's potential that you COULD progress to that level, no? If not, it's sort of a waste of money to pay someone to help you get to a high skill level if even he doesn't think you'll get there.

I think you should just tell your coach what your skating plans are. That's what they are there for.

[Melzorina]

I think that he think it's recreational, which it is, but I don't want it to be just a hobby. I remember quite a while ago we were talking about ice shows and I said something like "It would be so cool to be in a show, I'd love it" and he just laughed. :cry:

[samba]

I think that he think it's recreational, which it is, but I don't want it to be just a hobby. I remember quite a while ago we were talking about ice shows and I said something like "It would be so cool to be in a show, I'd love it" and he just laughed. :cry:

Stardust Skies is right, there are plenty of people in life to discourage you without having to pay for the privilege. :roll:
I'm 56 and there's no such thing as can't or never will in my coach's book for me.

For heavens sake at your age you have plenty of time to get to show standard, my lad did his first show at 25. But as I said beware of doing one away from home, the living conditions and wages can be appalling.

Trust me Mel this is something close to my heart and I wouldnt lie to you.

Cheers
Grace

[Melzorina]

I really love my coach, we get on great, he doesn't discourage me at all, he praises me at every given oppourtunity, it was just that one time that he laughed so I never went near the subject again. I don't want to make him seem horrible or anything, because he's far from it, he's lovely.

Thank you Grace, your support means a lot to me, and I appreciate it!

[mikawendy]

You should ask starskate6.0 about some of his experiences auditioning for and skating in shows.

It's great that you have a long-term goal and know what you'd like to do with your skating!

[Melzorina]

Yea, I asked him quite a while back, he said "I won't forget" because he was busy at that moment in time, but he did forget, I guess. I messaged him a few days ago also, after finding out his username, but alas, no.
It's okay though.

[BelleOnIce]

My coach was really suprised when I said I would like to do a show, not in a bad way. I have always been quite shy and hated competing as I didnt like people judging me (not very good for a figure skater I know!) But I felt totally different about shows and really enjoy expressing myself in the different types of skating.
As Grace said make sure your are prepared for going away and travelling with a show as it is VERY hard work!
I would love to do more shows now I have left uni but I am gonna do a bit more training on all my stops and getting my footwork faster and tighter!
Good luck if you decide to and remember it is not all about the jumps!

Belle :)

[Melzorina]

I think travelling is a highlight, and of course the experience would be fantastic! I don't think there's anything in the world I would love as much. I haven't done a competition yet, I really doubt that I will do.
I'm starting a program next week and I'm so excited. I'll have to see how I go with that, as to performance etc!

[stardust skies]

I think travelling is a highlight, and of course the experience would be fantastic! I don't think there's anything in the world I would love as much. I haven't done a competition yet, I really doubt that I will do.
I'm starting a program next week and I'm so excited. I'll have to see how I go with that, as to performance etc!

I think others have hinted at this, and I can only repeat it...it's really not all it's cracked up to be. You barely get paid (and still have to pay for some/most of your hotel, food, and other expenses), you barely get to SEE any of the places you travel to cause a) you've got no money and b) you have no car and no time, and the ice time to practice they give you sucks, so if you're not jumping a lot in the show, you pretty much lose all your skills and stamina. I mean, some people like it, and sure it's an experience. I would never do shows like those, but I have friends who either are right now, or have in the past. It just isn't that great of a deal, in all honesty. And depending on what show you do and what role you get, most people hardly do any real skating...it's mainly background work, unless you are very very good and get a solo spot. Just some thoughts.

[Melzorina]

It's just something I really really want to do, I can only try it, and if I don't like it, fair enough, but I won't know until then. I think I'd love it.

[skaternum]

I think you won't have a clue whether you'd like it or not until you (1) get your first program and (2) skate in front of people (especially judges). You may find you love it, or you may find it makes you a basket case and you hate skating in front of people. I think it's too early in your skating career to tell. In other words, I'd keep in mind that a long term goal is exactly that: long term. It's the stuff you're doing right now that will determine what you do with your skating. A lot of skaters just getting started think they're going to love competing and testing and skating in front of people, only to discover that they hate it. I'm not saying this is you; I'm just saying you shouldn't get your brain set on the idea of show skating until you've gotten some more experience on the ice.

My 2 cents, fwiw.

[Melzorina]

True, that's a fair point. I don't think I'll ever have the chance to compete, although I am getting a program, I've chosen my music and I'm starting it on saturday.

[skaternum]

Why won't you get a chance to compete? That's too bad, as it can be lots of fun.

[dcden]

I think others have hinted at this, and I can only repeat it...it's really not all it's cracked up to be. You barely get paid (and still have to pay for some/most of your hotel, food, and other expenses), you barely get to SEE any of the places you travel to cause a) you've got no money and b) you have no car and no time, and the ice time to practice they give you sucks, so if you're not jumping a lot in the show, you pretty much lose all your skills and stamina. I mean, some people like it, and sure it's an experience. I would never do shows like those, but I have friends who either are right now, or have in the past. It just isn't that great of a deal, in all honesty. And depending on what show you do and what role you get, most people hardly do any real skating...it's mainly background work, unless you are very very good and get a solo spot. Just some thoughts.

If you've ever read "All the Sundays Yet To Come", it is an eye-opening book about what goes on in some ice shows. It's not a very flattering picture, and what stardust describes jibes very well with what is said in the book.

I agree with skaternum, start off getting your program up and running first (gosh I sound like a software developer) and take it from there.

[Melzorina]

It sounds like you're all trying to put me off, I know you're not.
I don't think I'll get a chance to compete as I don't know of any competitions for people my level, my age or anything. I don't think my coach has it on his lists for me to compete, and it's kinda recreational. :(

[jp1andOnly]

When you audition for shows (my brother was in one..just quit as he got fed up of living out of a suitcase and the crappy places you stay) they also take into consideration you competitive career and what tests you've passed. The overseas competitions aren't usually given to rookies or lower level skaters unless they are what you are looking for. You might be hired on, say with Disney, but have no control where you are or what tour you end up on.

There are some people on the tour that end up in chorus that have relatively low tests, but they also had other things going for them like the ability to do a variety of stops (some are hard even for my brother who skated senior nationals), showmanship and body type. for the girls you have to be thin. Not rail thin, but if they have an expensive costume made, they arn't going to make another. Plus, they want people pleasing to the eye.

I would just focus on getting as many tests as I could. If you aren't good at jumping, work on dance.

It sounds like you're all trying to put me off, I know you're not.
I don't think I'll get a chance to compete as I don't know of any competitions for people my level, my age or anything. I don't think my coach has it on his lists for me to compete, and it's kinda recreational. :(

[Melzorina]

I hate dance, my jumps are fine.
This all sounds very not good now.

Can you be casted on a show solely based on tests?

[Raye]

It sounds like you're all trying to put me off, I know you're not.
I don't think I'll get a chance to compete as I don't know of any competitions for people my level, my age or anything. I don't think my coach has it on his lists for me to compete, and it's kinda recreational. :(

I am glad you realize no one is trying to put you off, even though it could be taken that way.

The real question is do YOU WANT to compete? There are lots of opportunities out there and if you wish to take part in any of them, do not let anyone discourage you.

[Melzorina]

Hell yes, I want to compete, but to be honest, I wouldn't have a CLUE about going about it. I really wouldn't.

[Raye]

When I first decided to compete, I did not know where to begin either, and when I asked my coach, she knew nothing about adult/teen competitive opportunities - only the kid-stream. I had to find it all myself, and I spent a lot of time web-searching, and asking questions. The breakthrough came when I joined an adult/teen session not far from my home (ok so it's an hour and a half away, but that's not far in the grand scheme of things and it's only twice a week....) and met two women who had begun competing in the smaller local events.

Then when I was in France this past summer, I was told about this board, actually by a British skater (thanks Mrs Redboots!!). The people on this board are a great support group. And, as you have already learned, there is no shortage of opinions and advice here. You will get the answers you need.

[Melzorina]

:) Thanks!

[jp1andOnly]

You can't be cast purely on tests. However, many of the shows have national or high level tested skaters. Todd Sand (he skated pairs with Jenni Meno in the US) old partner is skating lead with Disney. Now she was an international competitor.

Honestly, trying to get into the show will be a fun experience, but don't put all your eggs in one basket because odds are sorta stacked against you. It's not impossible and many people get into the show even if they have to skate around as the horse's butt for an entire year.

My suggestion..pass your tests because they will teach you important skills you need to know. The reason I said try dance is bbecause many of the skaters in theshow are doing triples and double axels. Of course some are doing bdoubles. If you don't have those, keeping up with dance will help you develop excellent skating skills.

And another thing..don't be scared to ask your coach. if you are that says a lot about how'd you do on the tour and how'd you be able to negotiate contracts, etc. If you wantto compete talk with your coach. Even if you compete against 7 year olds, at least it will give you an idea of being in front of large crowds and things you do well/need to work on.
:) Thanks!

[Melzorina]

I'll consider it. I'll see how my program etc goes, you never know I might just forget the whole thing and just skate as a hobby. It's always fun I suppose.

[jp1andOnly]

If you really really want to do this then you have to do the research. That includes talking with your coach, emailing companies and asking about requirements, trying to improve your skating,making sure you can perform in front of a crowd, etc.

You seem really interested so don't be too discouraged. Keep plugging away and even if you don't get it, at least you can say you tried. My brother had a guy on the tour this year who was in his 40's. He skated when he was younger and decided to come back and skate with the tour. My brother was very impressed that he had the guts to coem back and he did really well. Anything is possible

I'll consider it. I'll see how my program etc goes, you never know I might just forget the whole thing and just skate as a hobby. It's always fun I suppose.

[stardust skies]

It sounds like you're all trying to put me off, I know you're not.
I don't think I'll get a chance to compete as I don't know of any competitions for people my level, my age or anything. I don't think my coach has it on his lists for me to compete, and it's kinda recreational. :(

You do know it's YOUR decision, and yours only, right? A coach is paid to look out for your best interests, teach you good technique, and get you where you want to go. What he's got in his "books" doesn't matter- what matters is what you want to do. Figure it out, decide, and then tell him. It's not a matter of does he think you're good enough, or not, it's...I want to do this. I will do this. Are you the one who's going to get me there or not? If he is, great. If not, MOVE ON. It's your skating, and you get to do whatever you want with it. You keep saying it's recreational, but it sounds to me like the only reason you say that is because you feel you aren't good enough to be entitled to say you wanna do this seriously. Perhaps you don't get enough ice time, or enough money. So perhaps you can't train all that seriously. But that doesn't mean you should act like that is voluntary. If you WANT to train seriously and compete, whether you can right now or not, you should be able to say that it is your goal, and it is what you want. Don't let other people tell you what you can or cannot do. That's YOUR decision.

[stardust skies]

You can't be cast purely on tests. However, many of the shows have national or high level tested skaters. Todd Sand (he skated pairs with Jenni Meno in the US) old partner is skating lead with Disney. Now she was an international competitor.

Honestly, trying to get into the show will be a fun experience, but don't put all your eggs in one basket because odds are sorta stacked against you. It's not impossible and many people get into the show even if they have to skate around as the horse's butt for an entire year.

My suggestion..pass your tests because they will teach you important skills you need to know. The reason I said try dance is bbecause many of the skaters in theshow are doing triples and double axels. Of course some are doing bdoubles. If you don't have those, keeping up with dance will help you develop excellent skating skills.




Hmmm...this I disagree with. I have friends in Disney on Ice. Obviously, it depends what show you are on. But one of my good friends could BARELY do a few doubles- double salchow, double toe, and that was about it. That, and a flying camel. He said after touring with Disney for a year that most people in his show were of his level, and that only one skater in the whole cast even had a double axel. Plus, when I saw him after he'd been on tour for a while, he had LOST his two doubles, because he never skated freestyle. He was the inside of someone's head. The one who had a double axel was a lead, clearly. I've also heard from several skaters who tried out "just for fun" that they didn't even ask you to jump at the auditions! There werre about three different people on three different auditions who told me this. All they asked to see was footwork. I'm guessing it'd be different if they were doing triples, and perhaps they would get separate auditions to try out for lead...but ensemble doesn't even jump in try outs. Also, my friend with the two doubles had NEVER passed a SINGLE test- not even pre-pre. And he was never asked his level. The quality of skating varies from show to show, but most people never do any skating, and you don't need to be a good freeskater to get in these shows. Which is why they're not appealing to most serious skaters to begin with.

Mel, try to find some people who toured with whatever show you wanna tour with. Talk to the ensemble, NOT the leads. Ask about the tour, what they had to do at auditions, what they did on tour, how they lived, etc..etc...Each show is different. But my description of Disney on Ice is accurate for at least a few of the shows they put on, as well as their auditions.

[Melzorina]

So you think I should be upfront with my instructor and tell him exactly what I want out of skating? Stardust, you're right, I do say it's recreational because I don't feel good enough to say anything else. I want to be able to say "I'm training" instead of "Oh I'm just going skating for a bit"

Also thank you to everyone who has posted so far, the advice is fantastic, thank you.

[jp1andOnly]

Hmmm...this I disagree with. I have friends in Disney on Ice. Obviously, it depends what show you are on. But one of my good friends could BARELY do a few doubles- double salchow, double toe, and that was about it. That, and a flying camel. He said after touring with Disney for a year that most people in his show were of his level, and that only one skater in the whole cast even had a double axel. Plus, when I saw him after he'd been on tour for a while, he had LOST his two doubles, because he never skated freestyle. He was the inside of someone's head. The one who had a double axel was a lead, clearly. I've also heard from several skaters who tried out "just for fun" that they didn't even ask you to jump at the auditions! There werre about three different people on three different auditions who told me this. All they asked to see was footwork. I'm guessing it'd be different if they were doing triples, and perhaps they would get separate auditions to try out for lead...but ensemble doesn't even jump in try outs. Also, my friend with the two doubles had NEVER passed a SINGLE test- not even pre-pre. And he was never asked his level. The quality of skating varies from show to show, but most people never do any skating, and you don't need to be a good freeskater to get in these shows. Which is why they're not appealing to most serious skaters to begin with.

Mel, try to find some people who toured with whatever show you wanna tour with. Talk to the ensemble, NOT the leads. Ask about the tour, what they had to do at auditions, what they did on tour, how they lived, etc..etc...Each show is different. But my description of Disney on Ice is accurate for at least a few of the shows they put on, as well as their auditions.


I agree that there are many skaters in ensembles that don't jump. He (my brother) submitted a tape beforehand and therefore they knew his skating abilities. The main suggestion i made to Mel was to try her tests to improve her skating skills. Now she doesn't have to take them, but they will give her skills necessary to do footwork and do complicated stops. There are many skaters on the tour that still jump (depends on the tour as some tours have lower skating abilities, etc) and lots end up doing pairs. However, you are right that only leads usually have the jumping parts.

Also remember, your friend was a guy and for females, the competition is a bit more intense. As for competiitons, you have to truy a shwo or competition to see if you can do somethign like that. If you get out there and freeze and get lots of stage fright, then maybe something like that wouldn't be for you. But agian, until you try doing something in front of people, you don't know.

[jp1andOnly]

Mel,

Yes, tell your coach what you want. Maybe he'll teach you difficult footwork or different types of stops needed to get onto a tour. He needs to know so he knows exactly what you should be working on.

Go for it!

So you think I should be upfront with my instructor and tell him exactly what I want out of skating? Stardust, you're right, I do say it's recreational because I don't feel good enough to say anything else. I want to be able to say "I'm training" instead of "Oh I'm just going skating for a bit"

Also thank you to everyone who has posted so far, the advice is fantastic, thank you.

[Melzorina]

It's just about getting round to "trying" it, really. I need my program, fair enough, but after that I'm lost. I think that the skating school does competitions and the such, but it's £40 a year I think, plus club uniform costs and compeition fees and lessons etc. Nobody wants to employ me at the moment, and I'm back at college soon so I have no money.
I chose my college because it's near, well I say near, but I mean in the same town as my rink, and I was thinking that somehow I may be able to fit in more icetime this way. It's a shame with skating being such an expensive sport.

I'm not exactly "afraid" as such, I think it's because I find the idea a bit farfetched myself, that nobody else should believe that it's possible, and therefore not wase their time.

[Raye]

What's farfetched about it? The only person who has to believe you can do it is you.

If you really want to compete, go for it. :)

If you really want to skate in a show one day, go for it. :)

If the dream is there..... reach for it with everything you've got.... allow yourself to believe it's yours....

It WILL happen if YOU make it happen :bow:

[Melzorina]

What's farfetched about it?

Starting skating at 15 and making a profession of it. Everyone else starts at about 5! There's a girl who's 12 who can land a triple cherry at my rink! :cry:
That's something I'll never acheive.

[Mrs Redboots]

Never say "never", Mel, because you never know until you try!

You may well find that you are good enough in two years' time to do a show in your gap year - there are lots of shows around, although some of them are pretty sleazy and you might not want to do them!

What you must find out is whether your rink or club enters anything like Team Challenge, with the show number, so you can be in that and see if you enjoy it. That's a first step.....

(And yes, I'm thinking of you on Thursday! And Yorkie, too!).

[Raye]

I took my very first skating lesson at 17. I skated for around 5 years or so and then took 24 years off to raise my family. I started back again just over two years ago and in the past 10 months have been competing. A lot actually, and in many exciting places - meeting many awesome people and I am far from done yet! Many of us on this forum either started late or had big gaps in our skating lives. I have no desire to skate in a show right now, but if that fancy ever caught me..... well, you never know.. ;)

My granddaughter is just turned 7 and started skating a year and a half ago. She is close to catching up to me and I expect her to pass me within the next year or so. Comparing yourself with little kids is emotional suicide - don't, I repeat - DON'T DON'T DON'T go there!!!!!

[Melzorina]

Thanks Annabel! I'm not that nervous, I've set myself up for failure.

Also, this girl isn't that much younger than me, I'm 16, she's 12/13. Not that much of a gap!

[Moto Guzzi]

That's something I'll never acheive.Mel, always have a dream and never stop trying to achieve it. Here's a short movie to inspire you: http://www.thedreammovie.com/.

A friend sent it to me because a mutual friend of ours is one of the people who is featured. For privacy reasons, I won't reveal which person but, yes, she most definitely achieved her dream.

[Raye]

Thank you Moto Guzzi. What an inspirational piece for all of us. :bow: :bow: :bow:

Mel: Rather than expecting failure - set yourself up for success. Good luck

Even if the other skater is only a year younger or the same age as you or whatever - do not compare yourself with anyone else....

[Melzorina]

That video is amazing.

"Start Today"
I'll start on saturday ;)

[stardust skies]

Starting skating at 15 and making a profession of it. Everyone else starts at about 5! There's a girl who's 12 who can land a triple cherry at my rink! :cry:
That's something I'll never acheive.

First of all, that whole "you must start when you're 5" thing is crap. Just tell that to Johnny Weir. Now sure, he's Johnny Weir, but if he had believed people who said it was too late, he might've never known what he could do.

Meanwhile, you're not trying to go to the Olympics. You don't need triples for shows. You don't even need a double axel. You CAN at 15 years old get clean doubles. I mean even if you took a year per jump (which I doubt), there's 6 jumps, which you could get in 6 years, right in time for your 21st bday. Which is about a good age to audition for those shows anyways. So I really don't see what you're getting all worried about...even if you said you were gonna try for the Olympics, I wouldn't see anything impossible about it, although I would tell you that you need a LOT more ice time and other things, but...still. Nothing is impossible. Especially not double jumps- you will see, eventually you will find them easy. Your self-effacing attitude is your biggest hurdle to overcome, I think. It's alright to believe in yourself. You SHOULD believe in yourself, even if no one else does. Trust me, I've been through it. If you believe long enough, eventually people will start to agree with you.

[Melzorina]

Wow, I feel so happy to have guys like you supporting me!