a discussion for NON skaters

[Artemis]

I know I'm not the only one here ...

1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline?

2. Why didn't you start skating?

3. What music would you most like to skate to?

----

My answers.

1. Definitely pairs. It's my fave discipline to watch, and I think it's the best example of how the sport is a perfect blend of athleticism and artistry/emotion. Also, I'd love to fly!

2. Well, growing up it was pretty much a choice between skating and swimming ... and I chose swimming.

3. There are so many choices, but I'd love to be able interpret the following, which are some of my favourite pieces of music that haven't already been done by a zillion skaters:

The Lark Ascending (Vaughn Williams)
Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain
Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement
selections from Elgar's Enigma Variations
Billy Joel's "classical" composion, "Dublinesque" (from Fantasies and Delusions)
the Canadian Brass version of Barber's Adagio for Strings (of course that would be Adagio for Brass)

[Lindsay]

hehe this is a cool idea

1. PAIRS definatly!!!!!!! I would love to know what its like to fly and its def my fave discipline to watch!!

2. Well i begged my parents when I was little but we didn't have the money and we didn't have any transportation and now i have goten into so many others things i don't have time...but i go to the piublic skates ALL the time!!!

3. I dunno but i would love to bring somemore Rock and Roll to the compeitive stage! and i have always wanted to skate to Romeo and Juliet;)

[Trillian]

Originally posted by Artemis
1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline?

Probably singles. I don't have the extremely slender build of a successful dancer, and I'm too tall for pairs. Otoh, if that weren't an issue, I'd probably go with dance.

2. Why didn't you start skating?

I did skate recreationally, but not for very long--I started when I was 12 and quit when I was 14. It was expensive, it was a bit of a drive to the rink, and I wasn't future champion material anyway. However, the final straw was in ninth grade when I had to choose between a basketball game and a lesson. I went to the lesson but never signed up for more of them again.

3. What music would you most like to skate to?

There's a ton of music I've never seen used which comes to my mind. In particular I'd love to see what someone would do with something by a guitarist I really like, Johnny A. So if it were me choosing music, I'd probably pick something from his album Sometime Tuesday Morning--maybe the title track, his version of "Wichita Lineman," or a really fun piece called "Oh Yeah."

[Emanfan]

I've been skating (recreationally) since I was about 3 years old. At the time, I was given a choice - skating or horses. I chose horses.

BUT, I still love to skate and in a perfect world, I'd dance, dance, dance with Emanuel Sandhu!!

[Gaela]

I took figure skating as a child but did poorly at it, and never was into competitive sports.

I'd love to take up adult skating, but haven't checked into it because of the cost. And I think I'm too old at 44 (not in bad shape but need a good support bra and certainly wouldn't be got dead in one of those costumes!!).

[Sing_Alto]

1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline? Ice Dance-- I'm too tall for anything else.

2. Why didn't you start skating? The closest ice rink is 100 miles south of where I live. Not only that, my dad was in the Air Force when I was a kid, and we didn't have that kind of money.

3. What music would you most like to skate to? I'd most like to skate to Schubert's "Ave Maria" as a tribute to my dad. It was one of his all-time favorite pieces.

[Lulia]

I would like to be an Ice Dancer, or solo.

Well, I didn't start skating because I was such a scaredy cat at my skating classes, I mean basic skating lessons! I'm so lily-livered! So how am I gonna throw myself around to jump?!:lol: I skate recreatively a bit, tho. But still can't skate backwards much :lol:

Geez, there is SOOOOOOO much beautiful music out there, how can I choose? Nothing in particular, but baroque music is so underused! And Jazz!

[adrianchew]

1. Skate? If I could go back in time and be young again and pursue competitive skating (not sure if I have the talent, probably don't!)... pairs most definitely.

2. There was no ice whatsoever where I grew up (except ice cubes in the freezer!). The first time I actually skated was after I had became a skating fan, and it was in my hometown on a newly built rink in a mall (not sure if there are more rinks now, but there's probably at most 2-3 in the whole country possibly today, but I only know of that 1).

3. Music? Hmm, it would probably be a soft flowy classical piece... given I chose pairs for the first question, say Moonlight Sonata? Its one of my favorite G&G numbers - and its not easy music to actually skate to - if you don't have the skating ability, near impossible - since its not a piece with a lot of highs and lows to play with.

[Keely]

1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline?

Would have preferred Mens, but since I'm female I guess that's a no-go.

2. Why didn't you start skating?

I have always skated (badly) for fun since I was a kid. But wasn't interested then in competing or taking it seriously (that or ANY sport).

3. What music would you most like to skate to?

Rasputin by Boney M
The flamenco piece from the Riverdance soundtrack
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel

Hey Gaela... I'm pushing 40 and I bet I need a bigger support bra than you ;), and I was considering taking proper lessons. If you do it, I'll do it. I want to learn to spin and do a toe loop. The costumes are a bridge I'd cross when I got to it ;)

[what?meworry?]

i was a pretty good roller skater (not competitive) and learned the dances which is why i probably like ice dance now.

i really love skiing and am pretty good at it, not to mention the apre ski.
heh-heh. age doesn't count there. hot tub anyone?

i suppose if i had been given the opportunity, i might have been a pretty good ice skater. i'll fess up. i do attempt to ice skate and take group lessons. but i didn't start until well over 45. but, because of the skiing, i'm really good at falling!

music? oh!!! so much music, so little time!!! again, i think that's why i really enjoy ice dance, there's where the really inovative music is found.

as for the discipline, is guess ice dance, since i so enjoy watching it.
on the other hand, i always wanted to fly---perhaps if i had ice skated as a child i would have loved jumps.

i'm getting all whistful, now.

hoorah for the parents who let their children "fly."

[jenlyon60]

You're not too old to start at 44. There's adult skaters out here who started at 44 and are competing in various adult competitions within the US.

The USFSA adult competitions divide skaters both by skill level (based on the USFSA adult freestyle test structure) and by age group...so that generally speaking, a 26 year old adult won't be competing against a 40-something.

And many members of Age Group IV proudly nickname themselves the Geriatric Skaters and joke about it...

Re the support... yes, wearing a good support bra like those made for running definitely helps, from a comfort perspective.

And skating dresses can be made with longish (mid-thigh) skirts or shorter.

Originally posted by Gaela
I took figure skating as a child but did poorly at it, and never was into competitive sports.

I'd love to take up adult skating, but haven't checked into it because of the cost. And I think I'm too old at 44 (not in bad shape but need a good support bra and certainly wouldn't be got dead in one of those costumes!!).

[jeb]

1. Probably dance

2. I did some group lessons when I was little, but for some reason I don't remember I had a temper tantrum when I was 7, and decided I would never skate again, and didn't until I was about 14-15. I've also thought about doing the adult learn-to-skate programs, but the times that they are scheduled don't work with my work schedule.

3. I don't know. Every now and then I'll hear a piece of music and think that would be good skating music, but I can't think of any right now.

[Corey]

1. Probly pairs. The lifts are very beautiful.
2. bad anckels
3. maybe somthing by Kenny G.

[CanAmSk8ter]

Just a note to those of you who are worried about support in skating dresses... I have, ahem, kind of the opposite problem as you guys, but you don't have to have a skating outfit just to take lessons. In fact, until you can spend most of your time on the ice moving at a pretty good clip, you're much better off in workout-type clothes- skating dresses are not exactly warm. And I don't know many adults who wear them to practice anyway. The only times you really have to wear a dress are for competitions, which not everyone does, or official USFSA tests, and for tests a lot of adults wear a skirt and leotard rather than an actual dress. I wouldn't make bra size or even general body type/weight an issue as far as taking skating lessons. I teach Learn-to-Skate and I get the adult classes a lot- I've taught adults of all body types. Anyone can skate and have fun learning!

[bleu]

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to

Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain

Another fan of Miles Davis.

*hugs for you*

[CMc]

My answers:

1. I'd be a solo skater since I wouldn't want to hurt the poor girl who'd be my partner in a pair!:lol:

2. I didn't become one, first of all, because I didn't really have that much interest in ice skating when I was younger, AND I was afraid of being on skates (which would also explain why I never played hockey) and falling down. I didn't even get on a roller rink until about seven years ago, and THAT was scary! But it felt kinda good after a while!

3. Geez, the hardest question of all, Artemis! ;)
I like Sketches of Spain, too!!
I've got SO many favorite pieces I see myself skating to, and they're not just classical and jazz! Here's a few I've always had in mind:

"The Only Living Boy In New York"--Simon & Garfunkel
"Elite Syncopations" by Scott Joplin, any recording
"My Favorite Things"--John Coltrane (as a medley coming out of the version from the film of Sound of Music)
"Mazeppa" (Transcendental Study No. 4 by Liszt)
"Overture from Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert & Sullivan
"Like a Rolling Stone" (Live version from 1966)--Bob Dylan

And I just heard the Violin Concerto #1 by Shostakovich, which features a great nocturnal first movement--Great skating music!!

[Kestral]

1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline?

I joke with friends that the only thing I'd be good for would be as an ice dancer, which would be really ironic for me since I find ice dancing totally uninteresting.

I daydream about being being a skater, though. I'd skate singles, and I choreograph songs in my head as I drive. Probably not the best time for it, but what the heck.

2. Why didn't you start skating?

I grew up in a military family. We moved like clockwork, every three years. Never had the opportunity to get into anything like that, and by the time I discovered I was fascinated by skating I was 14 years old and we were on an Air Force base in Japan. Not the best place for an American beginner to try to learn how to skate.

3. What music would you most like to skate to?

Oh, I live for rock & roll. I can think of a lot of songs that would lend themselves well to powerful, athletic programs. But I'd also love to do Pachelbel's Canon, and there are several soundtrack pieces I don't think anyone has ever done that I could imagine myself doing.

[dbny]

Originally posted by Gaela
I took figure skating as a child but did poorly at it, and never was into competitive sports.

I'd love to take up adult skating, but haven't checked into it because of the cost. And I think I'm too old at 44 (not in bad shape but need a good support bra and certainly wouldn't be got dead in one of those costumes!!).

Not too late:!: I started two years ago at 53, in terrible shape and needing to lose a lot of weight. I'm now in decent shape and have lost 45 pounds. I skate for my life. It is expensive, but if you can find relatively uncrowded public sessions it helps keep the cost down. Re the support needed, have you seen Katarina Witt lately? Rather zaftig, looks fantastic, and no problems on the ice.

[Lee]

I would do singles or dance -- would love to test dances...and Skating Skills.

We never had the money for lessons when I was a kid. You even had to have a community league membership to skate on the outdoor rink in our neighbourhood. I learned how to skate somehow along the way, but always dreamed of being a figure skater. I suppose I have the money now that BD isn't skating regularly, but I'd have to get out there and buy skates and get away from the school early enough to skate on the club ice time.

I don't know what I'd like to skate to...I've cut so many neat pieces for BD over the years, I'd be at a loss to choose something for myself. Hey, maybe the 'Hobbiton' bits (flute) from the "Lord of the Rings" soundtracks...;)

[singerskates]

Originally posted by Gaela
I took figure skating as a child but did poorly at it, and never was into competitive sports.

I'd love to take up adult skating, but haven't checked into it because of the cost. And I think I'm too old at 44 (not in bad shape but need a good support bra and certainly wouldn't be got dead in one of those costumes!!).

YOu are definately not too old. There are people in the 50's and 60's who can still do double jumps and they only began when there were in their later 30's and early 40's.

[Canadian Chick]

I'd do singles :)

I was a skater for about two years and had all my singles, but quit cuz dance took up more time.

Anything dramatic!!

[Lise]

I would choose singles.

I had started lessons when I was young and learned my jumps however, could not land them to save my life (I often banged my head on the boards-yes, it was funny at first but after awhile, we knew that I wasn't that co-ordinated. I found a talent in music and stuck with that, much to the relief of my parents!!

I would love to skate to the theme of Nottinhill (the movie).

I will taking lessons again next year (just want to lose more weight before I start up)!!

[Gaela]

Thanks for all the encouragement re the geriatric crowd being able to skate.

I've actually thought of looking into lessons, but after age, I wonder about cost. How much is it, for the lessons (I would guess one a week or something?). The skates? Anything else?

[terisalyn]

I would choose ice dance. I'm considering taking lessons, I'm a bit old to take up a new sport, but I think it would be fun and now that we have a rink in out area, I'd like to learn the basics, at least!

As far as music, I'm always hearing music that I'd love to see someone skate to. For ice dance, I'd like to skate to some Beausoleil (good hand-clapping, foot-tapping Cajun music)! I'd also love to see someone else do it....L&T, take note!!!!

[Chico]

Gaela,

The best place to ask skating questions is at Rinkside. This "spot" has tons of friendly adult skaters. Lessons should start in a group for a true beginner. Call your local rink to find out times and cost. They may even have classes just for adults! Prices shouldn't be too expensive this way. Privates are costly. You can borrow skates for group lessons but I would advise buying your own. Go to the pro shop to find what would be best for you. Probably under a $100 for your level. (I have customs and you DON'T want to know!)Skating is fun, challenging, great exercise, and a nice way to make new friends. I have made friends at my rink from 3 to 70. Yep, I know a lovely skater at 70. You have to have a willing spirit and the desire to accomplish to be sucessful. You don't have to wear a dress by the way. =-)

Chico

[what?meworry?]

Originally posted by Kestral
...by the time I discovered I was fascinated by skating I was 14 years old and we were on an Air Force base in Japan. Not the best place for an American beginner to try to learn how to skate.


i'd trade anything i've accomplished in my lifetime thus far to have been a service brat. what an adventure!

[loveskating]

I actually skated as a child...had an awful time getting on my blades, which kept going to an upside down V to the inside edge...it was the doctor who told my mom I should skate, because I had weak ankles!

At the end of the second session, however, I got it, and then there was no stopping me. This was some kind of large group for kids, and my mom took both my brother and myself. We had an hour to do precision skating, which I liked a lot at first and was put on the point, and then some kid fell, knocking everyone down at once, and someone skated right over my hand, cutting me badly! After that, I was afraid of being hurt.

We had another hour to skate free, and that was what I loved, because then I could try to do the things I saw the pros doing. I got some free lessons, and loved and adored skating. Then we moved over 50 miles away, to our farm, and that was the end of my skating. I never forgave my parents until I saw Peggy Fleming, who is my age, and just loved her so much, and decided that I could never have competed with her, LOL!

When I got back on the ice, years later, after my daughter started skating, I was AWFUL...althugh she thought it was cool that I could even get around the rink, LOL! My legs felt like LEAD, too, really bad feeling for someone who could do some things long ago!

I also needed some good skates, but put all my money into her skating, fell, hurt myself, decided as a single mom I could not risk injury as she was a small child, and I STILL haven't bought those Reidells...I plan to do so soon because now she is 18, but I think I will join the skating club and only skate those sessions at first so I don't have to deal with the hockey players at the public rink, till I get my skates under my feet again and until my muscles stop feeling like lead.

[lemondrop]

What an intriguing discussion! Let's see...

1. If you were going to become a skater, which discipline?


Definitely singles. I've always had that ice princess/olympic gold medalist fantasy in my head. Dance kind of bores me and I don't think I'd enjoy the added risks of pairs skating.


2. Why didn't you start skating?

Although I danced and did other athletic activities as a child, I was always a coward and a clutz when it came to skating. At our local public rink, I used to cut my hands because I would always hang onto the "boards" for support! Actually, they weren't boards - they were made of metal with sharp edges. Then, the rink manager would scold me when I went to the office asking for a band aid. Not exactly an encouraging introduction to the skating world.

Now in my forties and in considerable need of the support garments previously mentioned, I still count learning to skate as one of my life's goals. I'm still a coward, though, and have this anxiety provoking vision of little whizkids whipping around the ice, laughing at this middle-aged, out of shape woman who is wobbling around on the ice, hanging onto the boards for dear life!


3. What music would you most like to skate to?

Puccini's Nessun Dorma is such a beautiful piece -- I think that would be my first choice.