Look for the next issue of Slice of Ice - Winter 2002
The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the next issue is November 30, 2002. Place them in the newsletter section of RFSC box at the Ice Zone or SkateNation Plus. Please identify persons and events in photographs for proper captioning. Photographs will be returned if properly marked.
USFSA Adult Training Camp
By Cindy Kinney
On Friday, June 28th, Michelle Pettway, Laura Beckett and I packed up my car for a weekend of skating at the Ice House in Hackensack, NJ. We joined about 140 other adult skaters for lessons with some of the best coaches in the world. Coaches like Robin Wagner, Igor Moskvin, Tamara Moskvina and Sasha Zhulin. It was a terrific experience and we enjoyed it tremendously.
We arrived in NJ at about 7pm and headed right for the rink for our group assignments and welcome reception. Who should I meet there but Edward Van Campen. Edward used to coach here in Richmond – he hasn’t changed at all!
On Saturday morning, our activities got started bright and early. The skating director at the Ice House introduced all the coaches and gave a brief overview of the weekend’s schedule. Tamara stole the show right off the bat. She looked around and said...."I see there no pair skaters here but I want to tell you that during weekend I will be giving hints on how to throw your partner around and also how to twist (holding up little finger) around so you be able to understand how pair skating work. Then you go home and practice on your partner". The whole group just laughed.
My first session was a spin class with Robin Wagner. She was a student of Gus Lussi and gave a brief description of his approach to spins. She is so enthusiastic and wanted to give everyone at least a quick bit of feedback. One hint she gave was to keep the back of the head lined up with the rear end – it helps with centering the spin.
The next session I had was with Neil and Sarah Rubin working on combination jumps. My group consisted of a variety of skill levels so we wound up spending time on the salchow and toe loop. The toe loop is easy to do incorrectly and actually wind up doing a toe-waltz. Thanks to Neil, my toe loop is more of a true toe loop.
Some of the off-ice classes were Pilates, costumes, biomechanics, ballet/stretch and injury prevention. Edward gave the session on costumes and he had lots of ideas about how to save money on costumes. He also highly recommended wearing your costume several times before the first competition. Sometimes the lighting in the rink can change how the color can appear – with “devastating” results. Have someone whose opinion you trust check out your new costume well before your competition so you can make changes if necessary. Dr. Rick Braver (DrRun.com) gave the session on injury prevention. He works with many of the skaters at the Ice House and his recommendation is to avoid custom skates. Instead, get skates a half size larger than needed and use appropriate orthotic devices to correct pronation/supin-ation/etc. Custom skates only solve the problem until the leather starts breaking down. So, his method seems to be less expensive and more likely to keep the problem away.
Some of the most enjoyable sessions were with Igor and Tamara. Their approach was to have the students try a certain element. Then, they would talk about how it was “supposed to be.” Then, they’d say, “Go – Do!” So, if you hear me or Michelle or Laura say “Go – Do,” you know where we got it from! Igor taught a session with my group on combination spins. I actually did one really acceptable sit-change sit! That was terrific. He also had my group try flying camels!! Now, I tried it but I have a long way to go on that one. In the jump class with Tamara, one of the main things she emphasized was being strong in the landing of the jump – no floppy arms allowed!
Sasha Zhulin, Edward Van Campen and Sarah Rubin taught an on-ice choreography class. That was great fun. Michelle was really getting into that and Sasha took some of her ideas and incorporated them into the little program we did to “Pink Panther.”
Edward also taught an excellent session on the new Moves in the Field for adults. That alone was worth the price of admission for me. He had excellent handouts for this and I will definitely be relying on them as I work on the new MITF.
I think I can speak for Michelle and Laura that our weekend in NJ was well worth it.
Announcing the marriage of Stephanie Faust and Eric Meier, 24 August 2002. Congratulations!
Escape to Salt Lake…
By Mary Ruth Halapatz
After weeks of hot, humid, hazy Richmond summer days, what better escape than to the Adult Skating Retreat at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex? The Complex, with two ice sheets, dance and exercise rooms, swimming pools and a spa, not only served as a practice site for the 2002 Winter Olympics, but is also the home of the University of Utah “Skatin’ Utes” hockey team, and several curling clubs, and is the western venue for the Ice Theater of New York. Camp skaters could choose to stay in the U of U guest housing, or in their inexpensive dorms, complete with meal plan. The free campus shuttle completed the package.
When I first heard of the camp, I was intrigued by the classes: Balance Masters, Pump It Up, Icercise, Let It Flow, Over the Edge, and Skadoga Piloga. Each day included five hours of freestyle ice time, as well as selected classes. After talking to Stephanee Grosscup, dynamic SLC Skating Director, I was convinced that SLC was the skating vacation for me!
So, with Norie Adoree’s help, I packed a huge suitcase, that took both of us to lift, and set off on August 11 for the Salt Lake. The flights were smooth, and my checked skates made it without a new scratch. I was glad I had time to rest up from my trip, because our first on-ice session was the fast-paced and challenging “Pump It Up” stroking class. Our instructor, Benji Oberman, stressed the importance of power with control, and worked with us to get the most out of each stroke.
Tuesday, and each day after, began with a “most excellent” warmup class called “Balance Masters.” Instead of blasting onto the ice for laps of frantic stroking, our instructors emphasized body alignment, balance and the “feel” of the blade. We collected ourselves into yoga poses and glided down the ice, stretching and warming our morning muscles while maintaining our weight directly over the blade. I was amazed at how even beginning skaters could perform these moves. And, although our movements were relatively slow, by the end of the session, we were warm and ready to skate!
“Skadoga Piloga,” the SLC off-ice yoga/pilates hybrid for skaters, reinforced the on-ice “Balance Masters” skills. The “Icercise” class really got our blood pumping, and Judy Blumberg’s “Body Works” ended with 20 skaters almost silently stroking around the rink.
Conspicuously absent from the camp were the usual jump and spin classes, although instructors related class exercises to freestyle and dance movements. Applying some of their concepts really impacted my stroking and spins. SLC and guest coaches were available for private lessons.
The 12-30 participating skaters, (including several USFSA judges), came from six states, and, of course, were super. We ranged in age from the mid-30s to 60s and in skill level from a beginner of 2 months to accomplished lifelong skaters. Nobody seemed to be bothered by the 4,000 foot altitude. The SLC staff and local skaters were gracious and hospitable. We all felt welcome, and even pampered, as our Retreat sessions were held on the coveted “warm” rink!
With just a few minor hitches, this first SLC Adult Retreat was a wonderfully comfortable way to celebrate the joy of adult skating. Here’s hoping that more of us have the opportunity to go next year!
Congratulations to Stephanie Brand! Drawn in the style of a Grecian Urn, “Ice Skating Trophy” won Stephanie Brand “Student Artist of the Month” at Glen Allen Elementary School in April, 2002. Stephanie is a 4th grader at Glen Allen.
Competition Results
Reporting competition results: We’re proud of all our skaters and want to recognize their efforts, but we need your help. Competition result forms are in the Club box at both rinks. Place completed forms in the newsletter article folder for pickup. Results must be in the box by the newsletter deadline, and only those results will be published. Thank you for your continued support.
Skate Fredericksburg, 20 Apr 02 ~ Fredericksburg, VA
FS6 Jenny Hendricks 2nd
SPLE6 Jenny Hendricks 1st
Art6 Jenny Hendricks Broken Leg!
2002 Spring Splash, 1-2 Jun 02 ~ Richmond, VA
Alpha Katherine Brand 2nd
Kelley Crisp 1st
Beta Nicole Kelly 1st
SPLEBeta Nicole Kelly 1st
Gamma Madison Culbreth 2nd
Delta Sarah Bellet 1st
Emily Sacks 2nd
SPLEDelta Krista Chabris 1st
Emily Sacks 1st
Delta Interp Krista Chabris 2nd
FS1 Sasha Bard 4th
Hannah Huntoon 2nd
Chelsea Mills 3rd
Anya Van Soestbergen 1st
Rebecca Winfree 1st
Alie Zone 3rd
SPLE1 Sasha Bard 2nd
FS1 Interp Sasha Bard 1st
Chelsea Mills 3rd
FS2 Rebekah Hall 3rd
Brittney Towery 1st
Sierra Willis 2nd
SPLE2 Rebekah Hall 1st
FS2 Interp Rebekah Hall 2nd
Brittney Towery 1st
FS3 Audrey Anderson 1st
Stephanie Brand 1st
Katherine Brown 1st
Rachel Burke 2nd
Maribeth Hernandez 1st
Jenny Huntoon 3rd
Sarah Jawcek 2nd
ART3 Kathy Bowers 1st
Katherine Brown 1st
Rachel Burke 1st
Laura McDonald 2nd
SPLE3 Stephanie Brand 1st
Kalli Mayton 2nd
SPChar Katherine Brown 1st
FS3 Interp Stephanie Brand 1st
Rachel Burke 1st
Maribeth Hernandez 2nd
Laura McDonald 1st
Kalli Mayton 3rd
FS4 Alyssa Ackerman 3rd
Jessica Hardin 2nd
Cindy Kinney 1st
Ellory Greene 2nd
ART4 Cindy Kinney 1st
Emily Lynn 1st
SPDR4 Emily Lynn 1st
Lindsay Saltzberg 1st
SPLE4 Alexandra Strawser 2nd
Ellory Greene 1st
FS4 Interp Sarah Purgason 1st
Alexandra Strawser 3rd
Ellory Greene 1st
FTWK4 Karen Watson 1st
SPLE4 Jessica Hardin 1st
Karen Watson 1st
FS5 Stefanie Sacks 1st
SPLE5 Kaitlin Quick 1st
Stefanie Sacks 2nd
Jamisen Taylor 2nd
ART5 Kaitlin Quick 2nd
Stefanie Sacks 1st
FS5 Interp Jamisen Taylor 2nd
ART8 Stefanie David 1st
Dance2 Hannah Huntoon 1st
Dance3 Rachel Bellet 1st
Dance4 Jenny Huntoon 1st
Synchro Teen Richmond Twizzlers 1st
Fam SPLE Emily/Stefanie Sacks 1st
Virginia State Games, 29-30 Jun 02 ~ Chesapeake, VA
No Test (FS) Krista Chabris 1st
Sarah Purgason 4th
No Test (Show) Krista Chabris 4th
Kalli Mayton 6th
Pre-Pre (Show) Jamisen Taylor 2nd
Pre-Pre (Spins) Sarah Purgason 1st
Adult Br Norie Quatroche 3rd
Karen Watson 1st
Pre-Br Dance Jamisen Taylor 1st
Liberty, 19 Jul 02 ~ Newark, DE
No Test (FS) Jordan Hiegel 4th
Int (LP) Nicole Zawojski 4th
Hershey Open, 7-10 Aug 02 – Hershey, PA
No Test (Qual) Sarah Purgason 1st
No Test (Final) Sarah Purgason 8th
Juv Michael Conigliaro 1st
Adult Br Liz Krize 4th
Karen Watson 2nd
Chesapeake Open, 22-24 Aug 02 ~ Baltimore, MD
No Test (FS) Jordan Hiegel 1st
Sarah Sokchea 2nd
Pre Pre FS Kaitlin Quick 5th
Pre Pre Art Kaitlin Quick 3rd
Pre Moves Sarah Sokchea 3rd
Juv Michael Conigliaro 2nd
Adult Br Karen Watson 2nd
Good Job
We would like to congratulate the following members for passing the USFSA tests listed below. These tests were taken between June, 2002 and August, 2002. If you have passed a test and it is not listed, or you notice any errors, please contact AJ Fisher at 741-9477.
Pre-Preliminary Moves: Krista Chabris, Juliann Eberheim, Bridgett Fulks, Sarah Janicek, Kalli Mayton, Michael Pearce, Sarah Purgason
Pre-Preliminary Freestyle: Bridget Fulks, Sarah Janicek, Michael Pearce, Sarah Purgason, Hannah Sullivan
Preliminary Moves: Mayumi Barrack
Preliminary Freestyle: Michelle Akerman, Barbara Klenke, Stefanie Sacks, Jamisen Taylor
Pre-Juvenile Moves: Michelle Akerman, Amber Patterson, Stefanie Sacks
Juvenile Freestyle: Ben Michael
Intermediate Moves: Joy Gower
Novice Moves: Ester Iskhakova
Junior Moves: Stefany Fisher, Erica Flagg, Kayla Ward
Senior Moves: Nicole Zawojski
Senior Freestyle: Lauren Thomas
Adult Bronze Freestyle: Linwood Gerald
Adult Silver Freestyle: Deann Clanton
Dutch Waltz: Rita Keener
Canasta Tango: Hannah Huntoon, Rita Keener
Rhythm Blues: Rita Keener
Swing Dance: Jennifer Huntoon, Vaidehi Joshi, Barbara Klenke, Amber Patterson, Jamisen Taylor
Cha Cha: Vaidehi Joshi, Laura McDonald, Amber Patterson
Fiesta Tango: Vaidehi Joshi, Barbara Klenke, Amber Patterson, Jamisen Taylor
Ten Fox: Katelin Manning, Dawn Martin, Ben Michael, Jessica F. Smith
Willow Waltz: Katie Kitchen, Dawn Martin, Jessica F. Smith
Fourteen Step: Amanda Bird, Kathy Brown
Juvenile Free Dance: Mary-Wynn Rogers
At the Holiday Season, and all the year through, we’d like to thank our wonderful Club volunteers for giving us so much of their time and energy. Thank you!
Watch for more information about these coming ISI competitions:
October 25-27, 2nd Annual Skate Hampton Roads ISI Open
Iceland of Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach, VA
November 8-10, Fall Classic Open Team Competition
Hampton Roads IcePlex
Yorktown, VA
Adding Sparkle & Shine
By Laurie Brand
We all know that desire to have unique skating attire that fits the theme of our music and adds that extra “sparkle” on the ice. Many options exist when it comes to making that special dress for your competition or test session. Except in the case of synchronized teams or group numbers, most skaters want something unique. Costumes for production numbers and spotlights often allow us to be more creative and “fun” with our designs. Everything from overalls, to animal costumes, to movie themes and even inanimate objects (rocks and trees) have been presented on the ice in very interesting and entertaining ways. Freestyle and artistic numbers call for something more elegant, providing necessary ease of movement, flow and true beauty on the ice.
Your choices include buying a company made (off the rack) dress and possibly adding some embellishments to it, using a seamstress or company that provides for custom skating dresses, or making it yourself. Now, if you are not handy with a sewing machine, you may end up with one of the first two choices. So, let’s first show you some of the options for store bought dresses.
A few local stores do sell some items that can be utilized for competition/testing attire. These include Wolff-Fording, Buttons and Bows, Ellman’s and even some items can be found at the local Target, Walmart or Kohl’s stores. However, most of these are rather plain, more dance-related and will require many extras, but they are usually very low in price. So, you can always pick up a simple dress and add trim and stones to create something quite beautiful.
First, when picking something off the rack, make sure the skater tries it on beforehand and it has a good fit and stretch. Have the skater move around in the dress to make sure seams are secure and that nothing binds. Now, you have to find some embellishments for the dress. Again, some local stores carry appropriate trim. Wolff-Fording will have stretch sequins in different widths, fringe, appliques and Swarovski crystals and other stones. Fabric and craft stores including JoAnne Fabrics, Hancock, Les Fabrique, Michael’s and Ben Franklin stores also carry some interesting trims. Sometimes if you look in the bridal or costume areas, you may find very nice pieces. If you can’t find anything locally, try the Internet. There is a list of Internet sites at the bottom of this article that will give you places to look.
Now, when it comes time to add these embellishments, you can go about it several ways, sewing, gluing/hot-fixing or using one of the other techniques such as setting prong-type stones with a plunger style rhinestone setter or Bedazzler. If you decide to sew your trim on, make sure it is secure. You can get invisible thread, but it is difficult to work with and tangles very easily. In addition, sewing too many items around the dress will start to infringe on movement because the thread does not stretch with the fabric. Sewing a few stones on here and there will not affect it as much. Be aware that not all stones come drilled with holes that allow you to sew them; make sure you know what you are ordering.
For gluing you can use one of several adhesives including Gem-Tac multi-purpose adhesive, Ailene’s Stretch Glue and E-6000 Multi-purpose adhesive which has been recommended to me by several seamstresses. All are available either on-line or in the local craft store. Make sure you put something inside your dress like a piece of cardboard before you start and allow the glue to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before moving on to the next section.
Your second option is to purchase a dress from a seamstress or company that specializes in custom designed attire. Some of these are also listed at the bottom. If you ask around, several of the coaches and parents of skaters have experience in sewing custom dresses and may be able to create something for you. Be aware, that these can get expensive. Again, you may be able to have a basic dress made and add the trim and stones yourself to cut down on the cost. Also, allow at least 4-6 weeks to get your dress. Most places will tell you how far in advance to order based on their volume.
Thirdly, if you are good with a sewing machine, you can create your own. If you are very experienced you can design your own pattern, or you can purchase a pattern and use it as is, or modify it to your liking. One Internet company that has a large selection of patterns is www.specialtysportswear.com. Click on “Catalog” and then read about the pattern series they have and select one to see all of the designs. There are over 70 designs just in the Multi Series alone. Fabrics for these dresses are again available at Wolff-Fording, some other local fabric stores and on-line. Most dresses are made from some form of stretch velvet, lycra/spandex fabric, stretch crepe or stretch lace. My preference is stretch velvet and lycra-spandex products. Check the stretch. Is it two-way or four-way? Four-way stretch is best. When you run your hand down velvet fabric, you will feel it smooth in one direction and rough in the other. This is called the “nap.” For a deeper rich color, cut the garment so the nap runs up, for a paler shade, run the nap down. Either way, keep the nap in the same direction for your garment; otherwise you will see variations in the color.
For best results, use a stretch needle and a short, narrow zigzag or sew using a serger/overlock machine. Stretch velvet will not run if you decide to cut the hem and leave it as is, however, some brands can roll and most will look better with a serged or hemmed finish on the bottom. You can always leave the edge unfinished and sew some trim over it to give it a more finished look. Put in a new needle in your machine for each dress you sew to keep it working at it’s best. Also, keep your scissors sharpened for best results in cutting fabric. White stretch velvet can be dyed if you can’t find your exact color. www.ritdye.com will give you some guidance on this, but it can get messy. White mesh and glissenette can also be dyed to match. Check all glues and fabrics to see if they are washable or dry clean only. Dry clean or hand launder decorated costumes accordingly.
This is not a complete list of sources, but will get you started and give you some options to try:
Local Stores
Wolff Fording Company, 2220 E. Main Street. Store Phone No: 780-1718. Open M-F, 8am-5pm. Sept-Oct only M-F 8-5:30, Sat 10am-2pm
Ellman’s Dancewear, 3339 W. Cary Street. 358-0655. Open M-Sat 10am-5:30pm. Sept 8th - December only: Sun 12-4pm.
Buttons and Bows, 1532 Parham Road, 285-0482. Open M-F 9:30-8pm, Sat 10-6 and after Labor Day Sun 12-5 through Easter.
JoAnne Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics and Les Fabrique all located on W. Broad Street.
On-Line Sources
Artcove.com (sequin appliques) CycloneTaylorFigSkate.com (Custom Costumes)
Jonestrimsupply.com (Fabric and trim)
Blancherose.ab.ca (Custom skatewear)
DancingDesigns.com (Fabric and Sewing Advice)
KSSkatewear.homestead.com
CostumersQuarterly.com (Fabric and trim)
Fultonstrim.com (Fringe, sequins, stones)
CustomerSkatewear.homestead.com
Costumes-online.com (Custom skatewear)
Glitzonline.com (Fabric and trim)
Murielleroy.net (Fabric and trim)
Cybertrims.com (Appliques, rhinestones and trim)
Icewear.com (Dresses)
SatinSpirals.com (Custom Dresses)
SpecialtySportswear.com (Patterns and fabric)
Lycralady.com (Fabric and trim)
Congratulations to Elena Betchke and Wayne Ellis on the birth of their son, Alexander Christopher on April 1, 2002.
Off-ice Star Rebecca Arnowitz graduated from George Mason University in June with a degree in Communications. A fulltime student, she worked on her MITF, and taught classes and private lessons at SkateNation. Rebecca is now an intern at local radio stations, and continues to coach. Way to go, Rebecca!
The Queen commands: Gather ye thy funny stories and most embarrassing moments for publication in a future Slice of Ice. Leave them for Her Highness in ye olde “Membership Drop-Off” folder at either rink, or e-courier them to equatroche@mcguirewoods.com!
Congratulations to Peter and Jennifer Valiante on the birth of their son, Colby Peter Joseph on March 18, 2002.
Nothing to Wear?
By Mary Ruth Halapatz
In the beginning there was frigid weather and ice. And the people saw that it was fun, and made boots – and blades - and all the warm clothing they could wear and still glide across the slick surface while avoiding frostbite. Well into the late 19th century, when ice skating evolved into a sport, skaters were more interested in surviving the cold than in making fashion statements. Skaters, therefore, wore layers of heavy, cumber-some garments which greatly limited their movements. As mainly a sport for prosperous men and women, however, stylish street fashions were often brought onto the ice. Ladies routinely wore fitted jackets and long, flowing skirts with several petticoats for warmth. Hats, scarves and muffs
completed their ensembles.
In 1882, when the first international meeting was held in Vienna, rules of skating fashion were already being put into place. The Skaters Text Book, published in 1883, called for reason in skating apparel. It said, “men and boys should leave off their overcoats and women’s and girls’ dresses should reach the ankle only; the limbs should be unencumbered for free use and corsets are very injurious during the hours of exercise.” A 1898 “Harper’s Bazaar” admonished that “Elaborate and picturesque dressing is not considered good style for skating, and the beauty of the gown must con-sist in the way it is fitted and hung, rather than in the trimming or elaborate effect.” Skirts were always modestly long. In fact, in early competitions, men showed more leg than the women!
By the turn of the century, figure skating had evolved into a social sport. Skaters made their own fashion statements: men wore knickers with matching jackets or sweaters and caps, while the ladies, still in bulky dresses, trimmed their hats with fur and feathers. Skating moved inside with the development of artificial ice. Ladies shortened their skirts to the tops of their boots, even revealing a glimpse of petticoat or black stocking. One society deb shocked Edwardian society by skating in a black silk leotard and a daring short skirt. T.D. Richardson, author of Ice Skating, noted that “[t]his caused the most tremendous sensation and considerable adverse criticism. But, she looked so delightful, so graceful and so lissome that gradually a movement for freer clothing for skating began to take shape.”
In the 1920s, hemlines crept higher, causing US Ladies Champion, Theresa Weld Blanchard to fear that her “bloomers would show when I jumped.” But 10-time World Champion Sonja Henie caused the demise of the long skating skirt for-ever. As a child, Henie’s short skirt fitted her athletic style and age. As she grew older, however, Henie kept her short skirts, starting a fashion craze with her color-coordinated outfits. Spangled and glittery costumes gained popularity in the 1930s. Men continued to sport short, tailored black jackets and tights, and tights or skating trousers with sweaters for practice. Both men and women, however, avoided elaborate costumes.
After WWII, competition costumes remained conservative, but ice show performers wore plunging necklines and very short skirts. By 1948, women’s costumes were far more colorful and daring than the men’s, with satin and velvet trimmed with fur and chiffon, and hemlines above the knee. Male skaters favored street fashions, with tapered trousers and short jackets. Their costumes were usually basic black and white. In the 1950s, women experimented with flashy colors and sparkling rhinestones and sequins; in 1957, Carol Heiss could have worn her red rhinestone studded skating outfit to a cocktail lounge.
1964 U.S. Champion Monty Hoyt broke out of the color rut skating in a white jacket and red trousers. Other male skaters followed, making their own color statements. Bright fabrics, embroidery, beads and sequins became de rigueur for women, while “Skating” magazine warned skaters against inappro-priate costumes, such as tiaras in the morning, and bouffant hairdos that cannot stand up to strenuous exercise.
The 70s glided in with slick stretch fabrics, cutouts, plunging necklines, feathers, furs and sparkles. Spandex and lycra teamed with plastic sequins and beads giving designers and skaters new freedoms in design and movement.
After a decade of bare male chests, French-cut ladies briefs, bare midriffs and translucent fabrics, the ISU issued costume guidelines in 1989. They stipulated that costumes for both men and women may not be theatrical in nature. Women must have skirts and pants that cover the hips and posterior, and may not have excessive decoration. The ISU even created a penalty in the presentation score for unacceptable attire.
The 1992 Olympics ushered in more sober attire for men, but women sported extravagant creations. Skaters didn’t just perform to music, but became gypsies, czarinas, goddesses and other fantasies created by big-name designers. In 1996 their attire inspired New York Times figure skating reporter Jere Longman to write, “As usual, figure skating’s National Championships provided a week of the inspiring, the riveting, the poignant, the outrageous the revealing, the concealing, the soaring and the plunging. And that was just the costumes.”
HINTS:
For costumes, Kristi Yamaguchi (Figure Skating for Dummies) says to consider:
1. Freedom of Movement ~ In training clothes or performance outfits, the most important element is being able to move. Cut and fabric elasticity are important to allow jumping, stroking and spins.
2. Fit ~ Skating posture is different from standing or walking. For example, skaters tend to lean forward when skating; skirts, therefore, need to be longer in the back than in the front. Costumes should be designed to fit and look good while performing skating moves.
3. Color ~ Costume color should complement the skater’s coloring and be appropriate for the program. Light, bright colors work for cheerful music, while darker ones would suit more somber pieces.
4. Age ~ Costume design should be appropriate to the skater’s age.
5. Less is Better ~ Excessive costume decoration, such as beads and baubles can distract judges and detract from the program.
Eat Healthy
Try Todd English’s Marinated Grilled Chicken from, Olives in Boston, MA from http://nutrition.about.com.
Preparation time : 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt
zest of 1 lemon, grated
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh mint
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 to 6 oz. each
Cooking Instructions
1. Mix all the ingredients except the chicken in a large bowl.
2. Add the chicken to the mixture and coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for al least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat the grill.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. (This protects against cross-contamination.) Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper.
6. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook until the juices run clear, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size 1 chicken breast
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 193 Sodium 110mg
Total fat 2 g Percent calories from fat 8%
Saturated fat 0g Percent calories from protein 60%
Protein 29g Percent calories from carbohydrate 33%
Total Carbohydrate 16g
The Richmond Figure Skating Club looks forward to growth and the skating opportunities in the Richmond community. We are a supporting force in the development of Richmond’s figure skating training centers. Everyone is welcome to join us.
