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May 2008
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Sports

Blog Listings Outpost

May 14, 2008

Former supermodel disses our Kristi!

  • ISU considers establishing a Regional Muslim School of Skating in Azerbaijan. [today.az]
  • Spokane, Washington to host the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. [SeattleTimes]
  • 2008 World Hockey Championships well underway in Canada. [WCSN.com]
  • 1994 Olympic Champion Oksana Baiul Study finds that judges tend to favor skaters from their own country. We needed a study to determine this? [martlet.ca]
  • Kristi's blog on Dancing with the Stars. [OK!Magazine]
  • Former supermodel Paulina Porizkova disses our Kristi! [AOL Sports]

May 10, 2008

Clip of the week - Le Patin Libre

Clip of the Week - Le Patin Libre Le Patin Libre (translation "The Free Skate") was formed in November 2005 and is the brainchild of former Canadian national competitor Alexandre Hamel. The troupe's members also include: François Paquin, Roxanne Dupuis, Julien Mercier, Liam Dougherty, Sylvain Bouillère, Pierre Bernier, Jonathan Pelletier (no relation to David), Nicholas Young, Mylène Girard and Sébastien Wolfe. Their style is a mixture of artistry, acrobatics and dance.

In a recent interview, Hamel said that

I have this dream in my head that one day people will say, "Hey, it's Saturday night, let's go to the skating show." We have to convince people that there is interesting artistic work going on at the local rink.

Le Patin Libre will be performing its latest piece entitled Alternative at the Sportplexe de Pierrefonds, 14700 Pierrefonds Blvd, on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $20 ($28 at the door) are available at Admission, 514-790-1245, www.admission.com, and at www.lepatinlibre.com.

May 09, 2008

Advice from a pro: Choosing a summer camp for figure skating

Rikki Rendich Samuels, Author of Kids' Book of Figure Skating Our guest columnist is Rikki Rendich Samuels, an instructor at Rockefeller Rink in NYC for over 25 years. As a four-time USFSA national competitor, Rikki received her gold medals in figures and freestyle, and is a former two-time Middle Atlantic Senior Ladies Champion. As a professional, she has been awarded the highest awards from the Professional Skaters Association, a master's rating in figures and freestyle, and a master's rating in program administration.

For many once-a-week skaters, summers are a great way to improve their skating skills. The long break from school provides an opportunity to spend more time on the ice. There are roughly a thousand summer skating programs throughout North America, including camps that are devoted to the training of high-level competitors and Olympians. Camp sessions may range from one week to the full summer in length.

If you are a first-timer at skating camp, you may want to start at a one week camp that is not too far from your home. Chances are, you'll know some of the other skaters attending the camp. Later, you will feel more comfortable with a longer camp session and longer distances.

Here are some questions to ask when you're exploring summer camp options:

  • What are the ages of the skaters who attend, and what is the biggest age group?
  • Does the camp offer other activities, such as gymnastics, dance, weight training, nutrition counseling, and sports psychology, that can enhance your skating?
  • How many rinks does the camp have? Are all of them available for figure skating? What is the schedule?
  • Does the camp offer skaters the chance to perform in exhibitions on a regular schedule?
  • Does the camp offer testing?
  • What are the housing arrangements? Typically, they may range from dormitories to boarding houses.
  • What are the credentials of the pros who teach there, and how do you schedule your time with them?
  • Can the camp refer you to other skaters who have attended past sessions, so you can talk to them and find out their opinions?

Rikki Rendich Samuels, author of Kids' Book of Figure Skating

When selecting a summer camp for skating, consider the features that are most important to you. Of course, as with all aspects of skating, you will need to discuss the costs and benefits with your parents. Many skaters feel they make more progress during summer than during the nine months of the school year.

[Rikki has also written a book called Kids' Book Of Figure Skating: Skills, Strategies, and Techniques which contains information on: proper technique, how to purchase skates, warm-up exercises, rink rules and skating etiquette, how to be an informed fan, skating clubs and associations, and many other relevant topics. You can also check out her website at RikkiSamuels.com.]

May 08, 2008

2008 U.S. Adult Nationals: Preview of things to come

2008 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Lake Placid, NY Thank you everyone for the great feedback on the stories currently posted! I've gotten some inquiries on what other stories I am working on from the Adult Nationals event. They include:

  • Championship Ice Dance
  • Interpretive Free Skate
  • Championship Gold men
  • Championship Gold ladies
  • Volunteers (from ice monitors to ice sweepers) who made the event a success
  • Judges
  • Coaches
  • At the end, big video and photo montage

Thanks to all for your patience...

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