Raise your hand if you want to get up earlier than necessary. And I mean real early. Hey look at this -- all the adult skaters have their hands up! Take me for example. Couldn't get to work by 9:30 a.m. to save my life and I lived 45 minutes away door-to-door! But a 7:30 a.m. freestyle session? I was at the rink by 6:30 a.m. to warm up a little in the locker room, put on my skates, sip coffee, solve Word Jumble, etc. It must be the anticipation thing happening. Looking forward to something makes your whole being ready to go.
So all you adult skaters in the area should check out JoJo Starbuck's early morning Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink. JoJo (see right), with pairs partner Ken Shelley, won the U.S. title three times, and they are also two-time Olympians. JoJo was recently named Artistic Director of the new Ice Capades, continues to coach and choreograph, and is also a full-time wife and mother of 13-year-old twin boys. I last saw her perform at Rockefeller for the unveiling of Mia, the 2008 American Girl Place Doll of the Year, and she looked amazing, graceful and athletic. She's been holding her Cool Workout skating clinic at Rockefeller for over 20 years so this rink and it's skaters hold a very special place in her heart!
If you want to treat yourself and learn skills, develop friendships and I think also, see Rockefeller Rink in a different light (because contrary to what some say, you can have substantive lessons there), why not join in the Cool Workouts? Here are the details:
- WHEN: The classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. JoJo conducted the first class on Tuesday, October 14. When she's not available, Rockefeller Rink instructor Emily substitutes for her and the quality of the classes does not waver one bit. Both are accomplished skaters, verryy patient, and can explain moves ten different ways (which is a quality I personally appreciate).
- WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center of course! Skaters meet in the Skate House between 7 and 7:30 a.m. to stretch, enjoy a complementary continental breakfast from Cucina Cafe, and put skates on. (Skate rentals are included if necessary).
- FEES: Each new month begins a new series. Classes are $50 each. For the month of October, there will be 6 classes, so the October series is $300 ($50x6). If you can't do all of the classes, there is a minimum registration of 50% of the classes for each series. (So for October, it would be $150 minimum for three classes. You can choose to do either Tuesdays or Thursdays). Payment is due the first day of each new series.
- OTHER INFO: They'll need to know in advance if you're coming. If you need rental skates, tell them your street shoe size and they'll have rentals sharpened especially for you. If there is rain predicted, everyone is notified via e-mail the night before at around 6 p.m. The make up classes are usually on the following Monday or Friday mornings, at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call (973) 377-7011 or send an e-mail to jojostarbuck777[AT]verizon[DOT]net.
And finally, very important -- all levels are welcome! Everyone learns at their own level and pace. From the years that I've observed JoJo's Cool Workout classes, I think the level ranges from beginner to intermediate and everyone gets something out of the classes. And plus, it's kind of cool to share Rockefeller Rink with a group of like-minded skaters for an hour.
JoJo works with a student from her Cool Workout class:
Instructor Emily (far left) with students from JoJo's Cool Workout class:
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