Today was the first day of JoJo Starbuck's Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink. The three-time U.S. pairs champion (with Ken Shelley) holds her group classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 - 8:30 a.m. Each new month begins a new series. Classes are $50 each. For the month of October, there will be six 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).
To register, e-mail JoJo at jojostarbuck777[AT]gmail[DOT]com and let her know that you are interested in her Cool Workouts! AND, if you are a NY Health and Racquet Club member, you get a discounted rate for this season, so another reason to join her classes.
JoJo's been doing her Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink for over 20 years now! I had a chance to chat with her after her class this morning and she has quite the tie to this rink...
What's the allure of Rockefeller Rink?
JoJo Starbuck: Ever since my Mom first took me to skate at Rockefeller Rink as a little girl, it’s held a special magic for me! I skated here at age seven, when all I could really do was throw myself down into the splits and throw my arms up into the air. Ken and I skated here for fun during our competitive career whenever we passed through New York City -- It was a rare treat to skate outdoors for two kids from California. As professionals, we often skated in the Christmas Tree lighting show when it was simple and sweet. There were stars like Lily Tomlin and Glenn Close hosting, fabulous choirs and David Rockefeller lighting the tree. After retiring from Ice Capades, 
we started a production company and produced quite a few skating shows here, often in concert with stage performances from Broadway’s brightest stars. We’ve seen many changes in the world since first skating there, but the joy and magic of skating in the heart of Manhattan has never faded! Also, my husband and I got married there one June, inside the Sea Grill, with the reception outdoors, which IS The Rink in the winter. (Photos at right, JoJo greets and signs autograph for skater Elle visiting from Florida)
What's the best thing about teaching your Cool Workouts? You have quite a commute from New Jersey to here.
JoJo Starbuck: I love teaching adults! First, you know they’re here because they really want to learn. Sometimes with children, you wonder if this is their choice? Adults listen to you, ask questions and are truly delighted and amazed when they achieve a move they never dreamed they’d accomplish. It’s great to share that journey with them. Plus, my students at Rockefeller Center have become a beautiful part of my life. Each person entering the class has so much to give. They come to learn a sport or hobby but end up sharing a part of themselves with me and many others in the class. It becomes a real win/win in many other ways as well. While I hate my alarm going off so early, walking down those stairs to the Rink is always a charge and I’m full of anticipation, knowing the feeling of pure bliss I’ll soon have as we float across the clean, perfect, empty Rink!
JoJo also told me that she is excited about her new website jojostarbuck.com which is still in development, and promises that there will be a lot more information on it in the near future. Can't wait!
