Competitive figure skating moms...

[tjmw2727]

Hey Tammi -

I should enable my pm's so we can chat but for now I will keep OT. Sorry about your son- its hard to know that things they do so well they only have one chance to show "the judges". One aspect of the sport I have to get used to. When your sick I think skating is the last thing on your mind. fwiw- My youngest took a nasty wipe out in the stands today - I think the ice was safer! (yes she was misbehaving!)

It sounds like your son is taking a well rounded approach to skating, IMHO he will do well whatever his eventual choices are. We have a new pairs team at NSSC this year and they are so muc fun to watch and seem to really enjoy doing this. Good luck to them both, it looks like hard work to depend on one another.

My oldest is going to do her exibition routine with a very good friend of hers - about a level ahead and the coach is going to make it a very fun thing for the two of them.

Hot chocolate Ice sounds like a great idea - love the sound of it especially as I am still cold from today!

Hi sunkissed

Thanks for your offer I am new to the sport but my girls really love it so I have to try and figure things out as I go. So far everyone at the club and at the few competitions we have done have been kind. Just trying to keep it fun for the girls. I have so many questions right now I don't even know what they are!!

I look forward to the next competition so the girls can actually hear the music!

TJ

 

[Disneycrazymom]

TJMW, I am so glad your DD's both did well today! Ds 's team lost by a goal this AM, I always feel colder when they lose.

Tammie it is too bad that your son was sick. After working so hard to be there.

Sunkissed welcome!

To all of you:
DD (5 this week ) is still in learn to skate, I think she is doing really well. It is amazing what she has learned to do. I think they are not real sure what group to put her in for the next session. They seem to be concerned about her being so young. Any advise? At her request (dd's) she is skating 1 time a week with her learn to skate teacher for extra practice. She is so happy on the ice. I am NOT, REALLY NOT pushing her. I am not that kind of moma. As a matter of fact I ask her before we make the practice date if she still wants to each week. She just loves it and asks daily if we can go skate. Any advise on what our plan for her should be? Thanks all!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Disneycrazymom,

If she's in a learn to skate program, then she should be testing based on the USFSA's requirements. Regardless of her age, if she passes the test, she should move on. There's really no sense holding her back in a group that's going to be learning the same skills that she already knows. That will lead to boredom and she might not want to skate anymore. One of the best things about the Learn to Skate program is how fun they make it for the kids. I have no idea when kids typically progress out of that program. My DS was 10 when he moved up to testing for pre-prelimanary. He's 14 now and he skates at the Intermediate level. I know kids in their teens who are still doing learn to skate and I know 7 year olds who have moved up pre-prelimanary.

I think the extra practice time is wonderful. At her age, the attention span may not be there to do much more than a private 1/2 or one full session. Let's face it, the sport is expensive too. I had to purchase new skates for DS back in September and they were $900 for the boots and blades. Does your rink offer public skating? That's another great way to get some ice time. How about a basic skills competition? My DD competed in her first when she was 5. The club that does your learn to skate program might have one, otherwise her coach will know of any in your area. It's a great way to introduce them to competitions and get them used to performing in front of someone. Not a lot of pressure either, because at all the basic skills competitions that I've ever been too, everyone has received a medal or a ribbon.

The term, slow and steady, really does apply in skating. Have fun.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

At the risk of being repetitive I will echo Tammi's sentiments.

As long as your dd is having fun let her lead, my girls still love the public skate since I usually skate with them. While I can only manage to do the continuous loops around the outside they love to have me on ice and show me the "moves".

Our LTS also tests but they have started doing is on a continuous basis to keep the kids from getting nervous. This way they can move them along when they are ready regargless of when a session ends/begins. So a child may move 1 or 2 levels in a single 10 week session and then stay in a level for more than one session depending on the elements required to pass. Most time the kids don't know they are tested as the coach simply notes when they have seen the child perform an element well enough, when they have done all the elements they move. I don't think that age should play a factor unless its a huge gap. Sometimes our classes are big enough to have two groups in one level - last year we had a basic 5 for 7 and under and one for 8 and older.

Right now my 7yo is in a class with 10yo's and they get along very well. My girls love the group setting it helps keep skating a social sport.

Tammi mentioned the basic skills competitions and I have to agree. We just started doing them and my girls really enjoy it, I wish we had started sooner.

Have fun
TJ

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I will ask about the basic skills. I am only concerned because the lead coach said he did not want to move her because of her age. I asked about her skills and was told they are fine, no problem at all. I think for the next 10 week session I will say nothing and just watch. Maybe they don't want her with certain other girls or something, I really have no idea, and they don't really seem to have any time to talk with me. Always busy but not very organized. Anyway, her privite is for 1/2 hour during the public session on Thurs. afternoon. It is a great time as there are only a few others there. She just loves her coach who is a college student and also teaches at learn to skate. I just don't want someone is a year to say ,"well she should have, fill in the blank," and me to say "well I didn't know!"

 

[TammiMcMan]

Which basic badge level is she skating at? I can let you know what the requirements are. Have you received a booklet and USFSA card for your DD yet? I was the administrator for our local program and whenever we signed up new students, the forms were sent to USFSA headquarters where they're assigned a number. Then they would send it back to us with a nice booklet that has lots of information for new skaters, a breakdown of all the levels and stickers so that the kids can keep track of their accomplishments. In fact, I have extra's here from 2003. If you'd like one and want to send me a PM or e-mail, I'd be happy to mail it to you.

As an FYI, your daughters private coach can pass her also. It doesn't have to be done within the program. If her private coach is at the same LTS program, that makes it even easier.

There is not an age restraint on skating. It's all progression. As TJ mentioned, they can zip through one or two levels in a session, but then it make take them a year to get through the next. It's a fine line though, you don't want them moved along too fast, but you also want them to stay interested. I think you're doing everything fine and if you have any questions, talk to her private coach. That's part of the fee that you're paying.

Tammi

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I don't know what badge level. We have not signed up for USFSA. Or the local club either. I asked about signing up but was told they like to wait until after learn to skate. I do know that her coach checks new skills off as she learns them so I assume it is the same thing as a badge. I wonder why they don't have the badge or stickers or something, DD would like that. I'll have to ask. There is so much I don't know.

 

[TammiMcMan]

The USFSA sponsors the Learn to Skate program and they actually start the kids as young as 4. Our club also has the badges for sale when they pass each level. I've seen kids who've sewn them on their skating bags and their jackets. They are so proud of themselves.

I checked the official USFSA site and found the following programs that might be near your area, Ice Zone Skating Academy & Kirkwood Ice Rink. Here's the link to information about the LTS program on the USFSA website . Even if you just wanted to look into it for maybe next year.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

I don't know what badge level. We have not signed up for USFSA. Or the local club either. I asked about signing up but was told they like to wait until after learn to skate. I do know that her coach checks new skills off as she learns them so I assume it is the same thing as a badge. I wonder why they don't have the badge or stickers or something, DD would like that. I'll have to ask. There is so much I don't know.

Wow with search down I lost this thread entirely.

DCM - Just an FYI our USFSA is part of the application fee with the LTS program and until well into the first year I didn't realize what that was. It was built in like a 1 time yearly registration would be at swim or even Gymboree type classes. Then about Nov-Dec we got a booklet and a badge from Chevrolet and a badge with the year on it and the girls USFSA membership cards. You may have joined and just don't know it yet? (Don't take that the wrong way!!)

Some skating clubs (ours does) have two clubs - one is the "jr' club and the LTS kids are automatically members with the classes and then we have a "sr" club and that is the club that kids usually join at, or toward the end of the basic levels. My 9yo joined right after basic 8 when she hit the freeskates.

The more I learn about the sport the more questions I have!. It seems that even here in MA lots of clubs and programs have different structures. Just make sure your skater is having lots of fun and enjoying her skating for now. I see way too many intense "moms" already and my kids are still at a lower level in skating.

Tammi - lots of dd's friends are entering the SCB Basic Skills Competition, I am a little disspointed dd's won't be there! We have a condo reserved that weekend at Sunday River and its one of our favorite family weekends of the year. I think my oldest would love to stay home and compete with her friends but she isn't in charge "yet"! I will say that the application alone has helped me understand more about the BSC's that any other so to whomever put that together it is heads and shoulders above the rest!!

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thanks TJ. Both my DS an DH work on the SCoB basic skills competition. You're right, I think it's one of the best run. I'm sure your family is going to have a lot of fun at Sunday River and starting in January, there are competitions nearly every month! Are your girls involved in any holiday exhibitions? That's coming up for us this weekend.

Have a wonderful holiday if I don't talk to you before then,
Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

How are you - I may ask you some opinions on our wonder cruise. Thanks for the advice on our beach club stay it was awesome!

Back OT at least to this OP- My older dd who was so reluctant to do a program finally did one!! She picked music from mulan (reflections no vocal) and her coach did a beautiful program with her, so suited to my dd, and she loves doing it. So much so that she won in Saugus on Saturday her first time with a full program - freeskate 2. It was worth the wait and to tell the whole story her coach had "tears in her eyes" and it really didn't matter to anyone where she placed. It was so near and dear to us and we knew how much my dd worked for this that any result would have been very special. Of course my oldest is flying high and so ready for the "ice spectacular" and skating is pure joy right now. (Good because Club practice for the show is 4+ hours on sundays!)

To be fair my 8yo (even thought she sort of phoned it in) placed 1st with her Annie solo in basic 8 but was very very psyched for her sister, so, that is something. I kept the 8yo in Jr Club so big sister has some bragging rights when it comes to the show.

Lots of people IRL don't understand skating so please let me "talk" to a like mind~~

BTW - Initials StCa who lives in Wakefield and IIRC is in your club is our guest skater. He is in the local paper all the time (we live in the same town) and I can't wait to see him, along with the pairs team, representing both SCB and NSSC with initials AN and JP.

Let me know when SCB show is and if it dosen't conflict my girls will probably love to go this year.

Whats going on with you and skating - is your son still loving it?

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

TJ, I'm so happy for your DD. My son was supposed to be a judge in Saugus (that's the club he teaches at), but he was participating in the high school drama festival. I love that music by the way. It's so appropriate for a young skater.

SC is an awesome kid and you're going to love seeing him skate. He can really draw the audience in with his show routines. AN skates with my son in the theatre on ice group, another terrific kid. By the way, have your girls seen the commercials for Ice Princess yet? An SCB skater is featured in the movie. She's beautiful and such an elegant skater. Our club show is going to be the last weekend in April. Saturday the 30th, they have shows at 1pm and 7pm and on May 1st at 2pm. I'm pretty sure that we'll be at BU again. It hasn't been confirmed who the guest skaters are, but your DD's might be excited when they find out. I'll let you know once it's been released.

The singles competitions have died down, but now we're gearing up for theatre on ice stuff. We'll be going to Vermont next weekend and then again in June. They've been having exhibitions over the past few days. My DH decided to join the adult team. They practice on the same night and go to the same competitions, so it's not a huge deal, but I'm still shaking my head. DS is putting a dance routine together with his partner. They are really getting into it and I think we may end up in Lake Placid this summer for a competition. He has to test though and they've been invited to guest skate in May. Never a dull moment around here.

Oh, happy to hear about the Beach Club stay. We don't have another trip planned until July of '06. I'd be glad to help out with any Wonder questions you might have.

Talk to you later,
Tammi

 

[sandramaac]

My dd who just turned 12 is getting ready to skate her new program at a competition in New Jersey next weekend. She skates out of the University of Delaware FSC (she just just changed from her former home club as the coach down there wanted her to skate under the banner of of the U of D FSC) and is coached by a very famous reknowned coach there. She also has a coach here in New Jersey (who when she was younger was coached by this coach) and then also has a moves in the field coach. She take her pre-juv moves test in April. It is pretty exciting to see skaters like Kimmie Miessiner landing triple axels and Shuan Rogers landing guad's when you are down there skating. Or to realize your saring ice with olympic skaters. Her coach's seem to think she got the it factor so we will see. Working on her her dbl jump and spins.

 

[tjmw2727]

Wow - Sandramaac that is exciting, Keep us informed I love to hear about other skaters esp in other states.

Tammi - it really is a small world. I think you may know my younger dd's coach as she is involved in the theater IIRC at SCB - her initials are TM and her first name is unique. If so she is terrific with my 8yo spunky one. My older dd's best "skating" friend is coached by AN's mom so there are some ties here!!

Kudos to your dh for getting involved - my dh is terrified as he agreed to the father daughter dance in the show!!

I love to watch the pairs - but it looks so difficult. Does your son enjoy this more than singles?. Although it is nice they have so many options at the higher levels.

Both girls are looking foward to the Ice Princess movie and we may get a group from the club to go together. I will look for the skater you mentioned.

I think we are going to be in Washington DC that last week in April - if not I will definaly bring the girls to the show.

I have so many questions on the Wonder right now I don't even know were to start LOL I will keep researching and then ask about what I can't find online.

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sandra, what a great move for your DD. We're going on our 2nd year with a senior club and my DS gets to skate alongside many national and international competitors. It can work both ways though, either the skater is spurred on to work harder, or they can become a bit intimidated. It's not so bad seeing the older skaters landing the jumps, it's when the 6 year olds are doing axels that make my eyes widen. This club is wonderful though and very supportive to those that skate 7 days a week and those that might only do 2 or 3 days. It's definitely a balancing act. Noticed that she is testing pre-juvenile at age 12. Is she interested in skating at regionals yet? Your coach may have mentioned it already, but the maximum age for competing at regionals for the juvenile level is 13. That's a very exciting competition when they get to the higher levels (juvenile-senior). For the juvenile & intermediate skaters, if they place in the top 4, they go to junior nationals. My son skates at intermediate and he went in December 2003. It's amazing the level of skating there though. Some of the juvenile girls were landing double axels and triples.

TJ, if it's who I'm thinking about, then your younger DD's coach is the coach of my DH's adult theatre team. She was at the club on Friday night for an exhibition and then dinner afterwards. I honestly didn't think that my son would enjoy skating with someone else. His first coach tried to hook him up so many times and maybe it was just his age, but there was no way he was skating with a girl. Now that he's 14, his outlook on that has changed. He met this girl last year through the ice theatre and one thing sort of led to another. They've had about a half dozen lessons and they are really enjoying it. I'm very surprised because we know of other boys in the club who are going on trips around the US to "interview" partners. We just sort of fell into this match up. They are both lefties and have similar skating styles. I watched them during club dance and they really look nice together. His edges have always been really good, so I think that helps. They do skate really close together and I've heard their blades click a few times. Luckily in ice dancing he doesn't have to throw her or lift her over his head. That would make me really nervous. We'll see how it goes. They're enjoying it right now and that's all that matters.

Tammi

 

[sandramaac]

Tammi--my dd got an ever so slightly late start in skating--she started with the group lessons when she was 7, and we moved slowly---during that time I had several coaches come to me and ask to privately coach her, they had all sadi she was wonderful--none some quite the right fit---until Gina, her local coach. She is so perfect for her. So yes we are playing a bit of catch up as far as skating at regionals at juvenile. She could actually test to juv, however she just got her axel about a month ago. And that is only working on it for 4 months. 'Luddy' her coach at U of D says she need another solid month of landing it, and then landing it at one or two non-qual competitions before he wants her to test. You are right, kids this age are landing dbl axels. She has her dbl. loop, dbl saw and is working on her dbl. lutz. She has an unbelievable sit spin and scratch spin. Her layback is still a little weak. So we are working against the clock on the juv for regionals but we are going to try and get in this year. Hopefully going down everyday this summer we will achieve that. She hates the move, so this pre-juv moves test has been a real push for her. I don't think she exactly clicked with her moves coach either so once she takes this test, we have another moves coach for her which we think will be great for her---she is part of a U.S. pairs skating team that skated in the 2002 Olympics. And I think I am much happier supporting an athlete like her that is still skating and looking to help make end meet by coaching. But they like her, and we have a lot of folks spinning an awful lot of cycles on her, so we will see what happens. Any way thanks for the imput---its still a learning curve for me.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Best of luck to her Sandra. My son has had only 2 coaches in his short career. The first took him from the learn to skate program and taught him both freestyle and moves. She was not on staff at our new club though and passed us along to her own former coach. He is master rated in every skating discipline, so he also takes care of choreography, moves and freestyle. It's hard finding someone who clicks with your child. My son is also very involved in school activities and while he loves to skate, it's not his whole life. A few coaches at our club expect a certain amount of ice time and competitions for each of their students. We knew my son wouldn't be able to live up to their expectations, but we are thrilled with who he has. This gentleman actually travels the US giving seminars and is very level headed about balancing life with skating. I'm trying to push my DS through his last moves also. He only has junior and senior left. That's our goal for this summer.

Tammi

 

[Shells9]

Wow, I had no idea this thread was still going! Hi, everybody!

DD is still skating. She had a competition (just a local one at our rink) on President's Day and got a first and a second. She fell during her program, for the first time, and she still got second. I expected her to be upset but in the car she said, "Falling was good, because I never fell in a competition in my whole life!" I was very proud of her.

 

[tjmw2727]

Great picture Michelle and congrats to your dd - wonderful.
TJ

 

[tmq2766]

Awesome picture Michelle.....

My DD10 is doing a solo next month to the music from Share a Dream parade... This is going to be a really tough one for her because she will be one of the newbies to this level.. She passed her pre pre's in the fall so she will be competeing at freestyle 4 against freestyle 4, 5 and 6 skaters.YIKES!!!! She has a very good outlook on this though.... See she has always placed 1st or 2nd so she is going to try her best but not expect placing high that way if she does it would just be a bonus!

She is also on a synchro team that is fund raising like crazy to get to California for the World competition in July. This past Sunday we held an Art Auction and between ad sales and the art that we sold we made................11,000.00!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!! only 38,000 left to go That would pay 100% of everything.