While writing the previous post about hopes and goals and progress, I've went back and I've red some of my old posts and I realized that I haven't wrote in a while a post about technique. I remembered I was planning to write about backward edge presses, and I've filmed them, in January!
I described the forward edge presses here. To me, it is the exercise that helps the transition from the basic beginner forward edges, to all the beginner-intermediate forward dance steps: chasses, progressives, swing rolls and the more advanced skill, the deep forward edges. I see I wrote these posts very soon after I started the blog.
I described the beginner basic backward edges here, where I mentioned the backward push and backward posture. Then I covered the backward push, posture and balance here in more detailed, as it is important and difficult, at least for me. Then I described the backward chasses, swing rolls, but not the backward progressives and edge presses. It's not because I forgot about them, but because I described everything technique related in the succession I've learned them. And I haven't felt I've understood them well enough to describe them properly.
So back to the backward edge presses... They are done on alternating lobes, on an axis (same principle for both outside and inside).
- You start with the upper body almost square with the lower body over the axis, turned towards the inside of the circle just a little bit (for both outside and inside edges) both feet on the axis.
- You push away from the axis, straight back, maintaining the upper body square with the hips.
- Then you bend your knees and "sit"... you bend the knees and ankles, you push the ankles towards your back (that helps the balance) and keep the shoulders back too and you PRESS with your ankles into the ice
- you create the edge by leaning into the circle, with the whole body and the ankle, being careful to not drop out the free hip or stick out the skating hip into the circle
- and you repeat on the other side...
Here is me practicing them I start on the right side of the screen with the outside ones, then I come back with the insides but somebody cut my way. I'll try to film them again when I'll get the chance for a more close up view and update on the progress.
I was saying that I waited to be sure I understood them before writing about them... And that was smart. I was one day telling my coach of how much working on them help me with balance and alignment for the backward 3-turns. And he said "let me see them", because he hasn't seen them in a while. And he said... you are doing them all wrong! I was twisting my upper body immediately after the push... The coach said to keep doing them as an exercise for the 3-turns, as you need the body twisted like that before the turn. And here are a version of the backward edge presses, with the upper body twisting after the push.
But the correct edge presses, that my coach thought me, with the body square, train something else...The meaning of this exercise is to help find the lean for getting an edge going backwards (along
with finding the alignment, balance, posture and the finding the feeling of "gripping" the ice).
In my lesson this week I asked my coach to go over and correct all my jumps and spins. I was telling you that I'm gonna skate at a new rink (my home rink just opened) and as I expected to be crowded, I wanted to have something that I could work on spots of ice, not the whole ice. And I was right... on my first day at the new rink I wasn't able to work on the whole ice. I was wrong on the reason why... it wasn't that crowded, it's just that the ice was terrible, the second worst indoor ice I ever saw, worse then most outdoor ice. The ice was flooded and it didn't dry until the end of the session. And before the freestyle session there was a 4 hour long hockey camp, so the ice underneath the water was terrible, just terrible. It stopped every single edge I tried to put in... and the dances exercises. Luckily I was prepared to work on jumps and spins that I just reviews with my coach.
Forward scratch spin. This is still the one thing that hasn't fully come back after the break. But it's not a technique thing... it's the dizziness. Because I don't feel comfortable, I'm cautious, I don't go into it with enough speed. I've got no correction on the actual technique. Back spin. This got better after the break...surprise! I think I'm holding the posture better and it is not fast enough to make me dizzy so I have no hesitations. But the last few sessions it got worse. I've got the correction that I have to hold the free leg back until I turn the 3-turn for the spin entrance, and that fixed it. Waltz jump. I've showed my coach three tiny waltz jumps in a row. Nothing really bad, but he wanted them bigger. Well, I want them bigger too... The correction was to let my free foot really go in that h-position, and also really push from that foot that's on ice. Salcow. It was again... tiny. I have the timing right, that's great news, as it took me a while to get it. The first correction was to bring the free leg around, not in a straight line. I was ending up with the knees together, but bringing the leg around, allows the free leg knee to go across, towards the left side of the body; this was the second correction. The third correction was to allow this free leg knee to go higher, I am stopping it. I couldn't do it for now, but that's what practice is for. Loop. The time was running and my coach knew I wanted to get to the Loop and Half Lutz, so we've skipped the Toe Loop. So I was able to do the loop few years ago, but then, as I haven't practice Freestyle at all, I've lost it. The first correction was that after I've got into the air, I was letting my upper body to go to far to the left, basically taking me out of the circle, stopping the rotation. I have to quiet the upper body and keep it square (actually more to the right side of my body, but it feels square to me). I've had that problem with my back spin, so I understood immediately, and I was able to apply it. but I think I'll need some time for it to become body memory. And that it's OK, because the second correction was that I don't have the power in my leg to push properly into the jump, or at least I don't bring it out. So that will need some time to develop too. My coach said that I should try to jump up the stairs step on one foot. Half Flip. I was asked to do this more as an introduction to the half lutz. But I've got the correction that I don't really let it go up. I was asked to mentally stay in the air, not think about coming back on ice. The physical tip was to feel my upper chest going up not forward.I also remember from the past the tip to bend the skating leg more before the picking action. Half Lutz. I've learned this in group classes, a million years ago, probably I wasn't doing it correctly and anyhow I forgot everything I may have known about it. So, my coach asked my to start from back crossovers going clockwise and from that back outside edge do the half flip. OOps, nope. He showed me, yes, he is allowed on ice now. And yes, I could see he was doing something with the free leg. He hold it in front while maintaining the outside edge until the upper body was set in the opposite position than the crossovers, left hand forward, right hand back. Then the free leg went back (skating leg got straighter), and while the skating knee, the right foot got to pick the ice (the foot goes right back and it is not turned out). I had few bad tried and few better tries. That was all we covered in the lesson, but then, on my own, I've realized that as I put the right arm back I looked towards right (so back), while I was trying to jump toward left. As I tried to look straight forward, I was able to jump. So I think I've understood the motion, I'll have to do it until it becomes body memory.
Update 7/ 21/20202 Toe Loop. I asked for this in my next lesson. My entrance into the jump is from a RF inside 3-turn. That should be quite straight and it should end with the right shoulder and hand back. That should be hold back until the actual jump. The pick should be straight back with the left foot, the right foot is gliding back, on an outside edge toward the right of the left foot. I will have to double check on this, because sometimes my coach gives me a correction that is an over correction so I can correct something... but as I understand now, you shouldn't feel you jump from the left toe pick but from the right leg... The right knee hits the h-position in the air and after straitening the knee, the foot does like an inside 3-turn in the air...I kind of visualize it...
As nothing new is happening with my skating these days, I'll write about a pattern dance I've tested and not described yet.
I tested and passed the Hickory Hoedown (the first and easiest of the Bronze level pattern dances) in January 2018. It is quite a long time ago and I'm not sure how well I'll remember my challenges when learning it. I suspect I will remember while going through the steps.
It is a country/ western style dance, and should be danced like a fun, happy dance. But, my coach said that when it was invented, it was meant to be a tango... honestly that makes more sense to me. Maybe you can read in between the lines that this was not a favorite dance of mine. I don't particularly like country music..
Intro steps: four strokes, left right,left, right, starting along the short end of the ring, and planing to start the dance on the long axis (made by hockey dots) of the rink.
The pattern dance:
1.2.3. Left Forward Chasse (1-1-2, total 4 beats)
4.5.6. Right Forward Chasse (1-1-2, total 4 beats)
7.8.9. Left Forward Progressive (1-1-2, total 4 beats)
10.11. Right Forward Cross Roll (1 beat) Left Forward Slide Chasse, that felt to me like just an inside edge, but it is called chasse because you don't push into it, you just put the left foot down while you point the right foot forward, then you bring the right foot in, outside of the felt knee and kick it out (total 3 beats) I think this is the first spot where I had a little trouble. I had to remember to finish the lobe perpendicularly to the axis and bring the feet together so I can push into the next lobe that is towards the right, the more uncomfortable side...
12.13.14. Right Forward Progressive (1-1-2, total 4 beats)
15.16. Left Forward Cross Roll and Right Forward Slide Chasse with a kick. (1 and 3 beats, 4 total)
17.18. Left Forward dropped 3-turn (2 beats) and Right Backward Swing Roll (4 beats). These continue on the same circle as the previous lobe. The 3-turn technique was hard for me at that point in time. For this dance the specific instruction was to start it going towards the end of the rink, not try to go across from the beginning as it felt natural to me. The not so perfect 3-turn seams to be acceptable for this level and I didn't have a comment from the judges. What wasn't acceptable was me rushing everything from this point on. My coach must have told me a hundred times to just finish the swing roll. But up to the present days I'm not 100% on a solid outside edge finishing the backward swing roll and that made me fell insecure to start the next step, so I think I was rushing the swing roll to have extra time to re balance for this next step.
19.20. Left Backward Outside (2 beats) edge, to Right Forward Swing Roll (4 beats). As I said when I described other pattern dances, when you make a mistake, it has a ripple or domino effect, it shows in the next steps.... So doing a solid back swing roll put me in an impossible position to do a strong left back edge (plus I knew it and that added to the frenzy), and that made it difficult to step confidential forward to the next step. And this is where I had the comment from the judge that I was rushing...
21a.21b.22.23. Left Forward Chasse of just two steps not 3 as before, continued with Left Forward Progressive of two steps, not tree. (each 1 beat, 4 beats total). The reason the first two steps are named 21a and b is because the partner does a single step during these.
The first part of this dance (up to the 3-turm) is on a Killian hold (so, side by side) and it goes on a waltz hold for the end of the pattern. Then, during the last lobe, the lady lift the left arm from the partners back and bring it forward (without hitting the partner), to get into a Kilian hold again. I do remember, when I was first learning this dance, this arm change was the part that made me the most nervous. But i have to say, it kind of happen on it's own.
I was quite confident to test this dance, so not nervous. I felt confident enough to fell I can show off a little, so I've made a new dress for it. And... unfortunately I don't have a video of the test.
A requirement in ISI Freestyle 3 level is a Change Foot Spin that is a tree spins combination: from
forward one foot spin (free foot at ankle or crossed) to back spin (free
foot at ankle or crossed) to forward spin again. Each has to have 3
revolutions. Another requirement is that each spin should not be started
further away then hips width.
My old way of doing it
in Freestyle group class was from a short forward inside pivot-pump lift the
right foot to the left ankle (so forward spin) and hold 3 revolutions,
put the free (right) foot down on the toe pick and do a quick back
inside pivot style pump, lift the left foot at the ankle of the right
foot and hold 3 revolutions, then again forward inside pivot to forward
spin. Here is my video:
As I was saying in my previous post, there are some tricks for these spins, both forward and back.
- finish the pivot bringing the foot that pumps to the ankle of the spinning foot, before lifting it (so you won't throw yourself off center)
- the spinning is happening on the middle of the blade not on the ball of the foot (as the forward spin)
- keep the weight over the spinning foot
- keep the upper body square over your hips
- press into the ice
- lift the upper body (that would hopefully help keep it straight)
My private coach
wants me to start with a forward spin from winding up from back
crossovers, hold 3 rotations, put the free (right) foot down for a short
2 foot spin and pick up the left leg for the back spin for 3
revolutions, and same again for another forward spin. This last spin
should be held as long as comfortable to give the impression you are in
control. I cannot do it... Firstly, starting with winding up from back
crossovers, I have too much speed to control the change of foot. But
even with my regular slow pivot entrance, I'm off balance on that 2 foot
spin in between the first forward spin and the back spin. Then, I often allow
the left side to go back, instead of holding it square. He also says I'm not pressing into the ice, that's
probably why I like using the pivot, because I press into that and I re
balance. Also I'm still rocking back and forth on my blade, the coach
says I'm
too forward on my blade. I do occasionally hit the sweet spot that is
more towards the middle of the blade... As I start the spin (I'm still talking about the back spin) from the pivot, I have the toe pick in the ice, and I think it is quite impossible to hit that sweet spot and balance of it going from the toe pick over the place where the blade is most curved. And that is why I rock back and forth...
My coach from
the summer group class said to hold the arms out laterally for the
whole first forward spin and during the transition to the back spin,
maybe even on the backspin and bring them in just for the last forward
spin. That's actually helping a little. I spent few month on this on
group classes, few years ago, then stopped doing it and it was lost. So I
had to spent again, few months to get it but this time with more
awareness of what I was doing.
Despite all the "challenges" I was having, my private coach wanted me to stick with this back spin without the free foot crossed, until I've got comfortable, so the fear was almost gone. I don't know if you can read the frustration between the lines. Just in case you cannot not, I'll say it... Learning the back spin and the change foot spin as describe in these 2 last posts, must have been the most frustrating time in my skating. And it took me between 6 months and a year to get to the point described here. But then, when I started to do the back spin from an inside 3-turn (that gets you on the sweet spots more smoothly, plus it's crossing the free foot by itself, literally), everything got on a path that made sense. I will describe this intermediate back spin with the free foot crossed, so the back scratch spin, after I describe some more beginner stuff, plus I progress a little more, so I'll be able to describe it a little better.
The back spin is a difficult one for adults. For counter clockwise spinners, it spins on the outside edge of the right foot, just back of the ball of your foot. You should shift the weight so the right side of the mid and lower back is over the skating hip and foot, and that is the axis around of which you spin. Oh, yes... the feet should be crossed at the ankles, left over right... very scary.
Next are few approaches that I remember for learning the back spin. Different approaches work for different people.
Beginner back spin (free foot not crossed over the skating foot):
The first approach to back spin is starting with a two foot spin, lift the left footso you'll continue spinning on the right. This was also the first approach for the forward one foot spin. I could never do it, for both forward and backward spins. I balance the two foot spin between the left inside edge on the ball of the left foot and the inside edge on the tail of the blade of the right foot. So, how to get to the outside ball of the right foot? Maybe if the two foot spin is done on the center of both blades...
And here is a video with me trying and not succeeding much.
BUT, this approach was the least scary so it is worth trying it even just to get you started. It also bring awareness of were the weight should fall and that is on the right side, and hip. You can also stand by the board, hold onto them and lift the left foot.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the free foot should be brought straight up, near the ankle of the skating foot, not back as I did of my first try.
Then you can try a back inside pivot into a back spin.
At first I just did lots of back pivots pumps on a spot, trying to put my weight over my right foot in between the toe pick and ball of the foot on an outside edge (first part of the video).
Second part of the video is few back pivot pumps into a back spin. The trick here is to finish the last pivot bringing the left foot near the
right while still on ice, if you try to lift it while feet are shoulders
apart, it will trow you off balance. Still, I feel that doing more then one pivots pumps will take your weight off the toe pick as you push around (you can see this clearly in the video), so will take you off balance. I actually started to be able to do it only after I started working on the "Change Foot Spin" from ISI Freestyle 3 level. That is a 3 spins combination: a foreword spin to a back spin to a forward spin. I'll describe it one of my next posts. For now, I'll say that it seems that doing the regular, forward spin first, put my upper body in a better position, that I kept then for the back spin. That position would be square, straight over the hips...
For me the best outcome was to spin after just one pivot pump and that's
the third part of the video. I will add that it took me months to get
here, practicing 2,3 times a week...
Here is a video from you tube, first part is the back spin from back pivot, second part is the more advanced scratched back spin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZjTbmFRpEE. He holds the upper body twisted a little towards right. I have the feeling that when I first started working at the back spin, I was over rotating the upper body and stop it towards my left side. So, I suppose, try for the upper body both square and hold to the right, definitely not to the left.
Here is a video of mine, done on alternating lobes.
Read the post on the Backward Chasses, as there are similarities between these steps.
Intro steps: I do 2 forward strokes, Mohowk, 2 back strokes,
that would bring me to the axis going on the lenght of the rink. First lobe:
1.Right
Back Outside Edge (RBO). Use the backward push into it, and push
straight back, perpendicular from the axis, put the right foot on an
outside edge as you push and hold the free foot extended (when partnering, it should and
will match the partner extension stroking forward). The skating leg is bent at the knee. The upper body is
turned a little toward the inside of the circle.This is the same as for the Back Chasse, with the mention that you hold the edge until the middle of the lobe. Also the extension of the free leg is emphasized more (it has to match the extension to the back in the second half of the lobe). Also, I was surprised when my coach mention it, but, concentrating on having a higher and longer extension, puts you on a better back edge... As for errors, I can see in the video that after the back push I allow the upper body to open towards the outside of the circle immediately. If I would hold it slightly towards the inside of the circle, again, I would have a stronger back outside edge.
2.At the top (middle) of the lobe, you straighten the skating leg and bring the free foot at the ankle of the skating foot. You keep your weight over the skating hip and press into the ice. This is where you would square the upper body (that should have been kept facing inside the circle until now).
3.Continue the RBO Edge. The free leg goes back (in a controlled manner, not a swing) and should be kept back for the whole second of the lobe (not dropped down immediately). The upper body turns slightly with the back at the circle, and the free leg and the arm on that side are moving together. Changing the lobes:
- When there is a foot left till the axis you bring the free foot in, pressing into ice, holding the core engaged and keeping the weight over the skating foot and hip. The upper body doesn't change (it did at the top of the lobe)
- Still
keep the weight over the skating foot and re bend and flip your outside
edge on an inside edge and push and
start a new lobe
Swing Rolls (both forward and backwards) hurt my hip so i didn't work at them at all. I'm sure I'll get more corrections and tips from my coach when we will work at them.
Backward Chasses are advance beginner Ice Dancing steps appearing first in the Swing Dance, a Pre-Bronze pattern dance.
They are done as a 3 step on alternating lobes, or a 2
step on a circle, but the name Chasse is for one particular step where
the foot is lifted and "chases" the other foot.
When I first started talking about Ice Dancing technique I talked about "Edges and Lobes" and that covers the forward and backward edges. Then, before I described the first forward Ice Dancing steps (forward Chasses, Progressives and Swing Rolls), I described the "Deep Forward Edges" and an exercise called Forward Edge Presses. I will describe the Backward Deep edges later because I think the Backward Chasses are easier to do (having 3 steps on a lobe) then the Backward Edge, which requires to hold that edge for the whole lobe... I'm bringing back the talk about the lobes because transitioning between lobes (changing direction) is a skill in its own, separate from any step. For backward lobes it is the same principle as on the forward lobes, just harder to do at beginner level.
I described in my previous post the backward push and the posture and balance when skating backwards.
Here are my chasses on alternating lobes:
Intro steps: you need some speed going into any pattern. I've got used to do 2 forward strokes, Mohowk, 2 back strokes, that would bring me to the axis going on the lenght of the rink. First lobe:
1.Right Back Outside Edge (RBO). Use the backward push into it, and push straight away, perpendicular from the axis, put the right foot on an outside edge as you push and hold the free foot extended (it should and will match the partner extension stroking forward). The upper body is turned a little toward the inside of the circle.
2.Left Inside Chasse. There is no push to get on the inside edge, you kind of fall into it. Lift free foot flexed and keep it close to the skating foot. And press the inside edge. The inside edge should bring you to the top of the lobe (middle).
3.RBO Edge. There is a push from the inside edge onto this outside edge and it is straight back, parallel with the imaginary axis (I'm not doing it, you can see in the video, I push around). You put the skating foot on an outside edge and that edge and the lean of the whole body into the circle should bring you around the lobe. And you hold the extension again. Changing the lobes:
- When there is 1/4 left of the last outside edge lobe, you rise keeping the weight on the skating foot, that is straighten your skating leg while pressing into the ice, bring the free foot near the skating foot (using the inner tights muscle like a scissor motion), and holding the core engaged, square the upper body to be perpendicular to the circle, when you'll take the new push back, the upper body will be over the imaginary axis)
- Still keep the weight over the skating foot and re bend and flip your outside edge on an inside edge to prepare for the new backward push while rotation the upper body slightly to face the new circle and... push and start a new lobe
- I certainly couldn't do this holding the weight over the skating side, I was "falling onto the new edge, so basically I was transitioning between lobes on two feet. And that is acceptable for a beginner and for the Pre-Bronze pattern dances. At this point I was still working in finding the balance going backwards. Nowadays, after 2 years I've learned the backward chasses and I work and test the Bronze pattern dances, I have days when this transition is better. The one exercise that I felt helped is the edge presses. I've described just the forward ones, but I'll describe the backward edge presses soon.
When I first started writing about technique I looked into the ISI levels to follow their progression in difficulty of the skills I describe. I was surprised to find backward stroking in the Beta level (early beginner). For once, I don't remember learning it at all, and then, I think it is impossible to learn it at that level. Surely, at that level it is an intro to backward stroking. And I had post describing skating forward and backward for beginners. And on the ISI web page there are videos demonstrating the skills for each level. (https://www.skateisi.org/programs/testing-requirements/). On the ISI next levels there is some back push into the back edges, that I described here, but more then that there is no backward stroking in Freestyle. To go backward in Freestyle you use 3-turns and mohawks and do backward crossovers.
In Ice Dancing, on the other hand, there is all kinds of backward skating that need a strong backward push and he understanding of posture and balance when going backwards.
The posture and balance: for skating backward you should feel your
weight on the front part of your foot arch, some say it's the ball of
your foot, but then it's the back part of it. (Reminder, for forward stroking you feel your weight at the back of your foot arch, some say back of the blade). The posture when skating
backwards is even more erect then skating forward, it almost feel you
are leaning back. To balance, you push your heals underneath you (towards
your back, but they travel forward) bending your ankles and knees more.
The backward push:
- bend your knees
- keep the weight on both feet, but mostly on the the foot that will push, otherwise the push will be "empty", will have no power
- push back from "underneath" you at a 30 degrees angle from the axis of traveling (pigeon toe), gripping the ice with the ankle. I kind of have the same sensation as when I cut with a knife the flower stems at an angle (to absorb water) to put in the vase.
- there is tension in that push, extension, that is kept to turn out the foot from the pigeon toe (this may be that ice cream scooping image that I was given, that I didn't really feel)
- do not drop the free hip (the ice cream scooping made me drop the free hip). For me is more the feeling of piercing something, so pointing forward while rotating, the ice cream scooping feels for me more like grabbing around). The most recent correction was that my free hip is too back (I feel it's part of the same problem as dropping the hip). Also that I don't transfer the weight completely on the left side (and I can see that in the video that I've took for this post)
- keep a strong core, you should feel like you are a wall and the push moves the whole wall. My coaches explanation is that you feel the push in your opposite shoulder blade.
The backward stroking:after a good backward push there is no much to stroking. You just bring the free foot turned out and with pointed toe to align 6 inches to the skating tracing on ice.
Here is the the judging form for Fiesta Tango, Pre-Bronze pattern dance that includes the diagram with the steps of the dance. This dance felt more difficult to me, compared with the other two on this level (Cha Cha and Swing Dance). I felt that every single step is a new one... The hold for this dance is a reversed killian hold, meaning partners are lateral to each other, the women is at the left side of the man.
Intro Steps: forward strokes left, right, left, right, from the red X on the diagram towards West.
The Pattern Dance I'll describe in steps from the diagram grouped into lobes.
1.2. Left Forward Outside Edge, Right Forward Outside Edge (2-2,total 4 beats). These are very quick edges. I've learned that the only way to do them is by starting with the upper body towards the inside of the circle of the edge (so left for the left step) and as you rise to re bend for the next stroke you pull the edge (like power pulls) and turn the upper body to the right to basically "check" the rotation of the lower body. That will leave you in the right position to start the right edge. It is also important to step on am outside edge.
3.4.5. Left Forward Outside Progressive. (1-1-2, 4 beats total) Ok, this is not a new step, but it is the only one that is not new. What is new is that you don't "check" the upper body as you rise, you keep it toward the inside of the circle to be prepared for the cross roll.
6.7. Right Forward Outside Cross Roll and Left Forward Inside Cross (X) Behind. (2-2, 4 beats total). At the point when I learned this dance I haven't done Cross Rolls, in fact I'm just learning them right now. Very short instruction: Stroke, then bring the free leg over the skating leg (like a crossover) but crossing the free leg over the knee and twist the upper body towards the inside of the circle simultaneously with the free leg movement. Hold the outside edge and the upper body position to slide the free leg in the cross behind inside edge. The new free leg (right) goes forward, like a slide chasse.
8. 9. It is a Forward Outside Swing Roll hold 4 beats, the the free leg is moved back, while going on an inside edge and an Left Forward Outside Edge. Step 8 is a very long edge, 6 beats, step 9, 2 beats continues the lobe created by the change of the edge of step 8. I feel the "secrets" on this step 8 are a strong stroke (from underneath you), an erect posture (the edge is impossible to control if you are leaning forward) and a strong press into the ice with the ankle of the skating foot. I used to group in my mind step 9 with the steps 10.11, the mohawk, kind of like a preparation for the mowhak. But I feel it makes more sense for firstly the rhythm count but also the technique to have it combined with the long change of edge step. I feel I kept the end of the long edge stronger (that ends as an inside edge), continuing with this step 9 that is the same lobe as the inside edge.
10.11.12. Right Forward Inside Mohawk to Left Backward Inside Edge and Right Backwards Outside Edge. (1-1, 2 total 4 beats). This is not your regular inside mohawk. It is very, very quick and the free leg stops at the ankle after the turn so it doesn't help in balancing. You have to have at this point a good posture and balance skating backwards (that is different than skating forward), I'll cover this in a coming post. I was sometimes hitting this and sometimes I didn't. At the test I didn't. As I said I used to practice steps 9.10.11. together but I feel grouping 10.11.12, finally made me keep steep 11 at 1 count., because I had to step immediately for step 12. I said "step", as per my instructor, you never "step" in Ice Dancing, you always "stroke". But at that time, I was stepping all this end pattern.
13.14. Left Backward Inside Edge and Right Backward Outside Edge (2-2, total 4 beats). These should be easy steps, just backward stroking, but you need that balance and posture for going backwards that I mentioned at the Mohawk.
15.16. Cross Forward Left Backward Inside Edge and Right Forward Inside (2-2, total 4 beats). I loved step 15, as I felt it showed the tango character, it is a pity that I couldn't do it strongly when the previous steps weren't solid. Step 16 is step forward, ready to start a new pattern.
Here is the video of my test and you can read about the day when I tested here.
The Swing Dance is basically just chasses and swing rolls, it should be easy, right? Well, it is the first dance in a waltz hold so it's the first dance that requires skating backwards. Another new concept is the tracking, meaning that the skater going forward has to follow the one going backward in a certain way. And there is one more challenge, it is a longer dance. The pattern dances have to be repeated twice at these levels. The previous pattern dances were half of the ice rink so twice of that is once around the rink. The Swing Dance pattern goes around the whole rink, and twice that would mean you have to go twice around the rink.
Here is the form used for judging, and it shows the diagram of the dance.
Intro Steps:facing South lateral to the right side of the partner - Left stroke, Right Outside 3-turn and Left Back Swing Roll (on the hockey circle, finishing on the axis formed by the red dots on the length of the rink) during which you get into the waltz hold
The Pattern Dance I'll describe in steps grouped in lobes:
1.2.3. Right Back Outside Chasse (count 1-1-2, total 4 beats) (on the judges drawing these steps are (16.17.18.). I've described the Back Chasses here.
4.5.6. Left Back Outside Chasse (count 1-1-2, total 4 beats) (19.20.21). This should bring you to the middle of the rink.
7. Right Back Outside Swing Roll (4 beats) (22.), and I'll link the explanation of the Back Swing Roll soon.
8. Left Back Outside Swing Roll (4 beats) (23.)
9.10. Right Back Outside Edge to Left Forward Outside Edge (2-2, 4 beats total) (24.25.). Here at the end of the back edge you have to rise and bring your weight over the skating foot and hip and rebend the knees and ankles in order to step forward neatly (feet close together). On the step forward the waltz hold is released into just holding hands.
11.12.13. Right Forward Inside Edge to Left Forward Outside Edge to Right Forward Inside Slide Chasse (2-2-2, 6 beats total) (26.27.28.). I explained about the Forward Slide Chasse here.
This is an optional step, meaning you can do just a regular edge, but
the partner at this point does the second edge of a Mohowk and the
extension of the slide matches nicely the extension of the partner's
Mohowk.
14.15. Left Forward Outside Edge to Right Forward Outside Swing Roll that I described the technique here. (2-4, 6 beats total) (29.30.). These steps follow the hockey circle as in the intro steps. The waltz hold is reacquired during the left outside edge.
16.17.18. Left Forward Outside Chasse (1-1-2, 4 beats total) (diagram steps are 1.2.3. and described as the first steps for the man)
19.20.21. Right Forward Outside Chasse (1-1-2, 4 beats total) (4.5.6.) and this should bring you to the middle of the rink.
22. Left Forward Swing Roll (4 beats) (7.)
23. Right Forward Swing Roll (4 beats) (8.)
24.25.26 Left Forward Outside Edge to Right Forward Inside Edge to Left Forward Outside Edge (2-2-2, 6 beats total)
27.28. Mohawk that I described the technique for here is Right Forward Inside Edge to Left Back Inside Edge (2-2, 4 beats total)
29.30. Right Back Outside Edge to Left Back Outside Swing Roll (2-4, 6 beats total)
I mentioned "tracking" that is following the partner, and you can see that in the pattern dance drawing tracking is shown with an interrupted line at both ends of the pattern. Tracking also happens in all the other lobes, But I feel there is enough to be said about tracking to fill a whole post.
I also mentioned that learning the backward skating felt difficult. I was surprised how uncomfortable it was to go forward while the partner was going backwards in a waltz hold. I suspect it was a mental component, fear of hitting my partner... But it also felt that he was going faster then me and I was being dragged and a little off balance because of that. The coach's correction was to stroke each step, not step it. And here is the video from the test (test that i described here). I've got passing marks on each category, with the mention that I was "cautious".
I don't have much new to say about my skating, I'm in rebuilding mode, as I said in my last post. I'm thinking to describe the Pre-Bronze pattern dances that I've write about testing (read about it here), but didn't get into the actual dance.
Here is a link to the form judges use at tests, it shows the diagram of the dance and the skills they are looking for: https://www.usfsa.org/content/cha-cha.pdf
This dance goes only forward, as the Preliminay ones (Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango and Rhythm Blues), in fact, I haven't found it more difficult than the Preliminary ones. Here is drawing where I showed the starting point with the red X, and I put in the cardinal points so I can describe the direction of the steps.
Intro steps: 4 Forward Strokes: left, right, left, right. The pattern dance: As in the previous dances, I will describe groups of steps as I was grouping them in my mind to
remember them, usually they form lobes.
1.2. Left Forward Progressive, 3 edges LFO.RFI. (2-2, 4 beats total). When I've learned this dance, I remember that I've learned this as a crossover, maybe it changed recently, but it may be a printing mistake. To me, a crossover (that is crisper then a progressive) makes sense to show the character of the dance.
3.4.5. Left Inside Edge, Right Outside Chasse, Wide Step Left Inside Edge (1-1-2, 4 beats total). Ive must have gotten the most correction for this dance on step 3... It is not terribly difficult to do, I just kept forgetting to pay attention. I mean, is is not easy, easy would be to do an outside edge... but it is double if you only remember to pay attention and to "place" the left foot on the proper inside edge. Then, there is the chasse on the right outside edge, and you keep your weight over the right side as you move the left leg to the left and wide step on an inside edge again.
Step 3 is a very important step from few different points of view:
- if incorrect it will affect the next steps. If placed on an outside edge, the chasse will very probably be on an outside edge (otherwise there would be a wide step there) and that wouldn't allow a strong control of keeping the weight to the right side, so then, the skater would "fall" (drop, not place) on the the wide step (step 5)
- done correctly it shows the character of the dance cha cha (the hips movement), by placing the feet first, the hips movement is delayed and when it happens it is more accentuated.
- I find it is the first step that reveals what pattern dances are all about! Accuracy while showing character of the specific dance!
6. Right Outside Edge with knee rise at the middle (4 beats total). This step was not an easy step for me. I was stepping somehow forward, instead of directly on an outside edge. It is difficult to go on an outside edge if you don't set your foot on an outside edge to start with. Also my weight was forward on my blade, instead of back of the arch where it should be and that didn't help the control of the outside edge either, especially having to do the knee rise.
7.8. Two foot slalom (1-1-2-1 1/2) The slalom should have the feet together. The timing is interesting but I've felt the music carried it trough.
9.10. Left Inside Chasse (1/2 beats) Right Forward Inside Edge (2 beats). The slalom end on the right foot and then the left one touches the ice for just half beat to set the right foot on an inside edge.
11. Left Forward Outside Swing Roll (4 beats) is important to end towards the center of the rink
12.13. Cross Forward Right Forward Outside, Cross Behind Left Forward Inside (2-2, 4 beats total)
14. Right Forward Inside Swing Roll (4 beats total)
I
skated 3 times last week and the hip was fine. My plan is to listen to
my body, but ideally I would like to skate at least 4 times a week. I'm
working mostly on MITF Pre-Juvenile that was ready for testing at the
beginning of the summer but my registration didn't go trough for that session. I plan
to test it as soon is revived, the moves are there, but again I'm
lacking power.
I'll describe the elements of the test now, and when I'll take it, I'll describe how it all went.
This is a standard test. I've worked on it with pauses, for almost 2 years. I've got the moves rather quickly (like 6 months) but not the power that is asked at this level. And then I hurt my hip and I couldn't work on power...
Here is the judging form where there are drawings with the pattern for each move. 1. Forward and Backward Perimeter Power Stroking (focus on power, F: extension, B: edge quality) - I do 4 intro strokes then 2 forward crossovers CCW. That is on half the hockey circle (that I will call a lobe) and brings me to the imaginary axis where I do an right inside edge for the first half of the lobe. The next half of the lobe would be a CW crossover. Then a new lobe with a left inside edge and again a CCW crossover. - Important thing here is the power. Both the first stroke of the crossover and the second one, the under push, need to be pressed and pushed. Speed and lean into the circle will help the power. - The inside edge need to start at the axis, stroking perpendicular to the axis and the blade should be placed on an inside edge. Update on Nov 2019 to press the inside edge (both forward and backward) and to use the energy from each stroke into the next stroke - Extension and pointed toe are expected on each of the crossovers strokes and on the inside edge. - The crossovers strokes are 1 beat each, the inside edge is 2 beats. - After the last CCW crossover that ends at the axis the end pattern is another crossover and a stroke of 2 beats, right inside mohawk - The backward line starts with 2 back crossovers CCW (1 beat each stroke) that brings me around at the axis (correction to square the upper body and arms), where a power inside edge is done hold for 2 beats (pull the shoulder and arm back). Then the weight is transferred for the CW back crossover. - When I started working on this test I thought this was the easiest move from the test, but I've got so many corrections... Looking back is was all about the second stroke on both forward and backward crossovers being whimper and shorter. Of course to fix that I needed a strong alignment on the edge on the first stroke, allowing the upper body to move around the circle, hips under, lean, speed... 2. Forward Outside to Backward Inside 3-turns in the field (focus on edge quality) - These are quite big lobes, bigger then what I was doing before. Of course I needed a bigger push and that was hard to control at first. - Important things are to turn the 3s at the top of the lobe, control the edges, start the lobe perpendicular to the axis, don't do 2 foot transitions - Here are some corrections and tips, from the millions I've got: turn your head, align the upper body with the circle (at first I was pointing with the arm to the center of the circle to be sure I twisted enough), have the upper body parallel with the boards just before turning, feel the blade parallel to the boards before turning, free hip up, don't think of turning but thing of going back/ forward, count, look up (of course..). The latest tip was that the back shoulder turns the 3-turn... - I hurt my hip on a back inside 3-turn, but it wasn't the 3-turn, it was another skater that came with some speed way to close to me and spooked me. After that I was always extra cautions working on these to not be close to people, but how realistic is that? And you cannot work on alignment awareness, while twisting to see who is in your way... - The hip hurt at different intensities for a year (and it still hurts occasionally). All the 3-turns on that hip (left), disintegrated at points because I wasn't committing in transferring the weight solid on that hip... - Even without the hip trouble, when started working at this test I thought these 4 lines of 3-turns were the hardest move of the test. - Update Nov 2019 for the FO 3-turn. I've been recently asked to press the edge in and out of the 3-turn and I couldn't do it at first. I was stroking, then releasing the pressure into ice, then press just before the turn, then releasing the pressure at the turn. To make myself hold the pressure I hold the extension longer (that I was asked anyhow to do), until the turn and that made it basically a Ice Dancing 3-turn. So, I've got corrected again, to bring the feet together, when closing to turn, with the skating foot still bent from the stroke, because it is more stable, the to rise o turn, while still pressing into the ice (whaaat? I was doing the opposite, I was releasing the pressure), then bend again. I'm wondering when I will finally understand correctly what I have to do? 3. Forward Inside to Backward Outside 3-turns - Same (similar) as before... - My worst 3-turn is the LFI one. The corrections I've got are to really turn my head before the turn and to not drop the right shoulder. 4. Forward and Backward Change of Edge Pulls (focus on power) - Instructions I remember: set the edge first, press and fall into the edge/bend and pull up, hips underneath, on forward ones keep knees together, point the toe and direct it over the tracing of the circle, on the back inside that means pigeon toe. On the back ones the last piece of advice was to rotate the upper body from the shoulders not just the arms. - My instructor doesn't feel terrible unhappy about these but I think the kids have more power and speed then me... - I surely could have practice these more, if it wasn't for the quads burn... And don't get me started on the backward on the bad hip. I think I've aborted half of them... 5. Backward Circle Eight (focus on edge quality) - These is the hardest move of the test in my coaches opinion. And I've learnt he's always right... So I started to get around the circles fairly quick... somehow. And I've worked on it a lot even when the hip was hurt because it didn't bother me. To be honest I still get corrections on this. - The first thing is the backward push, not straight back but at a 90 degrees. And there are 2 secrets: don't transfer the weight to the new foot until the push is completed and pigeon toe the new skating foot and lead with the heal. - Then, for the edges there is the alignment and where your weight falls so you are over your skating hip, and keep the free hip up. There is also the lean, slightly towards the inside of the circle, but definitely not outside the circle because it's taking you of the edge. One tip was not to turn around at the middle but to lift over the hip, bring the free foot straight into the skating foot. - Then, there is use oh head movement - Then arms and foot coordination - The inside edge got more corrections. Firstly to push back not around and to look outside the circle immediately after the push, that was kind of scary somehow. Then to really keep the free foot over the tracing and at the middle of the circle to bring it straight into the other foot, without changing the hips position. Then, allow the upper body and hips to get square to the tracing of the circle. 6. Five step Mohawk sequence (focus on edge quality and extension) - There is an inside mohawk, a back outside edge, step forward om an outside edge, and forward inside edge with the free foot forward. - This requires even steps so an even count to 5. - The back edge should fall exactly at the middle of the lobe. - I didn't get many correction on this. At some point I was making it quick and it looked stepped so my coach wanted more flow. But I've got the BIG correction: to look up! My continuous battle...
These last 2 weeks were again, just ok... The reason is the same, I'm tired, I don't get enough sleep. It seems that in order to skate well, I would need uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep. And I'm registered to test the Pre-Juvenile MITF next week-end.
The good news is that I've had a good skating day each week. That keeps me confident. But that's what I've used those 2 days for, to keep my confidence up. Instead, I should have organized and get myself together for the test. I was planing at the end of last month to slow down and rework some technique and alignment and that didn't go that well. Now was the time to put together everything, see what levels of precision and power I can do at the same time, kind of marrying them. So that's my problem right now. Sometimes when I get more power I lose my balance and put the foot down. That's an automatic negative score... But then again, I cannot pull back too much from the power as it is a requirement of the test.
The other 2 days I skated on my own each week were hang in there days. I think it was still better then not skating at all. On a somehow positive note, those tired days accentuated my weakest skills, so in a way it pinpointed were I needed extra work and corrections from my coach.
On the private lesson days I choose to skate just the half hour lesson, no warm up. By warm up I mean working on my own for half hour before the lesson. And that's because on the lessons on the weeks before I was tired from my half hour working on my own. I think it was a good decision.
On my lesson 2 weeks ago, my coach wanted a full performance of the test starting with pretending I look at the judges for the nod to start, the lifting of the arms and en engaging the posture, the confident intro steps and the powerful ending steps. We worked on these before but he gave me extra feedback on how he wants me to display power after each move. Also he pointed 2 spots where he suggested I take a deep breath. And one feels almost sneaky. I used to go to my starting point, assume the posture, lift the hand and then look at the judges. He said, to skate casually at the starting point, look at the judges, and when I have their attention, assume the posture, lift the arms and take a breath... It makes such a difference. He also wants me to put in an ending pose after my t-stop when I finish each move, so I can take a breath right there. If you red my post about my first MITF test, these intro and ending "presentation" used to stress me so much. Now I can actually use them in my benefit.
On my lesson last week he said to stop after each move for corrections. And that gave me some of that test organizing that I was seeking. I've realized a while ago that I need same key words/ reminders to help at a certain point in a dance. My choreographer for the Freestyle program actually said he was using them himself and suggested places in the programs and words to use. Not to many, or it will stop being useful. So I've got some "reminders" for each move now:
1. Power crossovers (reminder for backward, posture- push hips underneath).
2.3. The 3-turns were rushed, and on the backwards one I'm turning often before the middle of the lobe. I told my coach that it was a crowded sessions and I was eager to turn so I won't bump into somebody, and you know, fall and hurt my hip. He said excuses, excuses... But with what feedback he gave me I was able to choose one instruction/ thought that helps. On all of them I have to really look at the boards to be parallel with them. This also help my posture be erect. For RFO is to let the left shoulder get back. For LFI is to turn my head to the right.
4. The power pulls, on all of them fall into the edges and lift up. Forward were fine (coach says hips forward but I would rather remember core engaged), backward there was always somebody in my way. I wouldn't say I'm worried about them, but I don't remember when was the last time I did them without obstacles, so really do them. Reminder: shoulders back.
5. On the back circle eight I'm just chocking when the coach is watching. Actually my theory is that the ice is more chopped then I'm used on my regular sessions. Also, the coach is coaching me trough it, so I feel I'm letting go on the balance and concentration as I try to hear him and incorporate what he is saying. Excuses? I don't think so, because when I do it on my own, is fine! Reminder: posture (and look up). I feel that if I'm erect the push is good, and the alignments is good.
6. On the last move he always wants something more, like flow, power, look, up, sell it, but there is no specific instruction, But to be honest is the last one and I'm probably giving up a little. So, I cannot do the at at the test. Reminder: don't give up.
The very bad news is that the schedule at my rink changes this coming week and while there are few practice sessions I don't know which of them will be less crowded. On a crowded one I don't think I can do much good. And my lesson is at another rink. So yeah, ready or not.. here I come...
The Forward Crossovers are taught in the very first sessions of group lessons under ISI curriculum. A Crossovers has 2 strokes on edges, an outside one, then the free foot comes from behind and crosses over the skating foot and gets on an inside edge while the skating foot pushes.
I don't remember much from the beginning instruction. We surely started with CCW, the more comfortable direction for most of us and that is Left Stroke on Outside Edge then cross with the Right Leg on Inside Edge. I don't think we were instructed to stroke on a LO edge, we may have been just gliding on 2 feet. We were asked to pick up the right foot and to put it over the left one. We were instructed to try by the boards and even off ice with and without the skates on. I understand now that the reason to start with picking up the right foot is to transfer the weight completely over the left one before stepping on the right one. In time that will allow to lean towards the left (into the circle). Next step would have been to understand that we follow a circle and learn to twist the upper body towards the circle, look towards the center of the circle and have the arms right hand forward, left hand back. And we would have been asked to try the other side.
Here is an instructional video I like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cyvQ_vPdgA
Now for the real forward crossovers (let's still talk about CCW):
1.You start by bending, pressing into ice and pushing (read the Forward Stroking and push post) on a LFO edge with strong knee bend, with the upper body twisted facing the inside of the circle but not so much that the arms are over the circle lines (the front arm is a little outside of the circle and the back am a little inside the circle) and looking towards the inside of the circle, the free leg goes 45 degrees laterally not back (to maintain the edge and also it will be easier to bring it forward to cross), pointed tow, straight knee,
- the weight on the blade for both feet, as for al forward skating is an the back of you arch foot.
- press into the ice
- the body alignment is as if the neck zipper is over the skating foot and you feel the weight on left front ribs
- the left hip shouldn't stick out
- back hand higher
- bend the knee and ankle so the knees forms a 90 degree angle
- LEAN!
- hold the extension for 2 counts
- a good exercise that allows you to concentrate on all these points is chasses on a circle as here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXFAjcVYOME&t=57s
2. Swipe the free (right) leg forward over the left and set it on an inside edge
- under push with the left foot from the back arch of your foot laterally outside the circle, not back, I thought the toe is pointed pointed but in the first video I shared he asks to flex the foot but to stretch the leg.
- push forward the opposite side of the rib cage, so the right side here
- allow the left hip to go under the right hip
- hold for 2 counts
- bring the foot near the skating foot and repeat
And here is the ice dancers Oleg and Kseniya instruction on crossovers, with even more tips. The only difference I see from my coach's instruction, is that they rise (bounce) between strokes, my coach wants me to keep the same level. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNedknuKF9g&t=179s
Exercise summer group class 7/19/2018. On all 5 circles...
- stay on outside edge and pumps (half swizzles)
- stay on inside edge after one crossover and under pump
- stay on outside edge and push and hold extension for 3 counts
- crossovers
Crossovers are a basic skating skill that even good skater work on continuously to maintain and improve. My CW crossovers are still weaker then the CCW because I lean forward and I loose the right point of balance on the blade, so I keep paying attention to that. I also push the back shoulder forward as shown in the first video to not do... Another realization I would share is that a coach instruction at one point in time will be different from another time. At each point the coach teaches what the skater needs. The instruction would differ from one skater to another at the same level from the same coach, as the coach would customize the instruction. And obviously different coaches tech different techniques and use different words.
I'm not getting corrections on crossovers at the point I'm at. That means that they are good for my level. But after I'll pass the Pre-Juvenile MITF test and I'll work on the Juvenile (equivalent with adult Gold), surely I'll get new instruction as power crossovers on a spiral pattern will be a requirement for that test.
Dec 2020:I've asked for corrections as I felt that my under push is week, it felt like it was sliding from under me. The correction was to start pressing into that edge while the free leg comes around from being extended after the initial push. Then, for training purpose, I should hold the under push as long as the push, so let's say 2 counts and 2 counts... Also, I was skating those with the upper body square to the circle, as the ice dancing chasses and progressives. So I got the correction to really put the back arm back... that also helps with the posture. Also, I was asked to lean more into the circle.
Here is again the link to the judging form.
And the videos of my tests, retry the first one, pass the second one
1. Forward and Backward Crossovers on circles (focus power) with a swing Mohawk when transferring from the second forward circle to the first backward circle.
I'll write a post about the crossovers technique soon and link it here.
I
started from standing at the middle of on an end line with 2 strokes,
then forward CCW crossovers on the hockey circle, then a left forward
swing roll (not required) continued with forward CW to the right hockey
circle, swing Mohawk, then CCW back crossovers, back swing roll (not
required) before changing to the last circle of CW back crossovers,
finish with a backward stroke holding the extension and step forward and
stop. The circles have to be similar in size.
My challenges were
-
making all 4 types of crossovers looking as they had the same power
(they didn't), so I had to pull back on the stronger ones and obviously
push as strongly as I could on the weaker ones
- figuring out
where to start the swing rolls and finding a pace for the crossovers to
get to finish at the point were I was starting the swing. I worked on
this test for around a year, and as I did get stronger and faster I had
to adjust the number of crossovers and the place were I started the
swing rolls.
- the back swing roll I did just on the second test,
coming with some speed after the CCW backward crossovers, at first I
wasn't comfortable in stroking backwards and holding the extension
forward before swinging.
- the swing Mohawk. The swing is all on
an outside edge, but then the edge should be changed to inside for it to
become the start of the Mohawk. I could do it at slow speed and using
more space but on the tight space between the circles I always ended up
getting on the inside edge as I was swinging the leg and that made it
look wimpy. This is one of the skills on my "wish" list. After I injured
my left hip I figured that the forward swing roll to the right was
straining my left flexors and abductors so I stopped doing them. But
it's time will come.
I've got passing score of 2.5 on both tests but I do think I was more confident at the second test. 2. Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals (focus on extension and edge quality).
My
straight spirals were pretty consistent on both legs at this point, BUT
you need to do 5 consecutive and equal lobes of outside edge spirals on
the length of the ring, then 5 more on an inside edge. And you need to
keep the extension higher then the hip level for 4 seconds so you need
to get on the edge and the leg up very quickly, otherwise you run out of
space. My biggest problem proved to be getting out of the spiral
quickly and in a controlled way. I was saying when I talked about the
spiral technique here,
that I wasn't used to square the hips and upper body, but stack the
hips and twist the upper body. I think that is easier to hold the edges
like that, but it's hard to change the lobes, you have to change the
lobes square to the axis, there is no other way. By the second test
I've gotten a little better.
Again I've got 2.5 on both tests, but I definitely improved the control on changing lobes on the second test. 3. Forward Power 3-Turns(focus on power)
That
is a 3-turn step wide on an inside edge and pull into a back crossover,
and step forward into the 3-turn and repeat. My RFO was way slower then
the left one, but to be honest they were both slow. This is a power
move so it needs to show speed. I also wasn't turning the 3-turns at the middle of the lobes on the first test, i was rushing. That wasn't even my biggest challenge.
That was to step forward squared after the back crossover,
perpendicularly to the axis. If I wasn't square at that point I couldn't
control the next 3-turn.
On my first test I messed up a 3-turn, but
either the judge didn't see it, either one mistake was allowed, she
didn't comment on it. But still I've got just 2.4 for luck of power.
I've got. 2.5 on the second test. 4. Alternative Forward 3-turns (focus on edge quality)I've got 2.5 on both tests.
I talked about outside and inside forward 3-turns technique here and here.The alternative outside 3-turns was the hardest move for me, more exactly the transition between the 3-turns. Theoretically you need to do a controlled 3-turn (figures style) leaving perpendicularly from the axis (forward outside edge) and returning perpendicularly to the axis (back inside edge) with a perfect balance and posture and then twist your blade on that spot from backwards to forward to start next 3-turn. But again, for this test the quality should be 2.5 out of 6. The judges don't expect perfection. And I saw kids testing and forcing the end of the 3 turn close to the axis but not on the axis into the next one, so that's what I set up to do. So, my trick was to snap the turn and really keep the free leg, hip and glutes tight and as I was approaching the axis, open the hips to be able to start the next turn. This move is not on any of the adult MITF tests, it is an award, wicked one... 5. Forward Circle 8 (focus on edge quality and continuous flow). I talked about it here. I've got 2.5 on both my tests. On the first test I was wobbly but I didn't actually put the foot down (as it appears in the video) and after the test the judge complimented me for the "exact" edges and that circle 8. Again, she either didn't see the wobble or it was "exact" for this level. 6. Alternating Backward Crossovers to Backward Outside Edges (focus on power and extension)
I've got 2.3 on my first test, again for "lack of power", and 2.5 on my second test but with the suggestion "more power needed". I'll talk about power in one of my next post, I have enough thoughts and feelings about it to fill a whole post! What I think helped me on this move the most in the second test, was a straighter posture (shoulders rolled back and lift from the waist up, core engaged) on the backward edge. On the first test I was off balance after the back edge so I couldn't push well into the crossover. I knew and I see in the video that on the LBO edge was not over my hip, I'm working now on back swing rolls and I'm close in finally correcting that.
When
I tested, the scores were given from 0 to 6, and for the Preliminary
MITF test the passing average was 2.5. Now the scores are between -3 and
+3, so the same range, but an element that is done as expected for this
level would be scored 0. I tested this one first on June 2017, and got a
"retry" (a nicer way of
saying failed) for "lack of power" and I tried again and passed on October 2017. If you remember, I'm an adult testing standard quality test, for this specific reason, to get the power that kids get.
Firstly, let me tell you about the preparation for the tests and the tests days. As I was saying in my post about the Pre-Preliminary MITF test, at the point when I started to learn the moves for the Preliminary test, I was talking group classes and having my first private lessons with different coaches. Close to the point of the Preliminary test I took in June, I designated one coach in charge with the moves. She was specialized in dance, not moves but extremely good coach. She is also the nicest person. She never once mentioned "power" in preparation, for either her inexperience in judges expectations, or for our similar soft personalities. For the second test I trained with a different coach, who pushed me the hardest on power. But, I'll fess up. We both knew perfectly well at that point that I didn't understand the power and I haven't got it. He coached me that I should display power trough a confident attitude.
Another thing that I'll fess up is that when I was preparing for it I thought this test is gonna be easy. I thought I already knew the elements in it. But I knew to do the elements separately, when I put them together, even not trying to show power, I've still got more speed that I was usually putting into those elements and that made me lose some of the control. Plus, as we know now, I really didn't have enough power required for that level. Looking back I don't think this test it's easy, I think it's a strange phase in a skater development, in the sense that you are still a beginner at this phase, not truly understanding how the moves work, but doing them somehow.
Funny thing, I had wardrobe troubles for both tests :) For the first test, the trouble was on practice the day before. In the summer I like to wear a tunic over leggings to the rink (I made myself the wrap tunic in the first video that follows). At the rink I'll put on a jacket over the tunic. Well, I forgot the jacket home. I was cold but I stayed and skated and I've got used with it. That gave me the idea to wear the same outfit for the test, instead of a leotard and nude tights and skirt (that I would have had to change into at the rink, and as somebody that never performed as a kid in any type of show, seamed very dressed up and made me self conscious). On the day of the test my coach couldn't be there and that surely didn't help. I felt like I didn't belong. I was also the only adult in the test session. I later wondered if my choice of a more comfortable costume also made me feel like not a legit skater...
The second test was in the fall, so I could drive in my leotard (that I also made) and nude tights with black leggings over, and the skirt in my bag. Guess what, I took with me the wrong skirt (I have a long skirt from the same fabric as the skating skirt). Luckily I had the wrap tunic in my skating bag and I took it over the leotard and nude tights. It was way shorter compared with the skirt I was planing to wear. And remember, I was self conscious, but I wanted to display confidence, and maybe it helped... You have to look the part to play the part. But lesson learned, now I check my bag numerous times before leaving for a test and I started to even take 2 outfits and tights with me, just in case... I'm now thinking I should throw in some treads and needles for emergencies...
And here is the first test, June 2017- retry
And here is the pass test in November 2017.
I'll describe the 6 elements of this tests in my next post.
The Half Flip is part of ISI Freestyle 1 curriculum and was also part of my USFSA Pre-Bronze Freestyle Program. I don't think I'll have it in any other programs, so it won't get any attention from now on. I thought to better write the technique down, while I still remember it.
- Few strokes
- Forward Right Inside Mohawk (could be also entered with a Left Forward 3-turn) and check, so entering with the right hand forward, exiting with the left hand forward and the right arm and shoulder strongly kept back and riding on a Back Left Inside edge
- Pick: bend the left knee and reach back with the right foot, don't bring the right foot high and don't hit the ice, but place the toe pick in the ace to anchor and draw yourself back, over the right foot
- Lift the left foot off the ice, ideally lifting the left knee (but I
don't do it, I don't jump high enough to have time for this, or I don't
jump high enough because I don't do this). This lifting of the left
knee, would be necessary for the full rotation Flip.
- Simultaneously with the pick you bring the right arm forward (meeting the left on the chest) so the upper body is square. My coach asked me at first to stop the jump here, without rotating, to get used to getting off ice, bringing the weight over the left foot, and getting some height. He was also asking to lift the rib cage, but not the shoulders. The rotations of the jumps is given by the entry edge, not by the upper body twist, but the upper body helps, and if not done right doesn't let the rotation happen. So it is important to be understood and I suspect in half jumps, it is the upper body that initiate the rotation as the beginners edges are not strong enough...
- Land forward on the Left toe pick and immediately push onto a right inside edge, checked with the left arm forward.
I don't remember much from when I learned the Half Flip in group
classes. When I reviewed it recently I realized what a good tool it is
to understand the things underlined, the check, reaching back and
drawing your weight over the picking foot. I was struggling with these
learning my full Flip Jump...
Here is the video of the Half Flip from November 2018
And here is the video from April 2019. I don't actually see much improvement. I do the check,
it does seem I bend my knee a little more before I pick into the ice,
but the draw back is not that strong, and I definitely don't bring the
right hand forward. You can very well do the Half Flip without it, but that will be necessary for the full Flip. My coach didn't ask me to use the free leg (make that h-position in the air) to help the jump. Again, maybe it is not needed for a half jump. Now I'm eager to get to work on the full Flip, but I'll have to get Loop Jump first. I started to work on it again just for few weeks and for now is not coming around.
I'm testing next Saturday. As my Freestyle choreographer cannot be with me at the test session, my main coach will. I wanted him to see the program before the test session so he'll see where my problems are and be able to actually help at the test. I was a little stressed, because when I go on tests he coaches me for, he wants me very well prepared. This Freestyle test program was put together in 6 weeks and I didn't work much at the jumps and spins, that are the focus of the test. I thought they are good enough for an Adult Pre-Bronze Test, but I know they can all be improved. The lesson went well, and he seemed pleased!
He firstly advised me on the warm up for test and asked me to start with that. It should be 5 minutes..
- forward and backward crossovers with inside edges
- jumps (Waltz jump, Salchow, Half Flip) and spins - don't rush, do them well so I'll have good body memory for the program
- some steps from the program and the spiral.
Then he wanted to see the program without the music. I messed up the Salchow (of course) but he said to keep going. As I finished and walked over to him he asked to see a Salchow. It was ok. He said that even if I mess up something I should keep going and I may be asked to show an element after the program. I knew that, but it was reassuring to hear.
Then he wanted to see the program with music. The elements felt ok, but I didn't really perform it or push. We continued with corrections... He asked me to push after the 2 foot spin (I usually do, but nice reminder) and give him a good spiral (I honestly didn't even try during the program because somebody was in my way). He was ok with it, phew...
Waltz jump was ok.
Salchow: check and wait and press!!! after 3 turn and keep the weight on the left side!!!, coach B said few week ago don't drop the right shoulder. I know that knees shouldn't come together as I jump, he said not to think knee up (as the bunny hop) but kick like a soccer ball
Half Flip: bend the knee more before toe picking to get more high. This was an instant improvement!
Spins: don't rush...
Back pivot: lead with the right heal, push inside of the heal out.
We did another run trough. The elements were ok and I did put more "push" into it. He said nice! Don't forget to smile... He said he is confused about the step that looks like a spiral and to keep it moving so the judges won't think is a bad spiral...
So I feel quite good and quite ready for the test. The dress is almost ready. I've sewn it myself and even blinged it a little bit :) I'll think I'll write a whole post about it soon.
Here I am talking again about my program. And that's because there is a new development. My choreographer/ freestyle coach won't be able to be with me at the test. I went by myself to one of the MITF tests and I felt kind of lost. So I asked my main coach, with whom I do dance and moves if he's gonna be at that test session with another student already, if he'll "put me on ice". That's what it's called... What that means is that he follows the schedule, tells me when to warm up, when to put on the skates, gives me exercises to do, tries to not let me get nervous, checks the costume, has back up for music... basically baby sits and that's great especially if I'm nervous.
This week I'll have a lesson with my choreographer on Wednesday to polish the program, and one with my main coach on Thursday for him to see the program. The thing is that my main coach is very exact, plus everything I do with him is standard testing (as kids learn) quality, not adult quality. For the freestyle I've chosen the adult testing because I just don't think my jumping will ever go high enough to be considered standard. So, now I'm curious how he will react to my program. Will it be good enough for him? I kind of feel more nervous about showing it to him that the test... Will he give me corrections? In past, I didn't like new corrections so close with the test. I'm a little afraid that if he's not gonna have a positive reaction it will affect my confidence.
My plan for this week was to work hard on the jumps and spins separately, and for the program to still try to make it better, like better hand movements, smile (that's tough for me), look up, be on music. Then next week I wanted to pull back and find the speed and performance involvement that would allow me to present the jumps and spins at their best. I think I'll have no lessons. Choreography should be done and my main coach lessons slot is Thursday and I don't won't to skate too much before Saturday morning when I have the test. I would rather skate on Friday then on Thursday.
Today I was tired, I didn't sleep enough. I warmed up, did few jumps and spins and decided to run the program before the ice got crowded, as I saw few skaters getting the skates on. I ran it twice and everything was ok. On the first run I've got a little early on music at the beginning and I liked the comfort it gave me because I didn't rush the Waltz jump and the 2 foot spin (which I want to hit on a music accent). I want to see if I can get to do this each time. Then I've got to "work" on jumps and spins. The spins were ok. Not as centered as Friday, maybe because I was tired? And I'm getting comfortable with the inside 3-turn entrance before the 2 foot spin, and being comfortable I'm not rushing anymore. For the jumps, I never had much instructions besides the group classes, so I don't even know what to correct. I think, meaning, I felt, I was successful in getting the waltz jump and the half flip a little higher. The Salchow, for some reason I think was better a month ago... I had few better then others, but not something I could grab onto and be confident I'll do it better consistently. It may be just that I do it better when my legs are rested and now I jumps each time I'm on ice. Things to remember next time on ice:
-straight 3 turn (3 counts), check and wait on 1 count (I don't think I do this consistently),
-jump up from the hip not just foot (think hip and hip)
-allow upper body o rotate (it seams I'm blocking the rotation holding the left shoulder forward). A correction I've got was to not drop the right shoulder.
- work at them in this succession
I ran the program few more times mostly trying to smile. It was more smiling than last week but that is gonna be a long long process...
After writing all these I'm realizing the only issue I have is the Salchow. That's not too bad. And I have 5 more ice sessions before the test.
