Singaporean figure skater and current Novice National Champion, Sarah Paw, has entered "Expats for Olympic Torchbearers" in Beijing to become an torchbearer for the 2008 Olympics. Please vote for her to give her a chance of representing Singapore as an Olympic torchbearer!
Vote for Sarah Paw at:
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=166
More information on the Expats for Olympic Torchbearers can be found at:
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/description.shtml
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Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
About coaches, old and new
After going for a 3-month vacation back in China, my coach has finally come back... And guess what - he's brought another coach back with him.
No, not a lady - no romance here. I had a brief conversation with him, and found out that he skated singles before switching to ice dance. Now, that would bring the count to 3 male Chinese ice dancers at the rink, none of whom will partner me!! Uh, well, now that I'm not skating, I can't really complain about that, can I?
But well, it does seem like the rink is going to great lengths to expand its coaching staff. I had a chance to chat a bit with the lady coach who came in just a few weeks ago - the same one who asked me if I had an English name. Turns out she is a speed skater, and somehow the rink management expects her to teach figure skating... or perhaps they assumed she could at least handle the beginners. She is now trying to learn the basic turns!
No, not a lady - no romance here. I had a brief conversation with him, and found out that he skated singles before switching to ice dance. Now, that would bring the count to 3 male Chinese ice dancers at the rink, none of whom will partner me!! Uh, well, now that I'm not skating, I can't really complain about that, can I?
But well, it does seem like the rink is going to great lengths to expand its coaching staff. I had a chance to chat a bit with the lady coach who came in just a few weeks ago - the same one who asked me if I had an English name. Turns out she is a speed skater, and somehow the rink management expects her to teach figure skating... or perhaps they assumed she could at least handle the beginners. She is now trying to learn the basic turns!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Poll #4: Would you rather skate in Jurong or Kallang?
With the impending opening of the second rink in this country, the new Kallang rink will be a direct competition with the one-and-only existing rink in Jurong. the question of the day is, will you go over to Kallang?
It is disappointing that there were only 8 votes for this poll,
2 (25%) would rather skate at Jurong,
0 ( 0%) would rather skate at Kallang, and
8 (75%) would skate at either rink, or has no preference.
It is rather surprising that the poll showed NOBODY choosing Kallang. Maybe it is due to the uncertainty. Maybe those who prefer Kallang would rather not say it at this time - that would explain why there were so few votes!
(or perhaps very few of my readers live & skate in Singapore!)
Latest I heard, the Kallang rink is still not ready.
Optimists say it would open in mid-October.
Realists say it would open next year.
I say, I don't care.
After all, as I reasoned in my previous post The rink, and the rink-to-be", the new rink is not going to offer me much more than longer travelling times!
Still, for all the skaters in Singapore, it would nice to have an option of where to skate!
It is disappointing that there were only 8 votes for this poll,
2 (25%) would rather skate at Jurong,
0 ( 0%) would rather skate at Kallang, and
8 (75%) would skate at either rink, or has no preference.
It is rather surprising that the poll showed NOBODY choosing Kallang. Maybe it is due to the uncertainty. Maybe those who prefer Kallang would rather not say it at this time - that would explain why there were so few votes!
(or perhaps very few of my readers live & skate in Singapore!)
Latest I heard, the Kallang rink is still not ready.
Optimists say it would open in mid-October.
Realists say it would open next year.
I say, I don't care.
After all, as I reasoned in my previous post The rink, and the rink-to-be", the new rink is not going to offer me much more than longer travelling times!
Still, for all the skaters in Singapore, it would nice to have an option of where to skate!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Swan Lake on Ice Opens in Singapore
12 September 2007 - Opening night of Swan Lake On Ice in Singapore
The Imperial Ice Stars put up an impressive performance on the opening night, albeit with a couple of falls and missed elements. The choreography was well thought out and implemented. The props, effects and costumes are fabulous. The skating was good, and there was even dancers in ballet shoes! I was a little surprised at how small the cast was - just 24 skaters meant there must have been such a frenzy backstage changing costumes, and even skates/ballet shoes!
What was really cool, though, was the synchro performance by the swans - it was impressive. I was also intrigued by the "stilt skaters". Not high stilts, with blades that were an additional one foot tall. I am still wondering what it would be like to skate like that - I think I would fall over!
The level of skating was pretty good, and there were nice technical elements included - both singles and pairs. They were all very comfortable with lifts, and even with a man lifting more than one lady! It seems that all them cast can do an Axel, some even the double Axel... However, at some point in time, I started to wonder if the Axel was the only jump they could do!!
Overall, this show is a must-watch. I found it much more interesting than the shows by Disney and Holiday On Ice. Then again, this is coming from an adult who finds the Disney shows way too childish!
The Imperial Ice Stars put up an impressive performance on the opening night, albeit with a couple of falls and missed elements. The choreography was well thought out and implemented. The props, effects and costumes are fabulous. The skating was good, and there was even dancers in ballet shoes! I was a little surprised at how small the cast was - just 24 skaters meant there must have been such a frenzy backstage changing costumes, and even skates/ballet shoes!What was really cool, though, was the synchro performance by the swans - it was impressive. I was also intrigued by the "stilt skaters". Not high stilts, with blades that were an additional one foot tall. I am still wondering what it would be like to skate like that - I think I would fall over!
The level of skating was pretty good, and there were nice technical elements included - both singles and pairs. They were all very comfortable with lifts, and even with a man lifting more than one lady! It seems that all them cast can do an Axel, some even the double Axel... However, at some point in time, I started to wonder if the Axel was the only jump they could do!! Overall, this show is a must-watch. I found it much more interesting than the shows by Disney and Holiday On Ice. Then again, this is coming from an adult who finds the Disney shows way too childish!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Annoyances of the hair
For ladies with long hair... Your know hair is too long when...
- you have trouble hooking your bra because your hair is in the way
- you find yourself eating your ponytail in a sit spin
- your ponytail whips over your eyes when doing double loops
- your hair gets in your face when doing a twizzle
I've been meaning to cut my hair since... goodness, I can't even say when! It must have been before Nationals (March) but I didn't cut it because I wanted it long enough to put in a bun. Then I didn't after Nationals because I was going to the Vana Tallinn Trophy and the ISU competition in May, and I still needed it long enough to put in a bun!
After returning from Europe, I was often tired most of the first trimester, and so was really lazy to get out there to cut my hair... but now, nearing the 4th month, I'm full of energy again. I made it a point to go get my hair cut after work today!
So, how many ladies walk in and say to the hairdresser "I want to trim 3 inches"? I suppose 3 inches isn't just a trim, but I really meant I want it the same style, just 3 inches shorter. I later had to make him cut it shorter yet!
PS: Sorry, my skating blog has been sort of taken over by life in general... but
- you have trouble hooking your bra because your hair is in the way
- you find yourself eating your ponytail in a sit spin
- your ponytail whips over your eyes when doing double loops
- your hair gets in your face when doing a twizzle
I've been meaning to cut my hair since... goodness, I can't even say when! It must have been before Nationals (March) but I didn't cut it because I wanted it long enough to put in a bun. Then I didn't after Nationals because I was going to the Vana Tallinn Trophy and the ISU competition in May, and I still needed it long enough to put in a bun!
After returning from Europe, I was often tired most of the first trimester, and so was really lazy to get out there to cut my hair... but now, nearing the 4th month, I'm full of energy again. I made it a point to go get my hair cut after work today!
So, how many ladies walk in and say to the hairdresser "I want to trim 3 inches"? I suppose 3 inches isn't just a trim, but I really meant I want it the same style, just 3 inches shorter. I later had to make him cut it shorter yet!
PS: Sorry, my skating blog has been sort of taken over by life in general... but
Confession time:
I sneaked in a 30-minute skating session during lunchtime today! Well partly because sometime last week I suddenly had the urge to skate, and partly because a friend sent me a message to say it was quiet at the rink. Of course it wasn't exactly quiet by the time I got there, but I did manage to get in a bunch of cross rolls and twizzles, and also worked on the kilian choctaw sequence, and a part of the Argentine Tango. I tried spirals, which I could still do, but ouch, those butt muscles haven't been worked in a month!
I sneaked in a 30-minute skating session during lunchtime today! Well partly because sometime last week I suddenly had the urge to skate, and partly because a friend sent me a message to say it was quiet at the rink. Of course it wasn't exactly quiet by the time I got there, but I did manage to get in a bunch of cross rolls and twizzles, and also worked on the kilian choctaw sequence, and a part of the Argentine Tango. I tried spirals, which I could still do, but ouch, those butt muscles haven't been worked in a month!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Movement Class with Kai Er
Tropical Blades Ice Skating Club is organising a Movement Class with Kai Er. Come join us for some moves and artistic ideas that will help in your skating!
Movement Class with Kai Er
Sat 15 Sep 2007
1pm - 2pm
Dance Studio, 2nd floor
HomeTeamNS-JOM @ Balestier
31 Ah Hood Road Singapore 329979
Free for TBISC members; $2 for non-members
To sign up email tropicalblades@yahoo.com
Nearest MRT station : Toa Payoh
Bus service along Ah Hood Road : SBS 139
Sat 15 Sep 2007
1pm - 2pm
Dance Studio, 2nd floor
HomeTeamNS-JOM @ Balestier
31 Ah Hood Road Singapore 329979
Free for TBISC members; $2 for non-members
To sign up email tropicalblades@yahoo.com
Nearest MRT station : Toa Payoh
Bus service along Ah Hood Road : SBS 139
Friday, September 07, 2007
Skating dresses on eBay
After several frustrating episodes of having skating dresses made in Singapore, I have turned to buying dresses on eBay. There is a lot more variety in styles, and of course there's the thrill of actually winning a bid!
Here are some of the sellers on ebay that I watch. If you readers have any other favorites, do share!
If you still want to get a dress made locally, the only place I would tell anyone to go to is Stage Image. Their products are reasonably priced, and fit comfortably. The only drawback is that the fabric selection is rather limited (but isn't it that way for most places in Singapore?). Also, they often get really busy, so you do have to make sure you place your order well in advance!
I'm sure there are other places, but if you're thinking of suggesting Sonata, please forget it. I have had not one but two horrible episodes with them!
Here are some of the sellers on ebay that I watch. If you readers have any other favorites, do share!
If you still want to get a dress made locally, the only place I would tell anyone to go to is Stage Image. Their products are reasonably priced, and fit comfortably. The only drawback is that the fabric selection is rather limited (but isn't it that way for most places in Singapore?). Also, they often get really busy, so you do have to make sure you place your order well in advance!
I'm sure there are other places, but if you're thinking of suggesting Sonata, please forget it. I have had not one but two horrible episodes with them!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Dates set for International Adult Competitions in Summer '08
The dates for Mountain Cup and the ISU competition for next year have been announced:
29 May - 1 Jun 2008
ISU Adult International Competition (Oberstdorf, Germany)
5-8 Jun 2008
Mountain Cup 2008 (Villard-de-Lans, France)
The actual competition announcements will be released later.
I have yet to hear about the Vana Tallinn Trophy, but will update if I do!
29 May - 1 Jun 2008
ISU Adult International Competition (Oberstdorf, Germany)
5-8 Jun 2008
Mountain Cup 2008 (Villard-de-Lans, France)
The actual competition announcements will be released later.
I have yet to hear about the Vana Tallinn Trophy, but will update if I do!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Skaters' babies
I recently read that Scott Hamilton and wife are expecting baby No.2 in People. Earlier this year, there were reports of Slutskaya returning to Russia because of pregnancy in the International Herald tribune. And also of Pelletier and Sale expecting a child on Slam!Sports.
Just like a friend said, when you're pregnant, you suddenly notice everyone around you who are also pregnant!
I heard that the feet will swell during pregnancy. My previous coach said her feet simply grew a size larger - she had to get new skates! I was browsing some websites, and came across Jo Ann Schneider Farris' article in about.com Figure Skating is Possible in Hockey Skates!, where she said that
Uhh, I certainly don't see myself in hockey skates - the last time I had on hockey skates, I fell 3 times in 5 minutes! I'll be sticking to figure skates - and then dry land if and when my feet outgrow my skates...
So... no prizes for guessing why I am no longer skating now. It is a very exciting time, and while I thought I'd be in skating withdrawal, it isn't as bad as I imagined. I suppose I don't really miss not having to wake up at 6am to skate! Of course there is the occasional urge to jump/spin, and those dreams of skating, but so far its been manageable. Well, I am still coaching, though I've told the rink I will not take any more new beginners - not that they have giving me many to begin with!
Just like a friend said, when you're pregnant, you suddenly notice everyone around you who are also pregnant!
I heard that the feet will swell during pregnancy. My previous coach said her feet simply grew a size larger - she had to get new skates! I was browsing some websites, and came across Jo Ann Schneider Farris' article in about.com Figure Skating is Possible in Hockey Skates!, where she said that
hockey skates are so comfortable. When I was pregnant, my feet swelled up. My feet didn't fit in my figure skates, but I skated on hockey skates until the day my baby was born!
Uhh, I certainly don't see myself in hockey skates - the last time I had on hockey skates, I fell 3 times in 5 minutes! I'll be sticking to figure skates - and then dry land if and when my feet outgrow my skates...
So... no prizes for guessing why I am no longer skating now. It is a very exciting time, and while I thought I'd be in skating withdrawal, it isn't as bad as I imagined. I suppose I don't really miss not having to wake up at 6am to skate! Of course there is the occasional urge to jump/spin, and those dreams of skating, but so far its been manageable. Well, I am still coaching, though I've told the rink I will not take any more new beginners - not that they have giving me many to begin with!
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