Kilian - dancing again after two years

I am so excited!! I went skating last Thursday, and one of the coaches had just finished a lesson and was free.

So I (jokingly) asked, "would you like to dance?"

To my surprise (and excitement), he said, "Sure! Which dance do you want to do?".

We decided on the Kilian - one of the few we can actually fit into this rink. This was the first time I danced partnered in two years! Initially, I wanted to skate to the 14-step music, since it was slower, but we couldn't find that, so we had to put on the actual Kilian music.

It was lots of fun... However, we were both totally tired out after 4 patterns - he not having skated for years and me not having skated for months. I suggested perhaps we try another dance next time. I hope there will be a next time!

SISA test session - 30 August 2008

SISA has announced its next test session to be held on Sat 30 Aug 9-10 PM (yes, at night!). Entries MUST be postmarked by 7 August.

Changes

There has been a change to the test requirements - skaters may now choose to perform either a step sequence or a spiral sequence.

There has also been a total revamp to the names of test categories - to match the new competition categories!

More information about the test session can be downloaded here.

Baby-in-training

Last night I found that my baby wants to start training - off-ice! Here are her broken-leg spin position, and spiral!

Broken-leg...


Spiral...


I think mine still look better... (for now)

Fuji Ice Palace closing in October

It is now official. Fuji Ice Palace will cease operation at its present location on 16 Oct 2008. This is already announced on the Fuji Ice Palace website.

What are the plans?
The management is still interested to continue the business. However, they have not yet found a suitable site. It seems like, if a site is found and can be occupied immediately, it would not take them too long to lay the ice and resume operations.

Meanwhile?
Most of the current coaches will be applying to coach at Kallang (myself included). Now, that is another issue, as it appears that Kallang may not be willing to take in all coaches! Wonder why, as more coaches = more students = more business (at least for this interim period).

Later?
In 2009, there is another rink planned at the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. However, having searched the website, there is no mention of skating...

Baby double Axel

As in, my baby doing the double Axel? I was playing around with my baby in the evening, and did a small waltz jump with her. DH whipped out his camera and took this video:

The status of rinks in Singapore

At this point in time, there are two rinks in Singapore - Fuji Ice Palace in Jurong East, and Kallang Ice World in Kallang. When Kallang opened in November last year, it was curious that many skaters stayed back at Fuji.

What is the difference?
Fuji currently still hosts most of the high-level skaters. Well, almost all of them. Why? Because that is where their coaches are! Sure enough, all the high-level coaches are employed by Fuji, and these skaters are not about to change coaches.

Then comes the exciting news that CapitaMall will build a new full-size rink at the same location as Fuji Ice Palace. It comes as no surprise that Fuji Ice Palace will be closing soon - by mid-October - its website already states that

Our rink will cease operation tentatively with effect from 16 Oct 2008 for building redevelopment

What about the new rink?
The new full-size rink is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. It will be run & managed by the Singapore Ice Skating Association. While figure skating will be its main sport, the rink will also cater to figure skating, hockey, speed skating as well as curling. Of course programs for beginners to learn to skate will also be in place.

What will all the skaters (and coaches) do?
The Kallang management already anticipates that coaches and skaters currently at Fuji will want to move over. However, they are also aware that these coaches/skaters will most likely leave again after the new rink is built. Understandably, decisions will be made based on this...

Ok, the short answer to this question is, we don't know yet!!