AboutDianne DeLeeuw Expertise I can answer questions about figure skating, choreography, ISI or USFSA. Also questions about competing (my Olympic experience or your own competition). I`m a National referre for ISI. Recently I also have been appointed a National Technical Specialist for US Figure Skating. But remember I am not your substitute for a coach! They can see what you are doing! To correct or instruct you on manuevers is really not what I want to do.
Experience Experience: World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, coaching all levels of skaters at in California. I coach all levels and ages of skating from tiny tots to adults, first timers to International competitors. I also do choreography, music editing, teach specialty classes and give seminars.
Organizations: USFSA, ISI, PSA, Los Angeles Figure Skating Club
Publications: Recreational Ice Skater, The Edge
Awards: 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1975 World Champion, 1976 European Champion, 6 time National Champion, US and Canadian Double Gold Medalist, 1999 ISI Great Skate Award, 2002 Woman of the Year
i have been learning to skate a while now, but am having problems with my spirals, mainly keeping my leg high, i am quite flexible, and can do the spits forwards on both legs but not the box splits, would these help me at all with my hips as i do not feel i am open hipped at all.
also for a biellmann position, i can lift my legs high enough but not close enough to my head, could you suggest anything for my back to get it closer ?
also what are your thoughts on using ankle weights for spirals? are there any better ways to get my legs stronger?
Answer Hi,
Spirals are more than just flexibility. It is strength and skating skill. You may need to be more confident on ice also. I would not do ankle weights it is not a normal balance.
Start with straight line spirals, then on curves. Work on holding longer. Learn to arch your back and tip forward, holding the freeleg strong. If you get the extension and then work on leg heighth your spiral will look better.
The bielman will also take alot of control. You can stretsch this off-ice with your foot hooked in a strap.
Good luck,
Dianne
