Figure Skating/Figure Skating

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Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 5/4/2009


Question
Hi, I have started Learn To Skate this year, and I have aspirations to become a figure skater. Trouble is, I am 15 years old. Is this too late to start figure skating, and will I be able to compete in competitions at my age? Also, I have terrible flexibility. What can help me conquer this problem in terms of figure skating?

Answer
Hi,
There are many competitions for all ages and levels!  Get with your coach to form a plan.  But don't wait too long, it is exciting!
Start stretching every day!  Try Yoga or ballet.  There are many good books and dvds on stretching.
Good luck,
Dianne

Figure Skating

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Dianne 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

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