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Figure Skating/How to Do an Arabian?

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Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 7/30/2006


Question
How would you teach a skater to do an Arabian?  (Dianne, I remember your Arabian's were great --it's nice to see you again onine!)

Answer
Hi Jo Ann,
An Arabian is an exciting move!  I always suggest that it be learned off-ice first.  It is basically a "handless cartwheel".  Practice the cartwheeling action first holding on to something about hip height.  Work on the scissor action of your legs.  Then move to doing it without help.  
On the ice start standing still doing the same action.  For counter clockwise jumpers: stand on right leg with left toe in to start. Use your arms to help the swing.  The landing can de a back sit or camel or step out onto your LFO.  As you improve try it moving from a RFI mohawk to the step.
This is a hard move to write about, it is easier to follow someone!
Good luck, Dianne

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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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