We’ve survived our first year as an ice dance team. Looking back, the past year has been difficult yet wonderful. We’ve worked so hard and we are very proud of our accomplishments. Here are some highlights:
- We had our initial tryout 3/18/06 and found we had similar skating styles, compatible personalities, and the same work ethic. Despite the obstacles – we knew that Tim had 13 tests to pass - we decided to become a dance team.
- Tim first stepped on the ice in January of 2006 and he is now competing at the pre-gold level. We are competing the Blues and Starlight this year, along with our Original Dance.
- Tim did pass his 13 dance tests between 3/18/06 and 11/9/06. Here’s the math – that’s fewer than 8 months. Pretty awesome. He passed his preliminary and pre-bronze tests in just over a month, and learned the steps to his bronze dances on an airplane – then tested them the following week.
- When we first starting skating Tim was still tripping over his toe picks and Terri was more comfortable skating solo than with a partner. We’ve come a long way!
- Tim has gone through 3 pairs of boots and 2 different sets of blades since we started skating. He has scars on his ankles from breaking in boots.
- Terri has had to rid her wardrobe of anything made by those "other" athletic clothing manufacturers and purchase new Adidas practicewear.
- We choreographed most of our Tango Original Dance ourselves, and also did the music editing. Choreography is something we really enjoy, and we are looking forward to creating something unique for next year.
- Our goal was to complete our choreography in time to do the Carousel FSC holiday show in mid-December. We did, and also performed at the Skating Club of Oregon holiday show.
- We also had a great time at the Star of Texas competition in Houston in January, where Tim’s family got to see us skate. We performed our OD as well as we ever had and got great feedback from the judges – even though we didn’t have anyone to compete against.
- We’ve taken pilates and ballet to help our “look” on the ice.
- We have had falls, bumps and bruises, kicked each other numerous times, battled knee pain and tendonitis (Terri’s ankle, Tim’s hip). We both got sick right before Sectionals. We are currently trying to prepare for Adult Nationals while Tim battles a very inflamed hip tendon; after Nationals we plan to rest and recuperate.
- We continue to have breakthroughs on our compulsory dances but it has taken a year of very hard work to understand what works and what doesn’t. Often it’s trial and error to find the solution.
- We’ve had exceptional support from our friends and families. My husband Perry is the greatest skate spouse ever! It has been a great year and we feel like we have made tremendous progress. We can’t wait to see what the next year will bring!
