Why I like figure skating
Consider this a heartfelt entry of a fan who's heart was broken today yet will still continue to watch and enjoy the sport.
I have always been attracted to things relating to dance and expression to movement. Which is why I gravitate towards gymnastics, cheerleading and figure skating since it compliments the ballet training that shaped the majority of my life.
But it is in recent years that I've gotten more than a fancy to figure skating. The passion I used to put into watching footie and the dedication (and occasional hooliganism involved), I put into understanding this complicated new thing called the Code of Points. I learned how to tell jumps, spins, footwork, hand holds, lifts and edges.
It went beyond saying Michelle Kwan skates pretty or Gordeeva/Gringov skate like they are doing a ballet.
And it was all thanks to Johnny Weir and his 2006 Marshall's exhibition of "The Swan".
But why I like figure skating goes beyond my love and dedication as a fan of Johnny Weir. Johnny made me see both aspects of skating, the athleticism and the artistry (no matter how thrown around the word is). He allowed me to discover skaters like Daisuke Takahashi who I believe is the most complete skater ever and Stephane Lambiel, my little prince.
I saw, in another medium, what I love the most about my first love ballet. Movement in expression, story telling, strength, agility, and the ability of the performer to deceive the audience of the skill that it takes to execute moves. Things I had strove for as a dancer, being made alive by people jumping and landing on a blade less than 2 inches thick.
So despite the obvious disgust I feel for the decision and scoring made by the judges in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, fact remains: I love figure skating and will continue to watch it.
I firmly believe that Johnny deserved higher scores, but what this Olympics taught me the most (other than never piss off the judges) is that I owe Johnny Weir so much more than I thought.
With his possible retirement soon, I want him to know this.
Thank you Johnny, for making me love figure skating.
I have always been attracted to things relating to dance and expression to movement. Which is why I gravitate towards gymnastics, cheerleading and figure skating since it compliments the ballet training that shaped the majority of my life.
But it is in recent years that I've gotten more than a fancy to figure skating. The passion I used to put into watching footie and the dedication (and occasional hooliganism involved), I put into understanding this complicated new thing called the Code of Points. I learned how to tell jumps, spins, footwork, hand holds, lifts and edges.
It went beyond saying Michelle Kwan skates pretty or Gordeeva/Gringov skate like they are doing a ballet.
And it was all thanks to Johnny Weir and his 2006 Marshall's exhibition of "The Swan".
But why I like figure skating goes beyond my love and dedication as a fan of Johnny Weir. Johnny made me see both aspects of skating, the athleticism and the artistry (no matter how thrown around the word is). He allowed me to discover skaters like Daisuke Takahashi who I believe is the most complete skater ever and Stephane Lambiel, my little prince.
I saw, in another medium, what I love the most about my first love ballet. Movement in expression, story telling, strength, agility, and the ability of the performer to deceive the audience of the skill that it takes to execute moves. Things I had strove for as a dancer, being made alive by people jumping and landing on a blade less than 2 inches thick.
So despite the obvious disgust I feel for the decision and scoring made by the judges in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, fact remains: I love figure skating and will continue to watch it.
I firmly believe that Johnny deserved higher scores, but what this Olympics taught me the most (other than never piss off the judges) is that I owe Johnny Weir so much more than I thought.
With his possible retirement soon, I want him to know this.
Thank you Johnny, for making me love figure skating.