Comments on: Dear Adults,

By: Sharon Burke

Sharon Burke — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:41:35 +0000

My favorite is dear adults. I took up ice dancing when I was 35 and 12 years later, I am still skating sometimes 3 and 4 times a week. I love to skate and your piece totally nailed the experience. A lot of younger skaters laugh at us adults on ice, so I was a little humbled by it, too. Our coach is in her 60′s, though, and she still has perfect form and inspires us so with her elegance. Thanks for this great blog. I’ll bet your students love you.

By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:00:27 +0000

I am most impressed with falling adults. Bloodied, bruised, but undaunted they bounce back up from falls that would hospitalize lesser mortals. Fearless. Keep on keepin’ on…

By: sarah

sarah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:23:38 +0000

a skating lesson is probably the only time in the day that some people can put down their blackberry (or “crackberry” as i’ve taken to calling them). that alone is a feat to be commended!

By: Emma R.

Emma R. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:41:57 +0000

Is this Yussel for real? Surely he is joking?

By: Ice Mom

Ice Mom — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:31:00 +0000

I just loved this piece, Jocelyn. What you’ve hit on is the joy of teaching someone who wants to learn. These adult skaters have that hunger, drive, and joy that comes with attempting something difficult and succeeding through perseverance.

The young, fit, and naturally gifted sometimes have this spark, but often they take opportunities for granted.

Yussel brings up an interesting point: who should have the right of way? Adult learners or talented kids? I can understand him favoring the kids, but it’s the adults and their joy of the sport, that is going to keep it alive, I think. Sure, we need those talented kids to watch on T.V., but adult participant skaters feed the sport’s popularity as well.

Anyway, good job, Jocelyn! Your students are lucky to have you.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:01:29 +0000

I don’t even live in New York and you’ve never seen me skate but yes you are right! I AM clenching my toes in my skates. And still wearing elbow pads!

By: lori lee

lori lee — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:52:59 +0000

My favorite quote: “Thank you for asking me to explain the same element in 450 different ways so that you may analyze it from just as many angles.” You can ask Sandra….I ask and receive at least that many explanations on EVERY single move, check, position, change of edge, etc. And she always indulges me!! LOVE IT.

By: Zenskate

Zenskate — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:35:29 +0000

I am an adult and I skate as much for the exercise as for the social aspect so having a coach who is likeable and who keeps it fun, as it sounds like you do, has added greatly to the experience.

Keep it up, Jocelyn, and keep it up, fellow adults.

By: Henner

Henner — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:21:47 +0000

As a coach myself I think you forgot one: Thank you for knowing so much about skating history and the stars of current skating. I am ashamed to say that some of my adult students are way more up on all that than I am!

By: Tom McHugh

Tom McHugh — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:00:44 +0000

Jocelyn,

You are the angel who gave me my very first ice dancing experience at the Brewster Ice Arena! We stroked around in the Kilian position while I tried not to wince from the pain of a a back spasm I was experiencing at the time.

Almost 10 years later, I can trace a large portion of my current quality of life back to that moment. The physical, social, and emotional benefits of ice dancing have been like no other. I’d like to write a hundred “thank yous” to you as well, but duty calls and I need to be off to work. Consider yourself a VAP (very appreciated person) and know that I’m just one small voice in a great chorus of adult-onset skaters who are surely singing your praise.

Many blessings,
Tom