I'm a freestyle skater and have been considering switching to ice dance because of injuries I get from jumping. I recently got another concussion (I've had at least 5 so far on the ice) and I have also torn ligaments in my ankle. I'm not quite 16 and I was wondering if it would be too late for me to switch over to ice dance and still be competitive in it. I cannot give up skating all together because I love it too much, but the jumps are really hard on my body. Competiting is my favorite part of skating and if I am too old to start ice dance and be competitive in it, I'm not sure if I'll make the switch. I have been taking ice dance lessons for the past year or so and have passed all of my pre bronze compulsory dance tests and one bronze compulsory dance test. I will also be testing another dance soon. I have passed my Juvenile moves test and will be taking the Intermediate test in less than a month. I want your honest opinions, do I have any chance at being a competitive ice daner?
2007-07-26 08:52:23 · 11 answers · asked by x_ice_artist_x 2 in Sports ➔ Winter Sports ➔ Ice Skating
With your injuries (especially about the concussions), I can see why you are thinking of alternatives to freestyle skating. A concussion is not to be taken lightly - especially when you've had it several times. They say with each one you are more susceptible to another . . . too much brain trauma can add up. What does your doctor say about it? Everyones healing experience is different. It is a hard call as you have to take the risks into consideration.
As for switching to ice dance, I don't think it is too late. You've already taken dance for about a year, so I would think you pretty much know whether you are into ice dancing or not. Your concern is whether you can be competitive in it or not . . . of course you can! But certainly it will take A LOT of training to get you where you want to be . . . pass all those tests and eventually look for the right partner! The foundation you already have in skating should be a plus . . . ice dance as passionately as you did with freestyle skating!
I thought this was interesting. An article with tips about how to become an ice dancer as a teen - competing and possibly "making it"! (The author wrote it for an 18 yr old!).
http://figureskating.about.com/od/icedancingandpairs/ht/icedancer.htm
Best of luck to you!!
2007-07-27 12:43:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you really like ice dancing, this is a fine change to make and yes, you could be competitive if you focus on it solely. It will even help your freestyle skills tremendously, as you probably know. However, you have a lot of ground to cover in order to catch up to your peers who are most likely at a higher level than pre-bronze/bronze dance.
My bigger concern would be that you consider ice dance as something to "settle for" because you can't do freestyle safely. You'll be competing against other skaters who LOVE ice dancing. If you hate ice dancing, you'll be miserable as a competitor and it will show in your skating as well as your results.
You could take a break from freestyle for a few months, which will give your body a chance to heal, and focus on passing as many dance tests as possible. That will also give you time to choose.
Think long and hard about this changeover. Best of luck.
2007-07-26 09:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by JustMe! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is a wise choice to switch to ice dance. My instructor had pain for 2 or 3 years and then had surgery because of landing wrong when she jumped. It is never too late to switch to ice dance. You can meet lots of people and it is a higher skill level and there is a lot of competition so then you have a lot more practice. Great Job on the skating I am on freestyle 6 and I have finally landed a Axel!
2007-08-01 03:18:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as it being too late to switch over to ice dancing and doing it competitively I think that you could do it. I would suggest focusing mostly on ice dancing if that is something that you think you would like to do. I know how hard it can be with all of the injuries involved with skating, and risking your health for it isn't the best thing to do...I've had to take almost the lest 2 years off due to injuries and problems that I've had with previous knee surgery that was suppose to fix the problem with my knee. Good luck!
2007-07-29 13:25:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, in ice dancing, you have to do jumps too. But the question is, Is ice skating your passion? Because if it truly is, you wouldn't stop, no matter what consequences. Hey, falling is part of the learning proccess. I think that you should stick to freestyle skating, and maybe pursue ice dancing as a "side".
Maybe you can change your diet or work out more often.
2007-07-27 10:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by MeowMeow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ice dance is a great sport, its in the same field and it doesnt involve jumping. but there is only one, extremely important part that really matters. u have to love what u do, and feel a passion for it. u love competition, but u will have to love and feel the passion in ice dance in order to succeed. if u dont feel a heart to heart connection with it, quit, because having the ability wont make u succeed. for example, debi thomas. amazing skater. but the world found out at the '88 Olympics, when she failed to rise up to the occassion and gave up because she had no true love for the sport she was competiting in, and fell short of confidence. similiarly, if u change, research the sport, and watch videos to make sure u know what u are getting into. and then, one day, ull feel. this anxiety to get on the ice and ice dance. to feel the passion burn because u want to ice dance, no matter what happens. another example is that i live in the middle east, where there are no ice rinks. none. i love figure skating, particularly ladies singles, but there is no way i can compete. but, i have hope that one day, i will get on the ice and try my best. everytime i watch i video, i yearn for it. and i hope thats what u feel for ice dance too. but if u dont, and u want to go back to singles, go for it! follow ur heart, it has the best answer.
2007-07-27 04:13:33 · answer #6 · answered by Bumble 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I´m 18 and starting ice dance you are not too old.
2007-07-30 03:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont see why not ! Your freestyle experiance should help at least some. And your only 15 so you have a few years at least :).
You could wear a protective headgear for practicing. There are lightweight stuff made for cyclists and skateboarders that protect from impacts.
Your coach for icedance could give you a better opinion.
2007-07-26 09:15:19 · answer #8 · answered by mark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, i think its never too late to start something new. Do you want to compete doing ice dance?
well anyway, theres competitions that are for any age.so dont ever get worried about the age .
2007-08-01 21:35:59 · answer #9 · answered by amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ice Skating is an awesome exercise and definitely worth your health. It will get you into excellent physical shape.
2007-07-28 00:36:10 · answer #10 · answered by Louise Smith 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋