Have you ever wondered how figure skaters and ice dancers are tested? What types of tests skaters have to take? How judges evaluate skating tests? What is involved in running a skating test session? Well, you’re in luck because my Garden State Skating Club is hosting another winter test session and you can come by to observe and learn.

Skaters are evaluated by US Figure Skating’s standardized testing program in which skaters are required to test in order to advance to the next higher level (pls see my post dated May 6, 2018 for more detailed info). My club is scheduled to offer moves in the field, freestyle, and dance tests of all levels from beginners to gold and senior. You get to experience an official skating test session and see how skaters and their coaches prepare for tests on-and off- the ice on test day, what skaters wear for their tests, see where judges sit and how they assess the skaters, and observe the joys (and hopefully little to no disappointments) when skaters complete their tests. The most important thing to remember when observing a test session is that you must remain very quiet at all times such that the skaters and judges are not distracted. So if you are at all curious in learning what a skating test session is all about, then you should definitely come out and see the many difficult tests skaters have to take to advance. You will be sure to learn a lot.

GOOD LUCK TO MY FELLOW SKATERS WHO ARE TESTING!

A THANK YOU SHOUT OUT …

…to my long-time coach and mentor, Ken Foster, and two-time European bronze ice dance medalists and the 2004-2010 British national ice dance champion, John Kerr. Coach John traveled all the way from Florida to step in as my dance test partner and with only two days of practice, he not only helped me pass my compulsory GOLD dances but helped me earn a ‘Pass with Distinction’, the highest level of test achievement bestowed upon by the judges.

I’m now a US Figure Skating TRIPLE GOLD MEDALIST!

A HUGE THANKS AND MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO COACH KEN & JOHN!