The Direct Linkage of Skating to Ballet
Did any of you watch the US Figure Skating Championships (“Nationals”) a few weeks ago? I’m not sharing any spoilers here, but I wanted to comment that Nathan Chen was amazing. In an issue of Skating Magazine last year, Nathan shared that he has been taking ballet since he was a child.
Frankly, I am not surprised. His posture, extension and arms are exquisite. When he skates, it’s like ballet on ice.
I’ve shared with you all that I started taking ballet lessons too. My hope is to improve my presence on the ice.
I admit that at times, it’s hard to understand how certain ballet elements translate to the ice. However, I came across this article recently that shares a direct link from ballet elements to skating elements.
For example:
- A tendu to degage in ballet directly translates to stroking in figure skating
- Sous sous in ballet equate to jumping in skating
Take a look at the article. I found it extremely fascinating and shared it with my ballet instructor so she could understand the parallels between our two sports.
Definitely agree that ballet is useful not only in choreography but also basic movement and alignment on the ice. I hope the dance lessons are fun as well as helpful in building up your program elements, Eva! I’ll look for those classic positions in your videos!
Author
Ballet is so difficult! But what’s even more difficult is trying the ballet movements on ice. The graceful positions are much easier on land because you’re not gliding on a slippery surface! 🙂
I’ve seen a video of Nathan Chen as a young danseur. The ballet link you provided is very useful, it looks like it might have some connection to Detroit Skating Club. Makes me wish I could take ballet class there.
Author
Nathan was such a cute little dancer! I hope to be as graceful as him some day. Ballet is definitely helping me stay flexible and I can tell my balance has improved too.