Fundamentals of Alignment & Classical Movement for Figure Skaters

Originally published in 2006, this internationally acclaimed workbook has been a staple for skaters, coaches and off-ice trainers alike. Anyone interested in how the fundamentals of body work affect movement training will benefit from this easy yet in depth read. Available in print for the first time on Amazon! Who is this book for? A - Adult figure skaters: To help skaters learn how proper body alignment, placement and good breathing techniques should feel within their own bodies and how to take that technique into any lesson both on and off ice; to help skaters not to simply copy movement but to create within themselves a conscious awareness of the importance of moving with intelligence, freedom and deliberate control from the inside out; the "mind- body" connection; to stimulate creative thinking and exploration of their own movement patterns within the context of good skating technique and artistic expression. B - Coaches: To help increase awareness as to how applying the biomechanics of human movement to both artistry and technique from "the ground up" will benefit every aspect of their teaching and coaching; to identify what benefits their skaters should be receiving particularly from their off-ice dance classes, and to help provide a cohesive learning environment for their skaters by reinforcing these principals during their on-ice lessons; to use the technical as well as the creative methods in this book to help spark the coaches' own creative forces. C - Dance Instructors: To bring an awareness of the special needs of figure skaters taking their classes. Edges and velocity make a difference in body placement and the particular feel of a movement; to recognize that whether the dance instructor is teaching at the rink or the dance studio, skaters primarily need to grasp origins of movement, musicality and the "Whys" of correct movement technique respecting the differences between the two forms. Featuring: Over 90 precise and clearly explained exercises illustrated with over 400 color photographs demonstrated by: Cloe Albiero, former student with the Paris Opera Ballet; Kimmy Geddie, Director of Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio's Conservatory of Classical Ballet, and Principal Artist with The Willis Ballet; Caroline Lee Pak 1988 U.S. Nationals Novice Gold Medallist, figure skating coach and Pilates instructor Beautiful watercolors of elite figure skaters by artist Sarah S. Brannen Technical and artistic illustrations by Mary Gainer Additional professional photography by: Sarah S. Brannen, Kathy Goedeken, Dina Makarova, and Rhonda Wiles Reflective and analytical workbook questions with blank note pages provided