Christina - Lattes and Lutzes

Say hello to the butterflies – it’s nearly competition season

by Christina | Oct 13, 2024 | Skating Essentials

As competition season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve learned over the last two years as an adult figure skater. It took me a couple of seasons to truly understand how to prepare in a way that leaves me feeling confident, composed, and ready to give my best performance. Here’s what I’ve discovered about strategizing for competition:

Training for the Unexpected

Competitions rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s a delay in the schedule, unexpected ice conditions, or a shortened warm-up—learning to adapt is essential. When I first started competing, I was amazed by skaters who could step onto the ice and be fully ready for their program in six minutes or less. I assumed some people were just naturally good at it, while others weren’t. While that might be partly true, I now understand that a lot of practice goes into creating a warm-up routine that works for you. Training for the unexpected, like skating on unfamiliar ice or at different times of day, builds flexibility and resilience. I’m also much more deliberate in how I do my program run-throughs (more on that here). For example, I almost always complete the full program with all elements, no matter how rough it’s going, to practice recovering after a mistake.

Practicing the Warm-Up and Practice Sessions

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of practicing both my competition warm-up and on-ice practice sessions. Knowing how to maximize the six-minute warm-up or 20-minute practice session is crucial. These are very compressed sessions, with many skaters all trying to do the same thing at the same time—stressful, to say the least! I also keep a mental checklist of the must-do elements for warm-up, with extras to cover if there’s time. This is especially important at my level, where those six minutes aren’t guaranteed! As competitions approach, I try to dedicate a bit of time each week to simulating the short, 20-minute practice time that’s often available. I set clear goals: warming up all spins, jumps, and footwork, plus completing two run-throughs within that 20-minute window.

Getting on Different Ice at Different Times

Changing up my routine by skating at different rinks and at different times of day helps me prepare for the unpredictability of competitions. It allows me to get comfortable with various ice surfaces, temperatures, lighting, and even how the rink is oriented—things beyond my control but that can impact performance. I’ve even heard of elite skaters who practice their six-minute warm-up, get off the ice for 30-40 minutes, and then return to run their long program. This simulates what top-level skaters experience when they perform last in their group. If someone like Yuzuru Hanyu practiced this, I certainly shouldn’t skip it!

Creating a Season Plan

One of the biggest changes I’ve made is developing a season-long plan. Rather than treating each competition as an isolated event, I now view the season as a progression. I start by mapping out major competitions like Sectionals and Nationals, then work backward, adding local competitions and rest periods. I also take into account busy periods at work when scheduling competitions. My goals for each competition aren’t based on scores or medals (which I can’t control), but on personal milestones—like adding a new jump, hitting a level on a combination spin, or simply staying focused during a new program. This season plan helps me stay focused on long-term goals, while recognizing short-term wins and staying flexible.

Upping the Off-Ice Game

Off-ice training has become a key part of my strategy. It’s not just about skating anymore; it’s about building strength, flexibility, and mental toughness off the ice. Incorporating strength training, stretching, and mindfulness practices has improved my performance and helped reduce injuries or lessen their severity.

These strategies have been game-changers, not just for my technical skills, but for my mental approach to competing. Heading into this season, I feel more prepared, yet ready to make adjustments as needed.

If you have any tips for preparing for competitions please share them in the comments.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

How to Create the Powerful Impact of Ice Shows

by Christina | Oct 5, 2024 | Conversations

Are ice shows just something to do once the competition season is over? What is the impact on audiences of non-skaters? And what really goes into producing one of these events? I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Vigorito—coach, choreographer, show producer, and former competitive skater—to discuss the unique influence of ice shows on both audiences and skaters alike.

The Art and Sport of Ice Shows

One of the first topics we explored was the duality of ice shows as both art and sport. According to Brad, ice shows have the power to expose the beauty of skating to new audiences. “It exposes our sport in a way that highlights not just the athleticism but the artistry,” Brad shared. “You see skaters performing their hearts out, not just for judges but for the joy of entertaining a crowd. It’s very different from competition.”

Unlike competitions, where the focus is on technical elements and scores, ice shows give skaters the freedom to express themselves artistically. Audiences are treated to a range of emotions—from comedic acts to powerful, emotional performances. And as Brad emphasized, “Judges are audience members too, but audiences pay to be entertained. They want to feel something.”

Finding Growth Through Shows

For skaters, ice shows provide a unique opportunity for growth. Brad explained that shows allow athletes to explore new styles, step out of their comfort zones, and experiment without the pressures of competition. “When I was competing, we had our season from May to January. After that, I always had shows lined up, and I used them as a way to test new music or choreography,” he said. “Some of my best programs started out as show performances.”

Brad encouraged skaters to take full advantage of these opportunities. “Don’t just see shows as a way to make money or fill time. Push yourself to try something different. You never know where it will lead.”

Social Media and Show Selection

As the conversation shifted toward how skaters are chosen for shows, Brad highlighted the importance of self-promotion in today’s digital age. “Social media has become a huge tool for skaters. You need to be your own advocate,” he explained. In his days as a skater, it was mostly up to coaches to promote their higher-level athletes, but now skaters can directly connect with producers and fans through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Brad also touched on the criteria used for selecting skaters for some shows, such as the Frog Pond events in Boston, which he co-produces. “We use a black-and-white system based on competition results, but as a producer, I also want to see that the skaters take the show seriously. It’s my job and reputation on the line.”

The Magic of Performing Live

One of the most compelling parts of the interview was when Brad discussed the energy of performing live, particularly in outdoor settings like the Frog Pond. “There’s nothing like it,” he said. “I remember skating in outdoor shows, and it was snowing so heavily we could barely see each other. But looking up at the sky, performing under those conditions—it’s magical.”

However, outdoor performances come with their own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to the pressure of performing after being off the ice for hours. Brad explained that in shows, skaters often don’t have the luxury of traditional warm-ups, and they need to be ready to perform in less-than-ideal conditions. “You don’t see skaters doing their hardest tricks in shows because they’ve been off the ice for hours. It’s about staying professional, keeping warm, and delivering an entertaining performance.”

The Challenges of Producing a Show

As a producer, Brad has seen firsthand how much work goes into creating a successful ice show. From structuring the program to dealing with unpredictable factors like weather or budget cuts, producing a show is no easy task. “You want to catch the audience’s attention at the beginning and end, with strong opening and closing numbers,” Brad explained. “But you also have to balance high-energy group performances with solo acts and ensure everyone skating feels valued.”

Brad also emphasized the importance of accessibility in choreography. “You want to create something that everyone can participate in, whether they’re a beginner or an advanced skater. Simple moves, when done well, can be incredibly powerful.”

The Future of Ice Shows

As our conversation came to a close, Brad reflected on the future of ice shows and the challenges they face, particularly in the post-pandemic world. Audience engagement has been difficult to regain, and issues like music copyrights have made it harder to livestream or share performances. “We’re so fortunate to have social media and YouTube, but it’s still harder every year to get the sport the exposure it deserves,” he said.

For Brad, the beauty of ice shows lies in their ability to make skating accessible and relatable to everyone, not just elite competitors. “Shows are the one place where audiences can connect with the skater, feel something, and be amazed. That’s why I’m passionate about keeping this tradition alive.”

Ice shows are more than just performances—they’re a platform for skaters to grow, for audiences to fall in love with the sport, and for the magic of skating to be shared with the world. As Brad Vigorito aptly put it, “It’s a feeling that goes beyond gold medals. It’s about creating moments that last a lifetime.”

How to pumpkin power your power pulls, it’s pumpkin spice season

by Christina | Sep 21, 2024 | Mind & Body Balance

Okay, pumpkin spice fans, you win! This post is a little more latte and a little less lutz, but you need to fuel those skating sessions right? Until now I have been resisting the urge to dive into fall flavors, especially with the beautiful weather we’ve been having here in the Northeast. But this week, I caved and went full-on pumpkin spice while planning some healthy snacks for the week ahead. I’m happy to report I found a couple of seasonal favorites!

First Find: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate

If you’re like me and need an afternoon pick-me-up but don’t want to overdo it with sugar and caffine, this product is a perfect. Enter: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate. I was skeptical at first—pumpkin spice can sometimes be overpowering—but this one strikes the perfect balance. Mixed with plant milk (I used almond milk for an extra boost of calcium and protein), it’s a deliciously smooth fall-flavored treat. A subtle hint of spice, no sugar crash, and no guilt!

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Recipe – Thanks, ChatGPT!

My second fall-inspired find actually came with a little help from AI! It’s not very often skaters have the opportunity to turn to technology for solutions but I thought this was a fun way to test out the power of artificial intelligence. Previously I scrolled by an oatmeal and pumpkin cookie recipe on Instagram but couldn’t find it again when I was ready to bake. So, I asked ChatGPT, to create a healthy cookie receipe and gave it a few ingredients to use as a starting point.

These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are easy to whip up, nutritious, and made with whole ingredients like rolled oats and pumpkin puree. They’re sweetened with natural maple syrup or honey and can be customized with dark chocolate chips or raisins for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 ½ cups rolled oats
¼ cup (or less depending on your taste) maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ cup dark chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
1 egg (optional, for binding)
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Enjoy your healthy cookies!

Embrace the Pumpkin Spice Vibes

If you’ve been hesitant to jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon as I was—these finds make it worth it. The cold brew concentrate is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up, and the healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies are a great snack to power you through the day. Let me know if you give either of these a try!

Is a Triple Axel Required? The Truth About Skating for Fun

by Christina | Sep 14, 2024 | Mind & Body Balance

Why is it that when you tell someone you figure skate, they immediately ask, “Can you skate backwards?” “Do you have a triple axel?” or “Are you going to the Olympics?” If you answer “no” to the last two, you’re often dismissed with, “Oh, so why do you skate?” It’s curious how being involved in a niche sport seems to demand expertise to justify your participation. Yet, if a friend told me they cycle, I wouldn’t ask, “Is your bike carbon fiber? Did you do a century ride (100 miles) this weekend? What’s your best finish in the Tour de France?”

Why does figure skating seem to require top-tier expertise and competitive success to be viewed as a valid pursuit? Here are my thoughts, and I’d love to hear yours.

The Fragments We See

First, only the highest levels of figure skating are shown to the general public. The skaters you see on TV are at the national or international level, and if you’re watching on a major network, you only see the top finishers—the top 1% of the one-percenters. This is quite different from sports like hockey, where you watch all teams, whether winning or losing in their divisions.

Hockey fans can follow their teams weekly during the season. Players have standout moments and times when they aren’t at their best, but that’s part of the bigger picture. In figure skating, only the top competitions get televised, and just a handful of skaters represent their countries internationally. As a result, you may only see an elite skater 3–4 times a season, magnifying the importance of each performance.

Big Jumps or Bust?

Unlike sports where outcomes are straightforward—like whether a puck enters the net or a sprinter finishes in a specific time—figure skating has a complex judging system. Currently, it often emphasizes technical difficulty, giving the impression that it’s “all about the jumps” or that judging is unfair. While figure skating has experienced judging controversies, the current IJS system strives to balance all elements in a program, including spins, jumps, footwork, and presentation.

Since jumps are the most visible element, commentators often focus on them, leaving some viewers puzzled by the rest of the program (such as footwork sequences or spins, which are anything but filler content) or why one skater outscored another. Non-jump elements rarely receive attention in competition broadcasts.

Perfection Isn’t a Goal

When athletes from other sports discuss their goals, they usually sound like: “I want to run a 6-minute mile” or “I’m focusing on defense.” You wouldn’t hear a baseball pitcher say their goal is to pitch a perfect game—it happens, but it’s extremely rare.

So, why do figure skaters feel pressured to achieve a specific score (something they can’t control, as different judging panels weigh deductions differently) or skate a “clean” program? While it seems reasonable, a clean program depends on how your elements are going during training, how you feel on the day, and whether the technical panel agrees with your version of “clean”—given they have slow-motion replays.

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

When we watch elite athletes, it’s easy to forget that their success took years of hard work and perseverance. Even when commentators make it seem like someone “burst onto the scene,” the reality is different. If you follow figure skating, you’ve likely heard of Nathan Chen, aka “The Quad King,” but he too started with basic moves and small jumps.

Malcolm Gladwell popularized the “10,000-hour rule” in his book Outliers, suggesting it takes around 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill. Let’s do some math: if you skated 10 hours a week for 20 years, you’d hit roughly 10,000 hours—enough to be considered an expert.

The Most Improved Swimmer Award

Remember this award from summer camp? One camper would start the summer scared to dive off the dock, but after weeks of hard work, they’d be rewarded with a trophy for their progress. If you were that kid, I bet you kept that trophy long after others were forgotten because it symbolized dedication and effort.

Why can’t we apply this mentality to figure skating? The focus could shift to achieving personal milestones—logging practice hours, mastering a specific jump, or performing your best at a competition—and letting the results fall as they may.

“Success in figure skating doesn’t have to be defined by podium finishes. It can be as simple as mastering a move you’ve practiced for weeks or simply enjoying time on the ice.”

So, if we replay the conversation from the beginning, it might go something like this:

Can you skate backwards? Yes.
Do you have a triple axel? No, but I’m working on my lutz.
Are you going to the Olympics? Unlikely, but I’m enjoying every moment of my skating journey.

Glitz and Glam: Expert Tips for Program Hair & Makeup

by Christina | Sep 7, 2024 | Conversations

I recently sat down with Tori Bland of VLB Beauty—a hairstylist, makeup artist, show and film SFX artist—to discuss her take on creating program hair and makeup looks that last. Here’s what she had to say:

Tips for Mastering Program Hair & Makeup

When it comes to figure skating, the contrast between everyday makeup and competition makeup is as striking as the difference between a quiet rehearsal and a spotlighted stage show. Everyday makeup tends to be more natural and subtle, often just a touch of bronzer and mascara. But for competition, figure skaters need to go bold—our stage is large, and the lighting is harsh.

For inspiration, I often look to the pros at national and world championships. Skaters at this level often create a full character with their makeup and hair, reflecting the intensity and drama of their skating program. Think of it as a more theatrical, exaggerated version of everyday beauty.

Drawing Inspiration Beyond Skating

While top-level figure skating performances provide a wealth of inspiration, I also draw from theater, fashion, and even the character of the music being skated to. For instance, if a skater is performing to something classic like Gone with the Wind, you might see them sporting spiral curls reminiscent of Scarlett O’Hara. Or, for something modern like a Star Wars-themed performance, space buns inspired by Princess Leia might be the an option.

Hair Challenges: From Character to Mood

When it comes to hairstyles, the skater’s character, music, and mood all play a significant role in determining the right look. If the music is harsh and intense, a structured, elegant hairstyle might be appropriate, balancing sharpness with a touch of softness. But remember, figure skaters aren’t just walking down a runway—they’re spinning, jumping, and moving at high speeds. So, durability is key.

That’s why there’s typically a lot of product involved. Think hair gel, hairspray, and more hair gel—enough to make sure every strand stays in place, even in a level 4 spin. For particularly challenging hair types, like a thick, heavy, straight texture that resists curls or fine blonde hair that needs volume, specific techniques and products are crucial. Setting curls overnight, using volumizing powders, or even creating the illusion of fuller hair with makeup products designed for that purpose.

Makeup for the Rink: Balancing Colors and Lights

The rink is a unique stage—bright, fluorescent lights reflect off white ice, creating a tough environment for makeup. To combat this, skaters need makeup that won’t wash out or look too harsh. Color theory plays a big role here. For example, the rink’s lighting could make everything look yellow; therefore, purple makeup can help neutralize that and provide a striking contrast. This is why competition makeup often goes heavier than everyday looks, especially with blush, to add warmth and avoid looking washed out.

Makeup and Hair for Young Skaters

When it comes to children, simpler is better. A little eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lip color can go a long way. Keep it fun and easy—using eye shadow sticks or fingers instead of brushes can make application a breeze. And when it comes to glitter, whether on the face or in the hair, the key is to ensure it stays put. Products like glitter gels or strong-hold setting sprays can help lock everything in place.

Making It Last: Products and Techniques

For long-lasting makeup, layering is essential. Start with a good base—like concealer all over the eyelid, which acts as a primer—and set everything with powder and setting spray. For competition-level durability, brands like Half Magic, known for their vibrant, performance-ready formulas, can make all the difference.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring a touch-up kit. Small, compact products are perfect for on-the-go fixes, especially between events. Remember, a well-prepared skater is a confident skater, and that confidence shows on the ice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes I see is the lack of effort in hair and makeup. Skaters who show up with just a ponytail and eyeliner miss out on the opportunity to enhance their presentation. Remember, figure skating is an artistic sport—how you look on the ice affects not only how you feel but also how you perform. A polished appearance boosts confidence, which in turn can improve your performance. And yes, judges do notice!

In the end, the effort you put into your hair and makeup is as much a part of your performance as the jumps and spins. So, take the time to perfect your look, and step onto the ice with the confidence that you’re going to slay it out there.

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