Blog > August 27, 2006

I hope everyone had an eventful summer. I don't know where the time went. It seemed like the JGP was months away and now I'm leaving tomorrow! I'm really excited to see the beautiful city of Budapest.

In June, I skated in my club competition, Skate St. Paul, where I debuted my two new programs. What a great feeling to finally share what I have been working on all year! I was very satisfied with how I skated in both events and I received a positive critique from the judges.

My short program is a beautiful, emotional piano piece by Maksim Mrvica entitled Hana's Eyes. From the second I heard it, I knew it would take a lot of growth to pull it off, but I've accepted the challenge, and have been pushing myself to mature to the music's level.

My long program couldn't be any more different! Skating to the haunting music of composer Danny Elfman, I shift gears from the lyrical SP to the stylized nature reminiscent of my Addam's Family SP from the 2004-5 season. The major musical cuts include: Tales from the Crypt, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice.

I love both programs and enjoy showing two different personalities. I designed my FS costume from the initial concept right on through the details, and it was amazing to see my sketches come to life.

Now a month later, I am ready to leave for Hungary! I have been training really hard this summer, and feel confident heading into my first Junior Grand Prix. Of course I'm eager and a little bit nervous, but who isn't? I arrive on a Tuesday, and the SP isn't until Friday so I'll have two days to get adjusted. I return home on Labor Day and … uh … start school the next day, as if I'll be awake ;)

Thanks to everyone for sending so many nice e-mails my way! I truly appreciate it. I hope you all have a relaxing Labor Day weekend and please cross your fingers that my skates arrive. I'll update after I get back.

~Eliot