June 27, 2010
Hello everyone and welcome to a new season!
A lot has happened since my last post so I’m going to try and share all of that with you. First I’m going to reveal my music choices. My short program is to Suite No. 3 and Hérodiade by Jules Massenet. My long program is to the Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from the ballet Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian.
The short program was much easier easy to choose than the long. We had actually cut three different programs with other music before deciding upon this version Spartacus. One music selection was too delicate and the other was too frantic.
Then, Lindsay and I had worked together to cut a version of Spartacus that we weren’t exactly thrilled with. Because of this we decided to enlist the help of music extraordinaire Lenore Kay. We described my skating and sent her a video of my skating for her to get a feel of the type of skater I am. She asked if I could skate to a “big adagio” which is ironic because I skated to a “big adagio” (Sleeping Beauty) for my short program last year and absolutely loved it. She gave me a couple of options and we decided to go with Spartacus. She gave me a musical arrangement purely from the Adagio that is different than any other that I have ever heard. It is fantastic.
We combined both music selections with excellent choreography from Jodie Tasich whom I have used for three programs now (short program 2008-2009 and both programs 2009-2010). The programs are very different from one another. The short is full of attack and power and the long is relaxed and passionate. I think it is a great combination that is going to be very successful for me this year.
As you can all imagine, I was very disappointed not to be given an initial assignment for the Senior Grand Prix series this year. I had tried to prepare myself for the worst case scenario, but I had a really good feeling that I was going to get something. It was a big shock to me to be completely honest. I know I’ve only had one season of international experience on the junior level, but it was a successful season. However, I am still hopeful that I will be assigned to the final Skate America slot. That would be a great experience for me so let’s keep our fingers crossed that I will be able to represent the United States in Portland!! I am also hoping to be assigned a Senior B event. We asked for the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany which occurs in late September. This very prestigious event would be a great chance to debut my new programs internationally.
Because I wasn’t assigned to Senior GP, I have decided to compete both programs at Skate Detroit in order to further my chances of getting that Skate America slot. If I can put out two solid programs I feel like I can really help my cause. My biggest obstacle is the fact that I only finished the choreo on my long two weeks ago. I usually have several months to prepare for my first competition and now I’m only going to have several weeks. It will definitely be challenging, but I’ve been working really hard to increase my stamina and make sure my debut at Skate Detroit will be successful.
I have also moved out on my own. I’m renting an upper floor flat that is exactly 12 minutes from the rink and 15 minutes from my new school, Wayne State University. That is much nicer than the hour long car ride that I had while I lived with my parents!! I’m surprised that I’m actually able to manage living on my own. I thought it was going to be much more difficult but I think I’m doing a pretty good job! It’s a new adjustment but since I made the change at the end of May I have enough time to get used to it before the season really gets underway.
Finally, I’m also announcement my intent to compete at Collegiate Nationals. The competition this year is in Lansing, Michigan which is about an hour and a half from my house. Considering the expense wasn’t going to be too great we decided it would be another good opportunity to get in front of a panel of judges with these new programs. I’m excited and hopefully I can add the title of Collegiate National Champion to my resume. :)
So I think that is all for now. Thanks for reading!
Grant
