Working with a Real Celeb!

Last Friday, Jill Shipstad was at our local rink, Skatetown in Roseville, CA, to work with skaters on their programs and to develop an adult ensemble number for ISI Worlds. 

I had the distinct pleasure of working with her during which time she made changes to my "Passion of the Christ" program that are so simple and yet incredibly impactful. 

Jill, whose father founded the Shipstads and Johnson Ice Follies, is a wonderful, gracious woman. She is down-to-earth, lovely (inside and out) and explains things in a way that you can instantly understand and apply them. For example, when doing a Mohawk, use your arms in a ballet way to emphasize that this is more than just a way to turn around. I did it the first time and "Presto!", not only was the move easier, it was elegant. 

She really *gets* my emotion for this program and her suggestions were great. I will skate today and put them into practice. Have another session with her this Friday to finish the work on "Passion" as we didn't get all the way through it. Can't wait!

I could not resist posting this picture of Jill some years ago when she was skating with the Follies. Believe me, she is just as beautiful and adorable now as she was then. It was truly an honor to work with her, although I was very nervous. When I first skated my program for Jill to see, Coach told me I was "over-trying." She was right, I know. Once Coach left and Jill and I were working together, I relaxed a bit, but couldn't help but think that she is used to working with very high level young skaters and that I was completely out of my league. That said, I loved every minute of being with her and listening to her suggestions. She never once made me feel that I wasn't up to her standards or that I was just an adult skater trying to eek out some measure of performance. She is one-in-a-million. 

As I am wont to observe, "Onward!"