dan hollander productions
loop diagram with blade radius.jpg

So You Wanna Know

Learn the inside tips and tricks of skating

So You Wanna Know...

Beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho

Beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho

…how to choose an instructor that is right for your skater?

…how to get into a skating show?

…how can skating help pay for college?

…what are the judges really thinking?

I will try to crush many of the myths out there in the world of skating and answer any question you might have.  Email me, “So you wanna know,” at:  Dan@DanHollander.com

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Do my skates fit? When to use rentals or buy my own? Where to buy figure skates?
Do my skates fit? When to use rentals or buy my own? Where to buy figure skates?
When do I add private lessons when enrolled in group classes?
When do I add private lessons when enrolled in group classes?
How often do I sharpen my skates?
How often do I sharpen my skates?
How to maintain your boots and blades?
How to maintain your boots and blades?
How to pick an instructor?
How to pick an instructor?
How to pick a blade and a good sharpener?
How to pick a blade and a good sharpener?

Picking a good person to sharpen your skates is a MUST! Unfortunately, it is hard to find out who is good, and who is really ruining your equipment. I have heard a coach say, “oh I always use this person,” and know for a fact that sharpener ruined at least 3 pair of blades in one summer.

What Producers are looking for?
What Producers are looking for?

Have you ever wondered what producers are thinking when they receive a résumé and DVD from a skater looking to get hired?

How to dress for a test?
How to dress for a test?

he first thing to consider is what will make your skater feel the most comfortable? Second, consider this asa job interview. Make the judges feel you are there to take things seriously.

How to do a loop?
How to do a loop?

Your blade has a big radius in the middle, and gets smaller as you go towards the toe-pick. Glide on the back of your blade for a big circle,

How to map out a good show/competition program?
How to map out a good show/competition program?

This is a tough skill for whatever reason. We see too many programs that have all the spins in the same place, or both lutz jumps in the exact same spot.

How to do a loop?

First you need to know the definition of a radius:
The measurement from the center point of a circle to the outside of a circle.
Your blade has a big radius in the middle, and gets smaller as you go towards the toe-pick. Glide on the back of your blade for a big circle, and the very front for a small circle. Consider the the diagram below from sections 1 – 4 going from a big radius to a small radius (or big circle to a smaller circle).

No matter what loop you are doing, rotate your arms and shoulders in the direction you are going.  Increase your knee bend and pressure to the ball of the foot towards to toe as you proceed into the loop.  You stay on the #4 position on your blade which creates a perfect circle between the 1/3 and 2/3 mark.  At the 2/3’s mark of the loop, or the MM (Magic Moment see diagram below) you unwind your shoulders, rock back to the number 1 position on the blade, and rise out of your knee – just like coming out of an edge pull.
Free leg position:
Front Loop:  Starts behind, swings in front at the MM
Back Loop:  Starts in front, swings behind at the MM

Dan Hollander