Artistic Enhancement

    Music Selection
and Editing

    Artistic Interpretation
and Choreography

Music: 

There is nothing more integral to an athlete’s success then, when utilized in their sport, the choice of music.  As Leonore Kay, a specialist in skating music, states in Beverly Smith’s book Talking Figure Skating, “Music is a universal language, a magical tool that has to appeal to an audience the moment they hear it.  However, it also has to appeal to the athlete.” 

At USA Center our faculty is selected for their ability to work with athletes in a way that capitalizes on their strengths and “works with” their weaknesses.  They also assist the athletes and coaches choose music that will elicit inner feelings from the athlete. Whether it is joy, sadness, or the love of a particular movie, composer or singer, an athlete’s performance will be stronger and they have a greater chance of “moving” the audience and judges if it comes from “the heart”.

As Leonore Kay also stated, “If you heard that music would you stop and listen? Or would you go and get a hot dog? It’s my job to make sure the fans stay ‘fastened to their seats.’ ”

Choreography:

“Choreography is not just smiling for the judges”, said Ellen Burka, who created choreography for many champion ice skaters including Elvis Stojko, and who created the short program and part of the long program that helped Dorothy Hamill win the 1976 Olympics.  Don’t forget the fingers,” Hamill discusses Burka telling her, in her autobiography “On and Off the Ice”.  “The hands. The arms, Feel the music in every part of you. Let it flow out of your fingers.” 

As with music selection, the challenge for any choreographer is to find the strengths of the athlete and “lift them up” while down – playing any weaknesses.  Again, in her book Talking Figure Skating, Beverly Smith states that “portraying emotion is an elemental function of choreography.  Without it choreography seems flat and lifeless.” 

At the same time, no athlete’s program is complete without adherence to all the requirements of the individual sports.  Working closely with the athletes and the coaches requires dedicated individuals who love what they do, and a sometimes difficult and exhausting effort.  However, when it all comes together and you see the tears in the eyes of the audience, hear their laughter, or even better, see the huge smile on the athlete’s face, it all becomes worth it.

For more information or questions, please feel free to contact us.