On this Solo Q&A, study extra about Bella Danic, a U.S. ice dancer who competes within the novice solo mixed occasion. Images by Melanie Heaney.
My skating journey started once I was eight years outdated. I began in study to skate and fell in love with the game. After I was 9, I began driving right down to Arctic Edge for freestyle classes with Lisa Kirby and Ann Barr. I used to be a freestyler earlier than I turned an ice dancer. One factor that drew me to the ice was getting to specific myself on the ice and performing for folks. After I step on the ice I really feel at dwelling. One particular reminiscence I’ve is once I made it to Solo Dance Finals for the primary time. I used to be in Utah competing and gained my first dance competitors! I made it to Nationals that day.
When and why did you select to do solo dance?
I selected to do solo dance in 2021, however I actually began to compete in 2023. I selected to do solo dance as a result of I fell in love with ice dance and I didn’t really feel prepared for a companion however I nonetheless needed to compete. Solo Dance was an ideal alternative to point out my love for ice dance and to compete in it.
What do you want most about Solo Dance? What sort of music to you wish to skate to the most effective? Why?
One factor I like about Solo Dance is that you simply get to do a free dance the place you get to determine your individual music and your individual style of skating. My favourite sort of music to skate to is upbeat jazzy music. This 12 months I’m skating to Girl Gaga and Madonna so it’s actually enjoyable to specific myself and dance!
Inform us about your coaching website.
I practice at Arctic Edge Coaching Heart in Canton, Michigan and in addition on the Ann Arbor Ice Dice. My head coaches are Greg Zuerlein and Dean Copely. I’m part of the Solo Dance Benefit and I additionally practice with Michigan Ice Dance Academy. I additionally work with Charlotte Maxwell for choreography.
Who choreographed your packages. What do you want greatest about dancing them?
Charlotte Maxwell choreographed my free dance this 12 months. She is a good choreographer and she or he actually helps me to inform a narrative once I skate. Most significantly she helps me to take pleasure in my packages. My favourite factor about my program is my Choreo Step as a result of I actually get to make use of a whole lot of expression and I get to bop.
Solo Dance is now a world self-discipline this season. Share your ideas about this variation.
I believe it’s actually thrilling that solo dance goes worldwide! I believe it’s an effective way to develop the game and this self-discipline of skating to a complete new space. I hope that it’ll proceed to develop and increasingly folks get into it.
In skating, what are you most trying ahead to this season? What will likely be your largest problem(s)?
One factor that I’m actually excited for this season goes to Solo Dance Finals and to carry out my packages on the largest competitors of the season! One among my largest challenges this 12 months was engaged on my mindset. I’m a perfectionist. Being within the sport of determine skating it’s very laborious to be good, just about inconceivable, so I’m studying methods to management that and to only have enjoyable once I skate.
What do you suppose makes solo dance a particular self-discipline?
I believe what makes solo dance tremendous particular is that you simply get to compete by your self and also you don’t must have a companion to compete. You continue to get to point out your love for ice dance by your self.
When you might have a lesson with any ice dancer previous/current, who would it not be? Why?
If I might have an ice dance lesson with any ice dancer I might select Tessa Advantage. She is such an ideal performer and she or he has very clear turns and deep edges whereas nonetheless performing. I’m additionally so fortunate that I get to take classes with the MIDA coaches. They’ve helped me enhance my dance abilities a lot. They’re all such proficient ice dancers!
What are your favourite off-ice actions?
My favourite off ice actions are spending time with my household and going to Northern Michigan. I additionally take pleasure in writing and studying.
Please share the rest you want to our readers to find out about you as a skater?
I took an opportunity and tried out for the Hockettes Junior Synchronized Skating Workforce and I made it! I’m loving being part of a excessive stage synchronized skating staff and my teammates and coaches are superb! I’m trying ahead to competing this season.
