Pictures offered by Natasha Griffin
On this Solo Q&A, be taught extra about Natasha Griffin, a senior ice dancer from Nice Britain who completed third on the 2024 Unicorn Trophy and the Solo Dance Worldwide in Finland.
Once I was 3 years outdated my dad and mom took me to observe a Ice Skating present at our native ice rink round Christmas time. I used to be completely amazed by the present, so after that I stated to my dad and mom that’s what I wished to do, and I wished to be taught to ice skate! At that time we didn’t ever think about that it will result in the place it has now- which is kinda loopy to suppose!
When and why did you select to do solo dance?
I began Solo Dance in 2019 after I had injured my ankle on a skate camp overseas! Earlier than that I solely competed in free skating as on the time my coach didn’t consider I ought to do ice dance as properly, however as a consequence of my ankle damage I began ice dance because it meant I used to be in a position to return again to the ice sooner! Throughout the first 12 months of doing it I had determined I didn’t take pleasure in free skating anymore and solo ice dance is what I wished to do! It was an entire new world of skating to me as I actually loved the inventive and creative aspect of it that I by no means had in free skating. I bear in mind my first solo dance programme I assumed can be very easy as a result of there have been no jumps and fewer spins- however I received to the tip and realised how a lot more durable the programme was to get via!
What do you want most about Solo Dance? What sort of music to you prefer to skate to one of the best? Why? The factor I take pleasure in probably the most about solo dance is unquestionably the efficiency aspect of it- and the liberty of motion you may have throughout a programme! I like skating to enjoyable, upbeat and dramatic items of music! Since I used to be youthful I’ve at all times picked sturdy and quick music as that’s what has at all times fitted my skating type and character one of the best. Nonetheless, I do actually take pleasure in skating to tango type music too. This 12 months, I did resolve to problem myself by skating to one thing a slower dramatic pierce of music for the primary half of my free dance- which has actually helped me develop as a skater and I’ve actually loved it too.
Inform us about your coaching web site. (Location, services, dance mates, lessons, coaches, and so forth.)
Nearly a 12 months in the past I made a decision to start out coaching in Sheffield within the U.Okay. I Dwell within the South nearer to London and we commute 3-4 hours drive each week to get to Sheffield for training- as we determined that’s the place I needed to be for me to proceed to develop as a skater. On the rink we now have a health club throughout the street so after coaching we’re in a position to go straight throughout to the health club for off ice coaching later within the day- which is nice! On the rink I’ve a crew of coaches that work with me on ice and in addition to off ice.
Who choreographed your applications. What do you want greatest about dancing them?
My programmes had been choreographed by my head Coach Yebin Mok. I like the enjoyable type of my RD choreography and my favorite half is the beginning of my PST the place I do a skid cease on 1 leg leaning backwards! After we first choreographed this it was scarybut now it’s considered one of my favorite components! In my FD we had plenty of enjoyable choreographing the 2nd music of the programme- within the choreographic steps- enjoying round with utilizing the barrier and a flooring part too! It’s undoubtedly considered one of my favorite components of my free dance now!
Solo Dance is now a world self-discipline this season? Share your ideas about this variation. When this was first introduced, I couldn’t consider it. It has undoubtedly been lengthy overdue although. This season I’ve actually loved travelling to different nations assembly different solo dancers from different nations! I can’t wait to see the place this self-discipline goes sooner or later!
In skating, what are you most trying ahead to this season? What can be your greatest problem(s)?
This season it was my first season transferring up into seniors after competing in juniors final 12 months, so my greatest problem was having to step it up into seniors into a much bigger and far harder class. This season I used to be trying ahead to having the ability to journey and compete in a number of nations because it was a totally new expertise.
What do you suppose makes solo dance a particular self-discipline?
Solo dance is particular in its personal way- it’s not only a pathway for skaters on the lookout for a companion it means you don’t should skate with a companion if you wish to do ice dance which I believe is nice because it makes the game extra inclusive to everybody.
Should you may have a lesson with any ice dancer previous/current, who wouldn’t it be? Why?
I might like to have a classes with Madison Chock as I simply love the way in which she skates and the move of motion she has in her applications, and each motion she creates a transparent lovely line.
What are your favourite off-ice actions?
Once I’m off the ice I actually take pleasure in going out for lengthy walks with my canine. As I don’t get to spend as a lot time as I’d prefer to with my canine so I actually take pleasure in having the ability to take him out!
