Interpretive program advice?

[The Accordion]

I am thinking of doing my first interpretive program and testing it this season. I have been mostly working on my dances for many years but thought I would try doing this as well.

I am wondering if anyone has any advice?

I haven't done spins in a while and they now make me really dizzy. Can I get away without them or should I go back to working on them? Are there any particular field moves you would recommend working on? Unfortunately I am not super flexible! Haha!

Anyhow - any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[overedge]

@The Accordion What music are you using?
IMHO you'll enjoy the process more if you choose something that you can show some creativity with, rather than just acting out the lyrics.

 

[The Accordion]

I haven't even chosen music yet - though I was toying with the idea of Fatboy Slim - haha! I've had a lot of ideas through the years and just not had the courage / time / determination to make it happen.

 

[overedge]

I haven't even chosen music yet - though I was toying with the idea of Fatboy Slim - haha! I've had a lot of ideas through the years and just not had the courage / time / determination to make it happen.

I say go for it - it can be a lot of fun. And if Fatboy Slim turns your crank, do it!

IME the main things judges are looking for are a variety of moves that express the music. When I say "variety" I mean E. G. changes in direction, slow and fast, high and low, big and small - demonstrating contrasts, not just monotone (if that makes sense). Showing timing and musicality are also super important. And the moves should also demonstrate strong basic skating skills like good edges and control.

One important criterion too is that it shouldn't look like a free skate program with the jumps taken out.

Re spins, most people I've seen do at least a small one, but only if it fits with the music. But you usually don't see the long multi position spins that you do in free skate. Same thing with jumps -I've seen fantastic interpretive programs with no jumps or with only a single waltz jump.

 

[Shyjosie]

That sounds so interesting, I've played with the idea of doing an interpretive program, too.
When you go for a competition with it, what level will it be? I'm asking because AFAIK, whether you need to do a proper spin or not depends on the category/level you are competing (e.g. Adult Championships in Oberstdorf and Vancouver).
Maybe, if you practice spins regularly, you will become steady without getting too fast as to not make you dizzy - but the more you practice, the more you get used to it anyways, so maybe in a couple of weeks, getting dizzy won't be an issue anymore.
overedge is right, it can be so much fun! Interpretive programs allow you to do all these beautiful elements like spirals, Ina Baurs, rockers, the process of creating it is the best part IMO... I'm not flexible either, but I love the spiral. So I try to keep to a straight, steady position with my free leg as high as possible. I often practice the spiral and the sitspin positions at home, and it really gave my legs some strengh.
Please keep us updated about your program!

 

[The Accordion]

Thank you so much for your time and advice! In answer to the question re level- I was just planning to do the tests - not compete!

 

[treesprite]

I was not aware that there are tests for interpretive category.

 

[overedge]

@treesprite There are in Canada.

 

[treesprite]

I see. Too bad it isn't done in the USA.

 

[The Accordion]

Whoa - I did not know that they you cannot test interpretive programs other places!

 

[icebergAshley]

I haven't even chosen music yet - though I was toying with the idea of Fatboy Slim - haha! I've had a lot of ideas through the years and just not had the courage / time / determination to make it happen.

Do the Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice"! I can see this done on ice.

 

[icebergAshley]

I haven't even chosen music yet - though I was toying with the idea of Fatboy Slim - haha! I've had a lot of ideas through the years and just not had the courage / time / determination to make it happen.

Weapon of choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ7z57qrZU8