Book Description
Figure skating is one of the most popular spectator sports in the U.S., yet it eludes definitive categorization. In this engaging new book, Ellyn Kestnbaum examines figure skating from multiple perspectives: as sport, as performance, and even as spectacle, guiding the reader through both the technical aspects of skating and the sometimes convoluted rules of figure skating competition. By careful readings of skating events at the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Games, she argues that figure skating is a language, one whose meaning is inflected by the culture at large. In particular, she looks at the ways in which race, social class and gender all disrupt, subvert or reinforce the practices of figure skating, and examines the influence of the media in shaping perceptions of the sport. As a skater, skating fan and scholar, Kestnbaum brings a unique point of view to this study, providing not only a history of the skating world but also a feeling for what it is like to be on the ice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

hmmm....
An adequate and fair history of the art of figure skating from its origins to the present. One aspect I found troubling was the book's committment to viewing the art through the eyes of feminist "gender identity" theory. I'm not sure what an introduction to post modernist feminism contributes to a book about figure skating.
Another shortcoming is the author's occasional fade into modern academic jargon that borders on gibberish. Consider the following gem of a sentence from page 259: "The conflicting codes of both "feminine" objectification and "masculine" agency in the person of the same skater provide a potentially empowering tension in symbolic identification with a position that is neither purely powerless nor purely powerful, blurring the either/or dichotomy of a structialist reading into an androgenous both/and." What is missing here is basic writing skill.

I really bought this book for the picture of Michelle Kwan on the cover, Still I learned a fair amount about the art of figure skatingfrom reading it.

Figure skating gets the respect it deserves
_Culture on Ice_ is the first skating book I have bought in more than two years.It is also the first skating book where I actually learned something in every chapter and started to think about skating in ways that hadn't occurred to me.

Even though it's an "academic" book, its contents and message appeal to skating fans universally.The first two chapters are heavy on theory and may present some difficulty for those unfamiliar with academic theories of meaning, but they're worth sloughing through.(I think you could even get away with skipping them if you really can't get through the language.)Chapter three onward should be relatively smooth sailing for any confirmed skating fan with the caveats that the language is academic and the sentences are long.

The research is meticulous, and the chapter notes are full of exciting hidden gems of amazing detail.The technical appendix and suggestions for further reading alone would be worth the cover price for anyone looking to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the sport.

_Culture on Ice_ is successful as a work of theory, a work of history, and an appreciation of all who contribute to figure skating.Kudos to Ellyn Kestnbaum for taking figure skating beyond coffee-table-book status and establishing a framework for future critical analysis of the sport. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on February 19, 2006. The length of the article is 695 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Ice skating meet has something for all.(Sports)(Some youngsters have big dreams while others just want to have fun)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: February 19, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: C1

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Axels, salchows, and the Dutch Roll
My sister and niece both figure skate competitively, so I figured it was time to learn something about their sport."Ice Skating" by Dan Gutman is a good beginner's book with lots of memorable quotations, although even I know that his description of a `death spiral' is incorrect:

"The couple originated the `death spiral' spin---the one in which the lady is held by her legs [sic] and spun in a wide circle so her head nearly scrapes the ice."

This book was published in 1995 and contains short biographies and color pictures of some of the skaters (mostly but not entirely American) who were popular back then, including Michelle Kwan, Christopher Bowman, Scott Hamilton, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

One of my favorite biographies is that of Dick Button, who is pictured as an earnest young man in a flying sit spin.I have always loved him for his acerbic commentary on the TV ice skating championships, but he was first and foremost a top skater, and the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating.(He also used to have a full head of hair!).I had always thought Button was famous for his spins, but he also introduced many new jumps, including the double salchow, the double loop, the double flip, the double lutz, the double axel, and the difficult triple axel (which some men still have problems performing, including the current world champion).

The author spins a sprightly history of ice skating (mainly figure skating), starting with the unfortunate Swiss skater who tumbled through a hole in the ice and drowned some time around 3000 B.C.This accident preserved for posterity the first primitive pair of bone skates ever discovered, although historians believe the people of Finland were actually the first to don skates.

"Ice Skating" is a quick, enjoyable read for those of us who would like to learn more about this graceful sport.

Figure Skating Sensation
Gutman has written a clear, concise book about figure skating.It has biographies on today's skaters, skating history and wonderful photos (both black and color).It has lists of competitions and their winners.However, you may want to read something a little more recent.But it's still a great read!

Don't bother!
I got the feeling that this book was hastily put together to cash in on the popularity of figure skating.There is an unbelievable amount ofincorrect information!Don't waste your money on this one!My recommendation for a great book to give a child on the subject of skating is "Boitano's Edge".The information in this beautiful book is accurate, inspiring and fun.

Very good info.loaded with interesting facts & trivia .
Is just as informative to adults as adolescents as both an outstanding introduction and detailed insight into figure skating.Gutman has virtually every sentence count and wastes few, if any words, in this succinct book.Touches a little of everything only to fire your interest even more.Probably best for countless engaging facts and trivia.Difficult to imagine another book on skating where you can learn any more in the same number of pages.American translation: Lots of fun to read. ... Read more

Book Description
Gain the inside edge on winning competitive events! In Artistry on Ice: Figure Skating Skills and Style, former Olympic silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan shares the knowledge she has gained from years of performing at the highest levels of the sport.

Artistry on Ice: Figure Skating Skills and Style gives you an in-depth look at advanced techniques for jumps, spins, and freestyle moves in addition to body alignment and refining footwork, music, and expression. It shows you what it takes to excel from the perspective of one of figure skating's champions.

Four chapters are devoted solely to competition, covering the music, choreography, costumes, and other elements to create the ultimate performance. Also included are renowned trainer Igor Burdenko's insights on physical preparation for powerful and fluid skating.

From triumphs over personal tragedy to her superb performance under pressure in the 2000 Goodwill Games, Kerrigan prevailed against many challenges during her 20-year career. Now she teams with former competitive figure skater and professional instructor Mary Spencer to share the insight that will take your skating to the top. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Resource for Skaters!
Nancy Kerrigan, two-time Olympic medalist, has written a book for skaters full of tips and advice that she has learned and used during her years as a Senior skater. Nancy states in the introduction, "Artistry on Ice is not focused on the early fundamentals...[it] is intended for intermediate to advanced skaters...and includes tips for sharpening their competitive skills". However, even beginners will benefit from the many tips and land and water excercises featured in the book to develop strength for skating. This book features clear instructions and full-color photographs covering nearly every aspect of intermediate and advanced skating, including all kinds of jumps, spins, essential skills like spread eagles and spirals, competition, partner skating, off-ice training, and more. Also, you will find thousands of hints and tips for performing various skating movements that have worked for Kerrigan herself. Plus, a whole section of the book is devoted to competition, covering cosutmes, music, choreography, and bringing it all together. This book is full of practical advice and will help all skaters reach for that shining star!

Insightful Guide for Figure Skaters
This book is full of useful tips for beginner and intermediate skaters. I found it to be clear and concise. The photographs illustrated specific moves well. I have been figure skating since I was a tot and am now an adult -- this book helped to clarify specific techniques which had previously been elusive. I found the chapters on other forms of skating very interesting as well. ... Read more

Book Description
The finest figure skaters in the world make their sport look so graceful and simple. Those who have tried to learn and coach figure skating know that it is not easy. In The Complete Book of Figure Skating, author Carole Shulman combines her vast experience as a former competitive skater, a Master PSA instructor, a professional figure skating judge, and the current Director of the Professional Skaters Association to cover every aspect of the sport with clarity and expertise.

Shulman describes the proper techniques for more than 100 skills, from stops, stroking skills, and freestyle moves to turns and footwork—including ice-dancing techniques, spins, jumps, and pairs skating techniques. Also included are advice and guidelines on choosing equipment, conditioning your body, and creating competition programs that will score high marks with the judges.

This book is an essential guide to participating and excelling in the sport. Whether you're a skater looking to develop your technique or an instructor seeking for innovative coaching methods, you'll find it in The Complete Book of Figure Skating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Figure Skating -
I was disappointed in the book because I wanted it for a new young figure sakter, and I was anticipating more pictures -- this book is very technical and for older skaters.

Not enough detail, some crucial typos
This is a much more visual book than Petkevich's, which has detailed verbal explanations that take a bit of effort to visualize.Unfortunately, some of the pictures in Shulman's book leave large gaps between frames, and it's hard to tell how to get from one position to the next.

There are some editorial or proofing mistakes that really hurt the book.Figure skating spins and jumps are done in one direction (counterclockwise for most, clockwise for some) that the skater chooses early-on in their training.Shulman explains this, and the fact that her directions are for counterclockwise spinners and need to be reversed by clockwise spinners.Unfortunately the picture and directions for the one-footed spin are backwards, and describe a *clockwise* entry and spin when all the other spins are written for counter-clockwise skaters.This will be very confusing for a begining skater who has no coach of their own!

In one or two other places a picture is reversed (mirror image), which again can be very confusing if you're trying to learn on your own and don't know that there's a mistake in the book.

There is a good section on modern off-ice strength training, including periodization.

Overall I'd recommend this book *in conjunction* with Petkevich's book: both have gaps that the other complements.And of course there's no substitute for a real coach!

Excellent book for both parents & skaters
I agree with previous reviews.This is an excellent book for both skaters and their parents.It not only provides detail information and graphics about each move and jump on ice, but also give a good advice on how important it is for off ice training and passion of the sport.

Great Book for Skaters
This is a great book for any figure skater! It gives you tips on moves and tells you step by step how to do them. It gives instruction on the basics, freestyle moves, spins, jumps, footwork, and pairs skating. It also gives you tips for just starting out. It highlights popular figure skaters for their specific moves (example: Lucinda Rue for her spins, Scott Hamilton for his footwork, ect.). It is a great book for any skater of any level or age.

You Need this Book!
This is one of the best books about figure skating available. It is an excellent guide for figure skaters who want to improve their skills and a good coaching reference. Many photos and step-by-step instructions provide information for learning turns and footwork, spins, jumps, freestyle moves, basic moves, and pairs. Also included in this book are information on choosing skates, warming up, types of figure skating, fitness and strength, and more. Plus, there is helpful information on choosing music and costumes for programs. This book is a wonderful, helpful reference for all figure skaters and coaches. ... Read more

Book Description
Gold medal–winning skaters always have a beginning and I Love Skating! takes you there. Readers meet 5-year-old Anastasia and join in the fun she has on the ice. Anastasia may be young, but she has enough talent and enthusiasm for a skater twice her size!

Just in time for the Olympics! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Its okay but there are better books out there
Its a cute little book. I bought this the same time i bought I am a Skater about Emily Hughes. The other book is way better and my 4 year old enjoy it more. She rarely wants me to read this one to her.

Terrible
Terrible. Chose some random girl -why? Kids are more advanced at this age if they are interested. Nothing special. Like to see a book on a true young talent early on.

My Daughter Loved This Book ...
My seven year old daughter is in her third year of figure skating and really loved this book.The elements that little Nastia is working on are the same ones my daughter is doing, so she thought it was great to compare!She also loved the appearance by Emily Hughes.

A Really Cute Book!
My 2 year old actually picked this one out herself. The pictures are real pictures of little 5-year old Nastia and it follows her into the rink and at various competitions. The wording is a little above my toddler so I improvise but she LOVES this book! I recommended it for anyone with little girls. It's darling. ... Read more

Book Description

Figure skaters are jumping higher, skating faster and pushing artistic and technical boundaries like never before. Figure skating is one of the most popular events at the Olympic Games, with millions more watching on television around the world.

Everyone who watches the events and follows the champions will welcome this book, which contains the very best breathtaking photographs taken at ringside at the world's greatest competitions including the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics.

Complete with detailed profiles, statistics and the exciting stories behind today's figure skating stars, Figure Skating Champions is an exciting look at today's biggest figure skating stars including:

• Michelle Kwan
• Sarah Hughes
• Elvis Stojko
• Todd Eldredge
• Jamie Salé and David Pelletier

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Less interesting than it could have been
This was ... pretty good ... but kinda like the little girl with the little curl. Where it's good it's really interesting. Where it's bad it just ... dull.Some sections the author goes into a lot of detail about skaters and events.Other sections read rather like a biblical geneology. "Jane Jones won in 1936 and Sue Smith won in 1937 and Mary Martin won in 1938 and 1939." Tell us MORE about Jane and Sue and Mary. What were their performances like? Who was the competition?

Skaters who were neither world nor olympic champions, even if their stories are interesting and they've made a major impact (i.e., Paul Wylie) barely rate a mention.

Many of the photos are posed shots rather than action photos, making it hard to picture what the events might have been like.

I did find it very interesting to read about synchronized skating and adult skating. (Having a friend who is involved in both, but knowing little about it, it was very enlightening.)

Well-written history without being sappy
This book will go over the heads of most skating fans and the author admits it.He even says that most books about figure skating fall into the category of "juvenile literature" because that's who's interested in them.

That said, it's a wonderful history of the sport - back to caveman days! - and goes into the story of things many people don't know about now, like school figures, or bat an eye at, like non-white skaters.The photos at the back are fascinating to look at because of the changes in clothing styles and the sport's transition from winter-only to year-round in the 1960s.There is also a chapter on skating teams, including foursomes, a phenomenon almost unique to Canadian skaters, with a bizarre picture of two men and two women doing a simultaneous death spiral.It looked, um, kinda kinky.The section on adult skating - competitive or not - was fun to read as well.Its participants range from late teens to seniors.

Little is said about scandals other than the infamous Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan thing, but the AIDS epidemic's impact on male skaters, a huge percentage of whom are gay, is hinted at simply because of the large number of men who died too young in the 1980s and 1990s.There is also a section on the plane crash that killed the entire 1961 U.S. skating team, their coaches, and some of their relatives, and led to the cancellation of that year's world championships and destroyed America's lead in this sport for many years afterwards.

I found it was not a book that I could just sit down and read, other than the chapters in the front, but rather looked things up in the index and went from there.

Enjoy!

Long overdue...a perfect 6.0
This is a brilliant book -- and sorely needed one for afficionados of the sport.At last -- a serious, scholarly, up-to-date history of figure skating!The book traces the history of sport (the development of skates, positions, moves, etc.) from its earliest days in the Middle Ages when skating was a practical way of getting around in Nordic countries, through the first skating clubs in Elizabethan England and its rise in popularity in the 19th century, and, especially, 19th century America.The book is well documented, with footnotes and photos of all the important figures (there's even a picture of St. Lydwina -- the Roman Catholic patroness of skaters!)It gives a descriptive accounts of figure skating moves (jumps, spins, spirals, school figures, etc.) and how they developed along with their inventors; it also focuses on innovators of the sport who may not have won any championships and the development of the scoring system.It is all-embracing in its approach describing the sport as found in Europe, the Americas and the sport's recent surge in Asia.It also includes an appendix with tables of all winners (up to the year 2005) for World, European, Olympic and various oher championships.There are photographs of every world and Olympic champion -- a nice added extra, as it helps reveal how much the sport has changed through the past century.This book is for those who are serious about the sport, follow it closely and are interested in detailed accounts of figure skating as a competitive sport with a noble history, and as entertainment -- qualities unique to skating.It's a terrific book -- and it's about time! ... Read more

Book Description
Written for young readers and featuring lots of glossy photos, The Best on Ice is a behind-the-scenes look at skating's most famous stars. This is also a book about the hopes and dreams of champions, and how their amazing inner strength and perseverance helped them overcome obstacles on their way to the top. Whether they dream of one day becoming champions themselves or just enjoy watching competitions, kids will be inspired by these real-life stories of today's skating superstars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great read for all skating fans
This Book was fantastic, I bought a copy for myself but aftertaking it to the local rink it was discovered that more than one copywas needed.This book was filled with quality pictures of all the popular skaters (great if you want to copy a costume) Ifound this book a great read, and the kids love the pictures. This book isdefinitely worth its price. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes figure skating, the skills needed for it, and ways to compete. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for pre teen girls
This book is part of a great sports series for pre teen girls. The writer Heather is very cute! ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published in London 1927. The illustrated contents include: Where to Go - Equipment - Ski-ing Tests and Clubs - Ski Touring - Avalanches - Racing on Skis - Curling - Figure Skating. Etc. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is, at best, a collection of news stories
This "bio" which was obviously hastily churned out right after the 1994 assault on Nancy Kerrigan, doesn't tell the reader anything that hasn't already been printed in news stories. It's doubtful that the writers even interviewed anyone in the Harding camp; for instance, they repeatedly refer to her mother as LaVona Golden, when the woman doesn't even use that name. A shameless attempt to cash in on the scandal. ... Read more

Book Description
From its beginnings in Europe to the contemporary skating scene and the stars of the 1998 Winter Olympics, here is a fascinating look at a sport that keeps growing in popularity. Skating fans will be captivated by the sport's history, its memorable moments, its fashions, its jumps and spins, and much more in this comprehensive, entertaining book with over sixty striking photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for any serious figure skating fan.
The book is well written with a clear historical perspective including information about how the equipment has changed over the years, something you often don't find in other skating books. There are also dozens of finequality pictures. This book would make a wonderful addition to any skatingfan's library as well as a fine gift choice. A perfect 10! ... Read more