eventsBYGARY

May 26, 2008

Whew! The three performances for the Canada Ice Dance Theatre earlier this month were very well received. We all enjoyed the whole process immensely and look forward to having the opportunity to work on and develop the piece still further.
It looks like my next “event” will be the HBC 10k run here in Victoria on July 1st. Hopefully I can improve on the forty-five or so minutes that it took last year. Shouldn’t be a problem if I train hard to establish rhythm, balance, and breathing and then rest up properly leading up to the run. I must remind myself that knowing what to do and having the discipline to prioritize and implement the plan are not the same thing. There are undoubtedly gaps and flaws in my knowledge of the best way to prepare for the event, but they do not compare to the tendency we all have to ignore the knowledge we do have.


Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Arbutus Club - Vancouver BC Canada

What a gratifying success my two days in London were last week! As always seems to be the case with new skaters whom I haven’t worked with before, I was very well received and felt I made a very positive impact. I enjoyed many kudos for my efforts. Quite rewarding! I shared a few thoughts about my technical method as well as many creative ideas. My very hospitable hostesses, Karen Shook and Wendi Ross didn’t leave an organizational stone unturned.
I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping while I was there. I bought some very classy and showy masks as part of the costumes for the premiere performance of a new ensemble piece that Ron Vincent, director of the Canada Ice Dance Theatre, has commissioned. The cast includes my wife Deena, as well as Linda Gilmour, Heather Hanna, and myself. We are using the track KATOUMBA in its nine-minute entirety off DJ CHAMPION’S CHILL ‘EM ALL CD. It is turning out to be a lot of fun to put together. Hopefully the pleasure will transfer to the audience! We will skate in Vancouver at sold out shows for school children on the morning of April 25 as well as at the Arbutus Club on the afternoon of April 26 for a small audience and for cameras.
Anyway, my sprained ankle is healing up well to the point where I was able this week to do my first double axel in about two months. I am looking forward to the performances.

Just letting you know, if you happen to be visiting at the moment, that I was gratified with very good feedback from the workshop TURNING ENERGY INTO ART that I conducted this past Tuesday as a guest of Scarboro Figure Skating Club's Cheryl Richardson. Hooked up with Beth Woronoff and met her husband and apparently my fellow rebel, Tim. Happy birthday, by the way, Tim! Don't forget that I am your senior, even if only by a few weeks! Beth skates so beautifully and has such a concept brewing with her acadamy there in upstate New York. She was the bellwether in getting tickets to the National Ballet's modern program, including Rolling Stones tunes in ROOSTER. Brilliant choreography and execution! Gripping. Stimulating on many levels.
Also caught up with my sister Carolyn and her family while in Toronto. She continues to inspire me with her strength of spirit.
I am getting ready now for the Racquet Club of Victoria's PETER PAN ON ICE. I am on the bill with Shawn Sawyer, a very gifted and unique performer I'm sure you agree. I am looking forward to it even though a few minor injuries are keeping me Earthbound more than usual. I once heard Celine comment that she often sings best when she is burdened by a cold because she goes to a deeper place to bring out the performance. I am depicting Captain Hook to Styx's "Born for Adventure". I plan to indulge in some serious drama and trickery.
Rob and I are still plugging away at our project. Hope to have the opportunity to make it huge, (or at least have some fun in the process!)
Anyway, check in every week or two for updates, and skate smoothly.
Also hope you appreciate the first of regular intellectual thoughts which I share for your curiosity and delight in FACTS AND FEELINGS! Feel free to e-mail me with comments.
Gary Beacom