Michael: <\/strong>I first put skates on when I was 4. They were hockey skates, and it was fun. But I wanted to learn how to do jumps, so by the time I was 7, I started taking freestyle lessons. When I turned 12, I began ice dancing and this is now my 4th competitive season.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n How did you get started in skating? Michael: <\/strong>When we were 4, my best friend Mike Bullister had weak ankles and his doctor told him that he needed to learn to skate. Mike and his sister Dana invited me to go along. They have since stopped skating, but of course, I stayed in it for the love of the sport.<\/p>\n What made you choose ice dancing? Michael: <\/strong>When I was 11, I spent 2 weeks training in the summer in Lake Placid. I stayed at Lysek\u2019s, a rooming house for skaters. Since there were 4 boys and a whole lot of girls, the girls decided to teach me how to ice dance. It was so much fun that I came back to Boston and started taking ice-dance lessons. <\/p>\n How long have you been skating together? Michael: <\/strong>My partner Susan and I are now in our 2 nd competitive season. We first skated together in April of 2006. We had a terrific first year as Juveniles and have really enjoyed working together to compete at the Intermediate level.<\/p>\n What is your favorite compulsory dance? Michael: <\/strong>My favorite dances are the Latin dances because you can put your own flavor into your performance and really stand-out. As far as the compulsories that we have competed so far, I liked the fast-paced 14 Step best. <\/p>\n What is your favorite dance element? Michael: <\/strong>Footwork! This element is said to be one of the most challenging because the intricate steps need to be very precise with your partner. <\/p>\n Who are your role models in skating? Michael: <\/strong>Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto are my favorite ice dance role models because they have been setting a new standard for U.S. ice dancers on the international circuit. I look forward to seeing what new surprises they have in store at every competition.<\/p>\n What do you like best about skating with your partner? Michael: <\/strong>Susan always has a positive outlook on life. She has a charming attitude that can put anyone in a good mood. We work very hard, but always have fun together.<\/p>\n What do you like most about training with your coaches?<\/strong> <\/em>Michael: <\/strong>I like Hilary and Justin\u2019s upfront attitudes. Whether we have a good or bad skate, they always push us toward our goal.<\/p>\n What is your favorite school subject?<\/strong> Michael: <\/strong>I love World History because I have a terrific teacher, Mr. Kaplan, who makes the subject very interesting. <\/p>\n What are your hobbies?<\/strong> Michael: <\/strong>I really enjoy all kinds of sports such as football, baseball, paintball, skiing \u2013both downhill & cross country, and working out at the gym. In addition, I play flute and piccolo in our High School orchestra, and I enjoy ballroom dancing.<\/p>\n Who are your role models (non-skating)? ![\"enrbram\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ice-dance.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/11\/enrbram.jpg?resize=215%2C270&ssl=1\")
When did you start skating and how long have you been ice dancing?
Susan: <\/strong>I started skating at age nine, and I started ice-dance two years ago, at thirteen. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>I got started in skating from watching my sister take group lessons. I was always bored watching, so my mom said I should try. I was nervous, but after my first lesson, I realized that this was what I loved! <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>I skated with Justin Pekarek, who is now my coach, to try to test my dances, and from the first time, I loved skating with a partner. It wasn\u2019t a tough decision to be more committed to ice-dance than free-style. Then, three local dance judges that I had at a dance test also encouraged me to choose ice-dance. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>We have been skating together for a year and a half. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>I don\u2019t have a favorite dance, all are challenging in their own way which I like. I look forward to starting the silver dances. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>Lifts and Footwork <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>I would have to say everyone that I skate with in Boston. The teams are great to look up to, and they always support us. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>The feeling of success when we work together to accomplish a new element, and talking and laughing to make what we do fun. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>It\u2019s great because they have two other teams, and we all hang out together on and off ice.<\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>Study, because I get to get my homework pretty much done, so then I can relax when I get home from a long day. <\/p>\n
Susan: <\/strong>Running, shopping, and hanging out with friends. <\/p>\n
Michael: <\/strong>My older brother Matt is my role model. He always knew what he loved (animation & special effects) and he wasn\u2019t afraid to pursue his dreams. <\/p>\n