INTERVIEW PAGE
Our first interview of 2019 is with professional ice skater Tippy Packard,who is currently appearing in the 75th anniversary show for Holiday On Ice,entitled Showtime.
What’s the best bit of advice you have been given?
Tippy-All good things come to those who wait.
What’s the first 3 things you pack when going on tour?
Tippy-Beside my skates......my stuffed bunny, curling iron and my face cleansing products
Can you describe yourself in less than 5 words?
Tippy-Happy. Sleepy. Hungry. Goofy. Loving.
Do you have a favourite jump or trick?
Tippy-Triple Salchow and butterflies
How did you get your role with Holiday On Ice Showtime?
Tippy-I was asked to be the Asian Beauty by Holiday on Ice in the early part of 2018.
What do you like to do when not ice skating?
Tippy-Eat! Sleep!
When and where did you meet Colin?
Tippy-I met Colin the beginning of 2017 in Berlin when he was on Believe.
What age did you start ice skating?
Tippy-I started skating at the age of 5.
What got you into ice skating?
Tippy-I was always dancing around the house and tip toeing around and my dad thought that ice skating was the perfect sport for me.
Who are your skating idols?
Tippy-Kristy Yamaguchi and Angela Nikodinov
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Tippy-Any BeeGees song can get me dancing
Tippy-All good things come to those who wait.
What’s the first 3 things you pack when going on tour?
Tippy-Beside my skates......my stuffed bunny, curling iron and my face cleansing products
Can you describe yourself in less than 5 words?
Tippy-Happy. Sleepy. Hungry. Goofy. Loving.
Do you have a favourite jump or trick?
Tippy-Triple Salchow and butterflies
How did you get your role with Holiday On Ice Showtime?
Tippy-I was asked to be the Asian Beauty by Holiday on Ice in the early part of 2018.
What do you like to do when not ice skating?
Tippy-Eat! Sleep!
When and where did you meet Colin?
Tippy-I met Colin the beginning of 2017 in Berlin when he was on Believe.
What age did you start ice skating?
Tippy-I started skating at the age of 5.
What got you into ice skating?
Tippy-I was always dancing around the house and tip toeing around and my dad thought that ice skating was the perfect sport for me.
Who are your skating idols?
Tippy-Kristy Yamaguchi and Angela Nikodinov
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Tippy-Any BeeGees song can get me dancing
OUR THIRD INTERVIEW OF THE YEAR IS WITH DANCING ON ICE PROFESSIONAL SKATER MATEJ SILECKY.
Favourite gymming exercise?
Matej-Biceps & abs - I already have a skater's butt & quads. haha!
Any other sports that you participate in?
Matej-My 1st choice these days is snowboarding, but I've done tons of other sports - swimming, soccer, archery, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, martial arts - pretty much everything except the US big 3 of American football, basketball & baseball - I don't play any of those!
What is the one question you dread getting asked?
Matej-How old am I? I never remember!
Matej-Biceps & abs - I already have a skater's butt & quads. haha!
Any other sports that you participate in?
Matej-My 1st choice these days is snowboarding, but I've done tons of other sports - swimming, soccer, archery, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, martial arts - pretty much everything except the US big 3 of American football, basketball & baseball - I don't play any of those!
What is the one question you dread getting asked?
Matej-How old am I? I never remember!
Whilst touring what one thing do you miss the most-eg-food tv shows etc?
Matej-I love doing shows, but have chosen those that aren't long tours to date.
Did you think for one minute you would reach the DOI final?
Matej-I never thought for one minute that Brooke & I wouldn't make the final! I was confident in Brooke's abilities - I knew she was capable of it. It was just a matter of time until she believed it too. Never listen to the naysayers!
Do you ever google yourself?
Matej-Actually, no - should I?
Matej-I love doing shows, but have chosen those that aren't long tours to date.
Did you think for one minute you would reach the DOI final?
Matej-I never thought for one minute that Brooke & I wouldn't make the final! I was confident in Brooke's abilities - I knew she was capable of it. It was just a matter of time until she believed it too. Never listen to the naysayers!
Do you ever google yourself?
Matej-Actually, no - should I?
Tell us a little about yourself.....
Matej-I'm often described as a bit of a modern-day Renaissance man, and I've never described myself as just a "skater." I think putting oneself in a box like that stifles creativity! So, I'm a skater, dancer, digital artist, filmmaker, musician, snowboarder, life-long learner, and so on. I'm proud to be a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley "GO BEARS!" Though all these interests might sound a bit flighty, most consider me pretty down to earth, realistic, but maybe a little bit crazy!
Take a look at www.babababeeskazala.com to learn about the documentary I've been working on, and follow me on Instagram @mbs_seaturtlepig and @kitsune_tale_productions for updates on the film and my artwork!
If you could choose your own celeb partner who would it be?
Matej-There is no question the best celeb partner for me is Brooke Vincent! Of everything on Dancing On Ice, the casting team that paired us up was spot on - kudos to them! Being partnered with Brooke pretty much made the show for me. But, if you're asking me to pick someone other than that, I pick Keira Knightley!
Any superstitions before entering the ice?
Matej-If I glide over a crack is that the same as stepping on one? Will it break my mother's back? I hope not!
No, I'm not superstitious at all - you do the work, you get the result.
Matej-I'm often described as a bit of a modern-day Renaissance man, and I've never described myself as just a "skater." I think putting oneself in a box like that stifles creativity! So, I'm a skater, dancer, digital artist, filmmaker, musician, snowboarder, life-long learner, and so on. I'm proud to be a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley "GO BEARS!" Though all these interests might sound a bit flighty, most consider me pretty down to earth, realistic, but maybe a little bit crazy!
Take a look at www.babababeeskazala.com to learn about the documentary I've been working on, and follow me on Instagram @mbs_seaturtlepig and @kitsune_tale_productions for updates on the film and my artwork!
If you could choose your own celeb partner who would it be?
Matej-There is no question the best celeb partner for me is Brooke Vincent! Of everything on Dancing On Ice, the casting team that paired us up was spot on - kudos to them! Being partnered with Brooke pretty much made the show for me. But, if you're asking me to pick someone other than that, I pick Keira Knightley!
Any superstitions before entering the ice?
Matej-If I glide over a crack is that the same as stepping on one? Will it break my mother's back? I hope not!
No, I'm not superstitious at all - you do the work, you get the result.
Funniest story from any show you have done
Matej-Hard to pick just one - I did do an outdoor show years ago when I was younger, and it was snowing like crazy. We ended up trying to skate through a few inches of snow which was fun!
What would you be doing if not a pro ice skater?
Matej-Pro snowboarding!
The one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to give ice skating a go?
Matej-When you first step on the ice, it's ...slippery LOL. I guess I'm getting a rep for saying this, but "Bend Your Knees!"
Bending your knees helps lower the center of gravity and also keeps your ankles nice and strong. It's super important to being able to push and get power off an edge.
Tightly tying your boots will also surely help - it's more important than many think.
Matej-Hard to pick just one - I did do an outdoor show years ago when I was younger, and it was snowing like crazy. We ended up trying to skate through a few inches of snow which was fun!
What would you be doing if not a pro ice skater?
Matej-Pro snowboarding!
The one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to give ice skating a go?
Matej-When you first step on the ice, it's ...slippery LOL. I guess I'm getting a rep for saying this, but "Bend Your Knees!"
Bending your knees helps lower the center of gravity and also keeps your ankles nice and strong. It's super important to being able to push and get power off an edge.
Tightly tying your boots will also surely help - it's more important than many think.
OUR INTERVIEW WITH MARK HANRETTY
Where in the world would you most like to perform?
Mark-My wife loves sun valley outdoor rink. I’d love to perform there and experience what she says is beautiful.
Any more learn to skate sessions after the one on the 29th April?
Mark-Fingers crossed if there’s sufficient interest.
How excited were you to perform in Scotland with the DOI tour? #proudScot
Mark-An absolute joy. The crowds were amazing and I felt so privileged getting opportunity to share my work with my parents!
Mark-My wife loves sun valley outdoor rink. I’d love to perform there and experience what she says is beautiful.
Any more learn to skate sessions after the one on the 29th April?
Mark-Fingers crossed if there’s sufficient interest.
How excited were you to perform in Scotland with the DOI tour? #proudScot
Mark-An absolute joy. The crowds were amazing and I felt so privileged getting opportunity to share my work with my parents!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Mark-Booja booja salted praline caramel ice cream!
What is the most endearing thing a fan has done for you?
Mark-I find it hard to realise I have fans. It’s incredibly humbling and flattering. I’m grateful for all the lovely messages and kind gifts we’ve been given. So touching and appreciated!
If not a professional ice skater,what would you be doing now?
Mark-I wish I’d started ballet too. I think I’d love to have tried to become a world class ballet dancer!
Mark-Booja booja salted praline caramel ice cream!
What is the most endearing thing a fan has done for you?
Mark-I find it hard to realise I have fans. It’s incredibly humbling and flattering. I’m grateful for all the lovely messages and kind gifts we’ve been given. So touching and appreciated!
If not a professional ice skater,what would you be doing now?
Mark-I wish I’d started ballet too. I think I’d love to have tried to become a world class ballet dancer!
It is obviously difficult being a family man and pro skater....does your family tour with you often and how do you balance work/home life?
Mark-Dancing on ice is a dream job for any professional skater. I consider myself so lucky to have has opportunity to enjoy this experience. The only downside is missing my family who I adore. Being a parent is my most important job and being absent from that for such long periods is really challenging. I take comfort knowing I’m providing them with the best life we can!
Would you encourage your children to become a professional skater and has Lucaz tried it yet?
Mark-I’m happy for my kids to skate if they want to. My wife and I are keen for them to do sport as seriously as we have. We love the discipline and dedication it brings. Lukasz has tried skating a couple of times and hopefully he’ll do more soon.
What one thing do you miss when touring assuming your diet is restricted?
Mark-I miss my family terribly. I also miss training my aerial silks. However I can’t complain because the tour life is a treat with fab hotels and delicious catering!
Mark-Dancing on ice is a dream job for any professional skater. I consider myself so lucky to have has opportunity to enjoy this experience. The only downside is missing my family who I adore. Being a parent is my most important job and being absent from that for such long periods is really challenging. I take comfort knowing I’m providing them with the best life we can!
Would you encourage your children to become a professional skater and has Lucaz tried it yet?
Mark-I’m happy for my kids to skate if they want to. My wife and I are keen for them to do sport as seriously as we have. We love the discipline and dedication it brings. Lukasz has tried skating a couple of times and hopefully he’ll do more soon.
What one thing do you miss when touring assuming your diet is restricted?
Mark-I miss my family terribly. I also miss training my aerial silks. However I can’t complain because the tour life is a treat with fab hotels and delicious catering!
The one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to give ice skating a go?
Mark-Try and book a lesson as early as possible. The knowledge will make your experience much more pleasurable and enjoyable.
Do you prefer commentating or performing?
Mark-Performing is such a buzz. I love it and hope to have more chances to perform in the future. Commentating is another great pleasure which I expect will last much longer than my performance career!
How did you get into doing silk work?And why that?
Mark-I want to perform but I don’t like being away from family. Silks offers performance opportunity for shorter jobs.
Mark-Try and book a lesson as early as possible. The knowledge will make your experience much more pleasurable and enjoyable.
Do you prefer commentating or performing?
Mark-Performing is such a buzz. I love it and hope to have more chances to perform in the future. Commentating is another great pleasure which I expect will last much longer than my performance career!
How did you get into doing silk work?And why that?
Mark-I want to perform but I don’t like being away from family. Silks offers performance opportunity for shorter jobs.
OUR INTERVIEW WITH ICE SKATING PROFESSIONAL HAMISH GAMAN
HE FIRST CAME TO EVERYONES ATTENTION IN JANUARY WHEN HE APPEARED IN THE HIT ICE SKATING SHOW DANCING ON ICE WHERE HE WAS PAIRED WITH OLYMPIC ATHLETE PERRI SHAKES-DRAYTON.
HE IS THE CHALLENGE CUP SILVER MEDALIST AND THE 2015 BRITISH NATIONAL CHAMPION WITH PARTNER CAITLIN YANKOWSKAS.IN SEPTEMBER 2015 THEY ANNOUNCED THEIR RETIREMENT FROM COMPETITIVE SKATING.
SINCE THE FIRST PART OF OUR INTERVIEW WAS PUBLISHED HAMISH AND VANESSA BAUER HAVE ANNOUNCED THEY ARE DOING A LEARN TO SKATE CAMP.......REGISTER ON WWW.THESKATECAMP.COM
Do you have any superstitions before entering the ice in a show or competition?
Hamish-My only superstitions are that I put my left skate on first and I always give my hands another spray of firm grip right before I enter the ice.
Have you always wanted to ice skate?And how old were you when you first started?
Hamish-Ice skating happened purely by chance. I was invited to a friends birthday party at our local rink when I was 14 years old and really enjoyed it so started going to public sessions once a week. It was only when I was 18 I started training full time, I made it on to the GB squad so decided to carry on and try make a career in skating. I switched to pairs when I was 19 as I was the right build and competed at Junior Worlds the next year.
The one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to give ice skating a go?
Hamish-Always wear a helmet in the beginning and find a coach or competent skater to help you if you feel you need someone to hold your hand. Skating is great activity for all ages so long as it's done safely.
How did you become interested in photography?
Hamish-I often perceive the world through a lens, so photography gives me an outlet to capture and remember the moments I see in my day to day life. I do all my photography with my iPhone, so I always have it with me to photograph something that catches my eye. This was something I really enjoyed about doing Dancing On Ice, as there were countless moments to photograph behind the scenes. You can see all my photographs by searching the hashtag behindDOI. I even got the opportunity to do some filming that made the final cut in skaters VTs on the show, this something I definitely want to do more in the future.
Hamish-My only superstitions are that I put my left skate on first and I always give my hands another spray of firm grip right before I enter the ice.
Have you always wanted to ice skate?And how old were you when you first started?
Hamish-Ice skating happened purely by chance. I was invited to a friends birthday party at our local rink when I was 14 years old and really enjoyed it so started going to public sessions once a week. It was only when I was 18 I started training full time, I made it on to the GB squad so decided to carry on and try make a career in skating. I switched to pairs when I was 19 as I was the right build and competed at Junior Worlds the next year.
The one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to give ice skating a go?
Hamish-Always wear a helmet in the beginning and find a coach or competent skater to help you if you feel you need someone to hold your hand. Skating is great activity for all ages so long as it's done safely.
How did you become interested in photography?
Hamish-I often perceive the world through a lens, so photography gives me an outlet to capture and remember the moments I see in my day to day life. I do all my photography with my iPhone, so I always have it with me to photograph something that catches my eye. This was something I really enjoyed about doing Dancing On Ice, as there were countless moments to photograph behind the scenes. You can see all my photographs by searching the hashtag behindDOI. I even got the opportunity to do some filming that made the final cut in skaters VTs on the show, this something I definitely want to do more in the future.
Assuming diet is restricted during a show/tour what one thing do you miss the most?
Hamish-I live a pretty healthy lifestyle so nothing changed with my nutrition. The hardest part would be finding healthy food options on days that involved a lot of traveling or when I was away from home. I'm not the best at making preparing food the night before.
Do any of the tweets you get ever make you blush?
Hamish-Massively, I don't think I helped the situation as I actively I encouraged people to tweet anything they wanted to say. People were so kind to me during the show, and their tweets always made me smile, chuckle, and even blush.
What is next on the agenda?
Hamish-I have returned to coaching as I was before Dancing On Ice. I have several exciting projects in the pipeline, but you will just have to watch this space for now.
Hamish-I live a pretty healthy lifestyle so nothing changed with my nutrition. The hardest part would be finding healthy food options on days that involved a lot of traveling or when I was away from home. I'm not the best at making preparing food the night before.
Do any of the tweets you get ever make you blush?
Hamish-Massively, I don't think I helped the situation as I actively I encouraged people to tweet anything they wanted to say. People were so kind to me during the show, and their tweets always made me smile, chuckle, and even blush.
What is next on the agenda?
Hamish-I have returned to coaching as I was before Dancing On Ice. I have several exciting projects in the pipeline, but you will just have to watch this space for now.
How did you become a professional skater on Dancing On Ice?
Hamish-I received a text from Mark Naylor, head coach on the show saying he had put my name forward to audition and hope I didn't mind, which of course I was thrilled to have the opportunity. I made it through the audition process and was lucky enough to be selected.
Did you enjoy doing your own choreography for the routines?Did you feel pressured as the weekend got nearer?
Hamish-I loved doing my own choreography myself, as I have my own style of creating movement and choreography. Rather than giving specific movements to Perri, I would encourage her to move with a certain type of energy or intent letting the movements develop organically and naturally for her. This took the pressure off on show days as the choreography was always comfortable and natural to skate. For me, choreography should flow for a skater and never be forced. Otherwise, the skater won’t connect with the movement and the routine won’t tell a story.
Honestly, my most significant pressure was during the week, as I had very limited hours with Perri due to her running and recovery commitments. What was so amazing about Perri is she was training for two sports at the same time, so I always had to be mindful to not over train her and to avoid a possible injury. I had to structure training so Perri felt comfortable with the routine so by the time the weekend arrived she was fully prepared and the pressure was off.
Which of the other ladies would you have liked to have been paired with?
Hamish-That's easy to answer, Perri! She will always be my first and only choice. I could not have asked for a better partner to be paired with on the show.
If you could choose your own celeb partner who would it be?
Hamish-Sarah Michelle Geller, she redefined TV storytelling and was a pioneer for strong female leads. How cool would it be to skate with a vampire slayer, plus I had a massive crush on her when I was younger.
Funniest story from behind the scenes?
Hamish-What happens in the Bovingdon Ice Palace, stays in the Bovingdon Ice Palace! No particular moments stands out as it was such a fun group of people there were laughs every day.
Describe yourself in under 20 words......
Hamish-.................Tall..................
Any plans for a brother or sister for Zana and Akira?
Hamish-Yes! When we adopted Zana, she wasn't spayed. So we are planning to have a litter of Pomeranians in the future so we could have two or three more joining the pack.
Hamish-I received a text from Mark Naylor, head coach on the show saying he had put my name forward to audition and hope I didn't mind, which of course I was thrilled to have the opportunity. I made it through the audition process and was lucky enough to be selected.
Did you enjoy doing your own choreography for the routines?Did you feel pressured as the weekend got nearer?
Hamish-I loved doing my own choreography myself, as I have my own style of creating movement and choreography. Rather than giving specific movements to Perri, I would encourage her to move with a certain type of energy or intent letting the movements develop organically and naturally for her. This took the pressure off on show days as the choreography was always comfortable and natural to skate. For me, choreography should flow for a skater and never be forced. Otherwise, the skater won’t connect with the movement and the routine won’t tell a story.
Honestly, my most significant pressure was during the week, as I had very limited hours with Perri due to her running and recovery commitments. What was so amazing about Perri is she was training for two sports at the same time, so I always had to be mindful to not over train her and to avoid a possible injury. I had to structure training so Perri felt comfortable with the routine so by the time the weekend arrived she was fully prepared and the pressure was off.
Which of the other ladies would you have liked to have been paired with?
Hamish-That's easy to answer, Perri! She will always be my first and only choice. I could not have asked for a better partner to be paired with on the show.
If you could choose your own celeb partner who would it be?
Hamish-Sarah Michelle Geller, she redefined TV storytelling and was a pioneer for strong female leads. How cool would it be to skate with a vampire slayer, plus I had a massive crush on her when I was younger.
Funniest story from behind the scenes?
Hamish-What happens in the Bovingdon Ice Palace, stays in the Bovingdon Ice Palace! No particular moments stands out as it was such a fun group of people there were laughs every day.
Describe yourself in under 20 words......
Hamish-.................Tall..................
Any plans for a brother or sister for Zana and Akira?
Hamish-Yes! When we adopted Zana, she wasn't spayed. So we are planning to have a litter of Pomeranians in the future so we could have two or three more joining the pack.