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Kurt Browning brings New Year's Eve on ice
Figure skater Kurt Browning shares Stars on Ice memories
| Source: |
FlipSide |
| Date: |
December 26, 2012 |
| Author: |
Erin McCracken |
The skating rink has become Kurt Browning's second home.
It was where he headed after a recent interview from his home in
Toronto. He had a Christmas show to work on.
But he was also looking forward to heading back to Lake Placid, N.Y. -
the traditional place where Stars on Ice kicks off its tour.
"We have a long relationship with that town," Browning said. He added
that in the town, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980,
skaters have restaurants and friends they make sure to visit when they
return.
Browning also has a long relationship with Stars on Ice in Canada and
America. He never missed a performance with the tour in 22 years and
about 800 shows.
He'll be with the cast as it rings in 2013 in Hershey after a New
Year's Eve performance at the Giant Center. It will be the start of
Browning's last year with U.S. Stars on Ice.
The decision to end was made for him after the tour's visit to Japan
was billed as his last. But Browning, 46, said he didn't mind. At 9
and 5, his kids are old enough to miss him when he's on the road for
months at a time.
The four-time World Champion and the first skater to land a quad in
competition said he knows it's time to cut back his training
hours.
"Life keeps moving on," he added. That's part of the theme for the
Stars on Ice's "Now and Then" tour. It features both up-and-coming
skaters as well as seasoned pros like 1976 Olympic champion Dorothy
Hamill.
Browning said this will be his first time working on a regular basis
with Hamill.
"I didn't really think we'd ever (skate) together," he said. "It's one
of those dream situations. We're going to do a duet together."
During another routine, Browning will make it rain on the ice. About
20 years ago, he was sitting in a boardroom with CBC executives who
were working on a TV skating special. One asked Browning what he
always wanted to do.
Memories of watching old movies with his mother flooded back to
Browning. He told the executive that he always dreamed of recreating
famous dance scenes in "Singin' in the Rain" at the rink.
He performed the part on the TV special years ago and is performing it
for the first time live during his Stars on Ice farewell tour.
"It's really a gift to myself," he said. "It ties a bow on my
career."
The routine's intricate footwork became a trademark of Browning's
skating style. He said he followed the footsteps of Olympic Champion
and Stars on Ice founder Scott Hamilton. Browning credits Hamilton as
an inspiration.
"(Hamilton) wanted to create something that he felt made skaters
better," Browning said of Stars on Ice. "I think that motivated me to
want more from myself as a skater."
And, of course, jumps are another area where Browning pushed the
envelope.
"Some things come easier than others," he admitted. "Footwork is
something you can learn with practice. Jumps aren't going to come
easily. (It takes) a certain type of body and bravery. I enjoy both. I
love the sensation of flying through the air."
While his jumping days might be coming to an end, Browning has no
intention of leaving the rink. He said he caught the choreography bug
after he turned pro. And last year, he served as choreographer for the
Stars on Ice tour.
And if Browning's not next to the rink, he might be above it as a CBC
television broadcaster and skate competition commentator.
"It still kind of feel like I'm a part of that performance," he
said. "What an honor that is."
If you go
See Stars on Ice "Now and Then" with Olympic Gold Medallist Dorothy
Hamill, four-time World Champion Kurt Browning and many other skating
stars 6 p.m. Monday at the Giant Center, 550 W. Hersheypark,
Hershey. Tickets start at $27. On-ice seating and group discounts are
available. Get tickets at the Giant Center box office, by phone at
717-534-3911 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Kurt Browning's career highlights
Amateur:
1988: World Championships: Landed the first ratified quadruple jump - a toe loop - in competition
1989: First place in Canadian Figure Skating Championships and World Figure Skating Championships
1990: First place in Canadian Figure Skating Championships and World Figure Skating Championships
1991: First place in Canadian Figure Skating Championships and World Figure Skating Championships
1993: First place in Canadian Figure Skating Championships and World Figure Skating Championships
Pro:
1995-96 season: First place in Canadian Professional
Championships and World Professional Championships
1996-97 season: First place in US Professional Championships, Canadian Professional Championships and World Professional Championships
1997-98 season: First place in World Team Championships, Canadian Professional Championships and World Professional Championships
Source: www.kurtfiles.com
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