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Movers, Shakers and Jet-Setters: Kurt Browning
| Source: |
blogTO |
| Date: |
June 24, 2010 |
| Author: |
Anne T. Donahue |
Kurt Browning has come to understand the meaning of the word
"busy".With the second season of Battle of the Blades premiering on
CBC this fall, his hectic schedule shows no signs of slowing
down. Following a successful and memorable first season, the iconic
athlete will be acting as both a co-host and mentor, coaching the
athletes as they transition from hockey players to figure skaters, and
offering more behind-the-scenes footage to audiences set to watch
contestants brave an entirely new form of competition.
A four-time World Champion, four-time Canadian Champion and inductee
into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Browning has epitomized
the concept of jet-setter, representing Canada all over the world, and
making his country, fans and fellow athletes proud in the
process. Currently married to Sonia Rodriguez - a principal dancer
with the National Ballet of Canada - the former Albertan now calls
Toronto home, and gladly takes advantage of the city's culture,
aesthetic and liveliness during the eight to nine months he's
here.
What's your day job?
My day job is practicing skating so that I can perform skating later
that day. Unless I'm talking about skating on CBC or choreographing
skating - when I'm not doing the skating or talking about the skating!
Did I mention skating?
What project are you working on right now?
As I write this, I am waiting for a plane after making a presentation
in Montreal for CBC about their fall schedule for 2010 - [there] I
spoke about the show [currently] in its second season called Battle of
the Blades.
I look forward to hosting with Ron MacLean as we watch eight new
hockey players take their chances performing to music with a skating
partner. The show will hit the airways in late September, I
believe. Last year was a fantastic success that we hope to build
on.
What do you like most about living in Toronto?
Being a father, I enjoy getting out to the Science Centre to play and
learn - there's something there for the whole family. Also, Ontario
Place is great. Sticking with the family theme, Ferraro's is great as
my son is always made to feel special there.
How often does your job take you out of the city?
There was a stretch in my career - about eight years - when I was away
from home six to eight months a year. Now that number is down to about
three to four.
Where have you been to recently and what were you up to
there?
In the last few months, I've been skating in Japan, Florida,
Switzerland and 12 cities across Canada with Stars on Ice. Working for
different televised events has taken me to Hartford and Torino,
Italy. [I'm] always on the move for one reason or another.
Do you fly coach, business or first class?
Depends, but mostly coach. It's great to fly first class and when it
happens. I enjoy the attention and the goodies, but really the most
important thing is a safe landing.
Any travel tips for us?
Go to the airport early to relieve stress. Some people say they hate
the wasted time after security if the process goes quickly, but I plan
ahead with work or some DVDs I like to watch. Never leave home with a
full suitcase, and travel with good will towards everyone. Good Karma
goes a long way.
Other than friends and family, what do you miss most about Toronto
when you're away?
I miss being familiar with my home city. I like the skyline and the
Distillery District and the access to water that our downtown
has.
I look forward to annual parties like Walk of Fame and the Bell
Celebrity Evening. Queen Street is cool, too - too cool for me, maybe
- and I like our National Ballet of Canada where I get to watch my
wife Sonia dance.
What ideas have you seen someplace else that you think someone
should start or create in Toronto?
It would be great to have a boardwalk like in Atlantic City with fun
shops and attractions. How about a subway system that takes you all
over the city - like to the airport, maybe? That's a big
request.
Where are you off to next and why?
My next trip is a family vacation to Spain to visit my wife's
family. After that, it's time to get some hockey players to give the
figure skates a try. Brave souls!
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