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World Champion Kurt Browning talks skating, being a dad
| Source: |
Chicago Parent |
| Date: |
February 27, 2012 |
| Author: |
Elizabeth Diffin |
Kurt Browning is perhaps best-known as the four-time World Champion in
men's figure skating - or maybe as the first persona to land a
quadruple jump in competition. But the Canadian is also married to
Sonia Rodriguez, a member of the National Ballet of Canada, and dad to
Gabriel, 8, and Dillon, 4. And this year, he's bringing his creative
style to Stars on Ice as co-director and choreographer (the show hits
the Allstate Arena on March 11). Kurt spoke to Chicago Parent about
being on the road, parenting, and what to expect with this year's
show.
What's it like being a dad on the road?
It sucks, absolutely. It's not an easy way to parent. It's hard on
your emotions. When the kids get old enough to realize you're not
around, it's hard on them, too. Being able to see each other on the
computer really helps. It's nice, but there's no way you can sort of
replicate being there.
How has being a parent affected the way you skate?
The one thing I can say that I have noticed is that you don't take for
granted the time away from the house. I don't spend as much time
training as I used to, because I can find an excuse to be back home. ...
But at the same time, I think I'm a little more focused than I used to
be. If I'm going to be away from them, I really want the skating to
count for something. I'm trying to do my job as good as I can. ... I owe
to it my kids to do a good job.
What's the most challenging thing about being a dad?
The overall responsibility of [parenting], at times it's
overwhelming. It's constant, 24/7, and it doesn't go away. When
they're 50 and you're 75, you're still their parent.
Stars on Ice comes to Chicago March 11, and you've been a big part
of this year's program. What can we expect?
I wanted the audience to hear our voices and connect. We're not just
skaters, we're people.... I chose the music I wanted to use because I
thought it made the women in the cast very strong. I wanted to give
them a platform to stand on and show their strength. ... We skate to
Rolling in the Deep by Adele. The music is beautiful and we actually
start with microphones on our feet, so you can hear the sound of
skating. I'm very proud of that one.
What's the atmosphere like on the tour?
I have a great group of skaters. ... Everyone has their own skating
style. I have to combine those styles to make us look like a unit. The
times when I want the cast to work together and move together, that's
tricky. It's like herding cats. It's also in ensemble stuff that our
personalities really come through.
Why would you tell families that they should come to Stars on
Ice?
I don't think too many people come to Stars on Ice and expect the
Smurfs. It's about music and skating and what skating can offer you as
entertainment. ... It's the place where the best skaters in the world
actually get better.
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