Well, over this past week I’ve come to the realization that I’m never going to be a world-class ice skater. Here is how I arrived at this conclusion:

First, I haven’t had an ice skating lesson since I was about eight years old. Next, my most impressive ice-skating move is “swizzles” and I’ve never really seen that in any major competition. Lastly, I have noticed that my skating skills aren’t quite on par with the 2005 World Champion Pairs Skaters who have been skating at the Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion.

That’s right. Buffalo Grove’s Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion has been hosting the current World Pairs Figure Skating Champions all summer long.

It was actually pure coincidence that I even found out about the skaters. My friend Tina and I stopped by Twin Rinks to inquire about skating and hockey lessons for our children. While looking around, I saw some familiar faces but didn’t think anything of it. Then, suddenly, my obsessive-skating-fan mentality kicked into gear.

“Oh my gosh,” I excitedly whispered (a little too loudly) while seizing Tina’s arm. “Do you know who that is?!”

Tina, who was obviously not a true skating fan, had no idea what I was talking about.

“Remember when every news channel kept showing that skater whose partner accidentally bashed her head on the ice and then she was knocked unconscious? Well, that’s them!”

Just to make sure, I double-checked with Jan Gerber, Twin Rinks office manager. She told me that these were indeed the 2005 Pairs Champions, Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin of Russia and they were being coached by the 1984 Olympic Pairs Champion and 1988 Olympic silver medalist, Oleg Vasiliev.

“To have skaters here, of this caliber, is something very exciting for our rink,” stated Jan. “Tatiana and Max are the favorites for the 2006 Olympics.” Jan also revealed that Tatiana and Max’s practice sessions were open to the public and that I was more than welcome to watch at any time.

At this point, Tatiana and Max just happened to look over at us, which I took as an invitation to run up and speak with them. Tatiana said that her face had healed well and that she was feeling great. She and Max told us that they were leaving for Europe in a few days and would be there competing right up to the Olympics. Max thanked us for wishing them well and shook our hands.

Tina and I quickly ran to the stands to watch the practice session. To our surprise, we were the only spectators. Even though we knew we were allowed to be there, it almost felt as though we were invading their privacy.

It was thrilling to be watching these talented athletes and getting to know their routine, but every so often Max repeatedly glanced at us. I kept wondering… Were we distracting them? Were we inspiring them? Did I somehow injure Max’s hand when I shook it and now he can’t lift Tatiana properly?

As we continued watching, something strange happened. It was as if legendary skating commentator Dick Button was channeling himself through me. Out of the blue, I found myself uttering things to Tina in a very proper but enthusiastic low voice. “That was a first-rate side-by-side spin.” And, “Top-notch death spiral.” Also, “That fine artistry could be compared to the late, great Sonja Henie.”

Before leaving the rink, I spoke with Tom Hickey, skating director for Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion and international skating coach. He told me that he was good friends with Oleg Vasiliev and had invited him and his skaters to train at Twin Rinks for the summer.

Because Oleg was here, many skaters from around the world have come to Twin Rinks to train with him. Additionally, Twin Rinks has many national and international-level coaches on staff, including Susie Wynn and Alexander Vedenin.

Tom also informed me of the wonderful opportunities at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion. “We have one of the most balanced rinks around, between hockey and figure skating. We teach at all levels and all ages starting at age three.”

Do you think you have a future “Tatiana” or “Max” in your family? Would you like to know what else Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion offers?

For more information or to register for fall, you can check out their website at www.twinrinks.com or call (847) 821-RINK.

Until next time, please remember to email me with your ideas for future columns. I look forward to hearing from you.

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© 2007 Susan Dubin, Buffalo Grove, Illinois