Figure Skaters Reminisce At The PSFC's 10th Anniversary

An Olympic Gold Medal, the chance to represent their country at Winter Games ice events, both national and international, or even a more skating-focused dream like a triple axel landed in competition are the goals of many professional skaters worldwide.

However, these dreams are attainable only for a select few, while hundreds of the world's top skaters still require a forum to connect with their ice event peers, to showcase their skills, and to gain exposure and employment. This forum is the PFSC - the professional Figure Skaters Cooperative - and it recently celebrated its 10th anniversary helping figure skaters from Hong Kong, America, China and Canada in their chosen profession.

The president of the PSFC is Craig Heath, a US born professional who is now a figure skater in Hong Kong. Choreography has formed a large part of his career, and competition a minor one. He cites the achievements he has made in competition to be the highlights of his figure skating career, including a bronze at the World Professional Championships in 1998, and two sixth-place finishes at the US Championships as an Olympic-eligible competitor.

The PSFC has offered him the opportunity to be a figure skater in Hong Kong, to perform and teach in Sun Valley, Idaho, and to assist in the choreography for two multi-million dollar productions of Disney on Ice. "What more can I ask for?", say Heath. "I travel around the world performing, meeting many different people, I skate almost every day, not just because it is my job but because I still love it".

Brian Boitano is an honorary director of the PSFC, and believes that "it is beneficial to have a union-type of organization where skaters can stick together". Boitano sees the PSFC as a place where professional skaters can get exposure to casting agents, production companies, and other employment opportunities. "[Agents] can log onto the site and see skaters and video clips of their performances. They can check them out through the website and hire them through there."

It is his aim to create more opportunities for figure skating professionals on the ice rink, but amateurs that are in as much need of support can access the PSFC's services without losing their amateur eligible status.

Jeff Langdon is a former Canadian Olympic team member, and also one of the figure skating professionals in the PSFC's ranks. He currently skates on a cruise liner, and says that turning professional, with the help of the PSFC, has given me insight into myself and who I am as an artist. I have learned how to perform in any situation. It is completely different from the competitive world and allows me to grow in ways I never thought I could. He makes a distinction between being a competitive skater and a professional skater, and says that the PSFC offers help with the transition.

Kristi Yamaguchi is one of the PSFC's honorary directors, and has been since the organization's inception. She was a 1992 Olympic champion, and recognizes the importance of ice events and ice shows in developing industry knowledge for skaters, as well as building their reputations.

Yamaguchi does note that winning ice events and being a professional on the ice rink will take you away from family and friends. "When you go pro, you should know that your work will always take you elsewhere. You learn to live, away from home and make new friends."

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