Question and Answer
Archive

Lindsay asks,
"Dear Katie, What kind/brand of skates and blades do you wear?"
I wear Riedell boots and Pattern 99 blades. I've been in Riedell boots since I started skating, and it's nice that the company is based nearby. Mom and I always make a trip to the factory when I need to be fitted for new boots, and the people there are always willing to work with me if there's a problem with my skates.

Hadas asks,
"Dear Katie, What would you consider your signature move?" 
I think my best move is my triple salchow, or maybe my layback. I've gotten compliments on both, and they're both two of my favorite moves to perform, so that's probably why they're my best!

Angie Maniaci asks,
"Dear Katie, Do you expect to become famous someday?"
It would be wonderful to become famous, but it's not something I can expect or plan for. I just always try to give my full effort, and that way, no matter what happens, I know I tried my hardest!

Gabby asks,
"Dear Katie,I'm learning a triple sal right now, got any helpful tips?"
Just keep plugging away! That's my best tip! When I'm having trouble with my triple sal, it's usually because I drop my right side on the takeoff. If I think of kicking my right leg through, it usually helps me, so that's something you could try. Also, if falling is especially painful, or if you keep falling on the same part of your body, invest in crash pads, because that makes it less scary to fall. Most of all, keep trying, and good luck!

Jennifer asks,
"Dear Katie, I am 10 and can only land my axel, double salcow and sometimes my double flip and loop. do you think I am to old to be like you. what did you do when you were ten? I have been skating since I was 7 and skate now 4 hours a week. thankyou"
Wow, that's really great! And you've only been skating for three years?! I'm impressed! When I turned 10, I could do an axel, and sometimes a double sal and toe. But by the time I turned 11, I could do through double lutz! It sounds like a cliche, but everyone progresses at their own rates, and it all boils down to hard work and perseverance!  Just keep working hard, don't give up, and always dream!!!

Elisha asks,
"Dear Katie, How are you? You are an wonderful skater! I was just wondering, how much fan mail do you get, and if you write back at all? thanks! :)"
I don't get nearly as much fan mail as someone like Michelle Kwan, but I do get an occasional letter from time to time. It's exciting for me to know that even people I've never met have been impressed with my skating. I really appreciate all the support I can get, so I always try to write back to anyone who writes!

Miarra asks,
"Dear Katie, I'm glad you have an official site now! What are your goals for next season?"
I would really love to make it back to Nationals this season! It was a wonderful experience for me this year, and I met so many great people! I would love to make it back and give it another shot and see if I can improve my placement. I would like to get my last triple, and of course, it's always a goal for me to stretch myself musically and artistically.

Jeremy asks,
"Dear Katie, How do you pick your music? Are you keeping the same programs for next year?"
It's so hard for me to pick music! There are so may beautiful pieces out there, but it's hard for me, my mom, and my coach to all agree on just one! For this season, I have two new programs that I will be debuting sometime this summer. I like to challenge myself artistically, so I like to pick music that is different than anything I've done before, so it will force me to develop my style in new ways.