Feeling Loopy

So, I'm in that in-between phase where I am not in my Jumps class anymore but I haven't yet started my private lessons with Christopher so I don't have anything specific to work on. Because of this, today's practice focused on stuff that I don't do well, namely spins and jump sequences that include loopy things.

Spinz - Scratch spins are progressively getting more and more centered albeit at a glacial pace. I am seeing progress, though. I've been starting to put my arms overhead during the spin rather than draw them down toward my pelvis and, although it's a different feeling than what I'm used to, I think they may look pretty decent. Camel spins are still about the same. I get one revolution but have no momentum to do any more than that. Sometimes I can eek out an additional 1/2 revolution but that's it. I think I may not have my free leg behind me enough. It may stick out slightly to the right which is throwing off my balance and forcing me onto that inside edge. Who knows. Sit spins were better. I was able to get 2-3 revs out of them but I know I'm not nearly low enough. My lower back is killing me though! I was at the doctor's office on Friday and he gave me some muscle relaxers but that is only going to help while I'm at home. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be wise to take those and then go skating. Backspins are getting there. I've been making more of an effort to do them with the free leg crossed in front but it's hella scary! I also did some two-foot spins, not because I enjoy them at all (I don't) but I need to make sure I keep up with them since they will be on the Adult Pre-Bronze Freeskate test. I cannot wait until I never have to do a two-foot spin ever again.

Loopy things - I worked a lot on the waltz-loop combo trying to get the feeling for landing with my free leg in front. These are getting better but are still not the best. They are tiny! Loop-loop jumps were tiny as well but at least they are happening. Waltz-falling leaf-toe loop sequence was super wonky. Christopher introduced me to this toward the end of our Jumps class but I stumbled through it....I'm still stumbling through it. The waltz-half loop-salchow sequence is the same story. I'm stumbling through it. I know this is something that I just have to keep working on. For me, it's just a matter of building up that muscle memory with that free leg in front on the landing position. Once I get that, I think I'll be on my way toward some decent jump sequences.

MIF - Yeah, I worked on this too. Everything here is testable (I think) so I have just been running through it at this point rather than dedicating too much time to it.

My first lesson with Christopher is coming up next Thursday. It will be interesting to see if any of my spins and MIF are actually in good shape or if I'm just imagining things.