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KIDS' QUESTIONS
February 2009
Kids' Questions with Saga Krantz
Saga Krantz, coach of the 17-time U.S. synchronized skating champion Haydenettes, is busy putting the finishing touches on this year's competitive programs. Krantz came to Lexington, Mass., in 2005 from Helsinki, Finland, where she helped coach the acclaimed Rockettes teams. She replaced legendary coach Lynn Benson, who founded and coached the Haydenettes during their storied run of 15 U.S. titles.
Do you think the international judging system is more difficult for teams to use than the previous scoring system?
Danielle Kaiser, 12
West Orange, N.J.
Saga: The international judging system has come a long way and brought synchronized skating to a whole new level. It's not always easy to remember the latest little details when choreographing a program, but then again, after every competition we get the judges' details and that tells us exactly what to improve upon and what was done well. When you think of it in those terms, it's a lot better than the old system ever was.
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| Saga Krantz |
What made you decide to coach the Haydenettes?
Sydney Miller, 10
Summit, N.J.
Saga: Two words: opportunity and passion. Coaching a world-level team like the Haydenettes was always my dream. Now that it happened, I have no regrets.
My mom tells me synchronized skating is growing in the United States, so I think when I get to college I would like to join a synchronized skating team. How important is it for me to have synchronized skating experience? Should I start looking to join a team soon?
Kaitlin Trimpe, 11
Berkley, Mich.
Saga: Obviously, I am very supportive of joining a synchronized skating team at the earliest possible time for many reasons. It will not only be a lot of fun and you will make lots of new friends but you will be challenged in many ways, such as learning a program that requires a good sense of tempo and timing, developing your team skills and learning to live a more structured lifestyle. You can carry all of these skills with you for the rest of your life.
Generally, how long does it take the Haydenettes to learn their programs from the day they start until their first performance?
Rebecca Barolli, 14
Middlebury, Conn.
Saga: It takes me about a month to teach the skaters both programs but a whole season to finish my vision.
Your teams always look flawless; what is your favorite required formation when making the team's programs and why?
Jessica Bell, 16
Ashburn, Va.
Saga: I love the intersections because they are so exciting and thrilling to watch. Also, the no-hold blocks are a lot of fun to choreograph because in those you can really release your inner skater for a moment and they all look different, unique.
What do you say to the team when a skater falls during competition?
Daniella Ignacio, 9
Roseland, N.J.
Saga: We all practice really hard to do our best on the ice at all times. However, it doesn't always work out the way we plan it. We learn from every experience, which only makes us stronger. A fall can happen to anybody but it can never take away from how proud I am as a coach of all of my skaters that put their heart and soul out there for the team, judges and audience.
How do you choose skaters for the team? What qualities do you look for in a skater?
Nathaly Bernard, 18
Stroudsburg, Pa.
Saga: We have open tryouts where all new skaters are welcome. At the tryouts, I look for skaters that have effortless flow and power, beautiful posture and edges. But making the team is a lot more than that. When a skater makes the team from tryouts, she also needs to show off her team skills, work ethic and athleticism during the spring training. If you can dream it, you can do it.
Is it hard to create the choreography of your programs? Also, how long does it take you to put together the programs and where do you get your ideas from?
Megan Cox, 11
Roseland, N.J.
Saga: Some programs are harder to put together than others but you also learn from every one of them. I have learned that not everything I visualize can always be done on ice as easily as I think – or maybe I just haven't figured out the secret recipe to all of my visions yet. Sometimes, you can come up with the greatest ideas when you least expect it: at movies, while reading a good book or simply while listening to the radio. Sometimes great ideas come from the skaters.
Do you like being a coach or a skater better? Why?
Rachel Teets, 7
Southgate, Mich.
Saga: I miss being a skater and can still vividly remember all the good and the bad times. If only I could have been young forever I would have never quit. Therefore, I am very happy and lucky to be a coach now. I can still be part of it and skating is still a big part of me. Coaching feels very different though from being a skater. For example, at the competitions, yes, I get to see the beauty of it all and have more clothes to wear rinkside than the skaters, but still, I will always miss the magical feeling of being part of a team. There is nothing comparable to it when wearing those pure, white skates and that beautiful skating dress and putting your heart and soul out there once the music starts.
Do you have a coaching mentor?
Kelli Jorgensen, 12
Boston, Mass.
Saga: During the season I work with a lot of different professionals. One of them is Lynn Benson, the former coach for the Haydenettes. I find her inspiring and simply amazing.
When you are not coaching, what do you like to do?
Jennifer Krautz, 15
Sacramento, Calif.
Saga: I love traveling. Also, I never get bored decorating, painting and finishing up my home, or doing simple things such as watching movies, eating good food and shopping with my friends.
What has been your proudest moment as a coach?
Julie Cousins, 17
New York, N.Y.
Saga: Last year was a year to remember for me. Each one of my teams hit a level that I was so proud of and will never forget. The Ice Mates had their golden skate at nationals; the Lexettes won their first national medal; and the MiniMates took the ice at nationals. Best of all, not only did the Haydenettes win the national championships in 2008 but they also earned a minimedal at the World Championships in Hungary after their free skate. Something so small has never felt so BIG and it truly made me feel proud of them all.
