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KIDS' QUESTIONS

March 2001

Former U.S. dance champion and ABC commentator Susie Wynne answers your questions about working in television, ice dancing and skating in general! The response to Kids' Questions continues to be impressive, so keep those questions and photos coming every month.

Q: As a commentator, do you have some trouble seeing the technical aspects of each jump or move a skater executes? Do you find it hard to watch and commentate at the same time? Zachariah Szabo, 11, Richfield, Ohio; Arielle Gottlieb, 14, Cleveland, Ohio

SW: Sometimes it's hard to watch a skating performance and accurately critique it at the same time. I have so many things that I'd like to say, but need to make quick choices about what's most important. It's easy to get into trouble when my thoughts get too far ahead of my words! When I stay calm and focused, I enjoy describing the technical aspects of a skater or skaters' performance.

Q: When commentating, how do you stay unbiased? Lauren Asprooth, 13, Bartlett, Ill.

SW: As a former competitor and performer, I know how difficult it is to excel as a competitor in our sport. I have a great deal of respect and compassion for people who dedicate their lives to skating. It's risky to 'lay it all on the line' and make yourself vulnerable as a competitor, so I always keep that in mind when commentating. For me, it's easy to remain unbiased knowing how hard each and every skater works to get to this level.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking for a dance partner? Samantha Canton, 14, Columbus

SW: Perfect your own skating skills! Work hard on your moves in the field, compulsories and freestyle, too. Take ballroom dancing lessons for partnering experience and on-ice partnering for free dancing. Keep an open mind about who your potential partner might be. Who knows? Your partner could be a singles or pairs skater on the threshold of becoming a brilliant dance partner.

Q: What got you interested in ice dancing? Grant Hochstein, 10, Chesterfield, Mich.; Crystal Gault, 15, Allentown, Pa.

SW: Early on in my skating career, I had lots of success in passing dance tests. That alone encouraged me to remain involved in ice dancing. I also was drawn to choreography and enjoyed the fun, experimental process that goes along with free dancing. My first dance partner, Jerry Santaferrara, was the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of ice dancing. Thanks, Jerry!

Q: Do you ever want to yell at one of your fellow commentators on the air? If so, how do you contain yourself? Jess, 16, Clarks Summit, N.J.

SW: I've never felt like yelling at my colleagues in the broadcast booth. I can't speak on their behalf, but I'm sure they'd like to yell at me sometimes!

Q: Before commentating for an event, do you ever get nervous that you'll identify the wrong move or jump? Have you ever misidentified something on the air? Laura Lepzinski, 12, Grand Rapids, Mich.

SW: The answer is yes and yes. I do get nervous that my commentary won't be good enough or that I'll make silly mistakes. On occasion I have misidentified jumps or moves because I lost my concentration ... I just want to run and hide when that happens. I've learned, however, that to be great in any kind of skill, mistakes are just part of the process. I will always be nervous about the things that are important to me -- that goes with the territory. So I accept nerves and welcome them -- they get the adrenaline going and keep me on my toes.

Q: There seem to be a lot of dance teams breaking up lately. What's your advice for keeping teams together? Steven, 16, Milwaukee, Wisc.

SW: Having a partner who shares the same goals and gives 100% commitment to the partnership is a must. An incredible work ethic and passion for the sport is paramount. Trusting your coach and choreographer also makes a team secure.

Q: I am a novice dancer who is now looking for a new partner. I like to think I have my own look on the ice rather than trying to skate like someone else. Do judges look for one type of dancing or do they respect each person's own style? Jonathan Harris, 15, North Richland Hills, Texas

SW: I think judges and audiences embrace new styles of ice dancing as long as there is evidence of great skating skill and technique. When you have a strong base to work from, the creative potential is endless. "Unique" is good, as long as your style works with your partner, not against her. Being true to yourself will always bring you success, both individually and as a team.

Q: How does it feel to go from being a U.S. dance champion to now having a family and being on TV all the time? How do you deal with all the traveling as a commentator and being away from your family? Kara H. Francavillo, 10, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Kathleen, 13, Algonquin

SW: I really enjoyed the process and challenge of becoming a U.S. champion. I'm glad that I gave it everything I had so that I was able to move forward and explore new things in my life. To me, family is my first love and the ultimate challenge. I try to balance my TV work and family life by staying very organized. I also have a lot of help from my husband, friends and family, and my buddies at ABC! My infant son comes everywhere with me, along with a friend who looks after him when I'm working. It's a hectic schedule, but I accept it with gratitude. I'm fortunate for the opportunity to stay involved in my sport in a new capacity at this stage in my life.

Q: Who are some of the current skaters you admire most and why? Cyndi, 15, Minneapolis, Minn.

SW: I think Michelle Kwan is an excellent role model for young people. She is hard-working, a dedicated student and a person who has persevered through skating's ups and downs.

Q: I'm testing my pre-golds and I have a hopeful partner. Did you ever have to move away from home to train? How old were you if you did? Do you have any advice for someone who might have to live away from home? Carly Donowick, 12, West Seneca, N.Y.; Christine, 14, Minneapolis, Minn.

SW: I had to move away from home when I was 15. It is a very difficult decision to make. If you do need to relocate, be sure to stay in school; find a healthy living environment; and communicate with your parents and family as much as you can.

Q: I watch skating on TV and I hear you often remark about the scores. What would you say to judges that you feel mark unfairly? How difficult is it for you as a commentator when you say one thing on the air, but the judges' scores reflect a totally opposite view? Matthew Murray, 8, Ontario, Calif.; Robbie Flynn, 14, Beverly, Mass.

SW: First, let me say that I would make a lousy judge! I think it can be a thankless position and not an easy job. I would like to ask the judges who mark unfairly, "Why? What did you see that we did not? Were you sleeping?" (ha ha). Sometimes I am shocked by what the judges decide and openly disagree during my commentary -- this can make things more colorful and interesting. I feel it's important to be honest and forthright in my comments, even if it means disagreeing with the judges' marks.

Q: How long did it take you to pass all your dances from preliminary to the gold and international dances? Donna Vorpagel, 15, Merrill, Wisc.

SW: It took me five years to go from my preliminary dance tests to my gold test. I was 11 years old when I started ice dancing and "Sweet 16" as a gold medalist. I took my international dances from age 16-20.

Q: When you were a young skater, did you dream someday of being a commentator? Did you take acting classes or speech lessons to help you achieve your goals? Victoria Cai, 11, Millis, Mass.

SW: I always knew that I wanted to stay connected to skating even after my days as a competitor were long gone. Commentating seemed like a fun and challenging way of doing that. I have always had an interest in public speaking, acting and performing, so this was the perfect opportunity and a great fit. I do take lessons in voiceover work and in broadcasting to help me hone the skills I need to make me better in my job.

Q: What is one of the funniest things that has happened to you as a broadcaster? Adam, 13, Denver, Colo.

SW: I once brought a microphone in the bathroom with me (the kind that you clip to your jacket or blouse) and forgot that it was still on! Tracy Wilson (a CBS television analyst) warned me that it was something to watch for, but I forgot. Needless to say, the sound engineer on the headset had a good laugh at my expense (Adam, you made me blush!).

Q: When you were a competitor, did you get frustrated with the scoring in dance and the time it took to "move up the ladder?" Do you have advice for dance teams to deal with that? Jessica, 17, Buffalo, N.Y.

SW: It is very frustrating and disheartening when your fate as a skating competitor is controlled by an individual or individuals who have made unfair decisions. I know that if you stay in the game long enough, however, it all evens out in the end.

If you love your skating and the experiences that come along with it, that is what you should concentrate on. I think 'surviving' both the good and the more challenging times in my skating career has toughened me up and prepared me for life's interesting twists and turns.