by KAMA KORVELA
ainters meticulously choose which shade to use from their
palette. Sculptors
understand how a care- fully placed curve can impact the entire piece. Composers realize that a particular arrange- ment of notes has the potential to make the listener feel a certain emotion.
Like other artists, figure skaters use their tools to create works of art. But there are few skaters who can take a sheet of ice and a pair of skates and use them to craft a choreograph- ic masterpiece like Rohene Ward. During the 2000s, Ward was one of the most talented skaters on the national scene. He competed in the senior event at the U.S. Cham- pionships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008, where his best finish was 14th in 2002. Tough his placements didn’t result in any medals, Ward stood out because of his originality, impeccable body lines and atten- tion to the smallest of details. Since stepping away from the competitive side of the sport, he has spent several years touring Europe with the popu- lar skating show, Holiday on Ice.
20 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 But even though it’s been quite a
few years since he competed, Ward is still making his mark in competitive skating. His innovative choreography skills have garnered a lot of attention recently, particularly his work with up-and-coming skaters like Olympi- an Jason Brown. Much of Ward’s artistry comes
from his dancing background, as he trained intensively for seven years during his amateur skating career, studying classical ballet, jazz and contemporary dance. He took a hands-on approach when it came to his programs. “I started choreographing my
programs from the beginning and didn’t have a choreographer until Deidre Kellogg starting working with me in 1999,” Ward said. Kellogg exposed him to other forms of dance, including ballet. Her influence had an impact on his evolv- ing style. “She pulled everything out of
me artistically. She used to always tell me, ‘Dare to be ugly!’” he said with a laugh.
Ward started sharing his cho- reographic skills with other skaters in
2000, when he began working with his coach Page Lipe students. His teaching style could be considered unconventional — for example, he helps to diversify his students’ range by encouraging them to use music from various genres each competitive season. “We always use music that is
very different from the year before, because it helps to develop their own style,” Ward explained. “You learn about yourself and what works and
what doesn’t. It also makes you step outside of your comfort zone.” While it’s important for a skater
to develop a personal style, it’s also imperative to stretch oneself artisti- cally, he said. “You are not pushing yourself
as an artist if you are staying in the comfort zones of what feels good,” Ward said. “Tat’s another reason why I love to choreograph for others — to make them do something they wouldn’t naturally do. Tis is the
Rohene Ward, Olympian Jason Brown and coach Kori Ade have developed a strong team just north of Colorado Springs., Colo.
PHOTOS BY PETER ZAPALO
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