Aroundtown MEETS


Aroundtown meets Though not yet sweet sixteen,


the pair have already racked up numerous accolades within the skating sport thanks to an extreme degree of discipline, dedication and determination that would send shivers through most of us. While their classmates enjoy a


few more hours wrapped snuggly up in bed, Lucy and Billy turn off the alarm at 4.30am every weekday and head bleary-eyed to the rink at Ice Sheffield for training on the ice before school starts. After practising their chocktaws,


chasse and crossovers, it’s algebra, atoms and anthology time as the


Lucy Hancock & Billy Wilson-French


For South Yorkshire teenagers Lucy Hancock and Billy Wilson-French, life has become a sequence of sit spins, scoring, sequins and school work as they glide through their quest to becoming professional ice dancers.


Year 11 students both approach GCSEs at their respective schools. Once the school bell rings,


they rotate back to training a few afternoons a week - but this time it’s off the ice where Lucy and Billy build on their stamina, strength, flexibility and choreography, putting in the footwork as they pursue their skating dreams. Sleepovers, socialising and


shopping days are sacrificed for skating; instead, weekends are spent training in Widness or Altrincham after an eye-watering 3.30am wake-up call or taking part in the competitions they’ve


worked so hard for. And of course, these near-


15-hours of training each week wouldn’t be viable without the support – and taxi service – of their families. As the second most expensive


sport after equestrian due to hourly coaching fees and monthly rink hire to train, plus UK and international travel fees, their parents look for any way possible to help their children achieve their dreams. One pair of boots can cost £300


and that’s without blades. As Billy also competes as a solo figure skater, he needs two separate pairs each year as he outgrows or wears out his old pairs. His parents, Glenn and Natalie, worked out it costs around £27,000 a year to fund Billy’s skating and recently downsized their property to use the equity to help. As Lucy studies Graphic Design


at Wickersley School, she designs her own costumes which she helps make with her mum Lisa, while Billy’s mum Natalie, who studied fashion, designs and makes Billy’s shirts. Family holidays are often


put on hold, while their retired grandparents step in to help take them to mid-week competitions as


mum and dad work full-time. But as their proud families watch


the teenagers express themselves across the ice in fluidity and unity, the long hours and financial backing are truly worth it to see their children flourish in a field they love. Influenced by ballroom dance,


ice dancing is an elegant sport that turns an ice rink into a dance floor, allowing skaters to emulate choreography from rhythmic dance styles such as the foxtrot, waltz and samba. At competitive levels, the


discipline involves a Rhythm Dance whereby all entrants must complete a set routine that includes a step sequence stipulated by the judges. Themed each year, this usually includes a six-second lift and twizzles and this year is a tango for all 2018/19 competitions. While the Rhythm Dance


is judged on technique, the skaters must also perform a Free Dance which allows them more flexibility and creativity in terms of choreography. However, it must also include two types of lifts, a spin, twizzles, a step sequence plus two choreographic elements. No wonder the training is


so intense.


With Torville & Dean 4 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk


With Mark Hanretty and Pasquale Camalengo


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