Photos courtesy of Natasha Griffin
In this Unicorn Q&A, you can learn more about Natasha Griffin, a veteran ice dancer from the United Kingdom competing at the 2024 Unicorn Cup and Finland Won third place in the International Unicorn Competition.
When I was three years old, around Christmas, my parents took me to the local rink to watch a skating show. I was so surprised by this performance that I told my parents afterwards that this is what I want to do, I want to learn to skate! At the time we never thought it would lead to where we are now – which is kind of crazy to think about!
When and why did you choose to dance solo?
In 2019, after spraining my ankle at a skateboarding camp abroad, I started dancing solo! Before this I had only competed in the free skate as my coach at the time didn’t think I should compete in ice dancing as well, but due to my ankle injury I started doing ice dancing as it meant I could skate faster Back on the ice! Within the first year of doing this, I decided that I no longer liked free skating and that solo ice dancing was what I wanted to do! It was a whole new world of skating for me because I really enjoyed the creativity and artistry of it, which I had never experienced in free skating. I remember my first solo dance routine I thought was going to be really easy because there were no jumps and less spins – but I got to the end and realized how hard that routine was to get through!
What do you love most about dancing solo? What kind of music sounds best to you for skating? Why? My favorite thing about solo dance is definitely the performance aspect of it – and the freedom of movement you have during the show! I love skating to fun, upbeat and dramatic music! Ever since I was young, I’ve always chosen music that was hard and fast because that always suited my skating style and personality best. However, I also really enjoy skating to tango style music. This year I did decide to challenge myself and skate to some slower dramatic music during the first half of the free dance and it really helped me grow as a skater and I really enjoyed it.
Tell us about your training website. (location, facilities, dance partners, classes, coaches, etc.)
About a year ago I decided to start training in Sheffield, England, I live in the south close to London and we commuted 3-4 hours a week to get to Sheffield to train – as we decided that was where I had to be as A skater continues to grow. There is a gym across the road at the rink, so after training we can go straight to the gym for off-ice training later in the day – which is great! At the rink, I have a coaching staff that works with me on and off the ice.
Who programmed your show. What do you love most about dancing?
My program is carefully designed by my head coach Mo Yibin. I love the fun style of my RD choreography, my favorite part is the beginning of my PST where I do a sliding stop on one leg leaning back! When we first choreographed this it was scary, but now it’s one of my favorite parts! In my FD we had a lot of fun choreographing the second song of the show – in the choreography steps – using obstacles and floor parts too! This is definitely one of my favorite parts of free dancing now!
Has the solo dance become an international event this season? Share your thoughts on this change. When this news was first announced, I couldn’t believe it. But it’s certainly long overdue. I really enjoy traveling to other countries this season and meeting other solo dancers from other countries! I can’t wait to see where this subject goes in the future!
In terms of skating, what are you most looking forward to this season? What is your biggest challenge?
This season is my first in the seniors after competing in the juniors last year, so my biggest challenge is having to move into the seniors and into a bigger, tougher category. I’m looking forward to being able to travel and compete in multiple countries this season as it’s a new experience.
What do you think makes solo dance a special discipline?
Dancing solo has its own special thing – it’s not just a way for skaters to find a partner, it means that if you want to ice dance, you don’t have to skate with a partner, which I think is great because it makes the sport Exercise becomes more fun.
If you could take a class with an ice dancer from the past/present, who would you choose? Why?
I would love to take a class with Madison Chock because I love the way she skates and the flow of her moves in the show and how she creates clear and beautiful lines with every move.
What is your favorite off-ice activity?
When I’m off the ice, I really enjoy going for a walk with my dog. Since I don’t get to spend as much time with my dog, I’m really excited to take him out!
