Kristina Struthwolf Leato

[@dmp7252]

I love this and your other videos. You are one of the last representatives of the true old-school of skating; the type of skating that brought us legendary greats such as Dorothy Hamill (yes, you read that right); your layback puts you in that category. I can tell you have done your history; you have seen Hughes, Nikodinov, Kwan, Bobek, Trenery, Thomas, Lynn, and I can see that they have inspired you. There's a specific type of extension you have that we often saw in the ladies in the 80s and 90s. You are, indeed, one of the last remaining Princess Warriors. Please keep fighting on. So, please, please pass down this legacy to the younger ladies. Please, I beg you! What is it with the ladies who have totally abandoned the idea of turn out? Why are they determined to do these laybacks with their free foot aiming at the ice instead of it being turned out, LIKE YOURS? What good are all those ballet classes if they can't skate with proper turnout or can't even do a spiral without having to hold their leg up in the air? Points should be deducted if you have to use your hand to hold up your leg in a spiral. I can barely bring myself to watch Olympic-level ladies figure skating anymore. It's sad. Congratulations to Anna Shcherbackova, Trusova, Valieva and all the Russian women, but they do not represent what beautiful skating looks like. Twisting yourself into ugly, pretzel-like positions, just because you're flexible does not count as artistry. This is not a contortionist competition. So, thank you, Kristina, for using your flexibility in a meaning way. It's a crying shame that I have to turn to Adult skaters to find fully satisfying programs. Maybe you should loan them your choreographer AND your seamstress by the way. I have no clue what the heck is going on with these knee-length dresses. All that fabric (looking like a curtain) totally conceals the line. (Somebody help me before I pass out!) If I weren't so busy, I would start a tour across the US titled "Memorable Skating - Winning is The Easy Part. Now Show Me A Performance That Can Withstand The Scrutiny of Time!" I would be so good at that. Skaters need to understand: smiling is not artistry. It comes from a much deeper place that most skaters are not willing to tapping into, or are just incapable of accessing emotionally. It requires true maturity, which, in turn, produces a mature program. Thus the reasons why we have Michelle Kwan, and ... well ... literally everybody else. Anyway, thank you for giving us food for thought and skating that SPEAKS! Hugs all around!

[@kristinastruthwolfleato7616]

Wow, thanks for all of the compliments- I’m glad to hear you appreciate my skating. I love working on all of the details and it’s fun to hear that it’s recognized by others! :) ❤️

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Wow Kristina outstanding! Love you MayLyn your 99 subscriber!