Patricia Wilcox Quotations

You have to finesse the routine and make it more and more specific. They learn it in sections, and it takes months and months. They're going so fast and skating with a partner. Getting the mechanics down takes a long time.

I went in to look at them, and what I decided to do was give them two or three changes in choreography. My job was to go in and encourage, give them positive feedback. That's what they needed. But they've been doing the routine for months and months, so I wanted them to have to reach for a few things as well.

The others I worked for already had medals. Melissa and Denis were so excited to be going and to be a part of this. The goal is to medal, but I think the experience is what they'll really benefit from.

It depends on the routine. Sometimes we start off-ice and then adapt (the choreography). Sometimes we'll start on the ice and I'll stand in the bleachers and communicate what I want. Obviously, I'm more comfortable in the studio and they're more comfortable on the ice.