Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen teaches an illusion to a skater who has never done one before. An illusion is a windmill-type spin performed from a backspin or a back camel (unlike “bounces” which are performed from a forward camel spin). Sheila works with the skater and builds the spin step by step.
Sheila has the skater start from a standard inside edge-inside edge backspin entry, start the upright backspin with the free leg in front, then swing the free leg down and behind in a way that pushes the upper body down into a camel-type position. Tucking the head is a very helpful tip for most skaters, as is reaching for the skating toe. Sheila notes that it’s easier for most skaters to reach with the skating side arm, but now and then skaters will use the opposite arm to create amazing illusions.
This skater tries to make the dropping motion happen too soon and Sheila asks for some patience and initially start with a clear upright backspin. Sheila also notes that the skating leg should be straight and the free leg should be straight as well. She also explains that this is easier to learn when focusing on making a constant rhythm. The concept of not coming up all the way between the downward movements helps build the rhythm.
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