Rohene Ward | Golden Skate

Rohene Ward

wordsworthgirl

Medalist
Joined
Sep 12, 2013
U.S. figure skater Rohene Ward was born on June 28, 1983, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I've gotten interested in Rohene because of the great choreography he's done for Jason Brown, and watched some youtube videos last night. Kurt and Browning and Dick Button were simply rhapsodizing about his incredible talent and even in programs full of falls and popped jumps, his amazing abilities shone through. Does anyone know what the full story on Rohene is? Why was he never able to put it all together in competition? Why was he only sporadically at Nationals? and what led him to choreographing for Jason? What else does he do now? What a brilliant talent he is.
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
Manleywoman has an part interview with Rohene

http://www.manleywoman.com/episode-67-rohene-ward-part-1/

Rohene performs with the European show, Holiday on Ice. IN interviewed him
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120618&content_id=33511892&vkey=ice_news

He at least toyed with competing this year, but I don't think he ever went to regionals/sectionals

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130521&content_id=48189698&vkey=ice_news

Rohene is on twitter
https://twitter.com/RoheneWard

Rohene at Vienna Cup 2002 EX. I love this one :love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAdIn-NFKhc

Rohene at Upper Great Lakes, for once landing his jumps outside of a show or practice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6iO3j3gmg&feature=player_detailpage

Rohene in Holiday on Ice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKW9YUuIa4
 

Blades of Passion

Skating is Art, if you let it be
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Country
France
He's maybe the most "talented" skater EVER. In practices he is capable of doing absolutely anything, beautifully. Some people just can't compete. I think some of his issues were due to not training seriously enough as a competitive athlete (this is a guy who has said "I'll eat what I want, it doesn't matter"), but I also feel there might be some conflicting internal emotions as well. He's an openly gay black male; there can be a lot of adversity to face there. Trying to honestly present yourself on such a big stage as a competitive athlete, when you are filled with such a degree of "shame" (I'm just talking about the negativity others have placed upon you, not that he himself believes it), can certainly mess you up.
 

Srin Odessa

On the Ice
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Rohene Ward's skating is sort of the Galapagos Islands of figure skating. You just wonder how such a beautiful yet bizarre thing is possible. Other than his style, it didn't look like he had the mental goods to compete.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2009
He's maybe the most "talented" skater EVER. In practices he is capable of doing absolutely anything, beautifully. Some people just can't compete. I think some of his issues were due to not training seriously enough as a competitive athlete (this is a guy who has said "I'll eat what I want, it doesn't matter"), but I also feel there might be some conflicting internal emotions as well. He's an openly gay black male; there can be a lot of adversity to face there. Trying to honestly present yourself on such a big stage as a competitive athlete, when you are filled with such a degree of "shame" (I'm just talking about the negativity others have placed upon you, not that he himself believes it), can certainly mess you up.

I can see how such feelings could interfere with a person's motivation. Sometimes even family members are adversarial toward the person's goals--I believe that was true of both Emanuel Sandhu and John Curry. Curry had the kind of temperament that could deal with discipline, planning, and analysis, so he was able to ascend within the system. But Rohene sounds like Sandhu: artistic as all get-out, yet not the sort of person who adapts well to a regimented routine where every iota of life is planned out. For people like that, my reaction is usually just to be thankful for any opportunity I have to watch them in action, and not to make any judgements on how they fit in to the overall system--because usually, they don't and probably can't.
 

wordsworthgirl

Medalist
Joined
Sep 12, 2013
He's maybe the most "talented" skater EVER. In practices he is capable of doing absolutely anything, beautifully. Some people just can't compete. I think some of his issues were due to not training seriously enough as a competitive athlete (this is a guy who has said "I'll eat what I want, it doesn't matter"), but I also feel there might be some conflicting internal emotions as well. He's an openly gay black male; there can be a lot of adversity to face there. Trying to honestly present yourself on such a big stage as a competitive athlete, when you are filled with such a degree of "shame" (I'm just talking about the negativity others have placed upon you, not that he himself believes it), can certainly mess you up.

Blades of Passion, this is an extremely smart, compassionate, and thoughtful take on Rohene. Thank you for it. I'm sure that you've hit the nail on the head here.
 

wordsworthgirl

Medalist
Joined
Sep 12, 2013
Manleywoman has an part interview with Rohene

http://www.manleywoman.com/episode-67-rohene-ward-part-1/

Rohene performs with the European show, Holiday on Ice. IN interviewed him
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120618&content_id=33511892&vkey=ice_news

He at least toyed with competing this year, but I don't think he ever went to regionals/sectionals

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130521&content_id=48189698&vkey=ice_news

Rohene is on twitter
https://twitter.com/RoheneWard

Rohene at Vienna Cup 2002 EX. I love this one :love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAdIn-NFKhc

Rohene at Upper Great Lakes, for once landing his jumps outside of a show or practice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6iO3j3gmg&feature=player_detailpage

Rohene in Holiday on Ice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKW9YUuIa4

Doris, thank you SO MUCH!!! Many treats await me here!
 

LiamForeman

William/Uilyam
Medalist
Joined
Nov 24, 2006
I agree with BOP. He's up there with being the most talented skater EVER. 3axels and 4toes from nowhere and nearly at a standstill, awesome spins, great choreography and moves in the field. He could do 3lutz either CCW or CW.

I enjoy his choreography now, it's great he can channel his talent into helping other skaters.

It was always such a shame and a horror to watch him compete, especially at Nationals. He'd nail everything in the six minute warmup and then fall on EVERYTHING in the performance. He just couldn't compete. And I don't think it had to do with training because he was always perfect or near perfect in practice. Some don't have the head for competition.
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Jason on Rohene:

http://skateguard1.blogspot.ca/2013/11/interview-with-jason-brown.html

Q: When I skated, the first program that I did at our Provincials here in Nova Scotia was actually to "Reel Around The Sun" from "Riverdance". I just love the music! Where did you come up with the idea to skate to it this year and what do you love most about this program and the story it tells?

A: I give all the credit to Rohene on this one! Rohene and I spent about a week looking at different pieces for my senior debut long program and at the end of the week he looked at me with the widest, brightest eyes and said, "I know exactly what you are going to skate to. I've always wanted you to skate to it, but I've been waiting for the perfect time. That time is now!" This program is by far the hardest, most exhausting free skate I have ever had, yet that is something I love most about the program. It is such a challenge, and constantly pushes me to my limits both physically and mentally. I absolutely love performing this free skate at events and I love when the audience claps along.

Q: Rohene is in his own right really one of the most compelling skaters out there. What is working with him like and why do you believe that he has brought out the best in your skating?

A: Working with Rohene is truly incredible. He's an outstanding coach and choreographer, and his talent is out of this world. Rohene is truly art on ice. He constantly pushes me to my physical and artistic limits, holding me to the highest standards, and won't accept anything less than when he knows I've given my best effort. He definitely brings out the best in my skating, taking the time to work with me on every detail and understanding each movement. We have a great relationship both on and off the ice, really enhancing the choreographing process.

***

http://www.absoluteskating.com/index.php?cat=interviews&id=2013jasonbrown

Are you involved in the choreography?

Not really. I have worked with the same choreographer, Rohene Ward, for the last 5 years. He knows what works for me. The music was picked by my choreographer and my coach. I have worked with Rob for such a long time now that he knows me. He takes every piece of music and looks at it and every skater differently and individually. He takes the choreography and tries to take it to a twist - like the [long program] Riverdance; he has really pushed it, I really enjoyed it a lot. There are times we change things, if they’re not working, but in the beginning of the season we try to keep everything in, to make it as hard as possible; to hopefully continue to grow during the season.

You have kept the short program from last season.

Yes, one of my choreographers suggested the music 3 years ago, but my coach said: "I am not sure if he is ready for it." It is very sophisticated. You don’t want to underdo or underplay the music but skate with it and skate to it really well. My skating was not at that level yet but last year we did it. My choreographer wanted to keep it for 2 years and develop it and make it my own. He always says, ‘marinating it’, that’s his word, to marinate it, to make it your own.


I :love: the whole concept of "marinating" into a program! And that Prince program is a great example. Last year, it seem he was still getting used to the choreography and this year he's really playing it up.

I'm glad that Jason has been a great outlet for Rohene's style. What a great relationship.
 

karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
In arty terms, it would seem that Jason is Rohene's muse!

I agree that the "marinating" of the Prince program has been epic. Last year he seemed like a little boy scampering around in a too-big outfit playing at being Prince. This year he is the sassy flirty Prince and it's fun!
 

KKonas

Medalist
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
I agree with BOP. He's up there with being the most talented skater EVER. 3axels and 4toes from nowhere and nearly at a standstill, awesome spins, great choreography and moves in the field. He could do 3lutz either CCW or CW.

I enjoy his choreography now, it's great he can channel his talent into helping other skaters.

It was always such a shame and a horror to watch him compete, especially at Nationals. He'd nail everything in the six minute warmup and then fall on EVERYTHING in the performance. He just couldn't compete. And I don't think it had to do with training because he was always perfect or near perfect in practice. Some don't have the head for competition.

It's one thing to be able to do difficult jumps outside of a program, but another when you have to put them in a free program with other difficult elements. His coach at the time told me Ward was sporadic in his training. Frank Carroll insists on his students doing full run-throughs of both programs every day. And you don't stop when you make a mistake. You finish the program. This is the way to train if you want to become a top competitor. All the talent in the world won't get you there without the discipline in your daily training routine. It was the main reason Kwan was always so consistent.
 

skateluvr

Record Breaker
Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Clearly Frank can train great skaters from kids on up. I never understood why Kwan left him, especially in an Olympic year. Not to be mean cuz I love her skating, but it did seem hubris to go it alone. KKonas, do you know the real reason for that split? That and YuNa/Orser seemed equally mysterious to me.
 

CanadianSkaterGuy

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
He literally had every capability to be the best skater in the World. Had the quad, had amazing lines and spins, inventive, Cranston-esque positions. It's such a shame that he couldn't get the mind game that is skating down.
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Has anyone ever seen Jason's Money SP from when he was a novice? I'm curious how Jason skated to Pink Floyd as a 14-year-old! (I'm assuming Rohene choreographed that one since Jason said he worked with him for five years, so that would have been in that timeline).

ETA: I did find a photo of him doing the SP......haha: http://www.pbase.com/trilby23/image/108712532

Now I'm really curious.
 

skateluvr

Record Breaker
Joined
Oct 23, 2011
He's maybe the most "talented" skater EVER. In practices he is capable of doing absolutely anything, beautifully. Some people just can't compete. I think some of his issues were due to not training seriously enough as a competitive athlete (this is a guy who has said "I'll eat what I want, it doesn't matter"), but I also feel there might be some conflicting internal emotions as well. He's an openly gay black male; there can be a lot of adversity to face there. Trying to honestly present yourself on such a big stage as a competitive athlete, when you are filled with such a degree of "shame" (I'm just talking about the negativity others have placed upon you, not that he himself believes it), can certainly mess you up.

well put.
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Jackpot. It took some searching, but I found some Ice Network archive video from that competition: http://web.icenetwork.com/media/pla...y1_400.wmv&type=v_sub&cid=2009012259512&_mp=1

I have no idea if it requires a subscription.

Bad news is that you can't spool ahead. Jason and Josh are the last two skaters. Also Ashley Wagner's little bro, Austin, is in this competition as well.

ETA: Just watched the skates. Oh Jason was so cute and sassy with that program! As usual, he really knew how to entertain and engage the crowd.

But my, Josh Farris! He was super impressive. I love how he did a charlotte spiral into his 2A and he did a biellman spin! And his jumps were quite good. Josh was in a class his own then. Jason was great, but with just the triple toe and salchow, he was far behind Josh technically back then and he didn't have his trademark spins and flexibility yet (in fact, Josh looked to have the edge in flexibility too.).

A credit to Kori and Rohene for helping Jason become more of a contender as the years went by. Josh is still a step ahead technically, but Jason really has developed the second mark as well as the spins and footwork so they are more equals now then they were back when they were novice skaters.
 

karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
*agonised shriek*

You need a subscription.

SCREW YOU ICENETWORK. IT'S FROM 2009 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!


EDIT:

In the meantime I am pacifying myself with the photos from the link Mrs P posted earlier. Look how cute and adorable they were! their little faaaaaaaaaaaaces!
 

wordsworthgirl

Medalist
Joined
Sep 12, 2013
*agonised shriek*

You need a subscription.

SCREW YOU ICENETWORK. IT'S FROM 2009 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!


EDIT:

In the meantime I am pacifying myself with the photos from the link Mrs P posted earlier. Look how cute and adorable they were! their little faaaaaaaaaaaaces!

Karne, get this- I HAVE a current subscription to Ice Network and it isn't letting ME play the video! It seems it requires extra payment or some kind of premium subscription!
 

karne

in Emergency Backup Mode
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Country
Australia
Karne, get this- I HAVE a current subscription to Ice Network and it isn't letting ME play the video! It seems it requires extra payment or some kind of premium subscription!

How ridiculous! I mean, this is a NOVICE competition from 2009 - more than four years ago! What on earth to IceNetwork have to gain by hiding this video away?
 
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