Poems and Tales from Romania | Page 8

. . .
Of course, there were SOME who desperately wanted the prizes, and a
few of THOSE want ONLY the first place prizes, but most all of such
skaters as these mostly want to skate, and it doesn't really matter as
much to them that they win, as that they skate the way they
want . . .and whether or not the judges agreed, was a different thing.
So. . .as more and more "control" was placed on these events, and a few
of the original skaters got married, had kids or moved away for for
other reasons. . .there were also few less of those originals-- the ones
everyone KNEW would draw a big crowd, either for practice, or for
one of the Winter Festivals and Carnivals.
Which led to an even greater attempt to control them. . . .
Which led to a few more of them leaving for various reasons. . . .
Which led to an even greater attempt to control them. . . .
and you can see how that kind of thing might lead to. . . .
Some of the skaters eventually went back to practicing in locations of
their own choosing. . .places that were either not suited to the vendors

purposes or for other reasons not generally used.
They would skate in the moonlight at night, or bring candles to set on
the ice, and would skate around them like faeries in the forest.
All in all, it was some of the most beautiful skating of all time-- and
anyone today would undoubtedly consider themselves blessed if a
chance to see anything like it came along. This was simply a group of
artistic persons, freed from the pressures of society, presented with an
extraordinary opportunity in their chosen field. . .skating more for
themselves than for each other. . .more as team than as in a
competition. . .just them. . .mostly for themselves. . .and a few friends
who might come to tend the lights and ice, bring food. . .a group of
friends. . .doing what they like to do best. . .alone.
And as they grew apart from the rest of the now crowded arenas, the
friends felt less pressure not to make mistakes, a more comfortable
atmosphere in general, so they tried more and more things they were
less likely to try in front of everyone, and, thus, yet another one of the
great leaps in skating began.
With this kind of unrestricted opportunity the skaters blossomed in all
directions, inventing new leaps, jumps, spins and positions, in ways
they only the truly artistically expressive can do.
When the time came for that year's Winter Festivals and Carnivals--
virtually every prize was won by one of the "Winter Wonderlanders,"
as they had come to be known that year. . .those for whom a skating life
was a joy. . .not work. . .those who wanted to skate more than they
wanted the prizes or recognition.
That year the other skaters were of course affected by such
changes . . .some in one way. . .some in others.
Some asked to be allowed to practice with the Winter Wonderlanders,
and most of them were welcome. A few just wanted in on the secrets of
the Wonderlanders, to enhance their own competitive position, so were
not so welcome. However, the Wonderlanders were willing to do what
they could to find nearly anyone a place to practice, and they
appreciated anyone who wanted to practice. . .but sometimes it was,
and still is, the motivation that makes the difference.
Most anyone could come watch the Wonderlanders skate, just follow a
few of them and you would eventually end up where they were going.
And since they weren't very competitive, they didn't actively chase

away those who wanted to see what they were trying to accomplish.
Thus came yet another period of huge growth in skating as new moves
were catapulted onto the scene every year, sometimes every month as
progress begets progress, and the Wonderlanders skated for the love of
skating. . .and were willing to share with everyone.
But those who wanted control continued to want control yet the
more . . .as more and more prizes, money and fame were made
available.
Vendors couldn't make money on practice sessions they couldn't
find . . .and parents pretended they didn't want their kids going off in
the woods to skate all night alone. . .when it was JUST THAT that a
parent owed it all to. . .for that was what had created this, which they
were now all trying to control.
So the Wonderlanders found a few places no one would ever find, and
practiced in public enough to satisfy the vendors and parents.
Thus they continued to practice