I’m so excited to share with you my interview with an Olympic Ice Dancer Tanith Belbin! I love watching figure skating and ice dancing therefore interviewing Tanith is a dream come true.

Tanith Belbin is a Canadian-American ice dancer. Though she holds dual citizenship, she competes for the United States and has competed for the U.S. since she began skating with Benjamin Agosto in 1998. With Agosto, Belbin is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, four time World medalist, three time Four Continents champion (2004–2006), and five-time U. S. champion (2004–2008). 

Photo credit: NBC Sports / USOC

Tanith Belbin was born in Kingston, Ontario and raised in Kirkland, Quebec. She lived and trained in Canton, Michigan for many years, before moving to Aston, Pennsylvania to train at Ice Works. Belbin’s mother, Michelle (McKinlay) Belbin, is a costume designer and she makes some of Belbin’s costumes. She trained as a figure skater in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In this interview Tanith Belbin talks to Marta Walsh about when and how she has discovered the love for ice dancing. How does she find the right balance between a busy career and normal life. Gives advice on what does it really take to become a successful ice dancer. Reveals what’s in her makeup bag, favorite city, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: How did you discover your love for ice dancing and what were some of your greatest achievements in your career?
Tanith Belbin: I began skating with the intention of becoming a singles skater but because of my body proportion (thin, long legs), I was placed with a dance partner when I was 8 years old and fell in love with the element of interacting with another person on the ice. I am a performer and dance offered the greatest outlet for my creativity and desire to portray different characters in a program. Since finding my perfect partner in Ben, I would say the most satisfying moment in our career for me personally was when we won our first National title. To be able to say that you are the best in the country at something you’ve dedicated your life to is incredible. Now, on to the world!

In Marta’s Shower:

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