Steven's been good enough to answer a bunch of questions from you, the fans! Read on to see his answers.

May 2007

Would you like to participate in a "Dancing on Ice / Skating with Celebrities" type show?

I was offered the show 2 years ago in Britain and was very tempted to do the show( in Britain).....It was a huge success and an amazing concept....(which salutes the unbelievable vision of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean,) I would like to think that I would be able to do this kind of show in the future.

Steven, I just wanted to say that I am thrilled you are with Stars on Ice again!!! You have that extra something that skaters like Scott and Kurt bring to the ice and it really makes it so enjoyable and exciting for those watching. You seem to put a lot of yourself into your skating and as a fan I want to say thank you. What is the best part about being with Stars on Ice and what is the hardest part?

Thank you very much for the compliment, Skating is blood sweat and tears on every level....I can assure you that the people you mentioned are full of all of those every time they get ready for the season, I love everything about my job and I am very privileged to be able to perform in the best touring show in the world.....The best part of being a part of this show is that I always feel amazement when I am in the dressing room before the show and on the ice with such amazing athletes and performers. The worst part is knowing that it will not last forever.

Really loved Iced Energy. In the U2 section there was a track with a very Irish feel - what was it? It sounded as though it had the words "Belfast Boy" in it but I'm not sure. How did the music for this show get chosen?

It was Belfast Child and it is by Simple Minds...It has been a programme of mine for about 10 years and was choreographed by myself and Stephanee Grosscup.......I remember everything about making this programme and don't remember a time that I didn't want to do this number. I chose the music for the show in Britain and offered suggestions to the unbelievable cats....who I might add were on board immediately.....I wanted to show their skating and the amazing music that Britain has produced.

Out of all your tours which one was your favorite? What made it your favorite?

That is a good question.....The first tour is always amazing and you sink or swim by it. Do you want to learn from it?....Do you take it for granted. I will always look at this tour and thank everyone involved for 1 giving me the opportunity....and 2 for teaching me to be the skater I am today.....Sandra Bezic and the creative team really took me under their wing and gave me a HUGE responsibility in my first tour that scared me to death ...but ultimately taught me so much., Also Scott Hamilton's Last tour.....How can i describe that without crying.?

Do you remember your beginnings on the Junior Level? It was a time that left lasting impressions. I congratulate you on all your success. You are one of the best!!!

Thank you..... I remember my Junior levels very well..........I will tell you the truth that I was unbeaten in competitions for a very long time (In Britain)....... I did think that it was my right to be at the top...... I was wrong.......I learned that a true champion must prepare and bring the best they have got every time they compete. I had a wonderful time as a junior....maybe too short.....But I know that every experience I had as a junior made me prepare and be ready as a Senior and as a Professional.

Where abouts in Wales are you from.... I am a kiwi in Canada and a big Rugby fan and sad to say that the All Blacks beat Wales in November.

Thanks for that! I am from North Wales....Connah's Quay to be exact....... The closest City is in England(where I was born. Chester). The closest city in Wales is Wrexham. I do remember the welsh rugby team winning the Grand slam recently......alas there were no all blacks!!!!!.....Is it the world cup this year?........wager anyone? hahahahahahahaha!!!!!

On this year's tour what is your favorite group number? Why?

I have to say that my favourite group number was the 60s ......Its a no brainer..... as soon as you put the wig and moustache,outfit on then you were back in the day!!!!!.....Unreal...had sooooooo much fun. Although I did not ask to take the pants home with me.... DODGY!

How was it on halloween on the ice i saw the pictures u look great and how did u leard to skate and do all theses tricks on ice?

Halloween on Ice was a very cool cat....Everyone in the show had the choice to do it right or to half heart it and get away withy doing a show.......I think we were all really proud of it because it was a tough ask........everyone came with an open mind and I have to say that it was set in stone when Todd Eldredge Kicked ass as Frankenstein in rehearsals.........(can I say Kicked ass?) It has to be one of my favourites and Manheim Steamroller were really great people to work with.

While watching your memorable performance of the "Remember" program in this year's Brian Boitano's holiday TV special, it stuck me that this was a piece that could be interpreted several different ways -- each of which having a strong impact. What does this song and its accompanying program mean to you personally?

That is amazing........Lea Ann Miller(My Choreographer) and I talked about this when we first set about making the programme..... we felt that it was an obvious choice to go for the remember me when I am gone idea.........But because of both of our lives at the time we thought that it was more poignant to ask people to remember each other for what they are ......ALIVE. Everytime I did the programme I asked myself " what do you want to be remembered for now? "....... I am not sure I will ever do this programme justice....I will probably try to do the number again and again until I will remember the programme the way it should be skated.

What did you do to get where you are today?I skate and my goal is the olympics I know thats a lot of practice and time,but what can I do to help get me there.sorry if this doesn't make complete sense. (p.s you where great at youngstown I skated there too in classics on ice)

If I am honest i would say that I never aspired to be anything, I thought I would be a soccer player.....still do actually..... But I never stopped enjoying what I was doing...even in the really bad times...I was the person that would stay on the ice to figure something out ....If I didn't get it I would be back at it the next day..... Not to win....just to figure it out..... Having said that...as time went on I wanted to be the best and tried everything and worked as hard as I possibly could........ It doesn't matter what goals you have.......You cannot keep good work down I truly believe that....... Nothing happens by accident and preparation is the key. Does that make sense? I hope so..... I would love to write a book one day called "Almost a Champion" cos i believe that I wasn't the guy that won the Gold....But I feel every day that I did.




March 2006

I am a big fan and I was wondering how did you stay modivated while you were in training? There must have been a time when you weren't really into the whole training thing.

Thanks alot! There are always times when you are not up to scratch and not feeling the best in training and in life in general.........My parents always told me that I should never quit during the bad times and work hard to make it right again......then when everything is fgoing well decide if you want tocarry on......It is great advice because it always makes you wait till it is going well again.....by that time you don't want to let go!!!!!!!...But most of the time....good or bad I liked the training.

I was wondering what is your favorite part of performing?

My favourite part of performing is sharing everything with the audience.......It is such a blast to have that much fun and make people's troubles go away for that short period of time while you are skating.

If you had it to do all over again, would you want to do figure skating and would you change some things along your life?

I wouldn't change a thing....nothing because i am really happy with everything that the sport has given and taken away from me...........There is nothing that I have done that I regret at all. I would love to have been able to do double sports and played soccer as a professional though.

My favorite subject in school was....

History

You've mentioned in interviews that you like to read. What are some of your favorite books?

My absolute favourite is a book called The Day After Tomorrow by Alan Folsom.I also love the 7 books that an Auther called Jack Whyte has done.....It is a great look at Autharian Legend.

First off, I think you are awesome. I just saw you tonight for the first time skate in the World Team Championships. I notice that you wear a cross necklace. I'd just like to ask if you are a Christian! Thanks for all you do! God Bless!

Thank you.......Yes I am........At least I am trying be be every day!

What brand of skate and blades do you use?

I use Pattern 99 blades and Graf boots.

Have you ever mastered jumps in the opposite direction to your regular ones?

I haven't mastered them in the right direction never mind killing myself that way!!!!!!!!!!!......we all try for fun but I am useless.

I used to skate years ago and gave up in 1991 to go to Uni as I couldn't see any future for skating in Britain. Do you think there's anything that can be done by skaters like yourself, T&D, Robin Cousins etc to boost skating here? It seems that a lot of our most talented and experienced people are forced abroad... what with the limitations faced in the UK.. The recent Dancing on Ice series was great PR for the sport but local authorities are so slow to take the initiative. I would like to see young British skaters up on the podium again... any ideas as to what can be done?

There is tons of talent in Britain...the large problem is the way the kids are looked after.....It is a tough sport to get ahead in.......I agree that the initiative needs to be taken now........With the great exposure.....there have been opportunities in the past and will be again but somehow seem to be squandered on a regular basis.......I have only been asked to help once and that was because someone else had to pull out of a seminar at the last minute. I am going to be producing shows in September in Britain with alot of World and Olympic champions coming to our shores so I hope that will help to a certain extent. There are no limitations in the U.K...but there are far too many road blocks.

Did you get to see Kristina compete in Dancing on Ice? What did you think about the show and her performances?

Yes I did....i was so proud of her and Stefand.........But I couldn't believe how nervous i was watching it live at the studio..The tension was amazing and the show I thought was tremendous! Thanks for all the questions ant taking the time to a part of my career and my life...I really appreciate this and will continue to be amazed by you and the support you have given and continue to give......Thank You! World and Olympic champions coming to our shores so I hope that will help to a certain extent. There are no limitations in the U.K...but there are far too many road blocks.

Did you get to see Kristina compete in Dancing on Ice? What did you think about the show and her performances?

Yes I did....i was so proud of her and Stefand.........But I couldn't believe how nervous i was watching it live at the studio..The tension was amazing and the show I thought was tremendous!

Thanks for all the questions ant taking the time to a part of my career and my life...I really appreciate this and will continue to be amazed by you and the support you have given and continue to give......Thank You!

Steve





June 2005

How do you go about selecting the music you will skate to each year?

Well for the shows that Steve Disson produces with IMG we have usually the music all set up with the artists that are involved, with the personal numbers I always just keep listening to music on the radio, old cd's etc....... It takes a while to figure out what you want too do and what direction I want to go in but I try to think of things that will be different than I have done before and something that won't bore me to tears after I have heard it a boat load of times!!!!!!!!

Steven, I know you like laugh and so do I so what I want to know is what's the funniest thing that you've seen while on tour this year? On or off the ice.

I can't really answer this because I am always getting into the fun stuff.......Some of the things that happen out on the ice you would die laughing but you have to keep it inside and do your job and perform properly.....Todd Eldredge and Dave Pelletier were forever cracking me up by things they would say or do.

I really enjoyed seeing you in Stars on Ice. You are very handsome and charismatic. Will you be doing any big Hollywood movie roles soon? You are more handsome than Johnny Depp or Keanu, so I am sure you can get roles.

I am trying to get into that side of things all the time. I went to acting school for 3 summers and when things settle down again I will try and break a few more doors down again. I really enjoy the acting aspect as I think it helps skating and vice versa.

Hi Steven! I skate at Mariposa every summer, i am from nova scotia! I heard you are married to Kristina Cousins! how old is she and how long have you been married? are you planning on having kids someday?

Yes I am married to Kristina,(formerly Lenko). She is doing amazingly well and we have been married for nearly 2 years.

I was just wondering how you and Kristina met? Is it true that she is from Saskatchewan?

Yes she is from Saskatchewan and we met at the rink at Mariposa.

Do you have any tattoos? If yes, what and where. if no, have you ever thought of getting one?

No I don't have any tattoo's at the moment.... It is funny that you ask this because I have been threatening to get one for some time........... I would love to get the Liverpool Footbal Club emblem ...... and the Olympic dates that I competed. The Liverpool thing would be great as they just won the Eurropean Championships last Wednesday.YYYEEEESSSS!!!!!!!

How much training do you do over the summer? How is it different from when you were an eligible?

I do a lot of training in the summer because the season is getting longer and longer so you have to be fit to do so many shows and have the strength and endurance to perform well the whole way through. It is a lot different to when I was an amateur, because I think I trained a little too much then..... Now I have the perfect balance I think ?! I hope!!!

With the exception of ice dance, there are no British skaters in the top 15 at Worlds anymore. What do you think could be done to improve this?

I wish I could put my finger on this......... I felt I was really lucky to be in the competition scene at the time I was.... Britain was coming off some really good years at the top of the tree....... I watched and wanted some of the action........... After I finished there seemed to be a lull and I don't know why...... The skaters are really good over there..... I think it just takes time to back to the top for a country........ I would love to be able to help over there...... John Curry...... Robin Cousins and also Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean all had input with my amateur career and it really helped.

If there were one competetive event where you could have a 'do-over' for one program, which one would it be?

This is easy! It is defiantely the World Long programme in Edmonton in 1996....... I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Bad it was unbelieveable...... I was lying in 5th place going into the long and I was skating really well........ But on the night I missed everything except one jump...... I remember hearing someone in the audience in the slow section shout out "come on Steven you can do One Thing!!!!") Just awful..... I feel sick every time I think about it.

You've performed for audiences around the world. Is there a lot of difference between audiences in different countries?

There is a huge difference in audiences all over the world......... All of them are amazing but it is different with each culture...... I love that about performing in different countries.

What's the first thing you look forward to doing when the last show of the season is done?

Just going home and hanging out with friends and Family......... But I miss being out on the ice immediately!




November 2004

Have you given any thought to restarting an official website or having an official fan club?

The websites I have going on at the moment I think are enough.......I am not sure that it would help to have anymore or do anything differently. I am not sure how up to date the Steven Cousins.com is,I haven't checked it out lately but I know the Simply Steven site(that you are on now is up to date thanks to Andrea.

How do you go about selecting the music you will skate to each year?

Well for the shows that Steve Disson produces with IMG we have usually the music all set up with the artists that are involved, with the personal numbers I always just keep listening to music on the radio,old cd's etc....... It takes a while to figure out what you want too do and what direction I want to go in but I try to think of things that will be different that I have done before and something that won't bore me to tears after I have heard it a boat load of times!!!!!!!!

How long does it take you (typically) to choreograph a new program?

It can take from 2 days to 2 weeks to get a programme choreographed................ (I like the 2 days ones better!!!!).... Just depends..... I am never satisfied with what I have done and I am constantly trying to change and improve my own choreography. When I work with Leanne Miller I try to keep what we have done the same but work hard to get it the way it was supposed to be not the way that is comfortable for me..... There is a huge difference cos comfortable is not always good!!!!

How's the knee? (VERY glad to have you back on the ice and now back at SOI, by the way). Is it fully healed or do you still have trouble with it now and then?

The Knee is amazing............. Only have a weird feeling in it after a long flight............. lasts about an hour after than is amazing again. Have to thank Paolo, Cindy and Tracie for that........ they all helped me get through the therapy part of it! Not forgetting the amazing surgeon Rick Zarnett too!.............. I am still trying to get it stronger and keep it going cos that will always help .

We talk about our favorites of your programs, but which ones have been your favorites?

Definately my 1994 Olympic programme (Long).... It was really fun to do and never felt like I was competing when I did it. Also About That Walk is a favourite of mine because I had never worked with Christopher Dean before and it was an amazing experience.

Which is your favorite of the group numbers you've done with SOI?

Favourite group number on SOI would be the Zepplin opening and the Cowboy number. But seriously they are all alot of fun........ Can't think of one I didn't want to do,or didn't like. Pink fishnets anyone?

What are your favorite places to visit?

Paris, Anywhere in Britain, Boston, San Fran, Los Angeles.

I was flipping through an old skating magazine (from maybe 1997) and it mentioned that you wanted to try out for a pro football (Soccer for us Americans) team ... did you ever get to do that?

I didn't do it but I would still love to do it for fun......... even just train for a few weeks with a team.

Who were your skating inspirations/heros growing up, and who are they now (if different)?

Scotty Hamilton...... Brian Orser............. Torville and Dean.Those were my 3 favourites..... Now it is the same but I really have to say that now I am inspired by Jamie and David, Todd Eldredge, Ilia Kulik...... All 3 give 110 percent when performing and practicing also.

What things do you miss the most about living in the UK? What do you miss the least?

I miss soccer the most going to the games..... I miss the old old buildings too.......... I don't miss the skating limitations though

Does it feel wierd to come back to SOI and have the cast almost completely changed since the last time you toured with the show?

Totally weird.... everything is different.......... New Cast new rehearsal period........... I feel like a rookie again....... Really fun.

What's your favorite part of this year's SOI show, so far?

Being a rookie.

Steven, I met you at Kathy and Zane's show in Reading, PA - actually I gave you a ride to the airport - I'm just wondering how with the schedule you have you manage to stay so upbeat and be genuinely nice to everyone.

Just because of what I do doesn't mean that I should be different to the way I was brought up................... It is so easy to make someone elses day as pleasant as mine..... simple as that.




September 2004

What is your favorite "goofy" thing to do on the ice --whether it be a legitimate move or just for fun?

Goofiest thing that I like to do on the ice just for fun is something that Todd Sand does that is just hilarious.
It is called the Stiff Lizard.............Basically you skate as fast as you can then throw yourself on the floor and lie on your back and side and keep really still like rigor mortis has set in.........sounds weird but it looks really funny.
Or the fish....this is basically the same thing except you flop around like a fish out of water.
Elvis Stojko, Todd Eldredge and I did this at an exhibition practice at Worlds in Birmingham 1995............the crow was howling laughing and so were we. Synchronised fish. New sport!!!!

What's one lesson that you learned when you were young that continuously comes back to help you in life, and that you pass down to your kids?

Never Quit when you are feeling down or things are not going well..........turn things around, make them better and if you still feel like you don't want to do it anymore ....then....and only then is it o.k.
This is a great life lesson too.

What's one of your favorite childhood memories that doesn't have anything to do with skating?

Favourite childhood memories for me were going to a Castle that was about a 20 minute run 40 minute walk away from our house in Wales........It is a 13th century ruin and is in the middle of the woods.........I loved going there and still do when I am home.

What song(s) best express you life and your passions and why?

That is a hard and good question!.Not sure if you mean skating songs or songs in general.
Skating song I would say that Belfast Child is a song I relate to alot I guess....growing up with all the troubles in Ireland and now seeing the great things there........Going there at the height of the troubles and being really afraid and then having a great time and the people are really the most amazing, welcoming people.
General songs I would have to say anything 80's....it is such a giggle and never took itself seriously.....I like to laugh alot, anyone that knows me will tell you that!

Hi Steven, I was at the Mariposa Seminar, and you were teaching us how to spin both ways. I was wondering what made you want to learn to do that?

I saw Robin Cousins do that years and years ago and you couldn't tell which way was his bad way....I thought that it was sooooo cool.
also there was a guy that could do 2 axel both ways in britain that I used to skate against.....that was amazing...however I never wanted to try that ....had enough trouble going the normal way!!!!!!!!

How is married life treating you? Will your wife travel with you or perhaps get a little pairs skate time with you during the show? Would you like children?

Married life is amazing.................I honestly did not think that it could be like this.........Good times bad times ............you just get stronger as a person and a couple through everything, always there is someone there for you.......unconditionally...........Amazing.
Kristina will travel with me in March I hope....she is working on a Cruise Ship till then.

With the exception of skating and soccer (oops sorry FOOTBALL), what do you do for fun?

For fun I like to do nothing!!!!!........watch a movie and totally relax.............I never get chance to be Still...so when I get that chance I take it.

Over the years you've done a number of 'theme' shows (Ray Charles, Country, Rap, etc.) do you have one that was a favorite? Or one that forced you to try a style of music you never thought you'd skate to?

I love all the ones that I have done and learnt so much.........But I think the one song I never thought that I would end up skating to was a song by Matt Morris.............He sang it live and it was R&B....slow song....something I would never of thought that I would or could do.
Of course it was Scotty that suggested this and it was a really great time choreographing and then performing this.
Favourite actual show was definately Ray Charles.....Legend.........

What's the one thing you can't live without while you're on tour?

Starbucks.

What's the most interesting (good or bad!) gift you've ever received from a fan?

Good gift was a mini tensor machine from a fan in Japan...............Great for injuries....very surprised............Worst thing......A letter saying how bad and disappointing I was to a fan that used to like my work..........Gift in someways cos good or bad you only learn from feedback.

Of your three Olympics, which was your favorite for skating reasons? Which was your favorite for non-skating reasons?

Skating reasons would be Lillehammer....cos of making history with Triple axel there.........then skating realy well in the long............
Non skating would be Nagano..........cos I knew it would be my last one....I really tried to remember and take in everything and enjoy every minute........The Mariposa staff that were there and some of the fans that travelled from Barrie and of course family made it very special.


Thanks everyone for the questions...that was really fun to do.
Take care and peace to you all.

Steve


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