There are plenty of kids who strap on their first pair of skates when they’re just tots. If a kid learns how to stand on the ice with confidence at age 3, then by age 4 they’ll be cruising around the rink with abandon.

Sure, they’ll fall, but they’ll get back up. And it’s an important lesson to learn.

Tots on ice

Of course, figure skating is something different and there can be a lot of pressure behind it. But like dance and sports, it can be a great way to instill discipline and respect for hard work as well.

We’re not sure why little Brynn Cartagena’s mom chose skating for her daughter, but it’s clear that she’s learned some serious poise in the short time she’s been doing it.

A video of the 3-year-old was posted to YouTube in 2014 and her adorable skills have been viewed over 1.7 million times.

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

What a different 8 weeks makes

In the caption, mom Valerie notes that her daughter has only been on skates for 8 WEEKS at this point.

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

And, frankly, she’s already learned more than we ever did. She can start and stop, cruise with control, and even do a few cute moves.

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

She’s got the charisma down as well as she smiles and waves while out on the ice.

It looks like she’s having lots of fun. Heck, she can even wiggle herself backward – that’s something we’re still trying to master!

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

Putting on a show

Brynn’s performance is set to “The Muffin Man,” which cracked up more than a few viewers.

“I thought this was so so cute! when it started it put a big smile on my face and when the muffin man song played I lost it, I died lol,” said a commenter.

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

Brynn’s performance at the 2014 Magnolia Open skating competition won her first place out of 6 skaters in her age category!

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena

And while she didn’t know it at the time, as she skated towards mom at the end of her routine, she looked like she felt pretty good about it.

YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Valerie Cartagena
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