"A great skater leaves the sport different and better just because he or she was in it," says Dick Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist figure skater and legendary figure skating analyst.

Button appeared recently at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he spent many a night discussing the ins and outs of figure skating with TV anchor Bob Costas. From Thursday to March 21, skating fans can hear more of Button's commentary when he joins fellow skating champions Katarina Witt and Kristi Yamaguchi at "Thin Ice," the first-ever Foxwoods figure skating reality competition at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

"Thin Ice" will be different than a regular competition in that it's all about the entertainment value, not specific scoring for set moves. The televised event will include 10 world-renowned figure skaters paired into five couples, with no skaters coupled with his or her current partner. Joannie Rochette, the Canadian who earned a Bronze medal in Vancouver just four days after losing her mother, will perform a tribute to her on the third day of the event.

In a recent telephone

interview, Button, a North Salem, N.Y., resident, spoke about "Thin Ice," reflected on why he enjoys living in this area, and shared his secrets on staying so fit at the age of 80.

Wow, this looks like it will be a one-of-a-kind performance. How will it be judged differently from a typical figure skating competition that most of us are used to watching?

At most competitions, there are many rules and regulations a skater must adhere to. At this one, the skaters will get to do anything they want to without feeling restricted. There will be no requirements for any specific moves, and no rules on costumes.

When judging, I'll be looking for creativity, as well as paying careful attention to technique, which I think is extremely important. If someone does something that's widely imaginative, but has no technique, it won't be successful. You must do it properly where it looks right. No matter what it is you're doing, you need good technique to carry it off.

Dick, tell us a little bit about yourself. You have lived in this area for most of your adult life. Why do you like living here?

Between North Salem and Brewster, N.Y., this area has been my yearly residence for 40 to 50 years. Although it's not as rural as it had been when I first moved here, I enjoy being able to own animals. I have ducks, a chicken, a goose, cats, a dog, and a pig named Salem that only uses three legs to walk on. I also like living relatively close to New York City.

My favorite restaurants in Ridgefield include Luc's Cafe & Restaurant (on Big Shop Lane). In wintertime, I enjoy eating by the fireplace at the Elms Inn on Main Street. Another place I like is the Japanese restaurant (Mannen) on Danbury Road.

I'm addicted to the Horologist of London (which deals with fine antique timepieces) on Main Street in Ridgefield, and I frequently see productions at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Also, I often shop at Costco (on Federal Road in Brookfield).

My favorite local restaurant is Vox (Bar & Restaurant on Titicus Road in North Salem). The food there is sensational. Whenever I'm not traveling, though, I prefer to eat at home.

What is most important to you right now and, after "Thin Ice," where can we see you next?

Spending time with my children, Edward and Emily, is most important. They both live in California. As far as what my future plans are, I will find out myself once I get a call.

You seem to stay in such good shape. Any advice on staying fit into our later years?

Keep moving. I like to putter around in my garden, walk, and swim in my pool. One of my mottos is "Never quit until they carry you out to eat first."

I also still skate at home on my outdoor pond. While I can't skate the way I once did, I still find skating has a lovely quality to it. Figure skating is one of the only sports in this world where you can glide without moving your body. You are (essentially) moving without moving. The music, the choreography, the concepts, the elegance -- it's such a beautiful activity.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Thin Ice" a live, televised, figure skating reality competition hosted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC TV's "The View," and Kurt Browning, four-time world champion Canadian figure skater.

Featured professional skating pairs are Stephane Lambiel and Shizuka Arakawa; David Pelletier and Elena Berezhnaya; Patrice Lauzon and Jamie Sale; John Zimmerman and Shae-Lynn Bourne; and Michael Weiss and Marie-France Dubreuil.

Joannie Rochette, the Canadian figure skater who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver four days after losing her mother to a sudden heart attack, will perform on March 19, in a tribute performance dedicated to her mother.

Prize money for the event totals $220,000.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 19; 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. March 20; and 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. March 21.

WHERE: Premier Ballroom at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, 39 Norwich Westerly Road, Mashantucket.

COST: To purchase tickets, which cost $40, $60, $75, and $100, call the box office at 866-646-0609 or visit www.mgmatfoxwoods.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

MORE INFO: Competitions at 8 p.m. March 19, and at 7 p.m., March 21 will be televised live in prime-time on ABC TV. Duration of each broadcast is 60 minutes.

Fast facts on Dick Button

n He won two Olympic Gold Medals, five consecutive World Championships, seven U.S. National titles, and six North American titles.

n He has worked as a figure skating analyst from 1960 to the present time. Most recently, he was a commentator for NBC TV at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

n He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and is a member of the bar of Washington, D.C.

n He is a member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the Olympic Hall of Fame.