The Ultimate Guide to Adult Skate Camps: Advice & Observations

by | Aug 31, 2024 | Conversations

Road to Gold Skate Camp

Summer often brings back childhood memories of camp, but the fun doesn’t have to stop when you grow up! Adult skate camps are a fantastic way to relive the experience, offering opportunities to train intensively—even if just for a few days. Not only do you get to hone your skills, but you also get to connect with fellow adult skaters, learn from new coaches, and explore different aspects of the sport that you might not experience in your usual training routine.

I recently caught up with three campers who attended the Road to Gold, The Experience, and Lake Placid Adult Week camps. They shared their experiences, insights, and some helpful advice for anyone considering diving into an adult skate camp.

Have you been to an adult skate camp? Share your experience in the comments below!

Road to Gold

Meet our Camper:  Julie Bardon is an adult competitive skater at the master intermediate/novice level and she attended with the goal to work on her spins since she competed 6.0 as a child and the new IJS system adds a different emphasis on elements.

Location: This camp travels to many different areas and aims to serve smaller markets where it can be challenging for skaters to find top coaches.  Our skater attended the camp in Vail, CO which had a dedicated adult weekend.

Duration: 2 days with a welcome reception the night before

Structure: For this camp you have two options, you can build your own camp by choosing a la carte from an abundance of on and off ice classes each with a particular skill focus or you can work with camp coordinator to create a more traditional structure.

Coaches: Gracie Gold, Geoffry Varner, Max Aaron, Eddie Shipstad & James Hernandez to name a few

Julie’s Thoughts: The allure of this camp lies not just in its picturesque setting, but in its unique structure and top-notch coaching. One of the benefits of this camp is the variety of classes available, catering to all levels. From basic turns to double jumps, skaters can choose classes that challenge them without overwhelming them. Each class is categorized by skill level, ensuring that skaters can select sessions that align with their current abilities. For those looking to take their skills to the next level, there are even advanced sessions focusing on double jumps and spin combinations.

Despite Vail’s reputation as a luxury destination, the camp itself is surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider the quality of instruction. The biggest expenses tend to be travel and lodging, but even these can be mitigated. Many participants opt to stay in Airbnbs, sharing accommodations with fellow skaters. This not only cuts costs but also enhances the overall experience, allowing for bonding and shared meals.

The coaching staff is another highlight. With big names like Gracie Gold and Max Aaron, skaters have the opportunity to learn from the best. Max Aaron’s classes, in particular, stood out to Julie for his hands-on, personalized approach. Even in larger groups, Max managed to provide individual feedback, making sure each skater left with something valuable to work on.

Other unique features of the camp is the opportunity for video analysis, where skaters can watch themselves perform and receive detailed feedback from coaches and a mock competition that provided an opportunity to showcase programs and receive feedback from the coaching staff.

Julie’s Advice:  For those considering attending next year, a few tips: Sign up early—this camp is gaining popularity fast. Also, plan your travel carefully. With Vail’s high altitude and unpredictable weather, flight delays are common. If possible, take an extra day off work to allow for any unexpected changes in your itinerary. Finally, make the most of the social aspect of the camp. Staying with other skaters not only reduces costs but also makes the experience more enjoyable.

The Experience Adult Skate Camp

The Experience Camp

Meet our Camper:  Kim Gallaway is a competitive skater at the adult gold level. This was Kim’s first ever camp experience and she didn’t attend with ‘must have’ goals per say but rather really wanted to enjoy her time on the ice and fix her camel spin.

Location: This camp has a couple of locations including Cape Cod, MA and Palm Springs, CA. Kim attended the Cape Cod location.

Duration: 2.5 days with a welcome reception the night before

Structure: Each day follows a basic structure but allows for customization and private lessons.  The camp also had social activities and planned meals included.

Coaches: Gracie Gold, Randy Gardner, Nancy Kerrigan, Jeremy Abbott, Elin Schran to name a few

Kim’s Thoughts: Attending this camp was a heartwarming experience that exceeded all my expectations. Imagine being surrounded by like-minded adult skaters, regardless of skill level, coming together to share in the joy of skating. This camp wasn’t just about improving techniques; it was about creating connections, building confidence, and finding a supportive community.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and filled with positive energy, thanks in part to the wonderful coaches.  The camp kicked off with a cocktail reception, where we met the coaches and fellow skaters. This set the tone for the next few days—fun, friendly, and inclusive.

The structure of the camp was well-balanced with both on-ice and off-ice activities. We had dynamic warm-ups, ice flow sessions, and a variety of classes tailored to different skills, from basic edges to advanced jumps. One of the highlights was the group routines led by Randy, where we learned choreography similar to what you’d see on Stars on Ice. It was a blast working together to perfect these routines, and it truly felt like being part of a team.

Private lessons with the coaches were an incredible opportunity to get personalized tips and feedback.  Jeremy Abbott, for instance, helped me tremendously with my camel spin, offering insights that I’ve been trying to master for ages.

The social aspect of the camp was just as enriching as the skating. We had catered lunches with Q&A sessions, where the coaches shared personal stories and advice. In the evenings, we enjoyed dinners together and even had a bonfire on the beach, which was a perfect way to unwind and bond with the other campers.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the camp was the diversity in skill levels. There were skaters who hadn’t been on the ice in years, alongside others who had double jumps. But no matter where you fell on that spectrum, there was a place for you. The supportive environment ensured that everyone, from those who were just getting back into skating to those aiming to refine their technique, felt encouraged and valued.

Kim’s Advice:  For anyone considering The Experience camp, my advice is simple: just go for it. Don’t worry about whether you’re “good enough.” This camp is more about the experience, the camaraderie, and the joy of skating. It’s a place where you can reconnect with your love for the sport, make new friends, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Lake Placid Adult Skate Camp

Lake Placid Adult Skating Week

Meet our Camper: Alyssa Ardai is a competitive skater at the adult bronze level. This was her first camp experience, and she attended without specific goals—just the desire to enjoy the experience and connect with other adult skaters.

Location: The Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. This annual camp happens every August and hosts a week of adult classes.

Duration: The camp offers flexibility with 1, 3, or 5-day packages with an exhibition on Saturday that campers may participate in.

Structure: There is a flat fee to cover all ice time. Classes, both on and off-ice, are available for a small fee per class, making it easy to customize your experience.  Alyssa spent most of her days on the ice, starting around 9 a.m. and taking only brief breaks throughout the day. The structure allowed her to maximize time on the ice while still pacing herself to avoid burnout. It’s tempting to skate non-stop, but she found it important to take breaks and recharge, especially when sessions run as late as 7 p.m.

Coaches: Paul Wylie, Mimi Wacholder, Tracy Prussack Nicola, Karen Courtland Kelly, and Robin Miller, to name a few.

Alyssa’s Thoughts: If you’re an adult figure skater looking for a unique blend of intensive training, scenic surroundings, and camaraderie with fellow skaters, the Lake Placid Adult Skating Week is a must-try. The camp offered a variety of classes ranging from jumps and spins to edges and footwork. The smaller class sizes meant personalized attention and the chance to try new things, like spins I’d never attempted before.

One of the highlights was working with new coaches. While I was familiar with one coach going in, the variety of teaching styles and approaches was refreshing. Even when learning familiar techniques, hearing them explained differently made a big impact. I particularly enjoyed a class on edge work and jumps, where I picked up new tips for different entries.

There were also social activities like a curling event, which was a blast despite my total lack of experience. Additionally there was a group barbecue hosted by a long-time camp participant, which was a great chance to mingle outside of the rink. The sense of community is strong, and it’s easy to make connections with skaters of all levels.

The camp culminates in a show on Saturday, which is open to all levels. There’s no pressure, and it’s a fun way to wrap up the week. Participants ranged from beginners to those working on double jumps, but the atmosphere was supportive and inclusive. No matter your skill level, you can join in and perform in front of your fellow skaters.

Alyssa’s Advice: If you’re considering attending Lake Placid, go with an open mind and be ready to try new things. Don’t worry if a class seems above or below your level—the coaches are adaptable and will meet you where you are. And don’t forget to pack for the theme days if you’re into that; I felt a bit out of place in my PJs on theme day when others weren’t as dressed up!

Overall, the Lake Placid Adult Skating Camp gets a big thumbs up from me. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in skating, learn from talented coaches, and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Lake Placid. Whether you’re there to improve your skills or just to have fun, it’s a week well spent on the ice.

How to Craft Your Best Figure Skating Program (Part 2)

by | Aug 24, 2024 | Skating Essentials

Figure Skating Program

If you missed Part 1, of How to Craft a Figure Skating Program, you can find it here.

Putting It All Together

At this point, I’m on the ice with the choreographer, working through the program in three to four segments. We focus on the transitions, steps, and turns needed to get in and out of the planned elements. I’ve really enjoyed working with this particular choreographer, both last year and this year, as she has a strong vision and is very detail-oriented. She gives me specific instructions on how each move needs to happen to achieve the edge quality, ice coverage, and visual lines we’re aiming for. At my skating level, we try to balance difficulty without sacrificing performance quality. She’s also particular about ensuring that every movement has a purpose and that I take the time to execute each element to the fullest.

Once we’re satisfied with the complete program, the real work begins for me! I return to the music and work with a professional editor to finalize the cut, making any adjustments needed based on the choreography.

I Have Nothing to Wear

Oh wait, I do! Actually, I start thinking about the competition dress once the music is selected. It’s important to consider this early to ensure there’s time to have a custom dress made if needed. As an adult, I generally prefer custom-made dresses since many off-the-rack options are designed for a child’s body. That said, I’m not an elite skater on the international stage where my competitions are broadcast on TV, so I try to wear a dress for more than one season if possible. This assumes the music isn’t drastically different and I’m not portraying a character. I may change things up by altering the dress, adding or subtracting gloves, or matching tights to the dress instead of using skin-colored tights.

Figure skating program

Let the Run-Throughs Begin

Once I have my program and final music, it’s time to incorporate run-throughs into my regular training schedule. Skating a clean program requires a lot of muscle memory, so when you’re in a competition situation, you’re no longer thinking—you’re simply executing. When I first begin a new program, I’ll run through it without adding the elements, meaning I’ll simply mark the jumps and spins without actually performing them. This helps me get used to the movements and pacing of the program as it relates to the music. I gradually add in the elements, often starting with spins and then moving on to jumps. During regular training, I’ll practice the jumps and spins where and how they happen in my program, so I get used to the new entrances, patterns, and pacing. Before long, it’s ‘ready or not time,’ and I start doing complete run-throughs with all elements. These early run-throughs are NOT pretty and are often not in time with the music, but going through this process helps build confidence in a new program. Whether I’m practicing on my own or during a lesson, I almost always run the complete program start to finish, no matter what happens or how bad it is. I do this for two reasons: to push through the uncomfortable moments and to prepare for the unexpected. You never know what might happen during a competition, and you need to practice how to pick up a program after a mistake so you can handle it under pressure.

Fine-Tuning

Ideally, I like about a month or so to run through the program and get comfortable with it before fine-tuning begins. By this, I mean making any adjustments needed—editing things in or out of the program because they’re not working for whatever reason. I’m fortunate that my skating club offers both exhibitions and a judges’ critique. The exhibitions are like mock competitions where you wear your competition outfit (also an opportunity to ensure it works without needing alterations), go through a very short warm-up session, and then perform a solo program on the ice just like in a competition. The judges’ critiques follow the same process, but you perform in front of one or two judges or a judge and a technical specialist who spend a few minutes with you post-event, sharing feedback on your program. Last season after the critique I brought the feedback (along with a video of the performance) back to my coach to see if he thought additional adjustments were warranted.

Incorporating the feedback and practicing continues throughout the season. Some skaters, myself included, do what’s called back-to-back run-throughs. This is where you literally run your full program with all elements, and the second you finish, you go back to your starting position and run it through a second time. I do this to build endurance—not critical at my level, but for many higher-level skaters, this helps build the fitness needed for a more demanding program. Additionally, at higher levels, you may travel more for competitions, and in some locations, altitude can be a factor.

If you’ve been on this journey with me so far, stay tuned as we prepare to take this program to competitions!

How to Craft Your Best Figure Skating Program

by | Aug 17, 2024 | Skating Essentials

Building a figure Skating Program

Let’s Get Started

Have you ever wondered about the skating programs you see on TV? I mean, really, how hard can it be? You skate around for about two minutes, learn some arm movements, spin, jump, and then you’re done, right? Well, not exactly—actually, that’s very far from reality. In this blog series, I’ll take you through my process as an adult competitive skater and explain what really goes into creating a figure skating program.

More Than Choosing Your Favorite Song

The first step to crafting any skating program is the music because everything else will be built on top of that. Think of the music as the plot to a movie. What story are you trying to tell? Another consideration is the pace and theme of the music. Is it dramatic or energetic music that requires quick transitions in and out of positions? Does it suit your personal style? For example, do you excel in programs that embody a character, or do you prefer a flowing program where the sound and movements are the main focus? Once I’ve considered these factors, my next step is selecting a couple of pieces for my coach and I to listen to over the rink’s sound system. You wouldn’t guess this, but music sounds different in a large, empty space where the echo can have an impact (more on that here).

I involve my coach in the process because he knows me well. He’ll have me do some edge exercises while playing my music choices to gauge whether the pacing suits me. He also knows which choreographers could work for me and what types of music will be best for both my and the choreographer’s style. Once the music selection is complete, I typically work with a professional editor to have it cut. I know skaters who cut their own music, but I’m just not skilled enough to do more than a rough cut. The right person can really work some magic with a piece and make it stand out.

Figure skating program

Prepping For The Choreographer

I begin working with a rough cut of the music to start choreography—generally speaking, having the music cut to the proper length and including the selections I want to use. I wait on the final cut until after we’ve completed the program, that way I know if there are areas that need emphasis or slight tempo changes, and whether it’s a ‘hard ending’ (on the beat) or a soft fade-out. Another thing I’ve found really helpful is creating a document for the choreographer that states the program time, the order of jumps and spins as I plan to do them, and other helpful information such as, “I need to set this jump up, so I’d like a slower entrance,” “I jump and spin clockwise,” or “I have this difficult entrance or exit planned.”  This gives the choreographer something to go on, especially when working with someone new or someone you only work with on an annual basis. The final step, which is highly dependent on where you skate and the schedules involved, is that I try to schedule choreography on quieter freestyle sessions. This isn’t always possible, but I find it super helpful. I’m so focused on working with the choreographer that it can be challenging to also keep up with the activity of a busy freestyle session.

Let’s Take It To The Ice

Maybe it’s my classic Type A personality, but I try to arrive earlier than normal on choreography days so I can complete a thorough off-ice warm-up and make sure my music is loaded onto the skating club’s sound system ahead of time. Every choreographer works differently, but for me, we typically complete the program in 3–4 thirty-minute sessions. I like shorter sessions because, as someone who never did dance as a child, all that movement is a lot of information to process. This gives me time to ‘digest’ before the next session. Another trick I use is to either video my last ‘run-through’ of the session or, if that’s not possible, to write down the entire program in detail as soon as I get off the ice. This gives me the opportunity to practice before the next session if I can, or at minimum, to run through it off-ice to further cement it in my mind. Since I’m not an advanced skater, I also find that my body needs time to get used to ‘where it’s going.’

Don’t miss the part two of this series, where I’ll dive deeper into my journey as an adult competitive skater and the art of building a figure skating program!

 

How is U.S. Figure Skating Embracing Diversity and Growth?

by | Aug 10, 2024 | Conversations

embracing diversity and growth

As the Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, it’s important to remember that not everyone who participates in sports dreams of Olympic gold. Each person is on their own journey, and U.S. Figure Skating is working to create diverse skating paths that offer more opportunities for participation in the sport. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kadari Taylor-Watson, DEI Director for U.S. Figure Skating, and Jacki Wilkicki, a U.S. Figure Skating Technical Specialist and owner of Performance Ready, to gain their insights on the state of diversity in figure skating.

Diversity is becoming increasingly crucial for U.S. Figure Skating, and programs like Learn to Skate USA, Theatre on Ice (TOI), Synchronized Skating, and Showcase are shining examples of how the sport is evolving to be more inclusive. While exact data is still being assessed, these initiatives clearly reflect a commitment to broadening the sport’s appeal and accessibility.

U.S. Figure Skating’s mission is often associated with developing olympic athletes and high-performance skaters. However, the organization is also dedicated to creating diverse pathways for skaters whose goals might not include elite competition. Some skaters are simply looking to enjoy the ice with friends or compete in team formats like synchronized skating. The Excel Program, for example, has gained popularity by providing opportunities for skaters who may not be aiming for elite levels but still want to compete and engage in the sport.

embracing diversity and growth

It comes as no surprise that the shift toward inclusivity is also contributing to growth in U.S. Figure Skating membership. Programs like Learn to Skate USA are attracting new participants, though the challenge remains to retain them and ensure continued growth. The focus is now on improving the experience for all members and capturing better data to track progress.

A formal and focused role for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at U.S. Figure Skating is relatively new, with Kadari Taylor-Watson leading these efforts. The goal is to ensure that the sport is not only diverse but also equitable and inclusive, addressing grievances and advocating for a more welcoming environment. This role aims to highlight and support different skating journeys, from recreational skating to competitive levels.

In terms of age diversity, Jacki Wilkicki notes a significant increase in adult skaters returning to or starting the sport. Adult skaters are joining teams, competing, or simply enjoying recreational skating, and there’s a growing acceptance for skaters of all ages. While there is still much to be done, the sport is making strides in accommodating and celebrating adult skaters and their diverse backgrounds.

For elite athletes, the focus is on providing continued support even after their competitive careers. Programs and initiatives are being developed to keep skaters engaged with the sport in different capacities, whether through coaching, mentoring, or ambassador roles. This approach ensures that athletes can continue to contribute to the sport they love, even if they are no longer competing at the highest levels.

One significant advancement is the use of the International Judging System (IJS), which offers a more objective scoring method compared to traditional 6.0 judging. By reducing subjectivity, the IJS helps to level the playing field and provides clear benchmarks for skaters to track their progress. However, challenges remain, such as the difficulty of distinguishing lower-level scores, which can be discouraging for some skaters, observes Jacki.

Kadari takes pride in the development and execution of training and workshops aimed at promoting diversity among coaches and officials. These efforts include creating educational modules for coaches, officials, and members to foster a more inclusive environment. The aim is to ensure that everyone involved in the sport understands and values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Finally, attracting a broader audience and encouraging participation from diverse communities remains a top priority. Efforts are being made to engage local communities through events and outreach programs. Bringing people into the rink during competitions and showcasing the sport can inspire new participants. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully realize the potential of these initiatives and ensure that figure skating is accessible and welcoming to everyone.

The ongoing efforts in DEI from U.S. Figure Skating in program development, education, and community engagement are positioning the sport for continued growth and inclusivity, demonstrating significant strides in embracing diversity while expanding its reach.

How to Carve Your Path in Figure Skating and Life

by | Aug 3, 2024 | Mind & Body Balance

Carve your own path

If you’ve been watching the Paris Olympics or been on any social media platform, you’ve likely heard the name Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as the “Pommel Horse Guy.” Stephen is the athlete in glasses, who can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 10 seconds, and traveled to Paris with one job: to nail his pommel horse routine. He did so brilliantly, helping the U.S. men’s gymnastics team end a 16-year medal drought.

So how does a young man from a local gym become the ‘it guy’ at the Olympics? He changed his focus, began carving his own path, and embraced his unique skills. When Nedoroscik moved from his local gym to Penn State and saw the talent of a collegiate team, he chose to carve his own path by focusing on what he did best—the pommel horse. He’s stuck with it ever since.

Create your own skating journey

Figure skating is a sport of comparison, chasing perfection, obsessing over scores, and maximizing each element’s point value. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others during training sessions and feel ‘less than’ for not having a particular jump or spin in your program. But what if you were to hit the ‘pause button’ briefly to think about your skating journey? This means taking time to reflect on what areas of skating you enjoy, what you do particularly well, identifying areas for improvement, and setting personal goals around that. It’s about creating your own skating journey and definition of success that may not look like anyone else’s.

For example, I have a friend who is very expressive on the ice and loves performing. Her focus is on a Theater on Ice team, where she’s seen a lot of success. Another example at the elite level is Jason Brown. Although he’s struggled with quad jumps, he knew his artistry set him apart. He’s capitalized on that to gain maximum points for his programs, keeping him competitive. Jason spoke recently about changing his training schedule, incorporating more show skating, and then shifting to intense elite training before large competitions. He’s worked with resources available to him, adjusting his off-ice training, recovery, and nutrition to maximize performance. Jason is an excellent example of how to carve your own path (and if you know Jason you know his carving skills). 

Define your own success

Creating your own journey on the ice teaches valuable life lessons. The more personal your goals and journey are, the more dedicated you are likely to be. Define your own success and know that persistence and hard work are essential to achieving those goals. We’ve all heard the expression, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Figure skaters succeed because of their dedication, and this perseverance can be applied to other areas of life too. Learning from failures and setbacks is just as important. Seeing challenges as opportunities to learn helps build resilience.

Carving your own path helps build confidence and self-esteem. It allows you to define your success and pursue what genuinely excites and motivates you.

Carving tips

  • Be in tune with yourself: Regular self-reflection helps you set short-term and long-term goals aligned with your values.
  • Find your people: Find mentors and other skaters who support your unique journey and learn from their experiences while maintaining your individuality.
  • Staying resilient and positive: Learn resilience in the face of challenges, know when it might be time to make a change, and keep a positive mindset to achieve your goals.

Figure skating, like life, is all about carving your own path. Embracing your unique strengths and setting personal goals can lead to real growth, fulfillment, and success. Whether you’re out on the ice or tackling life’s challenges, remember to stay true to yourself and enjoy the journey. How have you carved your own path in skating or in life? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!