This is my first forum post; thanks for reading. I have a skater that has been on the ice since age 5, been ice dancing since age 9. Skater is a participant in the USFSA National Solo Dance Series (in her third year; qualified for and skated at Nationals both previous years). Since January of 2017 we have exhausted our training options where we live. There are no ice dance schools remotely close, and we have one lesson each a week with a couple of different coaches whose rinks are far away (7 hours return trip one day a week is our worst commute).
We had planned to train in Canada this summer because there seems to be more boys in the sport than in the U.S. (daughter is eligible for dual citizenship). Last year we had a few US tryouts, spent considerable money on travel, with no partnership formed. So we are looking to up her training and spend some time back in Canada.
Originally, we had hoped to be in Montreal (love the city, I speak French as does my daughter), but haven't gotten any responses to our queries or one of our coach's queries (a former international ice dancer). It's overwhelming to try and guess which rinks have great training programs for younger skaters (Intermediate - Novice level). Does anyone know of some of the more competitive rinks/coaching teams with quality skaters coming out of the pipeline? Plus, we don't know which rinks have summer closures! Basically, I've made four separate overtures: *crickets*. Summer is here and I've run out of time.
(If I seem to be focused on Quebec it's because I dread coach-hopping a ton and need to find a stable city with all the on and off-ice training available in one region. Spouse would not be relocating but telecommuting when possible.)
Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Take care!
We had planned to train in Canada this summer because there seems to be more boys in the sport than in the U.S. (daughter is eligible for dual citizenship). Last year we had a few US tryouts, spent considerable money on travel, with no partnership formed. So we are looking to up her training and spend some time back in Canada.
Originally, we had hoped to be in Montreal (love the city, I speak French as does my daughter), but haven't gotten any responses to our queries or one of our coach's queries (a former international ice dancer). It's overwhelming to try and guess which rinks have great training programs for younger skaters (Intermediate - Novice level). Does anyone know of some of the more competitive rinks/coaching teams with quality skaters coming out of the pipeline? Plus, we don't know which rinks have summer closures! Basically, I've made four separate overtures: *crickets*. Summer is here and I've run out of time.
(If I seem to be focused on Quebec it's because I dread coach-hopping a ton and need to find a stable city with all the on and off-ice training available in one region. Spouse would not be relocating but telecommuting when possible.)
Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Take care!