A simple case for why figures should be taught.

Tai Babilonia.

Canada is currently in the process of returning to teaching a variation of figures. There is no emphasis on replication of the tracing and the patterns are much simpler, but it's a return to the 'quiet' edges and core control that were central to figures. We are now testing low level test skaters on their ability to hold an edge 360 degrees. On the other hand, I believe there are ways other than figures to teach good edge work. It just needs to be a focus in the training.