Unique Figure Skating Seminar

[gingercat]

Finer Edge Figure Skating Seminar
June 20 - June 24 and June 27 - July 1 at Newington Arena in Newington CT link: http://newingtonarena.com/?page_id=1754A unique figure skating seminar to benefit the serious skater.

Those attending the seminar will be training along side of ISU Jr. Grand Prix Participants, ISU Jr. Grand Prix Finalists and
ISU 2011 Korea Jr. World Competitors and Men's Champion: Andrei Rogozine, Gordei Gorshkov, Zhan Bush, Brooklee Han, Polina Agafonova
Coaches include: 1994 Men's Olympic Gold Medalist, ISU Technical Specialist, National, International and World Coach Alexei Urmanov.
Coach of the 2011 Jr. World Men's Figure Skating Andrei Rogozine of Canada. National, International and World Coach Inga Zusev.
National, International and World Coach Serhii Vaypan.

For more information: Call 203 885 5700 or email us at fineredgefss@hotmail.com
Discounted prices for host hotel will be Marriott Courtyard just 3 miles from the Rink, across from West Farms Shopping Mall.

[FigureSpins]

Why do you say it's "unique?"  It looks like every other summer training camp except that the staff and "training partners" all seem to be from Russia.  The "Elite Ice Freestyle Session" is found in every major training facility in the US without having to enroll in a seminar.

Elite Ice Freestyle Session with International Skaters open to skaters who are jumping one or more triples and participating in the seminar.  Included as one of your freestyle ice times.

High Group Lesson: Juvenile and above
Low Group Lesson: Pre juvenile and below

It would be unique if you offered training for adults!

[gingercat]

I thought it was unique that skaters would have the opportunity to train alongside of international competitors, a World Champion and their coaches.  It is not something that skaters in CT have a chance to do very often (if ever).  That's all.  Don't mean to offend.  It would be a great idea to have one for adults as well.  I think I read about an adult camp in NJ. with V. Petrenko and others.  

[twokidsskatemom]

Ct skaters have Simbury which has camps all summer long with eleite coaches.So not unique, just another camp. Also Grassroots to Champions  has a camp south of Boston this summer, olys and worlds coaches there as well.
Ct seems to have alot within driving distance!

[gingercat]

I guess I am reading it a little different.  The skaters of the elite coaches are coming too!  Not just the coaches, it is one thing to be told it, it is another to be told and to see it too.  That is how I am reading it.  It is a great tool for the skater who benefits from seeing something first hand.  I am one of those who learns better by seeing, so perhaps that is why I think it is a great idea!  We all see and do in different ways.

[FigureSpins]

It is pretty common for guest coaches of a clinic or camp to bring their star pupils to demonstrate. Using local skaters doesn't always work out well because the skater may not understand the coach's style of instruction or the skater may not be strong enough to perform the elements as desired.  It often adds to the expense of the camp because of housing, meals and ice time.  The skaters are often "comped" for their ice time.  (I don't know if it's that true in this case.)

However, you have to realize that only the highest-level campers will be allowed on that elite freestyle session.  Unless your skater is doing triples, they'll be watching from the stands or involved in other activities.  I doubt that an elite skater would be intimidated by these high-level competitors, but I assume the all-Russian staff means that they're only teaching a Russian coaching style.  Not every skater responds to that style in a positive way, but it's valuable to experience it and knowledge is always good.

There is an existing russian-style ice skating academy in Connecticut.  The Petrenkos are on staff as well as Melissa Gregory.

Program: http://www.isccskate.com/figureskating.html
Camp: http://www.isccskate.com/summerofgold.html

It's a longer summer program with no guest skaters, though.

[gingercat]

 My feelings of what a useful tool watching can be are expressed very well in this article. The US has been very fortunate to have these opportunities over the years. Being able to work with these coaches (Olympic Gold Medalist included) and having the chance to either watch or skate with their top students is truly a special opportunity to develop as a coach and a skater. Coaches are quoted as to the importance of sharing the ice with top skaters in the progress of their current "rising stars". It is a very interesting read. http://ptichkafs.livejournal.com/51660.html

[drskater]

[...] I assume the all-Russian staff means that they're only teaching a Russian coaching style.  Not every skater responds to that style in a positive way, but it's valuable to experience it and knowledge is always good.

There is an existing russian-style ice skating academy in Connecticut.  The Petrenkos are on staff as well as Melissa Gregory.

Program: http://www.isccskate.com/figureskating.html
Camp: http://www.isccskate.com/summerofgold.html

It's a longer summer program with no guest skaters, though.

I'm curious; what exactly is the "Russian style"?  There really aren't many Russian Pros in my area so I can only guess.

[gingercat]

To drskater:

Not so sure, I have seen and used a variety of pros in skating and other (Olympic) international level sports.  Every pro has their own style and technique and a "GOOD" pro has the ability to work and develop a skater (or Athlete) to the skaters best ability using the skill set that the skater "owns".  A "GOOD" pro will then influence their skater with their own style and or technique creating the best possible end product.   Russian, American, Canadian... there really is no difference when you are dealing with a truly exceptional Pro.   That is the key, find someone good!

[FigureSpins]

I'm curious; what exactly is the "Russian style"?  There really aren't many Russian Pros in my area so I can only guess.

Typically, the "Russian style" includes:

. Tight check positions in jumps, even on singles.
. Spin entries that sharply curve into their start, as opposed to the "interrupted three turn."  (Lussi-like)
. Sweeping arm entries on spins, not pre-rotated or rotating.
. "L" checks on spin exits and jump landings, not "ta da!" open-arm positions.
. Focus on correctness in technique, rather than "get the basics, we'll fix it later."

Enjoy your seminar, gingercat, since it will be such a great learning opportunity for you to be on the ice with these elite Russian athletes.

[gingercat]

One day down and the Seminar is going great!  All skaters are going past their personal expectations!   

[gingercat]

Today was the final day of The Finer Edge Figure Skating Seminar.  The Seminar was far better than our expectations. All the skaters had the opportunity to share the ice with the International competitors that were invited to the Seminar.  The coaching on ice and off ice was superb and every skater improved and gained new skills.  We look forward to next year!