It was so disappointing to learn that the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal next week had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this means we won’t be able to watch the highly anticipated Nathan Chen (US) and Yuzuru Hanyu (Japan) compete for the gold. What’s even more disappointing is that my favorite ice dance team, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, will not be able to challenge the French ice dancers, Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, for the title this year. Chock and Bates reclaimed their US National title this year with their amazing Egyptian snake freedance program. Hopefully, Worlds will be postponed to the fall?
As the health and well-being of my students are my highest priority, I will not be scheduling any lessons for the next several weeks. Group classes at Middletown Ice World have also been cancelled effective March 16 until further notice and the rink will offer refunds to those registered in the current 7-week session. The rink is following U.S. Figure Skating’s recommendation that all club events and programs be canceled or postponed through at least May 11.
In the meantime, I will be scheduling weekly virtual off-ice sessions for my students so we can not only stay active but also connected and engaged. I will use Learn to Skate USA’s off-ice challenges which combine cardio, strength, stretching, and balance exercises. If you can not attend virtually, then you can go online via the Learn to Skate USA mobile app (free) and do the workouts at your convenient. If you complete these challenges in the app, you can earn badges for your digital trophy case. See you soon!
