Yes.  Moving out of rental/ recreational skates into figure skates is part of graduating from casually skating to committing to skating.  Even if you’re not competing, having your own skates that are fitted for your unique foot shape makes all the difference.

What you wear really depends on what you’re comfort exercising in & what season you’re skating in.  In winter, rinks can obviously get extremely cold.  In summer, rinks are still cold but feel more comfortable than the high temps & humidity outside.  Generally, it’s best to wear layers when you’re skating so you can stay warm & peel layers off after warming up & going through your work out.

No, you can always change your mind.  When you fill out your application, mark “not sure” instead of “yes” or “no”.

Of course!  Skaters often start skating because they want to improve their skills, posture, stamina, etc.  As their confidence grows, they often change their minds.  As the season ramps up, if you want to try competing as a soloist or join a skating team that’s totally possible!

I always say more time on the ice is better.  Whether you’re taking private lessons, group classes, or practicing independently do what works best for your schedule, but skate as often as you can.

It’s best practice to talk to your current coach before making big coaching moves.  Whether you’re moving on to work with someone else at a different rink/club or supplementing your skating by adding another day of lessons.  In my opinion, skating/coaching should be collaborative.  It’s easy for skaters to get confused if they’re being taught the same technique vastly different ways or from multiple sources.

I am willing to travel to rinks on the south shore of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Worcester, MA, & many rinks in between.  It’s best to check the freestyle ice schedule at the rink you’re looking to skate in before planning for when your private lessons.  During certain times of year, freestyle ice is limited (Nov.-Feb.).  In order to keep skating, we have to be flexible about the location(s) we skate in.

I am currently representing the Finesse Figure Skating Club where I am a coach & Co-Skating Director.

YES!  I work with skaters (mostly adults) who don’t think they’re ready, or who don’t want to spin or jump.  There are plenty of other skills we can work on together during your private lesson.

I have experience working with skaters who are testing to pass their US moves tests & working with skaters who want to qualify for certain synchro teams.  While passing moves tests & skating skills patterns aren’t my area of expertise as a coach, we spend most of your private lessons working on skating skills.  So, we can certainly target your time towards passing your moves tests more specifically.

Yes, I am a Silver Certified ISI judge & ISI Professional Member for the Finesse Figure Skating Club.

I have been coaching & skating for most of my life, which is crazy to think about.  I started skating at 3 years old & competing at age 6.  I started volunteering & instructing Learn-to-Skate classes as soon as I was old enough, around age 13.  But I’ve been coaching private lessons since 2013.

I tested & passed the ISI Open Platinum level which requires a variety of moves including double jumps, flying spin variations & an advanced footwork sequence.

I don’t compete as a soloist anymore, but I do compete on a team.  I am a skater on the adult synchronized skating team called the Sparkling Diamonds.