Solo Dance Camp prepares dancers for next season

Last week, 80 ice dancers and 13 coaches headed to Allen, Texas for the third annual Solo Dance Camp.  Hosted by the Dallas Figure Skating Club, the 2022 edition included off ice classes taught by ISU Championship Dance Judge and Solo Dance Architect and National Chair John Millier and other ISU and National Officials.  Classes covered Rules Updates, Components, GOE’s, Mental Toughness, Conditioning, Intro to Judging, etc.  Sports science professional Peter Zapalo presented “Creating the Successful Season” and Olympian Naomi Lang Strong did a fabulous off-ice Musical Expression class which developed tremendous camaraderie amongst our skaters.    Randi Strong, movement and dance coach for Olympic skaters including Davis/White, held off-ice classes and private lessons.   For junior and senior skaters, she focused on Street Dance to prepare them for this season’s rhythm dance.   

One highlight for skaters is always the opportunity for a one-on-one session during which each skater works exclusively with a judge and technical panel member.   The skater can show the team pattern dance, rhythm dance, free dance or parts thereof, with or without music and receive feedback to prepare for the season.   

The organizers were thrilled with the enthusiasm and support for this event, especially since the 2021 camp was Covid cancelled.   

Solo dancers should mark their calendars for the 2023 Solo Dance Camp in Allen, Texas, February 18-20, as the organizers are already in the planning stages.