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About Dianne DeLeeuw
Expertise
I can answer questions about figure skating, choreography, ISI or USFSA. Also questions about competing (my Olympic experience or your own competition). I`m a National referre for ISI. Recently I also have been appointed a National Technical Specialist for US Figure Skating. But remember I am not your substitute for a coach! They can see what you are doing! To correct or instruct you on manuevers is really not what I want to do.

Experience
Experience: World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, coaching all levels of skaters at in California. I coach all levels and ages of skating from tiny tots to adults, first timers to International competitors. I also do choreography, music editing, teach specialty classes and give seminars.

Organizations: USFSA, ISI, PSA, Los Angeles Figure Skating Club

Publications: Recreational Ice Skater, The Edge

Awards: 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1975 World Champion, 1976 European Champion, 6 time National Champion, US and Canadian Double Gold Medalist, 1999 ISI Great Skate Award, 2002 Woman of the Year

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Figure Skating - 7 year old skater

Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 2/8/2009

Question
My daughter is 7 years old and loves skating. She started just before she turned 4 and has been in group lessons all the way so far. We have tried to keep it low key, low cost and fun. She has 2nd hand skates and she skates on public sessions to practice 2-3 times a week. Currently she is in Freestyle 1 and is also taking a Stroking class. Until about 4 months ago we weren't sure if she was serious about skating, but now we have to drag her off the ice. She is going to take part in her first competition (ISI) in March, and she's very excited about it. We had originally planned to keep her in group lessons at least until she got to Freestyle 4 or 5 but now I'm wondering if we should reconsider this. She has asked to switch to private lessons because she wants to compete (some of her friends have switched to private lessons and are competing). She is only 7 (October birthday) but she is already worrying about getting left behind. I thought she was too young to get serious but now I'm wondering if we're holding her back. What do you think? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi,
Sounds like you have a skater! I think you should add a private lesson even if it is just 15 minutes to her schedule. Her competition experience will be much better. My younger students do group lessons and a private, we don't have that "switch" till way later. Even higher level kids still do a group sometimes.
Good luck,
Dianne

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