Innisfail and area skaters will have an opportunity to learn from one of Canada's best during a one-day workshop in early March.
Ben Ferreira is a three-time Canadian national medallist, including the 2004 Canadian Senior Men's silver medallist. He is also a three-time Canadian World team member, and has placed in the top 13 at the World Figure Skating Championships.
He retired from competitive skating in 2006. He now coaches and provides hands-on training for skaters through a series of workshops and seminars across the country.
Ferreira will be in Innisfail on March 5 with his wife and choreographer, Jadene, to present the Axel Master Class and Axel Prep Class workshop series from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The one-day workshop presented by Skating Success Inc. is open to Innisfail and area skaters, and will include both on-ice and off-ice sessions throughout the day.
“We have at least 20 skaters registered for the seminar and we'll have skaters from around the area,” said Linda Paré, president of the Innisfail Skating Club. “We're expecting a good turnout.”
The workshop will provide a chance for local skaters to learn the basics about Axel jumps as well as provide an opportunity for experienced skaters to improve and perfect the Axel jump.
In addition to on- and off-ice sessions, the workshop will use video analysis, a variety of training tools and other technology to teach skaters about Axel jumps.
“If you have a child that can do an Axel jump, the workshop would help perfect it so skaters could get top marks at a competition,” said Paré. “If you have a child that cannot do it, there's a good chance that by the end of the class they can do it,” she added.
The Axel Master Class and Axel Prep Class series workshop will focus on technique and artistry, as well as choreography, noted Paré.
“Everyone will have their turn to be photographed and recorded (via video) during the workshop,” said Paré. “They will slow it down and do frame-by- frame so they can show exactly where you went wrong and where you can improve.”
The Master Class Series seminars provide workshops on a variety of skills and elements found in figure skating, including jumps, spins and transitional moves. Workshops have been taught by Ferreira and his wife across Canada and have met with much success over the past several years.
“This is a great learning opportunity. They will cover anything and everything that the kids are capable of doing,” said Paré. “The skaters will come away (from the workshop) with an unbelievable amount of knowledge.”
For more information or to register for the Axel Master Class workshop in Innisfail, contact [email protected].
Linda Paré
"We have at least 20 skaters registered for the seminar and we'll have skaters from around the area. We're expecting a good turnout."
