Before we get into what facilities The Pond offers figure skaters, let's name drop a little. US National men's champion Johnny Weir call this rink home. Professional Skating Association's 2004 Coach of the Year, Priscilla Hill, chooses this site to train her elite athletes. 2002 World and Olympic Coach, Karl Kurtz, offers skaters expert training techniques and advice. 1998 Olympic and World ice dance silver medallists, Angelika Krylova and Oleg Ovsiannikov, round out the headliners here at The Pond.
If you aren't ready to pay world-class rates for these familiar coaches, The Pond's Learn to Skate program might be a good place to start. There are also freestyle sessions, with jump harness training, ballet and other off-ice dance classes, off-ice strength training, and pilates. Fees vary per 20 minute lesson according to each coach, but they generally run $11-$33. The Pond also offers a 10-session swipe card for $110, and a 6 for $36 offer for skating school participants.
Basic skills skaters will find The Pond's summer day camps more than helpful. Two co-ed week-long sessions invite skaters aged 6-13 to workout, skate, complete crafts activities, perform solo exhibition numbers, eat pizza and have fun. This program is especially great for parents who have to work during the summer. The cost is $199 a week, with a 10% discount for the second family member. 2006 basic skills summer day camps run July 10-14 and July 17-21.
The Pond's freestyle program is unique and world class because sessions are grouped according to skater ability. Advanced skaters don't have to worry about running over wall-huggers, and beginning skaters are less intimidated. Also, sessions tend to be less crowded.
Although July has some amended ice times, the following times were effective as of June 1, 2006. Monday through Friday, 9-9:50am and 10-10:50am are open to any levels. Monday and Thursday, 11-11:30 is reserved for high stroking levels, and Tuesday and Fridays are for low stroking levels at the same time. Wednesdays, 11-11:30 is reserved for Exhibitions. These three session are $13 for walk-ons, while all other sessions run $20-$30 dollars each. Monday through Friday, Sectional through International-level pairs train from 11:40-12:30. Junior through Senior level skaters claim ice time at 12:40-1:30 and 1:40-2:30. Juvenile through Junior skaters have ice time 2:40-3:30 and 3:40-4:30. 4:40-5:30 and 5:40-6:30 are open sessions for any levels. Sunday sessions are also open for any level, and run the following times: 9:40-10:20, 10:30-11:10, 11:20-12:00pm, 12:10-12:50. A 10-session freestyle pass is available for $120 - good for freestyle sessions only.
For July ice times, questions or more information, check out The Pond's website at
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