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Body Zone Hosts International Ice Skating Camp For South American Skaters

by Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex

Jan 23, 2020
Body Zone

Wyomissing, PA – Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex will hold a 10-day ice skating camp beginning on Tuesday, January 21 for 11 South American ice skaters ranging in ages 8 – 25. Eight skaters are from Brazil, including the South American champion and three National champions in different categories. Two are from Ecuador, and one from Chile. Also, some local skaters will participate in the camp.

The camp was developed and organized by Body Zone Ice Skating Coach Andrei Lavrentiev. The goal is to enhance skaters abilities on a larger and official ice rink, rinks in South America are often small and of poor quality, as well as their confidence and techniques.

Lavrentiev and Body Zone Director of Skating Programs Audrey Turner will be running the camp, along with Brazilian National coaches Cristina and Eddie Garcia who will be assisting.

The group is looking forward to skating on a full-sized ice rink for the first time, using a harness and other new devices, to practice and learn new techniques. Skaters will train for two hours on the ice each day, and participate in off-ice training utilizing Body Zone’s fitness resources to develop endurance and stamina. Lavrentiev and Turner say they ultimately hope they can pass on new skills, techniques, information and their true passion for ice skating to the skaters from South America.

“We can’t wait to welcome this group to the U.S. They are all very excited and for some this is their first time outside of their country.” say Lavrentiev. “They see us as one of the biggest figure skating countries where knowledge and infrastructure correspond to their dreams of opportunities in the sport. Also, being able to learn from an international coach with my experience will certainly build the confidence they need.” Lavrentiev skated at the national level in Russia and has skated professionally in several worldfamous ice productions including Moscow on Ice, Ukrainian Ballet on Ice, Torvill and Dean and Disney on Ice.

Lavrentiev’s senior-level coaches and former students will provide coaching support as well. These skaters include Hannah Shelly and Leocadia Lellig who is currently touring with Disney On Ice as a lead performer.

On Thursday, January 30, Joan Gruber, a local Olympic judge, will visit with the skaters to share her life story, discuss judging criteria and for critique of their skating.

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