Hello, my name is Carolane. I am 26 years old and I was born on the south shore of Montreal. I have always lived in Montreal until we moved to Toronto, last summer, to train with Carol, Juris, Jon and Marc.

I have always been drawn to artistic sports and activities such as ballroom dancing, violin and all types of arts but I have also played hockey and tried all types of other sports.

As a kid, I was very shy and introverted. Figure skating really helped me develop my personality and gave me the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and taught me life skills helping me in all aspects of my life up to now.

I am training towards my biggest dream, my olympic dream, alongside an amazing team of coaches, friends and most of all , my best friend, boyfriend and partner, Shane .

Hey, my Name is Shane Firus. I am 27 years old born and raised in North Vancouver British Columbia. I have moved all over Canada to pursue my goals in skating and now live and train in Toronto.

Growing up I played every sport imaginable and was finally introduced to Figure Skating at the age of seven to improve my basic skating skills for hockey. Upon realizing that I would never grow, I dropped hockey for the much prettier sport of Figure Skating. Skating always gave me a sense of freedom that not all sports can give and I quickly fell in love with it.

In my spare time I love to read anything that I can get my hands and spend time with Caro and my dog Prince. Since we moved here one year ago, it’s been fun to explore Toronto and to get to know the ins and outs of the city.

Conclusion

This season, we chose to skate to a Tina Turner, donna Summer and Barbara Streisand medley for our rhythm dance and for the free dance, we are preparing a soft, yet powerful program to the sound of Charles Aznavour.

Nadiia & Peter

Hi, I'm Nadiia, and I became a part of the IDE family in 2016. My journey, however, starts back in Kyiv, Ukraine. I was born in the fall of 2003; my parents brought me to the rink for some private lessons beginning at two. I can't say I was the best student, as I always cruised away into the big kid's groups, and it drove my coaches crazy. As I grew up and got older, my life kept revolving around skating, but I also wanted to become a ballerina since I was very young. 

One day my parents finally brought me to the academy, and I was accepted. Since that time, I remember my days would consist of skating, school, ballet and sleep, hardly having enough time to break or relax. Those years shaped me into the person you all know me as today. Five years ago, I moved to Canada not speaking any English, but passionate, happy and excited for my new life. I was on edge between choosing Skating or Ballet, I did not have a partner, and I believe it was faith that Peter and I met. He moved in to live with my family in 2017, a year after I immigrated. I quit ballet and started working harder at skating. After winning Novice Nationals, placing at JGP and Nationals, I feel proud every day to compete for Canada. With the pandemic, Peter and I grew closer; we matured behind the scenes and look forward to getting back to competing. Covid took away my part-time job, and I decided to bring back my other childhood dream. I opened up my chocolate business, "CocoaKind," and now work hard every day to make a little Nadiia proud of achieving her dreams.

Hi I’m Peter. I was born in Rotherham in the U.K. I started skating in 2009 and have been training at IDE since 2017.

I have always enjoyed sports including cycling, swimming and athletics. It was as a result of my children’s athletics group being cancelled one Saturday morning that ultimately led to me starting to skate. I was 7 years old and, after a couple of lessons, had my sights set on playing hockey. My first coach, Nancy (in conspiracy with my Mom), convinced me that I would be a better hockey player if I ditched the hockey skates and did figure skating first. To be honest, once I realised that you could do jumps and spins, I forgot about hockey.

To begin with I did free skating and ice dance. I competed at advance novice level in both disciplines at British Nationals before deciding to concentrate on ice dance.

In 2017 I was without a partner and travelled to Canada for a try-out with Nadiia. I think we both felt straight away that the partnership would work. A few months later, after completing my high school exams, we started training together. The move to Canada was a little daunting at first. I was 15 years old and my parents remained in Britain, but I was made to feel part of the family at home and at the rink.

Nadiia and I have become good friends who support and understand each other. We are learning together and working hard to achieve our shared goals, but are also having fun along the way. 

When we aren’t at the rink, I’ve continued to spend time on activities like cycling and fitness. Nadiia is really good at ballet and she has helped me progress. When we couldn’t be at the rink we took the opportunity, through online lessons, to do different styles of dance. I’d like to say that I’ve helped Nadiia with her baking videos but really it’s just by eating the cakes and chocolate - they are really good!

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to competing again and sharing our new programs.

With the next season approaching we are working hard in preparation for any future competitions we’re hoping have. We are happy to announce that our RD we will be to “Chances Are” and “Peppermint twist”.  It’s a very fun and lively program with lots of character. For our FD, we decided on a folk program. It will be to music from “Blue Shawl” tied with Maria Lazareva’s interpretation of “Katyusha”. Both of us are delighted to have given you an insight into what our programs will be this upcoming season, and we hope to perform them for you in the near future!

-Nadiia and Peter

sophia & Billy

Hello, I’m Sophia!! I was born in 2005. I started skating when I was 4 and began Ice dancing at 8 years old. I remember watching a live figure skating competition on TV when I was 4. It was the first time I had ever seen figure skating and I was completely mesmerized by the sport. I was watching Kristi Yamaguchi skate and told my parents that’s what I wanted to do. I began my skating journey at a small club in Newfoundland and then continued skating once I moved to Ontario. After 8 years with my first partner and a year of not competing , I found Billy – or rather we found each other.  I started training with him at I.D.E  in February 2023. 

Skating has always been my passion, my heart and joy. When I am not skating I enjoy cooking and experimenting with various flavours and exotic foods. My dad is my inspiration for cooking. He taught me everything I know. Other pass times of mine are knitting, running, painting and boating. I am not ashamed to say that my two best friends are my dogs. Animals just get me. Somehow life would not be the same without them. Walking my dogs allows me to get away from my crazy life and appreciate all the beauty around me. 

My friends describe me as loving and adventurous. I am always open to trying new things as it brings excitement into my life. As someone who can take things a little too seriously, I try my best to be spontaneous. Sometimes planning is overrated and you just have to do things without thinking(when the time is right). Maybe going with the flow IS the best way to go. 

Hi, I’m Billy Wilson-French from Great Britain more precisely Barnsley in Yorkshire where I trained in Sheffield as a competitive ice dancer with previous coaches Christopher Dean, Yebin Mok and Mark Hanretty. I have represented Great Britain at international competitions and was selected to be apart of the national team.

Recently I moved to Toronto on July 4th, 2022, I now train at the Scarborough figure skating club. I moved to Canada in hopes to achieve my goals of medaling at junior world events in ice dance and further down the line medaling at the Winter Olympics. I’ve been skating for 8 years now and have won 7 National titles in both ice dance and solo free skating as well as 40 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 4 bronze. I quit free skating in 2018 to move all my focus on ice dance as I always knew that’s the discipline that sparked my interest most. Outside of Skating, I trained in a dance and musical theatre conservatoire achieving the equivalent of 3 levels all A’s and A stars. After auditioning and getting excepted to both Urdang and Juilliard I chose to turn down those opportunities to pursue my true passion ice dance.

CHARLOTTE & AXEL

Hi I’m Axel, i was born in Toronto where i still live with my family. Ive been skating ever since i could. My mom is a coach so i was on the ice as soon as possible! I also used to be a competitive gymnast, but when skating became more serious, i had to choose one sport, and that was skating! I knew i could go further in it, and i enjoyed it a lot more! I am in first year university for accounting at York, which i do part time as to be able to keep up with our training schedule and work. I’ve started to really enjoy my classes and business and i cant wait to see what comes out of it when i finish! For work, i am a coach, i work in the snack bar at the one rink, and i also work at the skating boutique. So I’m basically around skates all the time :^) which i love. I absolutely love skating. I have made so many great friends and memories from it and learned so much about myself. I have the best coaches in the world! Next season we are aiming to go junior, where i hope we get to travel the world and compete and preform, and show everyone all our hard work!

Charlotte and I have only been skating together for about 10 months. We have a lot of work to do still, but we are working hard to achieve our goals. So far this season we are provincial champions at the sectionals event, and this past weekend we competed in Regina for our Challenge. We came first, AND we got the new Canadian record!!!!

Elsa & Tristan

Hi, I'm Elsa. I was born in Toronto in 2013, and started skating at the age of three. In addition to figure skating, I also dance competitively in ballet, acro, and jazz. I love performing, and I even performed on stage in Disney World last year in the Halloween dance show! 

Ice Dance is perfect for me, because I get to combine my love of performance, skating, and dance. I started training with Tristan in the fall of 2022, and we are looking forward to competing together. 

When I'm not at the rink or the studio, I love to read and draw. I also love spending time with my mom and dad, my two big brothers, and my three cats. 

Hi, I am Tristan and I am 11 years old. I joined I.D.E in September 2022. I started skating when I was 4 and really enjoyed Canskate. After I passed Canskate and began Star Skate, I knew I wanted to continue because of the fun tricks you can do and how fast you could go. I really like the I.D.E program as it pushes my abilities and I am learning new things every time we are on the ice :)

When, I am not at the ice rink, I enjoy playing with my cat, Galaxie and playing with my yo-yo where I learned cool tricks from YouTube.  I recently got my PADI Jr Open Water certification and enjoy scuba diving while I am on vacation with my family.  I also enjoy playing the flute, piano, and cello. Some sports that I enjoy doing in addition to skating are badminton, downhill skiing, and volleyball. I am also very interested in astronomy.  In the summer, I also enjoy stargazing, looking at the different constellations and watching the different meteor showers. I am excited to learn more about ice dancing!

Piper & Paul

Hi Everyone!

P2 here. We have been partners now for 12 seasons and represent Canada on the international stage.

Hi I’m Piper. I was born in Rockford, Illinois in the United States. Started most of my skating career in Colorado Springs, Colorado before finding my partner of a lifetime in Toronto. I’ve been apart of the IDE family for almost 12 years now and have loved every minute of it. My outside skating life is mostly spent with my husband and lovely dog Scout. Currently studying interior decorating at George Brown in all my free time. Im really interested in anything design, whether it’s costumes, home or fashion they all spark a bit of happiness for me.  

Hi I’m Paul. I’m from Unionville (just outside Toronto) and have been skating now for 26 years, with 22 of those years at IDE. What I enjoy most about ice dance is opportunity to explore and create every day, and to be able to do so with some of the most important people in my life.

Outside of the rink you can find me loitering in a coffee shop, learning about linguistics, reading, or getting distracted from what I was supposed to be doing.

We’ve had the chance to to share our skating with crowds around the world and truly enjoy telling stories through our programs. This year we’re skating to Lady Bri’s “Do What I Do” for the RD, celebrating the joy we have in ourselves and our dancing, while for the free we are presenting the story from the musical Evita.

Whether you are new to ice dance or an old fan, thank you for being on this journey with us!

Alexandra & Callan

Hi there! My name is Alexandra but everyone calls me Sasha. I was born in 2012 in the middle of a frigid winter in Edmonton, Alberta. My family knew then and there that I was destined to participate in a winter sport. My parents put me on skates as soon as I could walk and I have loved it ever since. I have vivid memories of skating around my local community rink as a toddler, begging for my dad to lift me up and carry me around the ice as quickly as he could. Ever since I dreamt of doing lifts and spins on the ice.

When I was 8 years old, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I moved to the place I now call home, Toronto. Fast forward a few years later, I fell in love with ice dance. I joined I.D.E. in March of 2024 and got partnered up with Callan the following month. I can't wait to compete together and learn more about ice dance!

When I am not skating, I love doing art, reading, designing buildings, and baking. When I was little, one of my favourite things about figure skating was watching fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice during competitions. Since then I dreamt of one day being the one to take home a few plush toys. Until then, I decided I had to learn how to make my own stuffed animals and this summer I learnt to crochet. My first project was a whale and now I am working on a fox – they look very cute!

Hi, I am Callan and I am 13 years old. I started figure skating  when I was 8. I wanted to try figure skating and more specifically ice dance after watching the Pyeongchang Olympics. I loved the way the teams created a story on ice. One of my favourite parts about figure skating is listening to a piece of music and doing improv to it. I joined I.D.E. in the spring of 2024 and am so happy to be apart of this Ice Dance family. 

When I am not at the rink, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, building LEGO sets, and writing. My favourite subjects in school are English and Drama/Dance. I love to perform. Other sports that I enjoy playing are badminton and football. I am just learning to play golf as well. My favourite week of TV is Shark Week. If you ever need to know anything about sharks and conservation efforts, just ask!

For the 2024/2025 Provincial Series, we will be competing in the Juvenile category. We are a new team and are so thankful for the wonderful, talented and exuberant team of coaches for their guidance and time spent with us. It is such a fantastic environment to hone our ice dancing skills, surrounded by national and internationally competitors. 

Anna & Wesley

Hi, I'm Anna. I was born in 2008 in Toronto. My passion for skating started at age 2. Skating has always been a big part of my life. I would say my home away from home is my skating rink. Some days I would be at the rink longer than my actual home. Like everyone else that has tried skating there have been some ups and downs but at the end of the day it was something I loved. When I was 9 years old I tried ice dancing for the first time. I juggled both ice dancing and free skating for a few years until I realized that ice dancing is what I want to do full time and focus my passion there. 

Along with gymnastics was a major part of my life. I started when I was around 2  years old and worked my way up. I was a provincial champion for 2 years. Sadly it got to a point where the hours of training were too much to continue doing both gymnastics and skating so I had to choose one. As much as I really liked gymnastics it just couldn’t compare to the love i had for skating. 

When I have spare time and find myself not hanging out with friends or doing homework after my training, I like to sit down and read, sometimes I will go on a walk, or bake. 

I go to an arts school and major in dance, which helps a lot with skating. Everything I learn from dance class I have started incorporating into my skating and everything from my skating classes I have brought into my dance. I find doing both help a lot in both a performance and a technique aspect. It can sometimes be difficult managing all my classes along with my training but it has taught me so much and has prepared me for my life later on. 

Hi, my name is Wesley, I am a 19-year-old Junior ice dancer currently representing Skate Sweden internationally. I was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. My career started when I was 2 ½ years old in CANSkate. My mother coached me to Canadian Challenge twice in Ice Dance with other partners before finding my partner, Anna, here at IDE in Toronto. I became a part of the IDE family in October 2023 and I am proud to be a part of the team. Outside of skating, I enjoy being in the outdoors, fishing, hunting and conservation work through my volunteer efforts with Delta Waterfowl.  I operate my campfire wood business seasonally as I have since 2015. I also lifeguard in the summer and have my  NCCP Regional Coach Trained designation.  I’ve completed my post secondary studies at St. Lawrence College, graduating from the Electrical Engineer Technician program with Distinction.  My goal is to continue to balance my training with work and continue to take advantage of any and all opportunities ahead.

Stella & Elliot

Hi, I’m Stella and I started skating when I was four. After Canskate, I tried hockey like my brother. Naturally, I preferred skating without the puck and the stick and my parents quickly realized that I was probably more of a figure skater than a hockey player. I have been a competitive singles skater for several years, but I have always been drawn to ice dance. I love the performance aspect of ice dance and the blade mastery that is required. The vibe at ice dance events is so energizing and it was clear to me that I wanted to be a part of it. I took extra morning lessons to develop my ice dance fundamentals and when I had a tryout with Elliot, our partnership just felt natural from the beginning. I am very grateful to have found a home at IDE and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as our new partnership develops. Outside of figure skating, you can find me hanging out with my friends, helping out at my family’s farm and usually near my cat, Rupert.

Hi, I'm Elliot and have been skating since I was four. As the youngest member of a figure skating family, it was inevitable that I would follow my older sisters into figure skating. I worked on freeskate and pattern dances, but it wasn't until my mom and sisters planted the idea that I should try to find a partner to pursue ice dance did I even consider it. To pursue ice dancing more seriously I joined the IDE dance development program in May 2022. In April 2024 Stella and I had our first tryout together and it was immediately obvious that we were a great match. Outside of the rink I love to spend time with my family, friends, and our two dogs. I like all sports but love playing ultimate frisbee and football. When I am not cheering for the Chiefs, you can find me gaming or doing my homework.

This season, 2024/25, we ("Stelliot") are competing at the Pre-Novice level. We are excited to discover what the future years will bring and look forward to performing, competing and growing as a team!

@stelliot_icedance @stellarellaskates. @elliot.skates_

Liliana & Jacob

Hi, my name is Liliana Farag. I am 8 years old and have been skating since I was 3 at Scarboro Figure Skating Club.
I am very competitive and when I first started skating my goal was to always be the fastest on the ice. I love to be the centre of attention and to perform so figure skating felt like a very natural fit for me. While I’d still like to be fast, I now realize that much more goes into this sport. 

I also dance and love to play soccer. When I am not at the rink skating, I am probably at a different rink cheering on my big brother playing hockey. 

Hi, I’m Jacob and I’m turning 9 years old. I’ve been skating with my mom (a skating coach and former IDE student) since I was three years old. I switched from hockey skates to figure skates at age 6 and I absolutely love it. Skating is my passion, but I also love gymnastics, music, reading, and school. My favourite books include Harry Potter, anything by Roald Dahl, and I’m currently enjoying the Land of Stories series. Another interesting fact about me is that I raise Monarch Butterflies. I live in Lindsay with my mom, dad, and little sister Charlie. I’m looking forward to competing with my partner, Liliana this season in the Pre-Juvenile category!

Brianna & Davis

My name is Brianna, and I began ice skating at the age of 6. I have developed a deep passion for the sport over the years. Last year, I partnered with Davis for ice dance, and we competed in the provincial championships. This summer, I am excited to have joined the Scarboro IDE team, where I look forward to further honing my skills.

I am Davis, and I started ice skating when I was 8 years old. My love for skating has grown immensely since then. Approximately a year ago, I teamed up with Brianna for ice dance, participating in the provincial competition. This summer, I am thrilled to join the Scarboro IDE team alongside Brianna, eager to continue our development in the future.