Elesia Ashkenazy's love of figure skating began at The Skating Edge Ice Arena in Harbor City, California where she took lessons as a child. Passion for artistry and movement on ice led her to the study of classical ballet at a pre-professional level. Elesia has trained and performed under master ballet instructors in California, Oregon, Idaho, and New York. In 2017, she was recognized by American Ballet Theatre as an outstanding applicant to the Project Plie National Curriculum Teacher Training Scholarship. As an adult, Elesia returned to figure skating to coach skaters using her knowledge of classical ballet and dance to develop the artistry, grace, strength, flexibility, confidence, and overall presence of her students on ice. Elesia is honored to pass down and share all that she has internalized throughout her skating and dance careers. The smiles she sees upon the faces of her students as they meet their goals bless her with deep gratitude and satisfaction.

Elesia is the Founder and Director of both Skaterina and Ashkenazy Classical Ballet. She is also a member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA), and the Professional Skaters Association (PSA).

Please visit Skaterina 101 to learn more about how ballet and figure skating relate. You may also access posts from Elesia's blog where you might find a little something to add to your repertoire whether you're a dancer, skater, Skaterina, dance teacher, or coach.

Happy dancing and skating!