ACADEMY OF DANCE

The British Ice Skating Academy of Dance will provide an opportunity for skaters to thrive. It will aim to become the new home of Ice Dance in the UK, creating opportunities for both the very best Ice Dancers as well as those progressing through the discipline.

The Academy will be led British Ice Skating in association with international sport development professionals and a range of BIS coaches supported by Sheffield City Trust. It will give skaters the opportunity to develop the skills and characteristics required to be a World and Olympic Champions.

Both skaters and their coaches will receive second-to-none coaching and education to give them the edge in competition and the training environment.

Solo Dance Camps

While Ice Dance couples will be invited to attend the Academy, all basic novice (and higher) solo ice dancers will be able to apply for a place on Solo Ice Dance camps. These regular camps will provide an opportunity for any skaters to spend valuable time with a team of coaches, working both on and off the ice. Solo dancers who show particular talent maybe invited to performance camps to train alongside selected Ice Dance couples.

These inclusive camps will offer a route into the Academy, with entry criteria to join a camp set to be extended in the future.

Where can I find more information?

Any updated information will be posted on all British Ice Skating channels including the Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and website. A range of documents, including the Return to Training advice, can be found in the Resource Centre on the BIS website. For other coronavirus updates and information you should visit the government website at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Can I skate in England?

England entered a national lockdown on 6th January with people required to stay at home other than for reasons such as shopping for essentials, going to work or exercising outdoors with your household. Only elite skaters are still able to train, more information can be found here.
What is the disability exemption in England?

If you are going to skate in England under the disability sport exemption you will need to identify your disability that comes under the Equality Act 2010 with the ice rink in which you want to train. The rinks will then verify and approve the exemption based on evidence that the disability is recognised under the Equality Act 2010
What are the rules in place in Scotland?

Scotland has been placed in a lockdown for the whole of January and residents must follow “a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential reasons”. This means that all ice rinks must close.
What are the rules that apply in Wales?

At the moment all rinks in Wales are closed. From Sunday 20th December Wales entered a national lockdown with residents told to "stay at home". Travelling is only allowed for essential purposes, such as for work and for caring responsibilities. International travel is also not allowed.
What is British Ice Skating doing to help?

We continue to work to help as many people stay on the ice as possible. This includes regular contact with government departments, rinks, coaches and skaters. If you have a specific question you can contact the team on our contact page.
Is any emergency funding available to help clubs?

Sport England has released a £16.5 million fund to support groups, clubs and organisations who’ve been impacted by restrictions brought in to tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Applications can be made at www.sportengland.org/news/return-play-fund-launched Sport Wales has created the Be Active Wales Fund that will invest £4million in community and grassroots sport to help restart activity. More information can be found at www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund/
How long will these rules be in place?

The national lockdown in England will be reviewed on 15th February. Restrictions are in place in Scotland until at least the end of January and could yet be extended both in scope and duration.