Mariposa School of Skating
Encyclopedia
The Mariposa School of Skating, located in Barrie
, Ontario
, is a major figure skating
training center in Canada
.
in 1973 by Doug Leigh
and Tom Harrison. The school moved to Barrie in 1988 after the Orillia city council refused to allow the building of a new rink on land to be donated to the school by Georgian College
.
The current head coaches at Mariposa are Doug Leigh
for singles, Lee Barkell
for pairs, and David Islam for ice dancing. Dough Leigh
began a novice skating career, but unfortunately had to quit at 16 to finish his schooling. However, he had the opportunity of competing in the Junior Championships of Canada in 1966 managing a finish in second place. In 1969 he began his coaching career and since embarking on the Mariposa skating school he has coached at 6 Olympic competitions and 26 World Championships. The name "Mariposa" refers to Stephen Leacock
's fictional name for Orillia
, the school's original home.
and the USA
are the more popular candidates, skaters from South Africa
, China
, Japan
, and Europe
are also known to have attend such events.
By far, the most popular program is their Summer School program which in fact is an extension of "the Seminar". It usually begins mid-June, and can last from 4 days all the way up to 4 weeks of training. The common misconception is that this seminar only contains on-ice program training, however it in fact, contains many other components.
Components of the Seminar/Summer School are as follows:
On Ice training
Off-Ice training
Off-Ice Movement Sessions
Robert Tebby specializes in Gold figures, free skating, dance, and competitive singles. He has 26 years of experience in training both World and Olympic atheetes, and has coached at 14 Canadian Championships, 12 World Championships, and 3 Olympic Games. He is also familiar and keeps up-to-date with the constantly changing judging system from Sectional to World level.
Michelle Leigh has been coaching for 29 years and specializes in singles, choreography, speaking, and Dartfish. She has experience teaching from beginner skaters all the way up to Olympic athletes. She has been a speaker for numerous figure skating events such as the 2010 Vancouver Excellence Series and the Petro Canada Sport Leadership National Event.
Another unique feature of the Mariposa School of Skating is to either be coached by former champions, or be shown demonstrations (i.e. spins/jumps) by former or current champions that still train at this association. A few examples would be Jeffrey Buttle
, Jennifer Robinson, Christopher Mabee, and Ben Ferreira
The Gala involves producing an ice show
where former champions voluntarily perform skating programs that are fun and entertaining for their audience to watch. It is similar to watching a live show or play, but the only difference is that skates are involved. Skaters that have performed in the Gala before are Jeffrey Buttle, Jame Sale & David Pelltier, Marie-France Dubreill & Patrick Lauzon, Jennifer Robinson, Annabelle Langois & Cody Hayes, Lesley Hawker, Melissa Briggs, Christopher Mabee, Steve Cousins, and many more.
Mariposa School of Skating is also known for holding an Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, which also may involve any of the above athletes. All proceeds of the event go towards the Alzheimer Society of Great Simcoe County which supports local Alzheimer patients and caregivers with the programs and services needed. Overall, the contributions of this skating club to the community has made quite a difference since it's origin in 1973.
Barrie, Ontario
Barrie is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada, located on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, approximately 90 km north of Toronto. Although located in Simcoe County, the city is politically independent...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, is a major figure skating
Figure skating
Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...
training center in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
History
It was founded in Orillia, OntarioOrillia, Ontario
Orillia, pronounced ōrĭl'ēə, is a city located in Simcoe County in Southern Ontario, Canada, between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, 135 kilometres north of Toronto.Originally incorporated as a village in 1867, the history of...
in 1973 by Doug Leigh
Doug Leigh
Douglas "Doug" Leigh is a Canadian figure skating coach. He is the head coach and founder of the Mariposa School of Skating. Among his current and former students are Brian Orser, Elvis Stojko, Takeshi Honda, Jennifer Robinson, Steven Cousins, Jeffrey Buttle, Ben Ferreira, Kristy Wirtz & Kris...
and Tom Harrison. The school moved to Barrie in 1988 after the Orillia city council refused to allow the building of a new rink on land to be donated to the school by Georgian College
Georgian College
Georgian College is an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. Its primary campus is in Barrie, Ontario, with satellite campuses in Orillia, Midland, Collingwood, Bracebridge, Port Colborne, Orangeville, and Owen Sound....
.
The current head coaches at Mariposa are Doug Leigh
Doug Leigh
Douglas "Doug" Leigh is a Canadian figure skating coach. He is the head coach and founder of the Mariposa School of Skating. Among his current and former students are Brian Orser, Elvis Stojko, Takeshi Honda, Jennifer Robinson, Steven Cousins, Jeffrey Buttle, Ben Ferreira, Kristy Wirtz & Kris...
for singles, Lee Barkell
Lee Barkell
Lee Barkell is a Canadian retired pair skater who now works as a figure skating coach. During his competitive career, he was a pair skater and competed with Melanie Gaylor. He coaches all levels at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, where he is the director of pair skating...
for pairs, and David Islam for ice dancing. Dough Leigh
Doug Leigh
Douglas "Doug" Leigh is a Canadian figure skating coach. He is the head coach and founder of the Mariposa School of Skating. Among his current and former students are Brian Orser, Elvis Stojko, Takeshi Honda, Jennifer Robinson, Steven Cousins, Jeffrey Buttle, Ben Ferreira, Kristy Wirtz & Kris...
began a novice skating career, but unfortunately had to quit at 16 to finish his schooling. However, he had the opportunity of competing in the Junior Championships of Canada in 1966 managing a finish in second place. In 1969 he began his coaching career and since embarking on the Mariposa skating school he has coached at 6 Olympic competitions and 26 World Championships. The name "Mariposa" refers to Stephen Leacock
Stephen Leacock
Stephen Butler Leacock, FRSC was an English-born Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer, and humorist...
's fictional name for Orillia
Mariposa (fictional town)
Mariposa is a fictional Canadian town created by Stephen Leacock as the setting for a series of short stories. They were originally commissioned by The Montreal Star newspaper and later collected and published in one volume as Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town...
, the school's original home.
Programs
The Mariposa School of Skating has many different programs and opportunities such as The Seminar, Summer School (an extension of the seminar), Spring school/Fall school, Canskate programs, and Power skating programs. Although this internationally known organization is acknowledged for coaching many well-known Olympic athletes, programs are provided even for the youngest and least experienced of groups. Worldwide, anyone is welcome to register for these programs and even though countries such as CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
are the more popular candidates, skaters from South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
are also known to have attend such events.
By far, the most popular program is their Summer School program which in fact is an extension of "the Seminar". It usually begins mid-June, and can last from 4 days all the way up to 4 weeks of training. The common misconception is that this seminar only contains on-ice program training, however it in fact, contains many other components.
Components of the Seminar/Summer School are as follows:
On Ice training
- Jump Techniques
- Spin Techniques
- New Judging System Component Mark Development
- Performance and Theatre (Interpretation of music)
- Field movements (Spirals, spread eagles, arm movements, etc.)
- Stroking and Edges
- Footwork
Off-Ice training
- Mental training
- Dartfish analysis
- Jump Analysis
- Spin Analysis
- Warm Up theory
- Parent sessions
- Personal development
- Athelete management (Healthy living, healthy eating, balancing life)
Off-Ice Movement Sessions
- Dynamic Off-ice Warm up
- Footwork ladder sessions
- Off ice Jump classes
- Performance and Theatre training
- Dance classes (Hip hop, ballet, and Jazz)
Coaches
The founders of Mariposa Skating School are Douglas Leigh, Lee Barkell, and David Islam, but there are actually many other coaches that participate in these seminars. Up to current date, there are 35 coaches at Mariposa, the main ones (other then the founders) being Robert Tebby and Michelle Leigh. They have been deemed as primary coaches due to their extensive experience and they've also both received their NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Level 4.Robert Tebby specializes in Gold figures, free skating, dance, and competitive singles. He has 26 years of experience in training both World and Olympic atheetes, and has coached at 14 Canadian Championships, 12 World Championships, and 3 Olympic Games. He is also familiar and keeps up-to-date with the constantly changing judging system from Sectional to World level.
Michelle Leigh has been coaching for 29 years and specializes in singles, choreography, speaking, and Dartfish. She has experience teaching from beginner skaters all the way up to Olympic athletes. She has been a speaker for numerous figure skating events such as the 2010 Vancouver Excellence Series and the Petro Canada Sport Leadership National Event.
Another unique feature of the Mariposa School of Skating is to either be coached by former champions, or be shown demonstrations (i.e. spins/jumps) by former or current champions that still train at this association. A few examples would be Jeffrey Buttle
Jeffrey Buttle
Jeffrey Buttle is a Canadian figure skater. He is the 2006 Winter Olympics bronze medalist, the 2008 World champion, the 2002 & 2004 Four Continents champion and the 2005-2007 Canadian champion. On March 22, 2008, Buttle became the first Canadian man since Elvis Stojko in 1997 to win the World Title...
, Jennifer Robinson, Christopher Mabee, and Ben Ferreira
Ben Ferreira
Ben Ferreira is a Canadian figure skater.Ferreira is a three-time Canadian medalist and World competitor. He married Jadene Ferreira on May 21, 2005...
The Charity Gala
Since 1989, The Mariposa School of Skating has hosted an annual Charity Gala, usually held at the Barrie Molson Center in Barrie, Ontario. This event is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Barrie and proceeds go directly to the local charity projects of Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation "Rotary House". The Rotary House has provided lodging facilities close to cancer treatment which is valuable to both the patient and their families. This supports the dream of keeping families together during cancer treatment, and also to any future patients that may need this support. Since the initiation of this project, over 1 million dollars has been raised to support this foundation. Money has been raised by merchandising tickets to anyone interested in attending the Gala.The Gala involves producing an ice show
Ice show
An ice show refers to an entertainment production which is primarily performed by ice skaters. Such shows may primarily be skating exhibitions, or may be musical and/or dramatic in nature, using skating as a medium in order to accompany a musical work or to present a story. The term ice show...
where former champions voluntarily perform skating programs that are fun and entertaining for their audience to watch. It is similar to watching a live show or play, but the only difference is that skates are involved. Skaters that have performed in the Gala before are Jeffrey Buttle, Jame Sale & David Pelltier, Marie-France Dubreill & Patrick Lauzon, Jennifer Robinson, Annabelle Langois & Cody Hayes, Lesley Hawker, Melissa Briggs, Christopher Mabee, Steve Cousins, and many more.
Mariposa School of Skating is also known for holding an Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, which also may involve any of the above athletes. All proceeds of the event go towards the Alzheimer Society of Great Simcoe County which supports local Alzheimer patients and caregivers with the programs and services needed. Overall, the contributions of this skating club to the community has made quite a difference since it's origin in 1973.
Former and Current Skaters
- Jeffrey ButtleJeffrey ButtleJeffrey Buttle is a Canadian figure skater. He is the 2006 Winter Olympics bronze medalist, the 2008 World champion, the 2002 & 2004 Four Continents champion and the 2005-2007 Canadian champion. On March 22, 2008, Buttle became the first Canadian man since Elvis Stojko in 1997 to win the World Title...
- Josée ChouinardJosée ChouinardJosée Chouinard is a Canadian figure skater.She competed at the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics, finishing in ninth position on both occasions. She became well known for wearing elegant black gloves while on the ice....
- Steven CousinsSteven CousinsSteven Cousins is a British figure skater. He is the eight-time British national champion, the first Briton to land a triple axel in competition , and the youngest skater to win the British National Championships. He competed in eight World Figure Skating Championships and three Winter Olympics...
- Meagan DuhamelMeagan DuhamelMeagan Duhamel is a Canadian pair skater. With current partner Eric Radford, she is the 2011 Four Continents silver medalist and 2011 Canadian national silver medalist...
- Lenny FaustinoLenny FaustinoLenny Faustino is a Canadian pair skater. who competed with Jacinthe Larivière. They won the gold medal at the 2003 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Lenny retired from competitive sport in 2004...
- Ben FerreiraBen FerreiraBen Ferreira is a Canadian figure skater.Ferreira is a three-time Canadian medalist and World competitor. He married Jadene Ferreira on May 21, 2005...
- Cody HayCody HayCody Hay is a retired Canadian pair skater. With Anabelle Langlois, he is the 2008 Canadian national champion. He is now a coach with Langlois.- Career :...
- Takeshi HondaTakeshi Hondain Kōriyama, Fukushima is a Japanese retired competitive figure skater. He is a two-time World bronze medalist , two-time Four Continents champion , and six-time Japan national champion.-Biography:...
- Oula JaaskelainenOula JääskeläinenPanu Oula Jääskeläinen is a Finnish figure skater. He is a multiple Finnish national champion. He placed 19th at the 1992 Winter Olympics. His highest placement at the World Figure Skating Championships was 12th, which he achieved in 1991. His highest placement at the European Figure Skating...
- Tuğba KarademirTugba KarademirTuğba Karademir , is a Turkish former figure skater. She was the flag-bearer for Turkey at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where she placed 21st.- Career :...
- Kim Yu-Na
- Anabelle LangloisAnabelle LangloisAnabelle Langlois is a Canadian pair skater. With partner Cody Hay, she is the 2008 Canadian national champion.- Career :...
- Jacinthe LarivièreJacinthe LarivièreJacinthe Larivière is a Canadian figure skater. She competed in pairs with Lenny Faustino, and they won the gold medal at the 2003 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. She currently lives in Barrie, Ontario and has since retired from figure skating.-Results:-External links:...
- Marcus Leminen
- Kristina Lenko
- Christopher MabeeChristopher MabeeChristopher Mabee is a Canadian retired competitive figure skater. He is the 2007 Canadian national silver medalist. He announced his retirement from competitive skating in December, 2008.-Early career:...
- Danny MoirDanny MoirDanny Moir is a Canadian ice dancer. He competed for most of his career with his cousin Sheri Moir. They are the 2001 Canadian national junior silver medalists and placed 15th at the 2001 World Junior Figure Skating Championships. They competed for two seasons on the Junior Grand Prix and placed...
- Nobunari OdaNobunari Odais a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2006 Four Continents Champion, the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 Grand Prix Final silver medalist, the 2005 World Junior Champion and the 2008 Japanese National Champion.- Personal life :...
- Brian OrserBrian OrserBrian Ernest Orser, OC is a Canadian retired competitive and professional figure skater. He is the 1984 and 1988 Olympic silver medalist, 1987 World champion and the 1981-1988 Canadian national champion....
- Jennifer RobinsonJennifer Robinson (figure skater)Jennifer Robinson is a Canadian figure skater who finished 7th at the 2002 Winter Olympics. She is a six-time national champion....
- Elvis StojkoElvis StojkoElvis Stojko, MSC, MSM is a Canadian figure skater. He is a three-time World champion , two-time Olympic silver medalist , and seven-time Canadian champion ....
- Tracey WainmanTracey WainmanTracey Wainman is a Canadian figure skater. She won the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in 1981 and 1986.Wainman first came to international prominence at the age of 12 in 1980, when she placed third at the Canadian Championships and was controversially selected to compete as Canada's sole...
- Robert PaxtonRobert Paxton (figure skater)Robert Paxton is a British pair skater. He competes with Erica Risseeuw.They are the 2009 & 2010 British silver medalists.-Competitive highlights:-References: he is also a figure skating coach...