Ice Ice Baby – Skating with Olympians

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Lil Kid watching ice dancer Melissa Gregory take a spin on the ice.

Learn to skate with Olympians! The Rink at Brookfield Place in Battery Park City is offering boutique ice skating experiences for all ages from United States Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petkhov.

With such a special experience taught by accomplished world class athletes so close to home, we knew we had to check it out.

Melissa and Denis have a quite celebrated career with over twelve competitive medals from National and International events, including the Olympic Games.

Melissa graciously invited us before hours for a meet and greet and to discuss the programs further.

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We met on a somewhat rainy day – but that didn’t damper her spirit or that of adorable Daxton, her son with husband/partner Denis.

Melissa was on the ice within moments. Daxton happily went for a few spins in his mothers arms as well.

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Lil Kid watching in amazement of Melissa. “Wow Mommy – she’s really good!”

Watching her beautifully glide across the ice was an amazing sight.

Melissa told us of her passion for teaching. She and her husband devote much of their time to “Fever on Ice”, an academic program that targets middle school students. The program combines academics and lean-to-skate sessions in Connecticut.

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Melissa graciously invited Lil Kid and I to join her on the ice – but after Lil Kid had a less-than-glorious try at skating a few weeks ago, he wasn’t easily persuaded. Hopefully next year!

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The on-site facilities offer traditional ice skates as well as hockey skates for rental.

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Events, parties, and lessons from the decorated ice dancers are available for all ages and levels of experience. From introductory classes, mommy-and-me lessons, customized programs for figure skaters, and even lessons for hockey players – there is an experience to be had by everyone!

The talented couple offers availability for daytimes, evening, and weekends into Mid-March (weather depending).

Lil Kid all smiles. Thank you Melissa for the tour!

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More on the boutique programing at The Rink at Brookfield Place HERE