The website linked by the advertisement posted for The Absolute Edge (their site needs some work) makes the statement that students are better off with teachers who are currently competing (doesn't say what level) because those teachers are more "up to date" on the latest techniques and so on.

My personal experience has taught me that such a claim is overly broad. I believe that, while there may be certain advantages to taking lessons with a currently competing professional (pro/pro, not pro/am), there are also significant disadvantages.

The advantage of currency is, to me, questionable. Most of those "latest and greatest" trends in judging involve elements that only the most experienced of amateur couples can use. The vast majority of them may pick up a couple of helpful hints but most of that stuff will be of little importance.

The biggest problem that I've had working with competing pros is the inflexibility of their schedule caused by the demands of their competition career. Many of them are unavailable from Thursday through Sunday and, for the major comps, even more days. Also, tired from the travelling, they are often useless on Mondays.

Can anyone else add any advantages or disadvantages to working with a competing professional?



jj