Mission
At Elite Figure Skating Academy, we are dedicated to building a welcoming and vibrant community through the sport of figure skating. Our mission is to create a positive and inclusive environment where individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can enjoy skating, develop their skills, build character, and form lasting friendships.
We also promote the physical benefits of the sport—including enhanced muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Through teamwork, encouragement, and community involvement, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of skating and a lasting commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle, while enriching the lives of our members and the broader community.
History
The Elite Skating Academy was founded in 2004 by Russian gold medal champions Alexandra (Sasha) Potcheikina and Andrey Timokhin. They created a world-class Olympic training program based on the program they were trained in by Olympic coaches at the CSKA – the elite Olympic School in Moscow, Russia.
Before founding Elite Figure Skating Academy, coaches Sasha and Andrey made their mark coaching skaters across Connecticut and Upstate New York. In both regions, they became known for transforming skaters of all levels into confident, technically strong, and competitive athletes.
Their coaching helped shape the careers of regional, sectional, and national competitors, earning them a reputation for excellence, discipline, and results. Whether working with beginners or elite-level athletes, Sasha and Andrey consistently brought out the best in each skater — a tradition they proudly continue at EFSA.
About the Sport
Figure Skating: The Perfect Blend of Sport and Art
Figure skating is a unique sport that combines the strength and precision of athletics with the grace and creativity of artistic performance. Skaters glide across the ice executing jumps, spins, and intricate footwork, all set to music that transforms athletic skill into an art form. From powerful jumps that require explosive strength to elegant spins and expressive choreography, figure skating challenges the body while inspiring the imagination.
More Than Skating: Preparing for Life
At Elite Figure Skating Academy, we believe training goes beyond learning jumps, spins, and footwork. Through skating, children develop discipline, resilience, and goal-setting skills that serve them well in school and beyond. Time management, perseverance, and the ability to perform under pressure are qualities every skater builds—qualities that carry into academics, careers, and everyday life.
Skating also fosters teamwork, confidence, and leadership. Whether performing in a group, working with coaches, or standing alone on the ice, our skaters learn responsibility, dedication, and the value of hard work. These lessons not only prepare them for competition but also provide lifelong benefits for future academic success and professional growth.
“Figure skating is more than a sport—it’s a love story between the skater and the ice. Every glide, every fall, every triumph is a step toward discovering strength, grace, and joy.
I don’t just teach skating—I share my heart with every student, because their dreams become my dreams too.”
Head Coach
Sasha Potcheikinia