Private Instruction & Seminars

Learn quickly and effectively to obtain your goals!

Private Instruction:

Dan is available for private lessons and is accepting new students at Cabin John Ice arena in Maryland. Contact Dan directly for availability. If your skater is enrolled in groups classes, be sure to check out the FAQ for even more useful information!

Unlock Your Skating Potential with Dan Hollander

Dan has the privilege of working with skaters of all levels, from guiding a four-year-old's first steps on the ice to enhancing the power of hockey teams and refining the skills of Olympic hopefuls.. His robust technical expertise in spins and jumps, combined with his unique comedic communication style, empowers skaters to achieve their goals both efficiently and effectively.

Comprehensive Skating Instruction

Dan offers comprehensive coaching in jumps, spins, moves, and power skating. His extensive knowledge extends to choreography, a skill honed through a remarkable opportunity to work with his comedic idol, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton. In 2009, Dan was honored to create a comedic program to "Everything Old is New Again," showcasing his creative flair and innovative approach.

Custom Choreography for Competitions and Shows

Whether you're aiming for a competitive edge or seeking an entertaining, show-stopping routine, Dan is ready to craft a choreography that meets your needs. His personalized approach ensures that each program is tailored to highlight your strengths and captivate audiences.

“I've recently worked with my longtime buddy Dan and enjoyed every moment of it. He is smart, funny, talented, completely professional and best of all, shorter than me.” - Scott Hamilton

Selecting the right Instructor

Selecting the Right Instructor

Choosing the right instructor is crucial, especially in a sport as demanding and costly as figure skating. Whether you're entrusting your child or yourself to a coach for twenty minutes or up to three hours a week, it's worth investing time in thorough research.

Observe and Evaluate

Begin by observing potential coaches in action. Pay attention to their interaction with skaters. Do they motivate effectively? Are they positive, or do they employ a more disciplined approach? Recognize that some skaters thrive under different coaching styles, whether it's a nurturing environment or a more structured one. Consider whether the coach primarily uses verbal corrections, hands-on demonstrations, or a combination of both. Understanding whether your skater learns better verbally or visually can guide your choice.

Gather Insights and Conduct Trials

Engage with other parents to gather their insights and experiences. Compile a list of potential coaches and approach each one individually. Explain your search for a coach and express interest in trial lessons to assess compatibility. Inquire about their availability, willingness to take on new clients, and hourly rates. Even if a coach is fully booked, ask about a trial lesson and the possibility of being placed on a waiting list.

Consider Coaching Combinations

Decide whether you need a head coach, a moves coach, a dance coach, or a combination thereof. Your head coach should ideally collaborate well with other coaches to ensure consistent teaching methods, preventing confusion from conflicting techniques. When evaluating coaches with different rates, consider the reasons behind the pricing. A higher fee might reflect greater experience and effectiveness, while a lower rate could indicate a coach still building their reputation. Avoid the pitfall of opting for a less effective coaching that may lead to higher costs later when correcting poor techniques.

Make an Informed Decision

Selecting a coach is a significant decision, requiring a balance between cost, fit, and expertise. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your options will support the best possible outcome for your skater's development.

Expectations After Hiring a Coach

After selecting a coach, it's important to establish a clear understanding of expectations and logistics. Start by requesting a detailed price sheet that outlines all costs, including charges for testing, competitions, and the coach’s hourly rate. Also, clarify their cancellation policy. Most coaches require a 24-hour notice for cancellations and may charge for missed lessons. Conversely, inquire about their policy if they miss a lesson—some coaches, like myself, offer a complimentary lesson in such cases.

Initial Goal-Setting Meeting

Arrange an initial meeting to discuss your skater's goals, whether it's passing a specific number of tests or achieving a competitive placement. This meeting sets the foundation for your skater's training plan.

Key Discussion Points:

• Annual Meetings: Determine how many meetings are expected each year. Clarify if there are charges for these meetings or if a certain number are complimentary, with additional meetings incurring the coach's hourly rate.

• Communication Policy: Discuss the coach’s policy regarding phone calls and emails. Excessive communication may result in additional charges, so it's essential to set boundaries while respecting the coach's commitment to other clients and personal life.

• Appropriate Times for Questions: Establish appropriate times to ask questions, avoiding moments when the coach may be preoccupied, such as during ice resurfaces. Open communication is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a productive coaching relationship.

By addressing these aspects upfront, you can foster a positive and effective partnership with your coach, ultimately supporting your skater's growth and success.

When to Change Coaches

Determining the right time to change coaches can be challenging and requires careful consideration. Reflect on whether communication has lessened or if specific goals remain unmet. It's important to assess whether the skater's effort or capability is a factor, recognizing that sometimes limitations are due to natural constraints, much like my own challenge with achieving a perfect spread eagle.

Evaluate the Situation Like a Business

• Identify Goals: Clearly define the goals and explore why they aren't being met. Consider whether the skater was fully prepared or if adjustments in training strategy are needed.

• Open Communication: If a goal isn't being achieved, it's beneficial to discuss this with the coach during a scheduled meeting. It's essential to approach this collaboratively, recognizing that repeated test failures might indicate a need for a different approach or additional preparation.

• Assess Coach Effectiveness: Evaluate the passing rates of coaches in your area. Some may have a high success rate in advancing skaters through tests, while others might excel at nurturing foundational skills. Gathering this information through observation and respectful inquiry can provide valuable insights.

Making the Transition

If you decide to change coaches, ensure that all outstanding bills with the current coach are settled before moving on. This maintains professionalism and respect within the skating community, acknowledging the valuable contributions of each coach.

By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that best support your skater's development while maintaining positive relationships with all coaches involved.

Welcome to

Welcome to Dan Hollander Production Seminars

Throughout my skating career, I've discovered that exposure to positive influences and learning from a variety of experts is key to a skater's success. At Dan Hollander Production Seminars, we embrace this philosophy by bringing together a team of positive, knowledgeable, and exceptional instructors. Our approach is infused with comedy and laughter, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

Our seminars cover all aspects of skating, including jumps, spins, edging, power, choreography, off-ice training, and understanding the international judging system, among others. Participants leave with a wealth of information, new goals, and a memorable experience filled with fun and laughter.

Host a Seminar

Interested in hosting a seminar near you? Contact us to learn more about bringing this enriching experience to your community!