Athletes from Montclair State University Ice Arena and Krigor Studio recently represented their skating community on both the national and international stage, competing at the 2026 U.S. National Solo Dance Final in Kalamazoo, Michigan, September 16–19, and the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Ankara, Türkiye, September 17–19.
From first-time National Final competitors to an international Junior Grand Prix appearance, it was an exciting week that showcased the dedication, growth and talent of skaters who train at Montclair State University Ice Arena.
Montclair Skaters Compete at the U.S. National Solo Dance Final
The U.S. National Solo Dance Final brought together top solo dancers from across the country for several days of competition in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Several Montclair State University Ice Arena and KrigorStudio athletes represented their training community at the event, earning impressive results across pattern dance and combined events.
Vasilisa Serova
Vasilisa Serova had an impressive showing at the National Final, finishing 5th in the nation in the Pre-Gold Pattern Dance event. She also earned the bronze medal in the Novice Combined event, where she performed an Egyptian-themed program.
Vasi’s strong performances were a great reflection of the hard work and dedication she has put into her solo dance season.
Wei-in Erin Liao
Wei-in Erin Liao placed 12th in the Pre-Gold Pattern Dance event.
This was Erin’s first season competing in solo dance, making her accomplishment especially meaningful as she continues to grow in the discipline.
Alexandra “Sasha” Dionisio
Alexandra “Sasha” Dionisio competed at her first National Final this season, placing 14th in the Silver Pattern Dance event and 13th in the Intermediate Combined event.
Her Intermediate Combined program featured a French theme, bringing a fun and unique style to her performance. This was an exciting milestone in Sasha’s solo dance journey and a great opportunity to showcase her growth throughout the season.
Melanie Destefani
Melanie Destefani also competed at her first National Final. Even more impressive, this was Melanie’s first competitive season ever.
She placed 7th in the Preliminary Pattern Dance event, marking an exciting achievement in her skating journey.
Hailey Stratthaus
Hailey Stratthaus returned to the National Final for her second season competing in solo dance. Hailey competed in the Pre-Bronze Pattern Dance event, placing 15th in the country.
After building on her experience from her first season, Hailey continued to show her dedication and growth throughout the year, making this another exciting step in her solo dance journey.
We could not be more proud of all of our solo dancers and the hard work they have put into this season. Their dedication, perseverance and passion for skating continue to make the Montclair State University Ice Arena and KrigorStudio community proud.
As the solo dance season comes to a close, we look forward to seeing where their skating journeys take them next.
From Montclair to the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Ankara
While the solo dance season was wrapping up in the United States, the international ice dance season was just beginning.
Montclair State University student and KrigorStudio athlete Anna O’Brien, along with her partner Drake Tong, a student at Rutgers University, represented Azerbaijan at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Ankara, Türkiye.
Anna and Drake placed 12th out of 20 teams in the Junior ice dance competition, gaining valuable international experience as they continue their season.
The team will next head to Batumi, Georgia, as they continue their Junior Grand Prix journey. We wish Anna and Drake the very best of luck in their next international competition.
Celebrating Our Skating Community at Montclair State University Ice Arena
Congratulations to all of these athletes on an incredible week of competition.
From skaters reaching their first National Final to athletes representing their training community on the international stage, these accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication and passion being developed every day at Montclair State University Ice Arena.
We are proud to be a place where skaters can continue to learn, train and pursue their goals at every level of the sport, and we look forward to following these athletes throughout the season.