The Bryn Mawr Online School (BMOS) community is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two of our talented student-athletes, Dessie and Lara, at the prestigious International Solo Dance Epinal 2025 competition in France. Their exceptional performances on the international stage are a testament to their dedication and skill, and highlight how BMOS helps athletes balance elite training with strong academics.
Dessie achieved a phenomenal result, securing first place out of 36 competitors from more than a dozen countries in the Junior Solo Ice Dance category. Equally impressive was Lara, who placed 5th among 14 skilled competitors in the Advanced Novice Solo Ice Dance category.
When asked about the highlights and most difficult aspects of the competition, Dessie responded, “I think my favorite part of being in France to compete was meeting skaters from other countries, and of course being with our little team. I think the most challenging aspect of this particular competition was the lack of preparation. Because the seasons of the USA and international are different, this gives USA skaters less time to prepare for this particular competition.”
Lara added that her favorite part of competing in France was talking to people from so many different places and making new friends. Lara reflected that the toughest aspect was her nervousness. She stated, “I competed with completely new programs from last year so that kind of stressed me out but also there were so many international judges that I have never seen before. So, I wanted to make a good first impression. Also, I had a lot of French competitors compete against me that I have never seen skate before. So, it was a little scary not being able to know their level. Overall, I had such a wonderful time in France and I am so lucky that I have these kinds of opportunities!”
The International Solo Dance Epinal is a highly regarded event that brings together top ice dancers from around the world to compete in individual routines. Unlike pairs or team ice dance, solo dance focuses entirely on the skater’s ability to interpret music and execute complex footwork sequences, turns, and movements in a seamless, choreographed manner. Skaters are judged on both technical merit (difficulty and execution of elements) and program components (artistry, performance, and interpretation).
The competition is typically organized by age and proficiency level. Dessie competed in the Junior Solo Ice Dance category, which is designated for a specific age range of high-potential skaters and often features a larger field of up-and-coming athletes (36 competitors). Lara competed in the Advanced Novice Solo Ice Dance category (14 competitors), which represents a highly challenging level of proficiency, demanding exceptional technical sophistication, high-speed execution of prescribed elements, and maturity in performance as skaters transition toward the Junior ranks. Both solo categories demand incredible stamina and precision, showcasing the dancer’s ability to command the ice entirely on their own.
We extend our deepest congratulations to Dessie and Lara for these incredible accomplishments and for representing BMOS with such distinction!
