After the conclusion of the 2015 U.S. National Championships, both Danielle Thomas and Daniel Eaton found themselves in similar situations. Eaton and partner Alexandra Aldridge called an end to their five-year partnership shortly after their sixth-place finish in Greensboro. \u2028
\u201cAlex Aldridge and I had a great five years together,\u201d Eaton said. \u201cThe opportunities that we were given will always be remembered and [are] special to me. Alex and I slowly began to grow apart as partners, which caused us to come to a mutual decision to end our partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas, who had recently completed her second season with Alexander Martin, was also partnerless after the two decided they were on different paths with regard to achieving their goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlex Martin and I decided to end our partnership shortly after Nationals,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cWe had a nice experience together through novice and junior, and I am thankful for our partnership over the years. We ended our partnership on a good note.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Thomas and Eaton trained at the Detroit Skating Club [DSC] while with their previous partners, and although Eaton moved to the Artic Edge Ice Arena in Canton, Mich., last year, he & Thomas credit their experiences at the DSC with preparing them for their new partnership together.<\/p>\n
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![\"D2-2015\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ice-dance.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/D2-2015.jpg?resize=314%2C261&ssl=1\")
\u201cDanielle and I were practically raised by the same coaches back in our previous skating careers,\u201d Eaton said. \u201cWe both learned the basic fundamentals of ice dance from Anjelika Krylova, Pasquale Camerlengo, Massimo Scali, and Natalia Annenko. Both of us learned our edge quality and moves in the field from Tracy Sheppard at Detroit Skating Club. It was Tracy that actually helped the two of us get together for our tryout.\u201d<\/p>\n
The duo felt an instant connection when they first took the ice at their tryout.<\/p>\n
\u201cDanielle and I had an emotional attachment with one another from our first steps on the ice together,\u201d Eaton said. \u201cCreating that connection is one of the hardest feats to overcome with a new partnership, and we truly share something special.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the very moment we stepped on the ice, I knew it was the beginning of a great partnership,\u201d Thomas added. \u201cWe immediately had a connection that brought out the best in our abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neither Thomas or Eaton is afraid of the hard work that lies ahead. Thomas only has one year of junior level ice dance experience and has not yet competed internationally. She needs to pass her USFS senior dance tests by September 1, in addition to preparing for the international opportunities that are likely to come with her new partner\u2019s level of experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough going to senior is a big jump for me, I feel that I am ready to take on this amazing opportunity with Daniel and work to become the best in the world someday,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cI really respect and admire Daniel’s work ethic and talent, and I feel that he will give me the support and encouragement to help me overcome any obstacles that we may face along the way. We both bring different skills to the partnership that we can learn from and grow upon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, with any new team, there will be obstacles to overcome,\u201d Eaton added. \u201cAlthough the leap to senior is not only demanding and tough, I feel that we are ready to be on the stage that the two of us belong to be on. We are really looking forward to the next few Olympic cycles together and [we are] excited to build and develop our skills for the next decade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas has joined Eaton in Canton, and the team is currently working 6-7 hours per day in preparation for the upcoming season. They are training under Marina Zoueva and her team of coaches, including Johnny Johns, Massimo Scali, and Oleg Epstein.
\u201cI couldn’t be more excited about my partnership with Daniel,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cI feel that we both have the same goals, work ethic, and passion for skating that will keep us motivated on a daily basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDanielle and I have the same mentality towards skating. We are both perfectionists, [and] if something doesn\u2019t feel right, we will work on our craft until it\u2019s perfect,\u201d Eaton added. \u201cMy new partnership with Danielle presents many different wonderful opportunities that I am really looking forward to. This is a new chapter to my skating career.\u201d<\/p>\n
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