Love the Ice — Skate Smart, Skate Confident.

Technical precision, effortless flow, and artistic confidence for skaters ages 4 to adult. Coached by Merrill Prazenka.

40 Years
On the Ice & Still Competing
Gold Track
USFS Ice Dance
10+ Years
National Synchro Competitor
USFS
Accredited & SafeSport Compliant
Meet Your Coach

Passionate about precision. Dedicated to your glide.

Deep Edge Performance was built by coach Merrill Prazenka on a simple belief: strong foundations make strong skaters, in every discipline. Growing up immersed in the Chicago figure skating community, Merrill developed a deep foundation in technical blade mechanics and competitive discipline.

Merrill brings a decade of national-level competitive experience to the ice, competing as a Junior, Senior, Adult, and Master’s national synchronized skating competitor. On the technical side, she is currently working through the Gold Track in Ice Dance—training that directly shapes how she breaks down body alignment, blade pressure, and edge physics for every skater, no matter their level.

After building early coaching foundations during college and pursuing a successful corporate career, Merrill returned to full-time coaching with unmatched focus and structured athlete development.

A Sport for Life — At Every Level

Figure skating isn't a sport that ends after high school or college—it is a sport that can continue competitively and passionately into your adult years. After 40 years on the ice, Merrill still actively trains, tests, and competes nationally for herself. That ongoing personal drive ensures she understands firsthand the physical and mental demands of pushing through new edges, turns, and competitive programs.

Denver synchronized skating team with trophy Coach Merrill Prazenka on the ice with a skater Skating friends at Aspen ice rink Skaters in 1980s costumes
Disciplines & Instruction

Coaching for All Ages & Abilities

Supporting skaters at every step of their athletic and recreational journey.

Coaching Philosophy

This Is What I Believe. This Is How We Work.

Deep Edge Performance is built on a few core beliefs that shape every lesson.

Our Culture

On-Ice Expectations

These aren't rules handed down from above. This is how we show up — for each other, for the sport, and for ourselves.

We Are Here Because We Choose to Be

We are here for the enjoyment of skating. Everything else flows from that. Our priorities, in order:

  1. 1 Have fun
  2. 2 Skate safely
  3. 3 Challenge ourselves and grow

If consistent effort, respect, and attitude are not showing up, we'll have an honest conversation — because this only works if you want to be here. We hold each other to this. That includes your coach.

Guidelines & Expectations

Testing, Competition & Lesson Policies

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USFS Testing Sessions

Flat 30-Minute Rate / Test

  • • Billed at a flat 30-minute private lesson fee per test event (In-person or Virtual test recording & submission).
  • • Covers on-ice warm-up supervision, coach consultation, and trial protocol review with the judging panel.
  • • Skaters are responsible for USFS test registration and rink hospitality fees directly to the hosting club.
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Competitions

Per Entry & Scheduling

  • • Coaching fees for local competitions are calculated based on the number of registered entries and schedule demands.
  • • Covers off-ice preparation, locker room check-in, official event warm-up, and rink-side coaching.
  • • Practice ice (PI) sessions during competition days are billed at the standard lesson rate. Out-of-town travel expenses are split equally among competing skaters.
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Cancellations & Ice Time

24-Hour Policy

  • • 24-Hour Notice: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to the standard lesson fee.
  • • Ice Admission: Rink admission (Freestyle or Public ticket) is purchased directly from the arena desk prior to lessons.
  • • Arrival: Arriving 15 minutes early to ensure that you are prepared and warmed up for the lesson.
Where & When We Skate

Rink Schedule & Skater Intake

Check rink locations and live available coaching slots below. Submit a new skater inquiry or update your season goals.

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South Suburban Sports Complex

Mon • Tue

Highlands Ranch, CO — Freestyle & Public session availability

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Family Sports Center

Thu • Sat

Centennial, CO — Freestyle & Public session availability

Live Coaching Calendar

America/Denver

* Note: Calendar displays booked commitments and open coaching windows. Select a form to reserve time or submit your training objectives.

New Skater Request

Tell Coach Merrill about your skater and desired lesson times.