Blending innovative choreography with stirring music and vivid costumes to create a complete skating package were the hallmarks of Marijane Stong’s long career as a coach, choreographer and costume designer. She pioneered the use of vocal music in a free dance, and role reversal in her choreography became a trademark. The first female coach in Canada to become NCCP Level 4 Certified, she created the concept of packaging programs with music, choreography and costumes all working together seamlessly.

Six times Marijane attended an Olympic Winter Games as a coach of both ice dance and pair teams. Her highlight came in 1988 when her Canadian ice dance champions, Tracy Wilson and Rob McCall, won the Olympic bronze medal in Calgary. As always, Marijane found the perfect music, complemented it with ground-breaking choreography and innovative costumes to present a program that continues to be a benchmark for ice dancing.

Serving as Skate Canada’s National Coach Consultant since 1999, Marijane continues to influence the current generation of skaters. She works with skaters and coaches to complement their skating programs with the ideal skating costumes and music.

Inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame 2008.