by Anne Calder | Photos by Daphne Backman

Annelise Stapert (16) & Maxim Korotcov (17) partnered in 2018 and train in Leesburg, VA with Alexei Kiliakov, Elena Novak, and Pierre Souquet-Basiège.

“Our partnership began when Max’s original partner decided to stop skating and do tennis,” Stapert said. “Our coaches brought us together because we had been training at the same Academy.”

In January 2019, the team competed as juveniles at the last U.S. National Championships that the JINs (Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice) attended prior to the establishment of the National Development Camp.   

Based on their intermediate scores at the 2020 Ice Dance Final in Hyannis, MA, Stapert & Korotcov qualified for the inaugural Camp, that was held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. National Championships in Greensboro, NC. Due to COVID-19, the Camp was cancelled in 2021.

Stapert & Korotcov skated as novices in 2022-2023 prior to moving up to the junior level in 2023.

The team shared its thoughts on their 2025-2026 programs. The rhythm dance is music from the 1990’s decade.

“I really love our rhythm dance, especially the last piece “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite,” Stapert said. “I feel it’s a very up-beat program. Even from the beginning, we wanted a boy band.”

“Our first two pieces are both by New Kids On the Block – “Step By Step” and “Games,” Korotcov added. “I feel the music works really well together as well as with the last piece. We can show off a more up-beat vibe, and how we can dance together and have fun. It’s a contrast from other seasons.”

Our Free Dance to Les Miserables was suggested by our French Coach Pierre,” Stapert explained. “Elena liked it too. After we heard and saw it a few times, we really liked the movie and the music – Actually all of it.”

“We’ve really been doing our research trying to capture the feel of all the different media that has shown it,” Korotcov added.

“I really like how powerful the whole program feels,” Stapert noted. “I really like it, too,” said her partner. “It’s a different vibe from last year when we skated a rock program. I really like how emotional it is. We’re really in touch with each other and show off the story, and the emotions that come with it.”

Korotcov noted that after being partners now for eight years, “it’s basically like being siblings. We know each other so well. We feel each other without having to say something.”

“It really helps in the program to be able to step on the ice and be together just like we’ve skated this summer in Lake Placid,” Stapert added. “It’s been a really fun event for the team. We put out two good programs to just go out there and show them. Everyone has been very supportive especially with it being the first International of the season.

“I agree,” added Korotcov. “It was very exciting. It was a very nice atmosphere and vibe. The whole thing has been so enjoyable – and so fun. The support here has been so amazing. It was really nice.”

Interrupting for an exciting news flash…

“Just this morning we got the news about attending our first Junior Grand Prix, August 27-30,” Stapert announced. “We are quite happy. It’s a great honor, and we get to go with our Virginia teammates, too.”

“Just being able to go to Ankara, Turkey and represent the United States is such a privilege,” Korotcov added. “I’m really excited. We don’t know what to expect, but I’m sure it’s going to be amazing,”

“We’ve already had a few international assignments,” Stapert shared. “One in novice was at the Santa Claus Cup in 2022. Then last year we went to Nice and Egna for two smaller competitions. It’s really great to be able to explore new places. It’s really amazing that we get to go.”

“It’s definitely the biggest one we’re going to be doing, so it’s very exciting,” Korotcov said. “The international competitions have such a different vibe. People are so friendly. Even here in Lake Placid having skaters from different countries has been fun. We’ve been meeting new people, and it’s nice.”

“We’re just really excited for the season,” Stapert said. “We’re really working hard, and it’s really nice to see it pay off. Excited to see how it goes for the rest of the season. We can’t wait to show more programs and more improvements.”

In closing the interview, IDC asked the teammates a popular final hypothetical question: If you had an opportunity to invite anyone to give you a private ice dance lesson, what individual or team would you choose?

“I would be happy to see someone new come in and have a lesson with a different perspective,” Stapert said. 

“Maybe Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir,” Korotcov added. “Their skating is so unique. It’s so effortless that watching it is so mesmerizing. I feel it’s a completely different perspective and a completely different vibe to how you approach everything. My whole family is excited about how they skate. They would be happy about that.”

Annelise Stapert & Maxim Korotcov have been extended a second ISU Junior Grand Prix invitation. The team will also compete at Varese, Italy, from September 3-6.