By Dylan Nazareth

It’s been a season of ups and downs for the young ice dance duo of Nadiia Bashynka (21) and Peter Beaumont (23).

Heading into their second appearance at senior nationals this weekend, they’re leaning on one crucial message they’ve picked up this year.

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons throughout the whole season, but something huge is honestly just chill,” said Bashynka. “Like, it’s not as big of a deal as you think it is”

“We put too much pressure on ourselves,” added Beaumont. “So I think we’ve got to the point now where we’re skating to enjoy it as opposed to skating for perfection.”

One source of inspiration for the pair comes from fellow Scarboro Figure Skating Club teammates and defending Canadian champions Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier.

“Honestly, we look up to them so much in training and competitions as well,” said Bashynka. “I remember last year my only wish was to compete in the same warm up as them and now doing it for the second time ever is honestly so fun!”

Gilles and Poirier, both 33, have skated together for over 12 years. After earning silver at last year’s World Championships in Montreal, their hard work is paying off and they are closer than ever to winning their first Olympic medal. This deep into their career, they still remember the anxiety their young teammates are experiencing now.

“I really don’t envy them in their position, because we know exactly what that feels like,” said Gilles. “To feel like you just want to put down a good performance every single time and you almost give too much energy.”

With so much competition in Canadian ice dance, they truly understand the resilience it takes to slowly climb your way to the top.

“We were sitting in the trenches for a long time,” said Gilles. “We had Tessa and Scott, we had Kaitlyn and Andrew, so we know how hard it is to sit there and wait your turn. But while you’re waiting your turn, you’re developing skills. Learning how to compete and what sets you apart from everybody else.”

As Gilles and Poirier chase a fourth national title this weekend, Bashynka and Beaumont are looking to prove they can compete at a high level.

“It’s really performing for each other instead of for the other people that makes it fun for us,” said Bashynka.

“We train to enjoy our programs,” added Beaumont. “Ultimately when we skate them well, it’s an extra bonus.”