Inline and Quad

Question
Hi Pat! I skated quad artistic during my teen years, then went to ice. I have also figure skated on inlines (Snow Whites) and actually like them the best, unfortunately, I live in an area that doesn't have roller clubs....But I do hope to relocate as soon as I get out of school and, hopefully, I will move to an area with a strong roller presence, (thinking Chicago area). My question is this: If I do decide to compete on inlines would I be allowed to compete against quads? I know there are not a lot of inlinists out there. Would it be ok for Solo Dance? How about freestyle? (Probably not, I would think, due to the differences in the skate.)Would regionals even offer an inline event? (I think only 2 girls competed at nationals.) As I said, I probably won't even be skating inline for a few years, I was just curious about this. Any info you have would be helpful.
Thanks. :-)

Answer
Hi Rhonda,
   Sure you can use inlines to compete against quad skaters in solo dance, it's just that you rarely see it.  You'd have to because there's not a inline solo dance event.  But there is for freestyle.  Inlines have their own freestyle event now.

   Yes, Regionals and all local meets have an inline freestyle event.  It's not very popular but there's a few inline skaters around.  

   When you get back to skating I would recommend you keep up with both inlines and quads.  Who knows, you might find a good dance partner who's on quads, right?

   If you end up in the Chicago area, contact me. I'm at the Aurora Skate Center which is in a suburb of Chicago.  I'd enjoy working with you or I could help you find the coach of your choice.

Take care
Pat