STARSKATE

StarSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skills, free skate and artistic skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Assessments through a nationally standardized assessment system. Skaters who have mastered figure skating skills in StarSkate may also choose to pursue synchronized skating or pairs skating.

Once a skater is in the Skate Canada StarSkate Program, there are several options. Skaters may choose to remain in the StarSkate Program, taking assessments (although not mandatory) at organized assessment sessions and honing learned skills. Skaters may also choose to enter competitions, while still trying Skate Canada assessments. Other skaters may feel that they have progressed to a point where they may wish to enter the Skate Canada Podium Pathway or become involved in synchronized skating, evaluating or judging, or participate as an adult or varsity member.

Skaters who wish to challenge their figure skating skills and who show potential as competitive skaters can participate in the Podium Pathway.

PODIUM PATHWAY

There are several opportunities throughout the season for skaters to participate in competitive events.

The Skate Canada Podium Pathways Program offers nationally standardized competitions to competitive skaters. These events are the stepping stones to things such as the National Team and the World and Olympic teams. Skaters competing in the qualifying event structure can do so at the Juvenile (optional category), Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior levels in singles, pair and ice dance.

PROGRAMMING

LESSON FORMAT

Skaters participate in private lessons (1:1 instruction), semi-private (2 skaters), or small group (3 or more skaters).

Please contact your coach for more information on lessons or coaching fees.

OFF-ICE

As skills become more challenging, off ice plays a key element in athlete development. Off-ice helps to develop flexibility, agility and strength, while supporting skaters in practicing new skills on land. Skaters are required to attend both on ice and off-ice sessions.

COMPETITIONS

Coaches will send out an email prior to registration opening to inform you of the upcoming opportunities. Different competitions target different competitive levels and coaches will ensure they match your child’s competitive level with the opportunities available throughout the season.

ASSESSMENTS

Your coach will decide which assessment your skater is prepared for and will advise you when an assessment will be completed. Assessments will follow Skate Canada's Star 1 - Gold guidelines.

Assessment Information

SESSION LEVELS

JUNIOR (Pre-STAR, STAR 1 and 2)

The program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Junior Academy Program with a coach's recommendation

What’s involved:

Completing STAR 1 and STAR 2 Skate Canada assessments
Competing STAR 1 and STAR 2 in competition

Working on STAR 3 assessment to move into the Intermediate level

JUNIOR (Pre-STAR, STAR 1 and 2)

The program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Junior Academy Program with a coach's recommendation

What’s involved:

Completing STAR 1 and STAR 2 Skate Canada assessments

INTERMEDIATE B

The program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.

Star 3 - 4 (1 assessment) and above and 12 and Under

INTERMEDIATE A

Star 5 (1 assessment) and above and/or competing Juvenille and above and 12 and over

SENIOR

This program builds on the skills acquired in STAR 1-5 and introduces skaters to more advanced figure skating elements.

Pre-Novice or Star 8+ and 12 and over

*Consideration: Skaters 12 +/- who are above/under Star 5 (Coach discretion based on skills and skater path, Podium vs Star Skate).

**Contact your base coach to confirm recommended skating days.

Registration