FIGURE SKATING
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.
SKATING LEVELS
JUNIOR ACADEMY
Junior Academy is a stepping stone program designed as an introduction to competitive figure skating. This program teaches the basic fundamentals of Figure Skating focusing on:
¨ On-Jump Mechanics
¨ Spinning Quality
¨ Development of stroking technique
¨ Introduction to basic field moves
¨ Understanding of Edges and Turns
¨ Theatre on Ice
Off-Ice:
¨ Strength and Conditioning
¨ Movement and Musicality
¨ Technical Shapes
¨ Dry-Land Jumping
Junior Academy promotes self-discipline, competitive drive, self-confidence, work ethic as well as promoting fun and enjoyment in a team atmosphere.
This program is for skaters under 10 years old and must have received an invite letter.
SCHEDULE C
This is for Star 1-3 skaters.
SCHEDULE B
Is for skaters who have passed Star 3 FreeSkate Program and Elements.
SCHEDULE A
Is for skaters who have passed Star 5 FreeSkate Program and Elements.