| CanSkate CanSkate is Skate Canada's learn-to-skate program for beginners from age 4 to 12. It teaches fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. Skaters are grouped by age and skill, beginning in Stage 1 and progressing through Stage 7. The CanSkate program emphasizes fun and continuous movement and is taught in a group lesson format. CanSkate is taught by professional Skate Canada professional coaches and assisted by trained Program Assistants. Badges and awards are used to motivate skaters to achieve and develop their skills as well as to keep interest high. CSA approved helmets are mandatory until the skater has passed Stage 5. |
 |
Accelerated STARSkateis the connecting link between CanSkate and the STARSkate test/competitive stream. Participants skate twice a week for 45 minutes each session, and are instructed by our Skate Canada professional coaches on a rotating basis. This program helps young skaters learn basic figure skating skills, jumps, spins and routines a big step towards their skating dreams! Registration in the Accelerated STARSkate program is limited, and skaters must be assessed and approved prior to their participation in the program.
CanPowerSkate
is geared to hockey and ringette players who can already skate, and who wish to improve their balance, power, agility, speed and endurance skills. Strong skating skills and good physical conditioning are provided through participation in this program. Skaters must have basic forward, backward and stopping skating skills, and should be at least 6 years of age. Advanced and Beginner classes are offered, and skaters must be evaluated before registration. Full hockey/ringette gear is required.
TeenSkate is intended for skaters who have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or who are over 12 years of age, and would like to pursue figure skating at a recreational level. Each class includes a group lesson well as the opportunity to practice on an individual basis.
|
Adult
Drop-In is a relaxed fun hour for adults (no children)
to practise their skating skills. Group instruction is not provided. |
Figure Skating
Skate Canada offers two streams of figure skating:
The
STARSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop figure skating skills in four different areas - Interpretative, Dance, Skating Skills and Free Skating. Skaters have the option of taking Skate Canada tests while earning awards and incentives, and participating in competitions ranging from local to the national level. The STARSkate test program consists of four Interpretive tests, seven categories of Dance tests (ranging from three to five dances in each category), six Skating Skills tests, and six Free Skate tests, which are evaluated by Skate Canada evaluators.
The
Skate Canada Competitive Program is a separate stream for skaters who have achieved certain levels in the STARSkate program, and wish to progress further. The program provides a series of tests in the disciplines of singles, pairs and/or dance as well as other training opportunities for competitors with potential to advance from provincial to national championships and beyond. There are five competitive tests for single skaters, five for pairs skaters, and four tests for ice dancers.
Off-Ice Training
Technique classes are designed to improve jump and spin technique, focusing on strength and flexibility exercises specific to skating. Taught by a professional skating coach, these classes encourage skaters to transfer these skills and techniques to the ice.
Performance Training
Performance Training is taught by a professional dance instructor, and provides group instruction in musicality and movement to a variety of dance styles (Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet), stretching and core strengthening. |