Welcome to STAR Skate
A fun and challenging program that provides skaters of all ages and abilities with many opportunities to "learn figure skating".
Star skate stands for Skill – Test – Achievement – Recognition . . . Skate Canada's learn to figure skate program. The transition from learning to skate in CanSkate, this program introduces skaters to Interpretive skating, Dance, Free-skating, Stroking and Skating Skills beginning with group lessons. (Intro-STAR Skate).
As skaters progress through the program, they will have the option for advancement and further achievement through semi/private lessons from one of our Level 1 & 2 certified coaches of their choosing. (STAR Skate)
Benefits
Skaters in STARskate are able to progress through the system at their own rate, exploring many avenues of interest. STARskate provides the tools for skaters to develop self-confidence, motivation, time management skills and determination. This is where most skaters develop a passion for the sport that carries with them for a lifetime. When your child lands their first jump, executes 3 turns or learns the Dutch Waltz, it is a very exciting time for them. They are learning skills and developing confidence in themselves. Friendships are made, goals are achieved and celebrated as skaters learn about themselves and develop their self-image.
Program Overview
With the range of disciplines offered in this program, there is something for skaters of all ages and skating abilities in the following 3 test levels:
- Primary- Preliminary, Introductory – Bronze, and Jr. Bronze tests
- Intermediate – Sr. Bronze, Silver, and Jr. Silver tests
- Senior – Sr. Silver and Gold Tests
Interpretive Skating Encourages skaters to develop their artistic side with movement to music being the main focus.
Dance in the STARskate program consists of 6 levels (Preliminary, Jr./Sr. Bronze, Jr./Sr. Silver and Gold with 3-5 dances per level). For the keen dancers, there is also a diamond level with 6 dances. Skaters may test the dances for the female steps and/or the male steps. Each dance has specific steps, pattern and music… much like ballroom dancing, except on ice.
Free Skating levels match the Dance levels (Preliminary, Jr./Sr. Bronze, Jr./Sr. Silver and Gold). Each Free Skating test consists of 2 parts – Part A – Elements in isolation and Part B – Program.
Skaters may try each part of the test separately if they wish.
Free Skate is a series of jumps, spins, field movements and footwork. When skaters are ready to compete or test, these elements are artistically choreographed to a specific timed piece of music. Examples of these elements your skater will become familiar with are:
- Jumps – waltz, salchow, toe loop, loop, flip, lutz
- Spins – 2 foot, 1 foot corkscrew, back spin, sit, camel
- Field Movements – spiral arabesque, ena bauer, spread eagle, pivot
- Footwork – turns, Mohawks, edges, mazurkas, gallops
Skating Skills is the essence of skating. This program incorporates the language and skills of the sport that make skating unique (loops, counters, rockers, brackets). It’s back to basics with edges and turns for the skaters to have the opportunity to train balance, control and power. They are similar to the dances, but intricacy is increased as well as use of the ice surface. There are 6 levels that follow the same format as Dance and Free Skating (Preliminary, Jr./Sr. Bronze, Jr./Sr. Silver and Gold). For each level there are 3 excercises the skaters must perform solo.
