Our Programs - StarSkate

 

The StarSkate Program offers skaters the opportunity to further develop their figure skating skills in the areas of Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Freeskate, and Artistic Skating. Unique to Canada, this program teaches figure skating in a progressive and sequential manner through both group and private lessons. The program also includes awards and incentives to recognize progress.

Once skaters move into StarSkate, they will require a dedicated coach for Dance, Skills, and Freeskate. Skaters must be able to work independently between lessons, stay focused on the ice, and be committed to regular practice. Independent practice is essential for progression and test readiness.

Lesson Structure

• Mondays:  Skills and Freeskate
• Wednesday:  Dance and Freeskate
• Skaters are expected to practice their solos during their independent time.
• Skater lessons will be a mix of private and group lessons based on skill level
• Lesson times may vary due to special programming needs

Expectations and Etiquette:

• Practice Expectations: When skaters are not in a lesson, they are expected to use this time for independent practice. Staying focused and working on assigned skills between lessons is essential for progress and test readiness.
• Skaters must bring a water bottle and may not leave the ice without coach permission. Bathroom breaks should be taken before the session starts.
• Respectful communication with coaches is expected at all times. Questions or concerns should ONLY be directed to the Coach Liaison outside of session times.
• Skaters are expected to follow coaching instructions and be aware of skating traffic flow during sessions.
• Encouragement among skaters is strongly promoted, everyone progresses at their own pace.

Coaching and Fees:

• Coaching for regular group instruction is included in your registration fee.
• If a skater is not on the ice during their scheduled lesson time, the lesson will not be made up. Our coaching schedule is tightly coordinated, and it’s important to respect both the coaches’ time and that of other skaters. Please ensure your skater is ready and on the ice at the appropriate time
• Coaches will inform families which coach is assigned to each area of development.
• Additional fees for solo choreography and music editing applies to skaters performing solos.

Ice Levels:

For scheduling, ice time is divided into levels based on skating ability:

• Junior Ice: CanSkate Level 5 – STAR 1
• Intermediate Ice: STAR 1 – 3
• Senior Ice: STAR 4 and up

Final placement decisions are made by the coaching team.

Assessments:

Skaters advance through Skate Canada’s standardized STAR 1–Gold assessment system:

• STAR 1–5 tests are evaluated by the skater’s coach during regular sessions.
• STAR 6–Gold tests are assessed by external evaluators (or coaches for Skills only).

Click here to review the StarSkate Parent Handbook.