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STARSkate: Star 1 to 5

 

Requirements

  • In order to be a Star 1 Skater you need to have PASSED Stage 5 CanSkate.
  • From Star 1, you move up levels as you test.

Days, Times, and Costs

Please see our Figure Skating Brief Description page.

 

Detailed Program Description

Our STARSkate Star 1 program provides both an extension of CanSkate and introduction to figure skating. The focus is building on the fundamentals, forward, backward, turn and stop as well as introducing figure skating elements, jumps and spins.

Star 1 to 5 STARSkate sessions consist of...

  • 10 minute warm up: working on speed and power, on basic forward and backward skating, the use of the blade, proper posture and balance.
  • 10 minute skills: lesson where the skaters will focus on edges, steps and turns in isolation leading into footwork and the preliminary skill set.
  • 10 minute dance: where the skaters will focus on the specific dance edges and steps that lead into the preliminary dance set. The skaters will also learn the Dutch Waltz.
  • Personal development time: skaters will use this time to independently practise the lessons and develop their skills. Private lessons can also be arranged for this time.

CSA Approved hockey helmets are mandatory for Star 1 (stage 5) skaters.

For further information contact the STARSkate Program co-ordinator (see coaches page).

Professional Coaches and Private Lessons

Private lessons are available, please make arrangements with the coach directly.

Private lessons are a service provided by the professional coaching staff. Star 1 to 5 StarSkaters are expected to hire a private coach by the end of October. It is recommended that you consider hiring prior to this date, where possible, so that your skater will have the best direction right from the start of the season as well as to allow you more choice in availability as coaches schedules fill up on a first come, first served basis.

The skater's coach will give them private lessons in freeskate, skills and dance and will also assess them according to the Star 1-5 system that is mandated by Skate Canada. A list of our coaching staff, including credentials, experience and telephone numbers/emails is available on our coaches web page.

A fee is charged by the coach for this service and is agreed upon between parent and coach.  It is important to keep an open dialogue with your coach, as this is the best source of information.

For more detailed information about hiring a private coach please visit our How to Hire a Private Coach page

 

Testing

In STARSkate skaters will work towards a series of tests. When a skater is ready to try a test their coach or STARSkate coordinator coach will let them know. Testing is evaluated by the coaches There is a fee of $12 per test and a $15 admin fee. The test fee is a direct cost of the test paperwork that is charged by Skate Canada. The admin fee covers the cost of the Clubs paperwork (Test envelopes, timing with other coaches and skaters and test sheets). Test envelopes which will indicate the test and fees will be distributed by the Test Chair/ skater’s coach and must be handed back with fee payment prior to taking the test. Skaters will be scheduled a specific test day.

STARSkateTests include:

Dances

Skaters learn specific, predetermined dance steps. This is set to music that is pre-selected by Skate Canada for these compulsory dances. The first set of dances your child will learn and can be tested on are:

  • Star 2 Dance Tests - Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango
  • Star 3 Dance Tests - Baby Blues, Dance Elements Test
  • Star 4 Dance Tests - Swing Dance, Fiesta Tango
  • Star 5 Dance Tests - Willow Waltz, Dance Elements Test
  • Star 6 Dance Tests - Ten-Fox, European Waltz, Fourteenstep

The dances in the STARSkate Program can be tried in any order based on the Star level, but a candidate must pass the required dances in a Star level before proceeding to the next level.

 

Skills

Skills are put in a set sequence and they follow a pattern around the ice. Skills can be set to music. This music is pre-selected by Skate Canada. The coach will decide whether the skater tests these patterns with or without music.

STARSkate Skill levels are required to be passed for entry into the next STARSkate level.

 

Competitions

Competing is optional but most coaches feel it is important to compete even if you don’t have “Competitive Stream” aspirations. The process of preparing for competition focuses skaters efforts and the performance experience can improve performance under pressure both at competitions and test days. As well, skaters enjoy competitions outside their club – they are exciting and skaters feel proud to represent their club. Our annual local area competition is Skates Alive. This competition caters to all levels of skaters and is a good place to get your first taste of a skating competition. This is held in early December. Speak to your private coach about participation in competitions.

As a club we occasionally host our own competition just between our members. Winterfest for the years it is scheduled runs the last Thursday before Christmas Break. More information on Winterfest can be found on the Winterfest web page.

 

Clothing and Equipment

When you first start skating, your priority is to be warm and comfortable. You may wear skating dresses, skirts or sweat suit bottoms, or stretch pants. These may be worn with warm tights, sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets. Gloves or mittens are important and the skater should always have a spare pair with them. It is important that the clothing be comfortable and not restrict movement. Hair should ALWAYS be kept neatly away from the face.

The most important piece of skating equipment is your ice skates. The skates consist of a boot, which is usually leather, and a blade. Your boots must fit properly, which means that they should be snug yet relatively comfortable, and provide good support for your ankles. A good pair of used skates will always be better than a pair of poor quality new ones. Your coach is the best source of information on which skates are best for your child.  The blades are made of steel and must be kept dry and well protected or they will rust. You should wear skate guards at all times off the ice. After you finish skating thoroughly dry your blades and boots with an absorbent cloth. The skates should not be stored with the guards on.

Skates should be sharpened after approximately 20 hours of skating. Your coach will be able to recommend where to have your skates sharpened and what type of grind should be done Skates should not be sharpened just before a test or competition so allow the child to skate on them two or three times first.

 

Communication

Most correspondence will be done via email. Please ensure the club has your most up-to-date email address and you check it regularly.

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