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PROFESSIONAL COACHES
Every skater must retain a professional coach. During the first two weeks of the season and any time a new junior joins the session we will have Program Assistants or experienced skaters on the ice to help your child become comfortable with the program. During this time you should be observing and talking to the members of our coaching staff to determine whom will best suit your child. It is expected that after the two-week orientation period you will have chosen a coach. The skater's coach will give them private lessons in freeskate and dance and at the end of the month you will be billed for these lessons. A list of our coaching staff including credentials, experience and contact information is available on-line or on the bulletin board located by the club office at the Milton Sports Centre.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are a service provided by the professional coaching staff. As a parent you should discuss this directly with your child's coach. A fee is charged by the coach for this service, and is agreed upon between parent and coach. Sometimes, a coach may teach groups of two or more of her/his student if they are working at similar levels thus reducing the cost. It is important to keep an open dialogue with your coach, as this is the best source of information. As a New STAR 1 it will take some time to adjust to the format of a Figure skating session. You will be spending more time working independently and although there is a structure to the session, young skaters sometimes find it difficult to make the transition from CanSkate to STAR 1.
The STAR 1 Session format is as follows:
| POWER | This group lesson is included in your session fee. During these lessons the skaters are learning and practicing proper technique of basic skating and crossovers both forward and backward. As you will see, all of the skaters practice these techniques every time they come on the ice. These skills are the basis for all future elements the skaters will learn. |
| FREESKATE | During this time the skaters practice their jumps, spins and other freeskate elements. Eventually, the skater's coach will choreograph a freeskate solo to music and they may practice their solos during the freeskate time. Skaters may request their freeskate music from the music room. It is very important to pay attention to the other skaters on the ice as they skate forward, backward, jump and spin. The right of way should be given to a skater whose music is being played. |
| DANCE | The skaters will learn the components of the first compulsory dance; the roll, the progressive and the edge. They will then put these skills together to create the first compulsory dance of Skate Canada-The Dutch Waltz. Once the skater learns the steps, they will perform them with a partner. There are three preliminary dances; The Dutch Waltz, The Canasta Tango and The Baby Blues. During the dance session the skaters are only permitted to practice freeskate if they are in a private lesson with their coach. |
TESTS
When a skater is ready to try a test their coach will let them know. The skaters will be initially testing at Low test days and will test The Dutch Waltz first. They will be evaluated by a Skate Canada official. There is a fee of $12 for the test and a $10 club fee. The club fee covers the cost of ice, food and a small gift for the official and their mileage. The evaluators are volunteers and do not receive any compensation for the time they spend at test days or competitions and it is important to show them our hospitality. You will be invoiced for your tests through your online account, payment will need to be made at least 1 day in advance of the test.
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. Besides, skaters enjoy competitions outside their club – they are exciting and skaters feel proud to represent their club. Our annual 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.
Please see our Finding a Coach page as well as Our Coaches for contact information and qualifications of our coaching staff.
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