BECOMING A STARSkate
STAR 1-5
The STAR 1-5 program offers the best-in-class figure skating curriculum in Canada, targeting athletes looking for a future in the sport. Taught by Skate Canada NCCP coaches, the program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.
All skaters in this program must have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or equivalent. Skaters may be any age. Adaptive skaters who have the required skating ability welcome.
STAR 6- GOLD
STAR 6- Gold is an assessment and event structure for skaters who completed the STAR 1-5 Program. This structure builds on the skills acquired in STAR 1-5 and introduces skaters to more advanced figure skating elements.
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DISCIPLINES
Figure skating has four disciplines that lead to a high performance pathway.
Singles: Single skating is a term used to describe the discipline of free skate. Generally, this is the most recognized form of figure skating.
Pairs: Pair skating involves two individuals skating as a unit performing free skating moves. Pair skating also includes lifts, death spirals and throws.
Ice Dance: Inspired by ballroom dancing, this discipline incorporates musicality, performances and athleticism to all your favourite rhythms.
Synchronized: Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit
***Helmet is not required
Assessment Information
STAR 1-5 assessments are completed by the skaters coach and will be done on regular ice sessions, only Star 6-GOLD assessments are done in front of an evaluator and this can now be done virtually or in person.
- FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/guides/338-assessment-guide.html
StarSkate Private Lessons
Please contact our coach liason for availability and dates.
Preparing for the Competition
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 for assessments. Skaters also enjoy competitions outside their club as they are exciting and they feel proud to represent their club. To compete, a skater must meet the age and assessment qualifications for the event. If a certain competition is appropriate, your coach will give your skater an application form. It is the parent’s responsibility to fill it out and send it to the competition registrar along with the entry fee before the due date.
Applications are not accepted after the due date.
Discuss coaching arrangements for each event with your private coach. Participation in competitions involves some added expense. Skaters are required to dress appropriately for the event, competitions charge an entry fee and your coach will charge for the preparation of the skater’s music and extra lessons. It is customary for coaches to be paid to attend competitions. This fee covers time, gas and lessons missed to be there. Skaters may also require extra ice time to prepare.
Remember, each skater is unique, it is NOT a good idea to compare your skater’s progress or results to others. There are too many factors influencing progress to make comparisons meaningful- age, maturity, talent, annual training volume, etc. A skater’s placement in one isolated competition is not a definitive evaluation of your skater’s ability and it certainly is not a measure of his worth as a person.
Program Assistants
As a part of our skating program, STARSkate skaters must help out with the CanSkate program by assisting the coaches during weekly practices. Our Program Assistants (PA’s) dedicate their time to help our new and young skaters learn and develop new skills on the ice.