StarSkate is the RECREATIONAL pathway developed by Skate Canada. The StarSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic figure skating skills in four different disciplines with the option of taking Skate Canada Tests while earning awards and incentives designed for this group of skaters.
Figure skating skills are taught in group and or private lesson format in the following disciplines: Artistic, Ice Dance, Freeskate and Skating Skills which are grouped into levels: Star 1/2 and Star 3+.
StarSkate Program Structure
The structure of the StarSkate program differs from CanSkate and Junior Academy. Each level’s sessions are built according to the Long Term Athlete Development model provided by Skate Canada. This model was used to build a schedule featuring independent work time (freeskate) and both instructed on and off ice classes. In the Star Skate program structure, skaters will receive instruction primarily through private, semi-private and group lessons which are billed directly to the parent/guardian monthly by the coach(es). These lessons are given by our coaching team. It is suggested you discuss a comfortable lesson budget. Note – there is a minimum budget required and will depend on the number of sessions your skater participates in.
StarSkate or the “Star” program follows Skate Canada’s StarSkate test and competition program. PGFSC has incorporated this, along with LTAD principles into developing a broad spectrum figure skating program. Our Star program features the structure and guidance to develop skaters to their fullest potential, while also allowing skaters some freedom to learn independent work habits.
Lessons: The Star program incorporates group classes and dryland sessions which are built into your registration fees, and privately billed “freeskate” sessions where skaters will receive instruction either in group (3 or more skaters), semi-private (2 skaters) or private. PGFSC has a strong coaching team which all skaters will be rotated through. This ensures the opportunity for skaters to benefit from each coach’s strengths, abilities, coaching philosophies and caring attention! Each coach will bill you directly once per month for lessons given to your skater. If you need to set a budget, that is no problem, please discuss this with the Director of Skating. There is a minimum budget requirement for lessons per day skated. Lessons are a requirement for participation in the Star program.
Off Ice training is a vital part of the Star program curriculum. Skaters will train flexibility, learn and strengthen positions that they will use on the ice, perform exercises that will further develop their motor/movement skills and patterns. The off ice portion of the program is not optional so please be sure your skater attends.