Our Classes are scheduled all year and include the following:

• Eight 30 min. Group Classes for $110*
• Eight free practices on Public Sessions following class
• Testing
• Special Events

*Plus $13 Annual USFS Basic Skills Registration Fee

Skate Rental is $3.00

Skaters may require more than one semester to complete a class level.

Skate School Schedule

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

When can I start classes?

Our Skating Academy runs all year!  Our Basic 1, Tots and Adult Classes are designed to take new students each week and you can start at any time!  We assume that you have never been on the ice before.   The first day you should arrive about 30 min. before class to fill out the enrollment form and make payment.  You will then receive a punch card to keep track of your classes.  The hardest thing about learning to skate is getting the skates on correctly the first time.  Your instructor will be happy to assist you.

I know it's cool inside. How should I dress for skate school classes?

We recommend that you dress in comfortable warm clothing. Sweaters and track suits are ideal because they keep you warm and you can still move around. Gloves make it more comfortable especially for young children. Jeans are cold and hard to move around in. Don't wear socks that are too thick and don't wear two pairs of sock.  This will cause blisters.

I don't own skates.  What do I do?

Most students start off with rental skates.  We highly recommend that you purchase your own skates as soon as possible.  You will progress faster and get more enjoyment out of your skating.  Make sure that you ask your Skating Academy Instructor about what brand and model is right for your ability and weight.  The KIA Proshop carries the recommended brands of skates that are right for figure skating or hockey.

How do I get a certificate and patches for the class level I am enrolling in?

Our Skating Academy provides a test session every Saturday and Sunday at 12:45pm. Please set an appointment with any of our Staff Professionals or contact our Skating Program Director, Kent Johnson to set your tests. No membership is required for testing Basic Skills, but we recommend that all skaters join the USFS Basic Skills Program. TESTS MUST BE COMPLETED DURING THE TIME OF ENROLLMENT.

Can I take classes more than once a week?

Yes, you sign up for a regular class time and day, but you can take extra classes on any day where your class level is scheduled. Most students will take just one class per week, but you can take more classes per week if you want to progress faster or if you want to take a make up class. To get the most out of your classes you should be as consistent as possible.

Will "Learn To Skate" classes teach me to figure skate?

Yes, USFS Basic Skills is designed to teach you the basics in a fun systematic way. Stick with the program and you will soon be jumping and spinning! Kendall Ice Arena has Ice Shows and Competitions planned throughout the year for skaters of all ages and ability levels.

I don't know how to skate. How do I get into the ice hockey program?

Kendall Ice Arena has a great Pre Hockey Program designed to teach you the basics of the game, stick and puck handling and more. You will need Hockey gear and be able to skate at a beginner level to participate in these classes. If you can't skate we recommend that you start out in our great "Learn to Skate Classes". They cover forward and backward skating, stopping, turning, crossovers, etc. You, can be evaluated by our Hockey Director at any time and switched over to the Pre Hockey Program when you have your "feet under you"!

When should I start Private Lessons?

Private lessons can be started at any time.  This can be for various reasons.  Usually you will get started with private lessons when you decide to try out one of our ice shows or Basic Skills Competitions.  You can approach your class instructor or any other instructor about private lessons or you can fill out a private lesson request form in the Skating Academy Office. You can also book a private "booster" lesson if you are having trouble with an element in your skate school class.

The entire Basic Skills program presented by Marshalls, from beginning to more advanced, is designed to be the best beginning ice skating program. The program has nine separate sets of curriculum, including programs that focus on choreography, synchronized skating and hockey. If you're looking to learn how to skate, the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program is your first step!

The Basic Skills are the fundamentals of the sport. These eight levels of the program introduce the fundamental moves — forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, turns and mohawks. Upon completion of the Basic 1-8 levels, skaters will have the basic knowledge of the sport enabling them to advance to the more specialized areas of skating.

Downloadable Class Curriculum

Class Curriculum Overview

Class Curriculum in Spanish

 

Tots (Snowplow Sam)
(Ages 3 to 6)  This class will introduce your child to skating, emphasizing the proper way to fall and get up, marching while standing, and then moving, dips and forward skating. The Snowplow Sam levels are designed to help the preschool age skater develop preliminary coordination and strength necessary to maneuver on the ice.

Basic 1 (Most Beginners will start here!)

Enroll at any time!
No pre-requisites. Ages 6 to 14. For skaters with little or no experience on ice. Students will learn to fall and get up from a kneeling position, 2 foot glides, forward skating, swizzles, two-foot hops and snowplow stops.

Basic 2
(Ages 6 to 14) 

Must have completed Basic 1 class. Skaters will progress in all the forward and backward skating exercises, using the Basic 2 Curriculum.

Basic 3/4
(Ages 6 to 14) 

Skaters MUST have a certificate from either USFSA Basic 1 and 2. Stroking techniques, two-foot turns, back one foot glides, edge control, crossovers, three turns, one- foot snowplow stops, and two foot spins will be covered.
(Try our " Stroking "class as an additional class)

Basic 5/6  (Ages 6 to 14)

Skaters MUST have a certificate from USFSA Basic 4. Skaters will learn backward stroking and backwards crossovers, left and right T-stops, forward inside three turns, mohawks, hockey stops, Bunny hops, lunges and spirals.

        Adult - Beginners (no pre-requisites)

This class will introduce you to skating, emphasizing the proper way to fall and get up, forward and backward skating, turning, stopping and much more.  Lots of fun and great exercise. The adult curriculum is designed for the beginning adult skater. It will promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while learning proper skating techniques.  More advanced adults may join our other great classes.

"Learn to Skate"  Hockey

The hockey curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. In four badge levels, skaters will learn how to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. Proper skating techniques are the primary focus of the levels. All elements are taught without a stick or puck. Skaters will learn the necessary fundamentals to be successful in game situations. Participants will need hockey skates and an ice-approved certified hockey helmet. You, can be evaluated by our Hockey Director at any time and switched over to the Pre Hockey Program when you have your "feet under you"!

Sample elements in each level include:

Hockey 1
Proper stance
Dip or squat
Snowplow stop
Backward skating
Hockey 2
Skating forward using full strides
Backward hustle
Glide turns, both directions
Moving snowplow stops
Hockey 3
Hockey turns, R and L, with speed in and out of turn
Forward slalom
Backward V-stop
Hockey 4
Forward crossovers — clockwise and counterclockwise
Alternating backward C-cuts in a line (1/2 swizzle pumps)
Hockey stop

Freestyle Classes

Jump and Spin 
(Basic 7/ 8 & Freestyle Levels)

(Skaters must have a certificate from USFSA Basic 6. 

Covers Basic 7/8 and Freestyle Curriculum, with more advanced turns, basic edge and toe jumps, pivot, arabesques, scratch spins and backward edges.

Classes offered: Wednesday 5:45pm and Saturday 9:00am

"Artistry In Motion"

Prerequisite Jump & Spin Level (Basic 7/8 and up)

This class will focus on skating artistry!  Basic line and style as well as Ballet "Port de bras will be incorporated with the footwork and jumping and spinning skills that have been previously learned! Different styles of music from jazz to ballet will be explored.

Class is offered: Saturday 9:30am

"Stroking" (Basic 3/4 to Freeskate 1)

If you are at the Basic 3/4 level or higher, this class is for you!  You will be working on posture, body alignment, proper edge pushes, glides and crossover technique.  This class will be taught on full-ice and is a must for the serious figure skater!  This is a fun class and is taught with music!

Wednesday 6:15pm. Class is free for the students Basic 3 and above who have punched a card for the 6:15pm Classes.

Low "Power/Moves" Class

This 30 minute conditioning class is designed for FS 1 to FS6 level skaters.  Power drills, edges, Moves in the Field, footwork combinations and conditioning segments will be the focus.

Pre-requisite: Freeskate 1 to Pre Preliminary skaters who have graduated from the Wednesday Stroking class..

Class is offered Tuesday at 6:45pm and Thursday 5:45pm

High "Power Class"

This is a tough 30 minute conditioning class designed for the high level skater. Power drills, edges, footwork combinations and conditioning segments will be the focus.

Pre-requisite:  Preliminary Moves  and up.  Must have graduated from Low Power Class.  Classes are offered Mondays 6:45pm and Friday 5:45pm.

Elite "Power Class"

This is a tough 30 minute conditioning class designed for the high level skater. Power drills, edges, footwork combinations and conditioning segments will be the focus.

Pre-requisite: Pre-Juvenile Freeskate Level and up. This is for the serious competitor only.  Skaters must also maintain minimum weekly Freestyle practice requirements.

 
"Off-Ice" Jump & Conditioning

This class is designed to be sport specific to help develop the skater for competitive figure skating.

The focus will be to improve the fitness level competitors so that they can better achieve their "on-ice" goals.  This class will focus on both aerobic and anaerobic training as well as strength and flexibility.  The class also includes, agility exercises, plyometric box drills, "Spinner" rotation training, "Bosu" balance, jump technique and much more! 

You will need: exercise mat,  tennis shoes, sweats or skating attire..

Track 2 Level*:  Students must be at least FS-1 level and be approved by a staff instructor to participate.  Class is offered on Thursday at 6:45pm.

Track 3 Level*: Preliminary Test Level or permission of the instructor.  Classes are offered on Tuesdays at 7pm.

*See the office for Track 2 and 3 requirements

Ballet for Skaters

Pre-requisite: Freestyle level skater and instructors permission. See the office for Track 2 and 3 requirements.

Ballet technique is particularly beneficial to skaters. The skills learned in class will save valuable ice time. This fun class will include basic technique study, "Port de Bras " and stretching. Center floor exercises target abdominal strength, spinal flexibility and agility.

Ballet or Jazz shoes are required. Skaters are free to wear their usual skating outfits.

Ballet - Wednesday evening at 5:45pm.

Specialty Classes

Formation/ Precision Team

Learn blocks, wheels, and other formations. Skaters must have passed Basic 4 to participate. Try-outs are held regularly for positions on the team.

Contact the Skate School if you would like to participate!