1. Learn to Skate Programs: Preschool and CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. This program focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Skaters earn badges (7 in total) as they learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format and coached by an NCCP certified professional coach. At USC our CanSkate sessions are structured as follows:
• 10 minutes of warm-up activity (all skaters)
• 30 minutes of group instruction with an NCCP certified professional coach, and
• 10 minutes of wind-down activity.
During the group instruction, the coach to student ratio is 1:8. Coach to student ratio for Preschool is 1:6.
Skaters are encouraged to progress at their own rate and our coaches make the sessions active by using various teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.
A copy of Skate Canada's, "CanSkate Skills Progression Chart", can be downloaded in Adobe format.
Please note: As of July 1, 2011, SkateCanada requires all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice. USC is required to enforce this policy.
2. Figure Skating Program : STARSkate
Once a skater has completed the CanSkate program, they can move up to the STARSkate program which offers skaters an opportunity to develop their figure skating skills in four areas :
ICE DANCE SKATING SKILLS FREE SKATE INTERPRETIVE
The Ice Dancing program teaches timing, musicality, rhythm, interpretation, structure as well as basic skating skills such as edges, flow, control and unison.
Skating Skills are a combination of fundamental skating movements, executed on a pattern and skated solo with or without prescribed music. The objective of the Skating Skills program is achievement of the basic fundamentals of skating – edge quality, control, power and speed.
Free Skating consists of the execution of jumps, spins, footwork, field movements and stroking, either in isolation or performed in sequence to music.
The Interpretive program encourages and develops skaters’ creativity, expression, musicality, movement, interpretation of music, as well as the use of space, rhythm, line and style.
Although not mandatory, skaters in the STARSkate program have the opportunity to participate in Skate Canada’s “Testing Stream” where skaters undertake prescribed tests during organized test sessions, called “Test Days”. At the same time, skaters may also choose to enter external competitions.
Similar to the CanSkate program, the STARSkate program is progressive. Each level incorporates a combination of dances, skills, freeskate and/or interpretive elements. The following table provides a brief overview of the various elements within each program and the progression through STARSkate at USC.
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An overview of the STARSkate program at USC, including a comprehensive test list for "Test Stream", may be downloaded in Adobe format.
3. Power Skating Program : CanPowerSkate
CanPowerSkate is an action-packed, high energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette skaters that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance.
CanPowerSkate is geared to skaters aged approximately six or older who already have basic forward and backward skating skills (they must be able to skate the length of the rink using alternate strides) and are able to stop on command without use of the boards. For safety reasons, participants must wear full hockey/ringette equipment that is CSA approved.
4. Synchronized Skating Program: CanSynchro
Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving teams of twelve or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers.
CanSynchro is USC’s learn to “synchro” program where skaters learn the fundamentals of synchronized skating in a fun and unique environment while also building on their existing skating skills.
Skaters interested in joining USC's Sparkling Ice synchronized skating teams are encouraged to first enroll in CanSynchro. We are pleased to be offering this program again in 2011/2012.
5. Teen & AdultSkate Program
The Teen &Adult skate program at USC takes all of the elements of our CanSkate and STARSkate programs and combines them in a format appropriate for our adult skaters. This is a wonderful program for adults learning to skate and also those looking to improve upon existing skating skills. It is also a great opportunity for physical fitness!
Please note: As of July 1, 2011, SkateCanada requires all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice. USC is required to enforce this policy.
