CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages focusing on fun, participation and basic skill development. Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP certified professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10.
Progress at your own rate in an enjoyable learning environment. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs. When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program, you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada.
The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements organized in six stages of learning. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has 3 fundamentals; Agility, Control and Balance. Ribbons are awarded as each fundamental is obtained, and a badge is awarded upon completion of the level. At BZSC, due to logistics and numbers, skaters may not always switch groups once a stage has been obtained, but they will work on the next stage of skills.
Intro to STARSkate
The Intro to StarSkate Program allows the skater to progress from CanSkate, while still working in a group format. At the BZSC, Skaters generally transition into this program upon completing CanSkate Stage 3. At this stage of skating, kids are improving their skating skills and finishing their Canskate stages. The Intro program provides group coaching by a certified coach for 60-minutes: 30 minutes of Instruction, 10 minutes of supervised practice (Stations, Interpretive, Circuits, etc) and 20 minutes of combined stroking session with the Junior/Senior skaters. Those who are interested, can arrange private lessons to begin competition solos or Skate Canada test work. Note: Your skater would need to be pulled from the group for a private lesson. Lessons and lesson times are arranged directly through the coach of your choice. Coaches will bill you for their lesson time based on their own individual rates.
STARSkate Program
Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about!
STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. This program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests.
Upon completion of CanSkate Stage 5 or 6 (Depending on the skaters goals/comfort), skaters can transition into the STARSkate program in a private coaching/independent skating environment. Once a child is ready for the STARSkate Program it is expected that they will have their own coach(es) for private or group lessons. This is arranged by the parents with the freelance or club coach of their choice. Coaches will bill you for their lesson time based on their own individual rates. The club provides a weekly stroking session.
How STARSkate works
The STARSkate program consists of figure skating skills in four areas – Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Interpretive. Each area is divided into the following levels:
Junior Level Tests
- Skating Skills: Star 1-5
- Free Skating: Star 1-5
- Dance: Star 1-5
Senior Level Tests
- Skating Skills: Star 6-Gold
- Free Skating: Star 6-Gold
- Dance: Star 6-Gold
Program Assistants
BZSC Skaters 10 years of age or older are eligible to become Program Assistants. Non-Club Members (former skaters, hockey/ringette players) are welcomed at the Clubs discretion. Program Assistants assist/lead warm-up, cool downs, draw circuits, and lead fun activities.
It is expected that you will participate in both CanSkate sessions weekly during the entire skating season, unless other arrangements are made with the Club Coach and/or executive. It is mandatory that you attend a P.A. Clinic offered in Early October. Shadow Program Assistants are allowed at the discretion of the Coaches and Executive.