Figure Skating provides opportunities for the development of primary life skills such as confidence, cooperation, time-management, and self-discipline. The NHSC offers 3 different figure skating programs: Introduction to Figure Skating, STAR 1-4, and STAR 4+.
Intro to Figure Skating
Intro to Figure Skating introduces skaters to skills specific to the sport of figure skating. Skaters will have the opportunity to learn the basics of Skills, Ice Dance, and Freeskate including edge and turn development, basic jumps and spins, musicality, and carriage. Skaters in this program are working on their higher level CanSkate badges or beginning their STAR 1 Skating level.
Skaters registering in this program must be close to or have already passed Stage 3 CanSkate.
The 50 minute sessions consist of the following:
- 20 minutes of stroking in a large group (focusing on edgework, power, pushing techniques, etc.)
- 15 minutes of small group instruction with one of our certified professional coaches (approx. 5 skaters)
- 5 minutes of independent practice time that encourages skaters to work with their peers
- 10 minute large group lesson and cool down
*As per Skate Canada's Helmet Use Policy, all skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet*
NHSC fees for Intro to Figure Skating include ice, skill/stroking time, and all group lesson time with an NHSC Coach.
STAR 1-4
Skaters at this level will begin testing in the Skate Canada STAR 1 - GOLD assessment stream. They will continue to progress in the disciplines of Freeskate, Skills, and Dance as well as introducing Synchronized skating. Opportunities will also come available for skaters to compete with a choreographed solo in local competitions through the STAR 1-4 Skate Ontario Series.
The program consists of the following:
- 20 minutes of stroking in a large group (focusing on edgework, power, pushing techniques, etc.)
- Private/semi-private or small group lessons with a certified professional coach (at this level, skaters are required to hire a Base Coach to guide them in their development within the sport) Click here for more information on hiring a coach.
- Independent practice time that encourages skaters to work with their peers
NHSC fees for the STAR 1 - 4 program include ice and skill/stroking time. Private/semi-private or small group lessons with a certified coach are not included in the NHSC registration fees. In order to enhance skater development, STAR 1 - 4 program registrants must skate a minimum of two days per week.
STAR 4+
The NHSC STAR 4+ program focuses on perseverance and excellence through more advanced skills in the sport of figure skating. Skaters will continue to work through the Skate Canada assessment stream from STAR 1 to GOLD. They will continue to progress in the disciplines of Freeskate, Skills, Dance, Synchro, and Artistic skating. Opportunities would also be available for skaters to compete at various provincial and national level competitions.
The program consists of the following:
- 15 minutes of stroking in a large group (focusing on edgework, power, pushing techniques, etc.)
- Private/semi-private or small group lessons with a certified professional coach ((at this level, skaters are required to hire a Base Coach to guide them in their development within the sport) Click here for more information on hiring a coach.
- Independent practice time that encourages skaters to work with their peers
NHSC fees for the STAR 4+ program include ice and skill/stroking time. Private/semi-private or small group lessons with a certified coach are not included in the NHSC registration fees. In order to enhance skater development, STAR 4+ program registrants must skate two to three days per week.