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Kitsilano Figure Skating Club offers Group Skating Lessons from Canskate through STARskate. Lessons are taught by Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches, who are also available to teach individual lessons to STARskaters and up.
We have 3 regular sessons per year:
- Fall (September - December)
- Winter (January - March)
- Spring (April - June)
CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. You will earn badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. 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. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs. The registration form for CanSkate can be found on our registration page.
Junior Development
Junior Development is a 2 – 4 days per week program for skaters motivated to learn figure skating. The Junior Development Program is a bridge between CanSkate and the STARSkate Program. While CanSkate emphasises 'learn-to-skate', Junior Development Program skaters will work in smaller groups with a Professional Coach and learn figure skating skills such as jumps, spins, edges, spirals, turns, and ice dance. By intensive programming, skaters will progress more rapidly. Entrance is by coach recommendation/audition, and completion of CanSkate Badge 5. The program includes a minimum of 2 days per week of both off-ice and on-ice lessons.
The registration form for JD can be found on our registration page.
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. Skills, techniques and conditioning drills are taught in a progressive format that emphasizes how the skills apply to game situations. CanPowerSkate provides an alternative to figure skating and is an excellent complement for those athletes playing on hockey or ringette teams. Its unique skill award program provides incentives and motivation for skaters to continue to achieve.
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 should wear full hockey/ringette equipment that is CSA approved. The coach to skater ratio is 1:10.
STARSkate and Competitive
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. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system, and to participate in competitions. Skaters may wish to progress to the SkateCanada Competitive Program.
StarSkate sessions are offered at several skills levels.
The StarSkate Groups Program is for Skaters who have completed the Junior Development program or equivalent, and wish to continue Figure Skating, in a group format. The program includes freeskate, ice dance, skating skills, and interpretive skating in a small group format of 3-4 skaters/coach, for 45 minute lessons. Minimum attendance is 2/week. Off ice classes are included. All Coaching fees are included.
The Advanced StarSkate Groups Program is for skaters who have completed one year of the Starskate Group Program, and wish to continue figure skating lessons in a group format. The program includes freeskate, ice dance, skating skills, and interpretive skating, in a small group format of 3-4 skaters/coach, for 45 minute lessons. Minimum attendance is 2/week. Off ice classes are included. All Coaching fees are included.
STARSkaters and Competitive Skaters may engage a SkateCanada Certified Professional Coach to teach private lessons on our Open and Freeskate ice. Ice time fees are paid to the Club, whilst private lesson fees are paid to the Coach. See our Club Coaches page and FAQs page for more information.
The registration form for STARSkate Programs can be found on our registration page.
Adult
We have an active group of adult members at all levels. If you are an adult who wants to learn to skate or an experienced adult skater we have programs and ice available. Please see our StarSkate, Competitive and Adult Registration Form on our registration page or contact the office for more details.
The registration form for Adult Programs can be found on our registration page.
Off Ice Training
Off-ice training is essential for all Skate Canada members – from CanSkate to the elite athletes competing at the Olympics.
Incorporating fitness training into a club’s CanSkate program ensures that Canadian children are getting the appropriate level of physical activity, as outlined in Health Canada’s “Guide to Physical Activity for Youth” (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/youth/index.html). It also ensures that young figure skaters recognize that off-ice training is part of training for our sport. Fitness classes at the CanSkate level focus on fun, games and group participation. As the athlete develops, training will become more specific and include the following areas:
1. Core Stability/Strength Training/Functional Movement
2. Aerobic / Anaerobic Training
3. Flexibility Training
4. Creative Movement / Dance Movement
5. Nutrition
6. Mental Training
Incorporating regular off-ice training into an athlete’s annual training plan will help ensure that our members are doing all that they can to achieve their own level of personal excellence – in whatever Skate Canada program they are enrolled.
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