A well-structured class system and clearly defined test progression are not administrative conveniences — they are the foundation of sustainable skater development.
Structured programs give skaters confidence in knowing where they are, what's next, and why every step matters. They provide coaches with clear teaching objectives, parents with visible progress markers, and clubs with sustainable growth pathways.
A predictable, well-communicated development system transforms how athletes experience training.
Clear milestones allow skaters and coaches to track improvement over time.
Progressive skill-building ensures fundamentals are mastered before advancing to high-risk elements.
Defined curricula enable coaches to plan effectively without reinventing each session.
Achievement systems provide tangible goals and maintain engagement during plateaus.
Transparent pathways help families understand timelines and why patience matters.
Structured systems support enrollment and create a reputation for quality.
Group skaters appropriately by age, skill level, training goals, discipline focus, and training frequency.
Focus: Balance, forward/backward stroking, basic stops, introduction to edges
Duration: 8-12 weeks recreational; 4-8 weeks competitive track
Success Marker: Full-rink laps with control, T-stop both sides, brief outside edge holds
Focus: Beginning figures, dance patterns, basic jumps
Duration: 12-20 weeks depending on frequency
Success Marker: Clean edges on circles, 2-3 dance patterns, toe loop or waltz jump
Focus: Single jumps, basic spins, compulsory dances, deeper edge technique, beginning choreography
Duration: 6-12 months of consistent training
Success Marker: Passing preliminary/bronze tests, competing locally/regionally
Focus: Full competitive curriculum, advanced choreography, competition prep, performance quality
Duration: Ongoing multi-year development
Success Marker: Regional/national competition, silver/gold tests, developing signature style
Goal: Every skater trains with peers who challenge them while providing support. Mismatched groupings cause frustration. Reassess regularly — athletes develop at different rates.
Achievement testing provides external validation, national standardization, and motivation through recognized milestones.
Learning should lead naturally to passing. If large percentages consistently fail, adjust curriculum pacing or readiness assessment — not the athletes.
Every minute is an investment. Well-structured sessions maximize learning and ensure athletes leave accomplished.
1. Warm-Up & Movement Prep (5-10 minutes)
Dynamic stretching, balance exercises, basic stroking. Reduces injury risk and primes body for skill work.
2. Skill Instruction & Practice (30-45 minutes)
Introduce or refine skills through demonstration and repetition. Varied drills with individualized feedback. This is the heart of the session.
3. Application & Performance (10-20 minutes)
Apply skills in context: choreography, dance timing, musical interpretation. Bridges technical training and real performance.
4. Review & Assignment (5-10 minutes)
Summarize takeaways, assign home practice, answer questions. End positively to build anticipation.
Shorter classes (45-60 min): Focus on 1-2 skills. Depth over breadth.
Longer classes (90-120 min): Allow multidisciplinary training with structured transitions.
Long-term success requires looking beyond individual classes to the full training year.
Base Phase: Foundational skill-building, lower competitive pressure
Build Phase: Increase intensity, refine choreography, simulate performance
Peak Phase: Maintain consistency, focus on execution under pressure
Recovery Phase: Active rest, cross-training, mental reset, goal-setting
Parents are partners in athlete development. When families understand the process, they become advocates.
Host annual orientation covering: program structure, testing process, competition expectations, SafeSport policies, injury prevention, how to support without coaching from sidelines.
We believe instructional structure and integrity in testing protect the athlete and strengthen the sport.
Structure is the framework that allows every skater to reach their full potential. Clear progressions honor learning. Transparent standards ensure fairness. Achievement systems celebrate growth.
A well-designed class and testing program sets every athlete up for success — whether they dream of medaling at Nationals or skating for the love of the art.
Every skater deserves a program that sees their potential and builds the pathway to reach it.