StarSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skills, free skate and artistic 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 Assessments through a nationally standardized assessment system. Skaters who have mastered figure skating skills in StarSkate may also choose to pursue synchronized skating or pairs skating.
How StarSkate Works
The StarSkate program consists of figure skating skills in four areas – Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Artistic. Each area is divided into the following levels:
- Star 1-5 Skills
- Star 1-5 Dance
- Star 1-5 Free Skate
- Star 5 Artistic
All Star 1-5 levels are assessed by a coach.
Intermediate Level Assessments
- Star 6-8 Skills
- Star 6-8 Dance
- Star 6-8 Free Skate
- Star 7 Artistic
Senior Level Assessments
- Star 9, 10 & Gold Skills
- Star 9, 10, Gold & Diamond Dance
- Star 9, 10 & Gold Free Skate
- Star 9 & Gold Artistic
StarSkate Pathways
Once a skater is in the Skate Canada StarSkate Program, there are several options. Skaters may choose to remain in the StarSkate Program, taking assessments (although not mandatory) at organized assessment sessions and honing learned skills. Skaters may also choose to enter competitions, while still trying Skate Canada assessments. Other skaters may feel that they have progressed to a point where they may wish to enter the Skate Canada Podium Pathway or become involved in synchronized skating, evaluating or judging, or participate as an adult or varsity member.