StarSkate Program Overview

The StarSkate program is Skate Canada’s flagship figure skating development program. It offers skaters of all ages the opportunity to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of skills, artistic, dance, freeskate, and synchro.

StarSkate allows skaters to progress at their own pace while developing technique, precision and performance.  With guidance from certified coaches, skaters can work towards personal goals and have opportunities to participate in assessments, showcase their skills at competitions and attend seminars.

Highlights of StarSkate:

• Skill Development - focus on edges, turns, jumps, spins, and artistry
• Assessments - skaters are evaluated through nationally standardized Skate Canada tests
• Flexibility - skaters may train recreationally or pursue competitive opportunities
• Performance Opportunities - includes ice shows, competitions, and exhibitions
• Recognition - Achievement is acknowledged at every stage of development
  
  

Who is StarSkate for?

StarSkate is ideal for skaters who have completed the CanSkate program and wish to continue in figure skating. It is open to youth and adults who want to advance their skills, whether skating for recreation, personal growth, or competitive experience.

The 5 Disciplines of StarSkate

The StarSkate program helps skaters develop in five key disciplines: Skills, Freeskate, Dance, Artistic, and Synchronized Skating. Each area focuses on a unique aspect of figure skating - from mastering the fundamentals and performing technical elements, to expressing creativity and working as part of a team. Skaters progress at their own pace, earning assessments and recognition as they grow in each discipline:

Discipline	Description
Skills	Focuses on the fundamentals of skating: edges, turns, power, stroking, and field moves. Skaters develop balance, control, and flow across the ice - forming the foundation for all other disciplines.
Artistic	Encourages creativity and performance. Skaters express music and emotion through movement, choreography, and interpretation while demonstrating edge quality, flow, and presentation.
Dance	Teaches skating to music through set patterns and timing. Skaters develop rhythm, edge control, and unison, progressing from introductory steps to more complex dance patterns.
Freeskate	The most recognized discipline, Freeskate develops jumps, spins, and step sequences. Skaters learn single and double jumps, spin variations, and program performance to music.
Synchro	A team discipline where 8–20 skaters perform formations and step sequences together. Focuses on precision, teamwork, musicality, and skating patterns performed in unison.

Club Skater Etiquette

Parents are encouraged to review these guidelines with their skaters to ensure a safe and respectful environment both on and off the ice.

1. Only water bottles are allowed at ice level - no food, drinks, or gum.
2. Skaters must keep moving during lessons to avoid accidents. If a fall occurs, they must get up right away.
3. Profanity, disrespectful language, harassment, or any offensive behavior will not be tolerated, whether on the ice or in the dressing rooms.
4. Skaters are expected to arrive on time.
5. Hair must be tied back or secured while on the ice.
6. Coaches and fellow skaters must always be treated with respect.
7. Proper skating attire is required on the ice (leggings, mittens, layers; no jeans).
8. Skate guards must be worn when not on the ice.
9. Do not leave valuables in the dressing rooms. The club is not responsible for lost items.
10. Be courteous and share the ice. Do not block or “hog” areas, step carefully around others, and yield when appropriate. Skaters whose music is playing or who are receiving a lesson have the right of way.