Programs
Canskate
Our CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation, basic skill long-term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity. The program is for beginner and returning skaters aged 5 and older.
CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages (typically 5+). 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.
PARENTS & TOTS LEARN TO SKATE
Our Parents and Tots session is designed for children 3-6 years old who want to learn to skate for the first time.
A parent or guardian must accompany the child on the ice for the first half of the season (Sept-Dec). After the Christmas break, children will be invite to skate on their own.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTS & TOTS AND CANSKATE
CSA-approved helmets with face-masks are mandatory for toddlers & CSA - approved helmets are mandatory for all other participants.
Hockey or figure skates that lace up (plastic skates with buckles do not provide the proper support).
Warm gloves and clothing, snow/ waterproof pants recommended.
Bicycle or ski helmets are not permitted.
Skaters are grouped according to level first and then by age.
PLEASE READ OUR ORIENTATION GUIDE
Why sign up for CanSkate?
CanSkate is Canada's only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada.
Program Structure
The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements organized in six stages of learning, with an optional 7th level for skaters who want to move into figure skating. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has a primary focus. Once the skills on each stage are mastered, the skater will move to the next stage.
The names of the STAGE are:Stage 1 - Balance Stage 2 - Glide Forward Stage 3 - Glide Backward Stage 4 - Edges Stage 5 - Power Stage 6 - Speed Stage 7 (optional) - Pre-Preliminary
The names of the FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT are: Go Forward Go Backward StopTurn SpinJump
The names of the FITNESS are: Fitness I Fitness II
Skaters will not be permitted on the ice unless they wear a WEAR A CSA HOCKEY HELMET IF BADGE 5 HAS NOT BEEN PASSED
PRESTAR PROGRAM
The PreSTAR program is designed for skaters who are ready to move on to more advanced Figure Skating skills, but are not ready to move into the StarSkate program. In a small group setting, skaters will learn preliminary skills and guide them towards the StarSkate program.
starSKATE program
Skating Skills are a combination of fundamental skating movements, executed on a pattern and skated solo. The basic components of all disciplines of figure skating are incorporated into the program. The movements are derived from former compulsory figures, free skating and ice dancing. The objective of the Skating Skills program is mastery of the basic fundamentals of skating - edge quality, control, power and speed.
There are 6 Skating Skills tests in the STARSkate program:
Preliminary
Junior Bronze
Senior Bronze
Junior Silver
Senior Silver
Gold
Ice Dance
The dances in the program can be tried in any order but a candidate must pass the required number of dances in a dance test before proceeding to the next level. In addition to the traditional compulsory dances, there are also Creative Dances to challenge skaters' creativity, artistry and originality.
STAR 1 – Dance Step Elements
STAR 2a - Dutch Waltz
STAR 2b - Canasta Tango
STAR 3a - Baby Blues
STAR 3b – Dance Step Elements
STAR 4a - Swing Dance
STAR 4b - Fiesta Tango
STAR 5a - Willow Waltz
STAR 5b – Dance Step Elements
Senior Bronze Dance Test
Ten-Fox
Fourteenstep
European Waltz
Creative Dance
Bronze Creative Dance
Junior Silver Dance Test
Keats Foxtrot
Harris Tango
American Waltz
Rocker Foxtrot
Senior Silver Dance Test
Paso Doble
Starlight Waltz
Blues
Kilian
Cha Cha Congelado
Creative Dance
Silver Creative Dance
Gold Dance Test
Viennese Waltz
Westminster Waltz
Quickstep
Argentine Tango
Silver Samba
Creative Dance
Gold Creative Dance
Free Skate
Free skating consists of the execution of jumps, spins, footwork, field movements and stroking, either in isolation or performed in sequence to music.
There are six Free Skating tests in the program:
Preliminary
Junior Bronze
Senior Bronze
Junior Silver
Senior Silver
Gold
Each test consists of 2 parts - Elements in Isolation and a Free Program.
Interpretive
The objective of the Interpretive program is to encourage and develop skaters' creativity, expression, musicality, movement, interpretation of music, as well as the use of space, rhythm, line and style. The program provides skaters with the opportunity to explore the performance aspect of skating without focusing on technical elements.
The Interpretive tests consist of skating to and interpreting a piece of music 2.0 to 3.0 minutes (+/- 10 seconds) in length. Skaters can take Interpretive tests as individuals and/or as a couple (male/female, female/female or male/male) at four levels:
Introductory
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Competitions
Club Competitions:
Clubs offer competitions for their own members to compete against each other. The club determines the categories which generally follow Skate Canada guidelines (e.g. length of program, category name, type of event offered, etc.) The club may also offer other creative events such as longest shoot-the-duck, similar pairs, spins and jumps, etc.)
Interclub Competitions
These are events involving a number of clubs in the same region or area. The competition categories offered generally fall in line with the applicable Skate Canada Section specifications, so that all Interclubs within the Section are standardized (this allows Skate Canada Sections to offer a Section Final). The Championship program provides opportunities for skaters who want to remain in the program but also want to have the challenge of competing up to a Sectional level in a credible, nationally standardized event.
Invitational Competitions
These are events coordinated by a Section or Club(s) and offered, generally, to and competitive skaters. Most events fall within Skate Canada's specifications regarding program length and eligibility to compete. For more information contact the hosting Section or club
Special Olympic Program
As part of Port Dover Skating Club’s existing programming. We recognise the need for skaters with an intellectual disability are integrated into the appropriate Skate Canada program. Competition opportunities are available through Skate Canada & Special Olympics at the Regional, Provincial, National & World levels.
The Port Dover Skating Club will make accommodations for special needs skaters. Depending on their skating ability, skaters will be placed in a Canskate or Starskate programs. Depending on their needs, a shadow (a Program Assistant) may also be assigned to the skater for extra one-on-one attention.
