Our Programs

CanSkate

CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages, focusing on fun, participation and basic skill development. 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.

Progress at your own rate in an enjoyable learning environment. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs. 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.

The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements organized in six stages of learning. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has 3 fundamentals: Agility, Control and Balance. Ribbons are awarded as each fundamental is obtained, and a badge is awarded upon completion of the level. At BZSC, due to logistics and numbers, skaters may not always switch groups once a stage has been obtained, but they will work on the next stage of skills. 

Intro to STARSkate

The Intro to StarSkate Program allows the skater to progress from CanSkate, while still working in a group format.  At the BZSC, Skaters generally transition into this program upon completing CanSkate Stage 3. At this stage of skating, kids are improving their skating skills and finishing their CanSkate stages. The Intro program provides group coaching by a certified coach for 60-minutes: 30 minutes of Instruction, 10 minutes of supervised practice (Stations, Interpretive, Circuits, etc.) and 20 minutes of a combined stroking session with the Junior/Senior skaters.

STARSkate Program

Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about!

Upon completion of CanSkate Stage 6, skaters move into the STARSkate program. They learn in a class/small group and independent skating environment. 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 artistic skating. This program teaches figure skating skills in a class or small group setting. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests. 

Once a skater moves into the STAR Skate program, the Club Coaches work as a team to provide lessons and teach classes. Every skater in STAR 1 and above will have a free skate program [solo] with the skills appropriate to their level. All lessons and choreography on regular club ice time are included in the registration cost. From time to time, extra ice opportunities may be available, and there may be extra fees for this.

It is recommended that once a skater moves into the STARSkate Program, they are skating a minimum of 2 days a week. STAR 1-2 skaters are on the ice 1-1.5 hours/day, and STAR 3+ skaters are on the ice 2 hours/day, in addition to off-ice. 

Event/Competition opportunities will be presented to you by the Club Coaches as they become available. Registration and coaching fees for events are not included in club registration.

How STARSkate works

The STARSkate program consists of figure skating skills in four areas – Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Artistic. Each area is divided into the following levels:

Junior Level Tests

• Skating Skills: Star 1-5
• Free Skate: Star 1-5
• Dance: Star 1-5

Senior Level Tests

• Skating Skills: Star 6-Gold
• Free Skate: Star 6-Gold
• Dance: Star 6-Gold
• Artistic: Star 5-Gold

Program Assistants

BZSC Skaters 10 years of age or older are eligible to become Program Assistants. Non-Club Members (former skaters, hockey/ringette players) are welcomed at the Club's discretion. Program Assistants assist/lead warm-up, cool downs, draw circuits, and lead fun activities.

It is expected that you will participate in both CanSkate sessions weekly during the entire skating season, unless other arrangements are made with the Club Coach and/or executive. It is mandatory that you attend a P.A. Clinic offered in Early October. Shadow Program Assistants are allowed at the discretion of the Coaches and Executive.