INFORMATION
The Starskate program is a Skate Canada program that is run country wide. This is where Figure Skating really starts! The Starskate program offers many different disciplines; Freeskate, Ice Dance, Skating Skills, Artistic, and Synchro. Skaters within the Starskate program progress at their own speed exploring all the different disciplines. This is where competitions start as well as assessments for all the disciplines. Each skater will set their own speed well working towards their goals in a fun, safe, encouraging atmosphere. StarSkate includes a mix of on and off ice training. It focuses entirely on the learning outcomes in the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD) while providing a fluid structure for skaters to advance through.
In order to maximize skaters time with a Skate Canada professional coach the club may use a variety of formats including classes, group lessons, stations and more. Your skater will receive instruction in all disciplines during their time on the ice for solid development.
This program runs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays with Off-Ice training running on Mondays and Fridays.This program is for STAR 2 to Gold or invitation from the coaches.
EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE
Skates: Skaters at this level should be in a sturdy boot with a quality blade. Sharpening should be performed by a trained professional.
On-ice attire: Skaters should wear athletic clothing on the ice in layers. Clothes should be form fitting or close to it, to allow coaches to see the body line for proper execution of technique. Baggy, loose fitting attire is not acceptable. Gloves should be worn versus mittens, if the temperature permits, to allow for more articulation of the hands and fingers.
Off-ice attire: All skaters should be in appropriate active wear for the off-ice class they will be attending. Appropriate footwear must be worn as per the class they will be attending i.e. ballet shoes for ballet class, running shoes for fitness class etc
PODIUM PATHWAY
This route is the competitive route of figure skating broken up into four different disciplines: Singles-Skaters perform jumps and spins in a solo to music, Pairs-A couple skate together with the focus on athletic overhead lifts, jumps and spins, Dance-Couples focus on musical interpretation and excellence in executing steps and Synchro-12 or more skaters perform together with the emphasis on unison and group patterns. Skaters must complete Star 5 to be eligible for this route.ASSESSMENTS
Assessment from STAR 1-5 are done by coach assessors, making it as close to a regular practice as possible. These assessments are done on regular practice ice with a coach. Practice attire may be worn however we encourage skates to wear proper performance attire.
Assessments at STAR 6-Gold are done by a judge or assessor from Skate Canada. Every level of assessment is designed to prepare the skater for the next level in skating. Should a skater be ready to do an assessment parents will be notified by the coaches. For live Assessments regarding STAR 6- Gold should a judge or assessor be brought into the club there will be additional Fees.
COMPETITIONS
Skaters at this level are eligible to compete if they wish.It is up to every family to decide whether or not they would like to participate in competitions. The Kootenay region provides three competitions a year: the West Kootenay Invitational (WKI) the East Kootenay Invitational (EKI) and the Regionals located in Creston BC. Competitions are an amazing way to gain many friendships and have a great time exploring the world of figure skating.
