Yes, skaters must have passed Stage 3 of the CanSkate program to participate in the Future Stars program.

Future Stars is the introductory program for skaters who want to fast track into figure skating.

The Future Stars program is a 60 minute session - 50 minutes of coach-led group lessons and 10 minutes of coach-supervised individual practice time.

The registration fees cover the coaching fees for the group lessons, the supervised time and ice time.

Skaters in the Future Stars program are required to wear figure skates. Hockey skates are not suitable for this program. Athletic clothing, skating skirts, leggings and/or simple skating dresses can be worn by skaters during practice ice. Hooded sweatshirts are not recommended as they can affect the skater’s balance and obstruct their view. CSA approved hockey helmets are required for skaters that are working on CanSkate Stage 5 and below.

No, you do not need a private coach in Future Stars. However, adding private lessons can benefit your skater and increase their progress. 

Private lessons provide the skaters with more one on one attention allowing for lessons to be focused on the specific skills they need to improve and helps increase the rate of progress.

Private, Semi-Private or Small Group Private lessons are being offered during all our Future Stars sessions. Private lessons are usually sold in 10-15-minute time slots.

Choosing a coach can seem like a daunting task at first but it can be made easier with the following tips:

1. Does your skater already enjoy working with one of the Future Stars group coaches in particular?
2. Watch a few sessions and see how the coaches interact with their skaters to see what style might best fit your skater
3. We also offer free trial lessons where skaters can try out private lessons with one or more of the available coaches to see what the best fit for you and your skater.

To set up trial lessons please contact the Rideau SC Coaching Team at coaches@rideauskating.ca to make the arrangements.

Coaching rates vary depending the coaches experience and certification. Charges for a 10-minute lesson will range from $6.00-$9.00 depending on the coach you choose to work with. The rates are based on the experience and certification level of the coach. Private lesson fees are invoiced directly to you by the coach you are working with usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the coach’s preference.

Please note coach availability also varies so you will want to check with the coach you choose to confirm they have lesson time available at your preferred session.

Future Stars skaters should be skating 1-2 times per week. Although the CanSkate program is not a requirement in the Future Stars program, adding a weekly CanSkate program for skaters at the Stage 4 and 5 level is recommended.

The above recommendations will aid each skater to develop at their fastest rate possible. Skating additional days per week or extending your skating season allows skaters to absorb their lesson content and apply it sooner resulting in better retention and increased rate of improvement. 

The Future Stars program is an introduction to figure skating. Skaters are still working on some of their CanSkate levels. The Future Stars session has a group lesson component and an individual practice/private lesson component. Some Future Stars sessions also have an additional group component where skaters are introduced to and work on synchronized skating skill development. 

Yes, skaters must have completed the CanSkate program (or equivalent) to participate in the Star Group program.

The STAR Group program is the entry level of the STARSkate program. Skaters in this program are at the STAR 1/STAR 2 level.

The STAR Group program is an 80 minute session - 40 minutes of coach-led group lessons and 40 minutes of  individual practice/private lesson time.

The registration fees cover the coaching fees for the group lessons and the ice time. 

No, you do not need a private coach in the STARGroup program. However, adding private lessons can benefit your skater and increase their progress. 

Private lessons provide the skaters with more one on one attention allowing for lessons to be focused on the specific skills they need to improve and helps increase the rate of progress.

Private, Semi-Private or Small Group Private lessons are being offered during all our STAR Group sessions. Private lessons are usually sold in 10-15-minute time slots.

Choosing a coach can seem like a daunting task at first but it can be made easier with the following tips:

1. Does your skater already enjoy working with one of the Future Stars group coaches in particular?
2. Watch a few sessions and see how the coaches interact with their skaters to see what style might best fit your skater
3. We also offer free trial lessons where skaters can try out private lessons with one or more of the available coaches to see what the best fit for you and your skater.

To set up trial lessons please contact the Rideau SC Coaching Team at coaches@rideauskating.ca to make the arrangements.

Coaching rates vary depending the coaches experience and certification. Charges for a 10-minute lesson will range from $6.00-$9.00 depending on the coach you choose to work with. The rates are based on the experience and certification level of the coach. Private lesson fees are invoiced directly to you by the coach you are working with usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the coach’s preference.

Please note coach availability also varies so you will want to check with the coach you choose to confirm they have lesson time available at your preferred session.

STAR Group skaters should be skating 1-2 times per week.

The above recommendations will aid each skater to develop at their fastest rate possible. Skating additional days per week or extending your skating season allows skaters to absorb their lesson content and apply it sooner resulting in better retention and increased rate of improvement. 

The STAR Group program is the entry level to the STARSkate program. Skaters will have the benefit of group lessons as well as having time to work on their own. Skaters can transition between a fully coach-led group program (Future Stars) and the STAR 1 to 5 program where they work on their own and/or with a coach in a private lesson format.

The Future Stars program has a 50 minute coach-led group lesson component and a 10 minute coach-supervised individual practice component.

The STAR Group program has a 40 minute coach-led group lesson component and a 40 minute individual practice/private lesson component.

Parent Guide - Learn to Train - STAR 1 to 5

STAR 1 to 5 offers a solid development pathway for skaters who are entering a figure skating program for the first time.

This stage of development (Learn to Train), as described in our Skate Canada Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) document, states:

In the Learn to Train stage skaters are encouraged to acquire a skill set that will allow them to reach the highest level of proficiency that their unique talent and commitment will allow. It is defined by technical development rather than chronological age. There is a free skating bias at this stage as skills learned in freeskating will transfer easily to the other disciplines.

Technical development is the defining characteristic of this stage. All other development supports and accommodates technical development. Aptitude in other areas such as performance and mental training skills may be identified and should be introduced but should not replace skill acquisition. The volume of training in the Learn to Train stage may not be any greater than others but the range of skill acquired and personal growth attained is substantial.

The STAR 1-5 program will introduce skaters to the sport of figure skating and its disciplines: Freeskate, Skills, Dance and Synchronized Skating.

Golden Age of Learning

Section 1 – page 9 of the LTAD Model explains the “Windows of Trainability” athletes go through as they mature. The Learn to Train stage generally hits two of these windows: Skill development (ages 8-12) and Flexibility (ages 6-10). The importance of training proper technique during this “golden age of learning” is paramount for optimum skill development. To take advantage of the flexibility window, coaches are encouraged to offer off-ice programming and promote the participation of other sports during this phase.

Remove Barriers for Progression

During this “golden age of learning” it is imperative that skaters are encouraged to move through the assessments at their own rate. Coaches and skaters no longer have to wait for special assessment days or adjust their training plans to accommodate dates for assessments as coaches will be assessing the skaters. Coaches can spend time on training, development and skill acquisition and assess the skaters when ready. 

Strong Focus on Quality Basics

The STAR 1-5 program is designed to encourage skaters and coaches to strive for the highest quality of skill execution and acquisition. A strong foundation at this level will enable skaters to progress more quickly in the higher levels of figure skating and be ready for the next level of skills. This philosophy is reinforced by encouraging skaters to achieve the “Pass with Honours” designation on their assessments, as well as achieving “Gold” status on their performances at events.

Introduce More Complex Skills Earlier to Allow for a Better Foundation for Development

As in CanSkate, many skills in the STAR 1-5 program will be introduced early to allow coaches to work with skaters on developing these skills over time. Many skills in skating are complex. Introducing these skills early will enable coaches to hone and develop the skaters’ technique over time. This will allow the skaters to have sufficient practice of the skill before it is required in our sport. Be mindful that many of these skills are not expected to be performed at an advanced level, but rather at a level that is in development. 

Create a Better Bridge from CanSkate to Figure Skating

The entry level of STAR 1 is designed to meet the exit level of Stage 6 in CanSkate. It is imperative that all skaters beginning STAR 1 have the skills of Stages 5 and 6 in CanSkate. STAR 1 Skills and STAR 1 Freeskate are designed to be achieved within three to nine months of exiting CanSkate. The remainder of the STAR 1-5 program is designed to assist the skater’s development in a progressive manner. Skaters may move through the STAR program at their own pace per discipline. For example: A skater may be working on STAR 3 Skills, STAR 1 Dance and STAR 2 Freeskate.

Yes, skaters must have completed the CanSkate program (or equivalent) to participate in the STAR 1 to 5 program.

The registration fees cover the cost of ice time. Private lessons, semi-private lessons or small group lessons with a coach are not covered in the registration fees.

No, you do not need a private coach in STAR 1 to 5 but it is highly recommended. Adding private lessons can benefit your skater and increase their progress. 

Private lessons provide the skaters with more one on one attention allowing for lessons to be focused on the specific skills they need to improve and helps increase the rate of progress.

Private, semi-private or small group private lessons are offered by all of our coaches. Private lessons are usually sold in 10-15-minute time slots.

Choosing a coach can seem like a daunting task at first but it can be made easier with the following tips:

1. Does your skater already enjoy working with one of the coaches from another program in particular?
2. Watch a few sessions and see how the coaches interact with their skaters to see what style might best fit your skater
3. We also offer free trial lessons where skaters can try out private lessons with one or more of the available coaches to see what the best fit for you and your skater.

To set up trial lessons please contact the Rideau SC Coaching Team at coaches@rideauskating.ca to make the arrangements.

Coaching rates vary depending the coaches experience and certification. Charges for a 10-minute lesson will range from $6.00-$9.00 depending on the coach you choose to work with. The rates are based on the experience and certification level of the coach. Private lesson fees are invoiced directly to you by the coach you are working with usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the coach’s preference.

Please note coach availability also varies so you will want to check with the coach you choose to confirm they have lesson time available at your preferred session.

STAR 1 and STAR 2 skaters should be skating 1-2 times per week.

STAR 3 and STAR 4 skaters should be skating 2-3 times per week

STAR 5 should be skating 3-4 times per week.

The above recommendations will aid each skater to develop at their fastest rate possible. Skating additional days per week or extending your skating season allows skaters to absorb their lesson content and apply it sooner resulting in better retention and increased rate of improvement. 

The STAR Group program is the entry level to the STAR 1 to 5 program. Skaters will have the benefit of group lessons as well as having time to work on their own. Skaters can transition between a fully coach-led group program (Future Stars) and the STAR 1 to 5 program where they work on their own and/or with a coach in a private lesson format.

Skaters in STAR 1 to 5, when not working in lessons with a coach, are expected to work on their own. As skaters advance in the STAR 1 to 5 levels a training competency is developed. Skaters at the entry levels of STAR 1 to 5 (STAR 1, 2, 3) often work in small group settings with their coach(es) until the training competency is developed.

Skaters move to the next level of STARSkate by completing STARSkate assessments. Your skaters' coach will guide you through the assessment process and let you know when they are ready to be assessed. Feel free to speak to your skaters' coach outside of their on ice time if you would like to know more about your skaters progress and the assessment process.

Your coach will let you know when your skater is ready to be assessed and they will let you know which STAR Assessment you need to purchase online.

Yes, all levels of STAR 1 to 5 are assessed.  Skaters are assessed in the five skating disciplines: Free Skating, Ice Dance, Skating Skills, Artistic (STAR 5) and Synchronized Skating (STAR 1, 2, 3 only). Skaters may move at different rates through the discipline assessments as they develop.  For example - skater A may be at Star 4 for Ice Dance, Star 3 for Skating Skills and Star 2 for Free Skating.

For the STAR 1 to  5 levels, the assessments are done by the coach during a regular session time.

Your coach will notify you that your skater is ready for an assessment. The assessment must be purchased prior to assessment being conducted. Assessments are purchased online in Products.

Once the agreed upon date/time is established, the coach will conduct the assessment during a regular training session. Your skater will be provided with the assessment results at the completion of the assessment.

Yes. Skaters in STAR 6 to Gold are usually more experienced figure skaters and are confident working on their own.

The registration fees cover the cost of ice time. Private lessons, semi-private lessons or small group lessons with a coach are not covered in the registration fees.

No, you do not need a private coach in STAR 6 to Gold but it is highly recommended. Adding private lessons can benefit your skater and increase their progress. 

Private lessons provide the skaters with more one on one attention allowing for lessons to be focused on the specific skills they need to improve and helps increase the rate of progress.

Private, semi-private or small group private lessons are offered by all of our coaches. Private lessons are usually sold in 10-15-minute time slots.

Choosing a coach can seem like a daunting task at first but it can be made easier with the following tips:

1. Does your skater already enjoy working with one of the coaches from another program in particular?
2. Watch a few sessions and see how the coaches interact with their skaters to see what style might best fit your skater
3. We also offer free trial lessons where skaters can try out private lessons with one or more of the available coaches to see what the best fit for you and your skater.

To set up trial lessons please contact the Rideau SC Coaching Team at coaches@rideauskating.ca to make the arrangements.

Coaching rates vary depending the coaches experience and certification. Charges for a 10-minute lesson will range from $6.00-$9.00 depending on the coach you choose to work with. The rates are based on the experience and certification level of the coach. Private lesson fees are invoiced directly to you by the coach you are working with usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the coach’s preference.

Please note coach availability also varies so you will want to check with the coach you choose to confirm they have lesson time available at your preferred session.

Skaters in STAR 6 and higher should be skating 3-4 times per week.

The above recommendations will aid each skater to develop at their fastest rate possible. Skating additional days per week or extending your skating season allows skaters to absorb their lesson content and apply it sooner resulting in better retention and increased rate of improvement. 

The STAR 1 to 5 program has components of group, coach-directed lessons and individual practice time. 

Skaters in STAR 6 to Gold are usually more experienced figure skaters and are confident working on their own. Coaches may continue to work in a small group lesson format depending on skater arrangements.

Skaters move to the next level of STARSkate by completing STARSkate assessments. Your skaters' coach will guide you through the assessment process and let you know when they are ready to be assessed. Feel free to speak to your skaters' coach outside of their on ice time if you would like to know more about your skaters progress and the assessment process.

Your coach will let you know when your skater is ready to be assessed. For in-club assessment day, the assessments will be purchased online. For out-of-club assessments, payments for the assessments are determined by the host club.

Yes, all levels of STAR 6 to Gold are assessed.  Skaters are assessed in four skating disciplines: Free Skating, Ice Dance, Skating Skills, Artistic (Star 7, 9, and Gold only). Skaters may move at different rates through the discipline assessments as they develop.  For example - skater A may be at Star 7 for Ice Dance, Star 6 for Skating Skills and Star 8 for Free Skating.

For STAR 6 to Gold levels, the assessments are done by an external assessor on a designated club assessment day.