Yes, skaters must have passed CanSkate stage 2 and 2 out of 3 CanSkate stage 3 ribbons 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 50 minutes of coach-led group lessons.

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

It is highly recommended, but not required, that skaters in the Future Stars program wear figure skates. 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 Future Stars Coordinator at futurestars@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 is a coach-led group lesson format where skaters continue to develop their CanSkate skills while learning  figure skating skills. 

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

Skaters will be introduced to the sport of figure skating and its disciplines: Freeskate, Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Artistic, and Synchronized Skating.

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.

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.

Yes, a private coach is required. If a skater wants lessons, a skating program (solo), to be assessed for STAR 1-5 assessments, or to take part in a competition, a private coach is needed. 

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.

It is recommended that:

STAR 1 and STAR 2 skaters skate 1-2 times per week.

STAR 3 and STAR 4 skaters skate 2-3 times per week

STAR 5 skaters skate 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. 

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, Skating Skills, Ice Dance, 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.

Yes, a private coach is required. If a skater wants lessons, a skating program (solo), to be assessed for STAR 6 to Gold assessments, or to take part in a competition, a private coach is needed. 

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.

It is recommended that skaters in STAR 6 and higher skate 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, Skating Skills, Ice Dance, and 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.

STAR 6 to Gold Skating Skills (only) may be assessed on a regular skating session by an assessor-coach.

The Pre-Competitive program will run on Saturday afternoons and include an off-ice warmup, on ice training, and a post-skating off-ice class.

To be eligible, skaters must be:

• Competing in the STAR 3 level and above, Adult Bronze Freeskate level or higher during the 2024/2025 season
• Skating a minimum of 2 days per week (excluding Saturdays)
• Participating in a qualifying off-ice program. Qualifying off-ice programs include
  • Any Rideau Skating Club off-ice program (excluding Saturdays)
  • Gymnastics
  • Martial Arts
  • Dance
  • Regularly scheduled fitness classes (Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, etc.)

Registration for this program is by invitation only.

Yes. For STARSkate, skaters must be competing at the STAR 3 level or higher. For adults, skaters must be competing at the Bronze Freeskate level or higher.

For the on-ice portion of the 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.

This program also offers a 20 minute, instructor-led off-ice warm up and a post-skating ,45 minute off-ice class with various instructors. The instructor fees for the off-ice portions of the program are included in the registration fees.

Yes, a private coach is required.

The focus of these training sessions will be on developing competition skills to prepare skaters wanting to compete regularly in STAR 3, STAR 4, the Provincial STARSkate Series, or the ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition events.

The number of skaters in the program has been set at a level to promote regular training of competition programs and to help skaters push for more speed, power, and ice coverage in their training.

The focus of the program is on the competition side of figure skating. Skaters will continue to work toward skill progression on assessments with their coaches as part of their regular STAR 1-5, STAR 6-Gold, or AdultSkate program.

Absolutely! In addition to club organized performance days, seminars, simulations, etc., skaters will have the opportunity to fundraise for additional speakers, opportunities, and any other events they would like to take part in.