GSC FIGURE SKATING INSTRUCTION
The Figure Skating Program at the Greenwich Skating Club offers a variety of programs:
GROUP CLASSES
These classes follow the Learn to Skate USA program, as endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating. The mission is to provide a goal-oriented program that encourages ice skating at all levels and to enhance the quality of skating skills at these levels. Skaters are encouraged to register for multiple classes at their skill level for increased ice time and instruction, if desired.
The objectives of the program are:
- To provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced skater
- To teach correct technique of the simple basic elements
- To promote health and physical fitness
- To enable all participants to achieve the skills necessary to either skate for fun the rest of their lives or to move competently into the U.S. Figure Skating advanced test and/or competitive structure
1. Learn to Skate:
Designed for beginning skaters, the Learn to Skate program stresses preliminary coordination and strength to maneuver on skates. This class will include fun and games to encourage enjoyment of skating. Please remember to dress your child appropriately, especially in extremely cold weather.
Prerequisite Age: Age 3+
Mandatory Equipment: Any single-blade skates (figure, hockey, LL Bean velcro, etc.)
Helmet
Ages 3-4:
Class length: 20 Minutes (as recommended by Learn to Skate USA)
Days/Times offered: Monday 12:30-12:50pm*
Saturday 8:00-8:20am
* Additional classes at 12:50pm and 1:10pm will be added if necessary
Ages 5+:
Class length: 30 Minutes
Days/Times offered: Friday 1:30-2:00pm
Friday 2:00-2:30pm
Saturday 8:00-8:30am
**You may register your skater for multiple Learn to Skate classes during the week if you would like**
2. Skating Badge Skills:
This class follows the Basic Skills 1-6 curriculum for the fundamental skills of skating, providing the best foundation for figure skating and hockey. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns. Upon completion of the Basic Skills 1-6 levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating. Classes will be well-structured with the focus on proper skill development taught in a positive, FUN and social environment. Skaters will progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated. Skaters will be placed in groups based on skill level and age, at the discretion of the professionals.
Class length: 30 Minutes
Days/Times offered: Monday 5:10pm-5:40pm
Friday 1:30pm-2:00pm
Saturday 8:30am-9:00am*
*Practice ice is available on Saturday mornings from 8-9:30am where skaters can warm up and practice on a portion of the ice before and/or after their class.
**Skaters can register for multiple Skating Badge Skills classes if desired**
3. Beginning Jump & Spin:
This class focuses on the skills necessary to perform jumps and spins, as part of the Basic Skills 1-6 curriculum. Favorite skills include two-foot spin, forward lunge, bunny hop jump and shoot the duck.
Class length: 30 Minutes
Days/Times offered: Friday 2:00-2:30pm
Saturday 9:00am-9:30am
Prerequisite Level: Must have passed Basic 2 or higher
4. Beginning Moves in the Field:
Moves in the Field emphasizes developing and improving basic skating skills – specifically balance, power, edge control/quality, stroking, posture, extension and quickness and flow into each skating element. This class will focus on basic edges as crossovers, spirals, 3-turns and mohawks that are important components of more advanced elements.
Class length: 30 Minutes
Days/Times offered: Monday 5:40-6:10pm
Prerequisite Level: Must have passed Basic 2 or higher
5. Advanced Jump & Spin:
The Advanced Jump & Spin program teaches various jumps and spins, along with some footwork and power skating sequences.
Class length: 30 Minutes
Day/Time offered: Monday 5:10-5:40pm
Friday 2:00-2:30pm
Saturday 9:00-9:30am
Prerequisite Level: Free Skate 2 or higher
6. Advanced Moves in the Field:
Moves in the Field emphasizes developing and improving basic skating skills – specifically balance, power, edge control/quality, stroking, posture, extension and quickness and flow into each skating element. This class will focus on more intricate, higher-level moves like mohawks, cross rolls and power pulls.
Class length: 30 Minutes
Days/Times offered: Monday 5:40-6:10pm
Prerequisite Level: Free Skate 2 or higher
OPEN FIGURE SKATING PRACTICE SESSIONS
Open Figure Skating Ice is available for skaters who would like to practice their skills outside of group class time. This is a great time to enroll in private instruction and accelerate your skater’s progress.
These times are reserved for skaters focused on practicing their skills in a supportive, team-like environment. This is not meant for social gatherings or recreational skating. All skaters must be registered GSC Figure Skaters, and no guests are permitted. These sessions for skaters at badge level 1 and above. No outside coaches or hockey skates are allowed on the ice at this time.
2022-2023 Open Figure Skating Practice Session Schedule:
Monday 6:10pm-6:35pm 25 minutes
Thursday 5:10pm-6:00pm 50 minutes
Friday 2:30pm-3:50pm 1 hours 20 minutes
Saturday 9:30am-10:30am 1 hour
Sunday 12:30pm-2:30pm 2 hours
PRIVATE OR SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS
Private or Semi-Private Lessons may be booked by an individual skater(s) during scheduled Open Figure Skating Practice sessions or General Skating sessions. Only Club authorized professionals may teach private lessons. Please contact the Figure Skating Head Coach to schedule at figureskatingcoach@greenwichskatingclub.org
ADULT PROGRAMS
1. Adult Figure Skating Class:
This class is for the beginner or intermediate adult skater. Basic skating skills and edges will be emphasized.
Day/Time offered: Monday 11:00am-12:00pm
2. Adult Open Figure Skating Practice:
This time is reserved for general practice and private lessons for adults with a pro.
Day/Time offered: Wednesday 9:30am-10:30am
