TURNING WOBBLES INTO WINS!

What is STARSkate:

Program Overview: STARSkate is a comprehensive program that teaches skaters figure skating skills across 5 key disciplines. This structured approach ensures that skaters develop a wide range of abilities, providing a strong foundation for future success in the sport.

Disciplines:

• Skating Skills: Focuses on fundamental skating movements, emphasizing edges, turns, exercises, and field moves. These skills are the foundation of all other disciplines, with 11 skills assessments to measure progress.

• Ice Dance: Involves 21 compulsory dances that teach timing, musicality, rhythm, edges, flow, control, and unison. There are 12 levels of dance assessments, including pairs ice dance.

• Free Skate: Encompasses the execution of jumps, spins, field movements, and step sequences, either in isolation or within a program set to music. There are 20 Freeskate assessments (10 elements and 10 programs), covering both singles and pairs.

• Artistic: Combines turns, edges, and field moves with creative spins, focusing on program components, musical movement, and creativity. There are 4 artistic program assessments (STAR 5, 7, 9, and gold). Note: Skaters must have STAR 4 skills before entering STAR 5 Artistic.

• Synchronized Skating: Involves groups of 8 or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers as one unit, executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels, and intersections to music. There are 3 synchro assessments (STAR 2, 3, 4), which must be done in a group.

Foundation Programs: Our STAR 1 and STAR 2-3 programs are designed to provide skaters with the skills necessary for a strong foundation in figure skating. These initial stages focus on developing core abilities that are essential for all figure skating disciplines.

What Comes After STAR 2-3?

After completing the STAR 2-3 program, you will need to contact one of our coaches to arrange private or semi-private lessons for your skater. Here’s what you can expect:

• Private and Team Coaching: Coaches offer both private and team coaching sessions, providing skaters with personalized or group training to enhance their skills. Coaches have their own lesson rates and availability, which vary depending on how many skaters they are working with. Please see our "Meet our Coaches" page to see a list of ESPSC's coaches. 

• STAR Testing Program: Consists of 5 disciplines: FreeSkate, Skills, Dance, Artistic, and Synchro. Most STAR skaters focus on FreeSkate, Skills, and Dance.

  • Assessments: Each level within FreeSkate, Skills, and Dance requires at least one test before the skater can advance to the next STAR level. Artistic and Synchro disciplines have specific STAR levels at which they are assessed. Please note that there is an assessment fee associated with these tests for more information, visit our Fee Information Page.

Please see below for information on what each level assesses:

STAR 1-Gold Overview Chart

The STARSkate program offers a structured and supportive environment for skaters to develop their skills across multiple disciplines, preparing them for higher levels of competition and personal achievement. Join us and watch your skater shine! ⛸️✨

Please see our STARSkate handbook here:

ESPSC STARSkate Handbook

To watch examples on how to perform the skills, check out the specific discipline (Skills, FreeSkate Elements, FreeSkate Program, Dance, Artistic, Synchro) and STAR level on the: Skate Canada Development Video Library 

For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations refer to our STAR Skate Equipment Videos!

STAR Skaters have the opportunity to compete in certain competitions. For more details visit the STAR Skate Competitions Page.