FIGURE SKATING
Figure Skating combines compelling artistry, breathtaking performance, and fierce athleticism. Figure skaters showcase captivating storytelling on the ice through gravity defying jumps, razor-sharp spins, intricate footwork, beautifully sustained statuesque positions, and alluring choreography. Behind the elegance and athletics is unrelentless passion, intense training, and the constant pursuit of perfection. Figure skating not only teaches the athletes precision, process based skill execution and performance, but also instantaneous critical thinking skills, resilience, intrinsic motivation, and a goal oriented mindset incapable of giving up. Ask any figure skater and they will tell you that figure skating is not just a sport, it’s a way of life.
Figure Skating lessons with On Ice Advantage leverages over 30 years of competitive, professional ice show, and theatre experience to help figure skating athletes accomplish their on-ice goals through fundamental skill development and execution. The world of figure skating can appear daunting, but with On Ice Advantage figure skating lessons, you have an industry expert to guide you. Each training regimen is uniquely tailored to each athlete and depends on their goals that can span across the many disciplines that figure skating has to offer such as: Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance, Synchro, Skating Skills (formerly Moves in the Field), Showcase, and more.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Figure Skating is a life-long sport for those that wish to go far. It requires commitment, accountability, dedication, focus, fight, and sacrifice. Figure Skating can be unnerving at first for those new to the sport as there are high-flying jumps, dizzying spins, and sustained acts of contortion that inspire awe in those that watch. Throughout the learning process, you or your athlete can expect many falls, bumps, bruises, trials, frustration, and many challenging times. This is always outweighed however, as we land our first jumps, finally “get” those spins, or, are donned with our first competition medal. This is the process that produces great athletes, intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, positive sense of self, and many other life-long skills that will lend themselves off the ice. Figure skating is an extremely tough sport that brings about some of the most amazing rewards that cultivate amazing life-long memories.
WHAT ARE THE DISCIPLINES OF FIGURE SKATING?
Figure Skating is broken up into four main disciplines:
Singles (Men’s and Ladies)
This is an individual event(s) where the skaters perform their program containing jumps, spins, and footwork to a choreographed “routine” set to music.
Pairs
Two skaters, a Man and a Woman, perform together executing synchronized individual elements like jumps, spins, and footwork. They also perform elements done together such as overhead lifts, throw assisted jumps, death spirals, and side-by-side spins.
Ice Dance
Two skaters, a Man and a Woman, perform compulsory dances similar to ballroom dances like the Waltz, Tango, Rhythm Blues, Foxtrot, and Swing, which focuses on musical timing, patterns, and set steps. Ice Dancers also perform a Free Dance that contains lifts, spins, step sequences, twizzles, and other choreographed elements.
Synchronized Skating
Easily identified on the ice as “team skating,” where 8-20 skaters will perform routines that focus on synchronized team elements like formations, lifts, jumps, splices, pinwheels, and more.
Others
Newer sub-disciplines are always popping up as the sport continues to evolve. Though they may not be shown on TV, they are gaining popularity. These are:
Solo Dance
Ice Dance competed on an individual level.
Shadow Dance
Ice Dance competed with a teammate in which they skate the same pattern side by side without contact.
Showcase
Like Singles, but the programs are scored more for their performance value rather than elements. Can be done in pairs or small groups.
Team Event
Debuted at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Skaters compete on a “Team” and skate programs that are scored where the points contribute to the team total.
Learn more at:
“U.S. Figure Skating’s mission, vision and values guide the organization. We exist to create and cultivate opportunities for participation and achievement in figure skating. We foster fun and inspire a lifelong passion for skating while developing champions on and off the ice.”
IS FIGURE SKATING A COMPETITIVE SPORT?
The short answer is, yes figure skating is a highly competitive sport, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. While most know the sport of figure skating as they see it on TV, or even at their local ice rink, there are multiple ways in which a skater can participate in the sport. Competition is the heart of any sport, including figure skating and it can be intense, but it’s not required. There are many other opportunities for skaters to build their skills, and if they want, showcase them in front of people. It is perfectly acceptable and fulfilling to choose a more recreational path in which you might compete, but the difficulty will be different than that of the competitive scene. There is also Showcase, in which skaters compete, but the overall performance is the focus of the program and the score. Showcase numbers are often very lyrical with elaborate costumes and props which the latter is not seen in the competitive disciplines of figure skating.
Testing
Another avenue that parallels competitions is the US Figure Skating Test Program in which skaters master required elements, patterns, step sequences, etc. and “test” either in person, or virtually in front of a judge or panel of judges. If the skater passes, they would then start working on the next level until reaching Gold Medal status. Testing and competing run parallel as you will need to have passed certain tests in order to compete at certain levels. Testing is a great way to build your skating resume which can open a multitude of opportunities both amateur and professional.
Professional Show Skating
Show skating has been popular for decades and is another great way to get the most out of the sport. You get the opportunity to work with extremely talented skaters, directors, choreographers, technical crew, and more as you perform under the spotlights in spectacular shows to wow audiences around the world. To join, you will need an extensive skating resume and history with a deep passion for performance. Cast members go through an audition process that includes video resumes, in-person auditions, and more. Typically there are two types of shows, stationary and touring. Stationary shows are popular at theme parks or as pop-up events where the engagement remains in one location performing several shows over the course of a term or “season.”
Touring shows are much like stationary shows, but you get to see the world! Touring shows typically work on a contract basis lasting anywhere from 6-12 months.
The major touring shows around the world are:
Disney on Ice, Feld Entertainment
Always Remember...
The most important goal in your skating is what you want to accomplish, and finding a coach who understands that is key. There are many opportunities competitive, show, and recreational alike that can offer a fulfilling career in skating, but if you simply want to just learn how to skate and have fun, that is just as great too!
ALRIGHT, LET'S DO IT! WHAT DO I NEED?
Besides passion, patience, and grit, you are going to need a few things to get you started!
Skates
While it may seem obvious, you are going to need skates to be a figure skater! This is where we probably get a little nervous because it’s another whole new world. Skates are a personal preference. While it is true that some brands are more trusted than others, there is no “best” or “worst” brand of skate. Notable brands are:
If you are just getting started, Jackson offers a great line of entry level boot and blade combos that will take skaters from their beginner skills through their double jumps. As the athlete progresses, higher end equipment is necessary to offer the support, stability, and durability needed to handle the athlete’s activity. At this stage, boots and blades are bought separate and can vary by discipline. For example, ice dance boots are lower cut at the top versus regular boots to allow for deeper knee bend for more exhilarating edges and ice dance blades are shorter and have minimal toe picks to allow for greater edge control. Again, it will be some time before a skater reaches this level.
Training Attire
Figure Skaters are notorious for their high-end, glamorous training outfits and costumes, however, if we are just getting started, you should wear attire to practice that allows you to move freely, but is not so baggy that body lines cannot be seen or will hinder element execution. It is recommended that long pants that can over the laces (if the socks cannot) and long sleeves (or an athletic jacket) be worn. Utilizing layers is always a good choice as layers can be removed as the body heats up from training. Gloves are also another good idea as there will be a lot of falling throughout career of a figure skater. The ice is cold and at the end of a high-energy session, the ice can get rough and gloves will help protect against both. Athletic shoes for off-ice warmup and training are also a necessity.
Costumes
If you are wanting to compete, you will need a costume to do so! At that point, you will have those discussions with your coach on what you will need. Typically it will be a dress and tights combo for ladies and a shirt and pant combo for men. Getting a garment bag for costume transport is a good idea to keep the costume in pristine condition.
Other Equipment
A skate bag will be needed to carry everything to a from the rink. Any sort of duffle bag or “rolly” bag will work, and there are a ton of options out there. Find something that allows your equipment to breathe after practice.
Skate guards are essential! Skate guards are hard rubber blade covers that protect the blades from dirt, stones, debris, and bad surfaces like concrete when the skater is not on the ice. Skate guards should be worn at all times when not skating as it not only protects the skate blades, but also the feet of other arena patrons.
A skate towel or shammy is essential for drying the whole blade and the boot after practice. Moisture is the absolute enemy of skate blades and boots. Ensure everything is dried completely before storage and always allow all equipment to breathe.
Soft guards or “soakers” are also good to have in the skate bag after you are done drying your boots and blades. These slip on over the blade and help soak up any excess moisture.
Extra laces are always good to have on hand as laces will break from general wear and tear. It is recommended to use wax coated laces as they help keep the skates taut throughout practice. One or two extra pairs is plenty and should be replenished upon use. There is no scarier feeling than snapping a lace when you compete in the next 15 minutes!
A number 2 Phillips-Head screwdriver. Your blades are attached to your boots via screws and will back out, or become loose as you practice. Having this screwdriver in your bag ensures you can routinely hand tighten your screws to ensure your blades stay on your boot. A few extra toe and heel screws are also not a bad idea in the event a screw falls out (these usually come with the skates or blades, but can be purchased at any skate shop).
A re-edger tool. These are found all over the internet and can help maintain your edges between blade sharpening. Starting at the toe pick, run the forked end down the length of the blade to “roll” the edges back in. Then take the flat stone on the handle and press firmly against the side of the blade face (not bottom or edges) and run up and down a couple of times to remove any burs. Only one to two applications is sufficient!
Water bottle! You or your athlete are going to be training hard and will need hydration! Always ensure you have a water source nearby and it should be used regularly, even when not thirsty.
Becoming a Member of US Figure Skating
In order to participate in the US Figure Skating test program and certain competitions, you will need to become a member of US Figure Skating and be affiliated with a registered club. Registration is as easy as filling out some forms and paying the annual fee. The US Figure Skating season runs from July 1st to June 30th. Your coach can help you determine the best time to register. Click on Southwest Florida Figure Skating Club below for more information!
“Our mission at the Southwest Florida Figure Skating Club is to introduce & foster figure skating to the community as a sport, recreational activity and as art. Our heart is to encourage people of all ages to grow in their skills and enjoy the community that is built on and off the ice.”
WARM UP!
Figure skating is a highly physical, deeply intense, and extreme impact sport that demands a lot from a skater’s mind and body. It is critical that a skater perform a proper warmup prior to any ice time regardless if they have a lesson. At minimum, each skater should warmup for at least 15 minutes with 5 minutes dedicated to cardio and calisthenics (running, skipping, jumping jacks, etc.) followed by 10 minutes of stretching every major muscle group. As skaters progress, the off-ice warmup should expand to going through jump exercises and walking through their program(s)) (with music in-ear a plus).
A good warmup ensures our best training sessions and most importantly, prevents injuries because the muscles and tendons are ready to go. Skaters who warmup consistently will always progress faster and further than those who don’t because the body is ready and doesn’t need the first 15 minutes of a session to get going. Proper athletic attire including shoes should be worn and the warmup should be conducted in an open space so as not to bother other arena patrons.
Good warmup goodies for your skate bag include:
- Yoga mat
- Skip rope
- Water bottle
- Earbuds
- 3lb ankle weights (simulates skate weight)
- Thera-bands (for stretching)
- Foam rollers and/or Tiger Tails (for rolling out sore muscles)
Some clubs even have equipment on-site available to the athletes!
PRACTICE!
Practice! Practice! Practice! Private lessons are critical to skill development, but require consistent practice in order to fully absorb the lesson content. Skating can be a great way to spend time with your friends and is encouraged to do so, just ensure you are devoting adequate time to practicing what you are trying to learn. When a skater does not practice what is taught in a previous lesson, the sub-sequent lessons will need to revisit what is taught because in order to advance to the next step or element, the previous skill needs to be at a point of understanding and execution to do so.
It is also important to note that you should always practice the fundamentals (edges, turns, stroking, etc.) and all your elements everyday because everything you learn from day one you will need to succeed for the rest of your skating career. Just because you mastered it, or passed it on a test, doesn’t mean it goes away or that you’re done with it. Everything you do in skating is related to something else, some how. It just starts out simple and continues to increase in difficulty.
RESULTS AND PATIENCE
Mastering any skill with confidence takes time. There is no secret tunnel or fast track to the top. To become an elite level athlete you have to put in dedicated, focused, and consistent work. You train everyday even when you don’t want to. You learn how to shut out whatever else is happening and focus on the task at hand. You give it your all and always leave everything on the ice. There will be ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, good days and bad, but you have to remain in the fight and never give up. Working with a great coach is just as important as your passion, practice, and patience.
MAKE SMART DECISIONS
Once the passion has been ignited for skating, it is a tough fire to put out. This can lead athletes to make poor training and competition decisions when they are not physically or mentally well. When we are not at our best, we cannot produce our best. When on limited ability, injured, or sick, we should not expect that our body be able to handle the physical strain that our sport demands. Injuries and illness is going to happen and smart decisions need to be made in the short term for long-term gain. If you are injured or ill, it is always recommended that you see your doctor and get their clearance to return to the ice. If your doctor clears your return with restrictions, you need to inform your coach and adhere to those restrictions. When skaters push through injuries or illness, or do not communicate when something is wrong, they greatly increase the risk of permanent or more serious injury. Only you know your body and what it can handle! The ice will be there tomorrow and it is always better to take a few days or weeks off to rest then needing months or years to recover.
PRIVATE SKATING LESSONS
Private figure skating lessons will help you focus on fundamental skill development and execution which gets you closer to achieving your goals. Most coaches will coach a variety of skating disciplines and some are more specialized. It’s important that you find a coach that is a good fit and understands what it is you want to accomplish. Learn more on the Private Lessons page, or fill out the form below to start your skating adventure!
US Center for SafeSport
Coaches are required to be US SafeSport certified and attend regular trainings and re-certifications. All skaters have the right to participate, learn, grow, and skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that is free from all abuse, discrimination, and isolation. Any concerns regarding US Center for SafeSport policies, regulations, and guidelines should always be addressed as soon as possible through the organizations appropriate channels and local law enforcement when applicable. Please click the logo below for more information.
FOSTERING RESPECT.
ENDING ABUSE IN SPORT.
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