Basic Skills — Learn to Skate InformationWELCOME TO OUR SKATING SCHOOL! Great Lakes Sports City is one of the "Learn to Skate" top arenas, and we are proud to offer the most comprehensive program in the Metro Area. The Skating School offers group lessons for tots, youth, teens, and adults (ages 3 to adult). Lessons are offered year-round. PLACEMENT IN GROUPS IS DONE ACCORDING TO EITHER THE STUDENT'S DEMOSTRATED ABILITY, OR PREVIOUS TESTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Skaters, ages 7 to adult, new in lessons will be placed in Basic 1. Skaters ages 3-5 with no previous lesson experience, will be placed in Snowplow 1. Skaters will be evaluated the first week of class and advanced if they demonstrate they can perform the skills at the test level.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WANT TO ACCOMMODATE OUR CURRENT SKATERS FIRST, BUT YOU MUST RE-REGISTER FOR EACH SESSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ALL SESSIONS WILL BE FILLED ON A FIRST-COME BASIS. Skaters registering before the posted deadline will receive $5.00 off registration.
ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE: There is an annual $12.00 program registration fee payable the first registration of the current year between June and the following May of the following year.
THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF: The Group Lesson Teachers are very proud to be members of the United States Figure Skating (USFS).
THE BASIC SKILLS OF ICE SKATING ARE TAUGHT in Group Lessons on specific test levels. A list of skills taught at each test level is available in the Basic Skill/Club office located in Superior rink. Test Badges may be purchased upon successful completion of each Test Level. TESTING IS DONE DURING THE LAST CLASS OF EACH SESSION.
SNOWPLOW LESSONS for ages 3-6 include 25 minutes of group instruction. Snowplow lessons for your tot are designed for 3-5 year olds who are independent and do not mind being separated from their parents. It is recommended, you may want to bring your child to an open skating session to determine if they are capable of remaining on the ice for the 25-minute session with the instructor. These are group lessons, tots are taught as a group, not on an individual basis.
BASIC SKILLS: Basic 1 to Freeskate 2 is for skaters ages 7 to adult, or younger skaters who have successfully completed our snowplow program. All skaters have the option of private instruction in addition to group lessons. Skaters passing Basic 5 are eligible to join our "CLUB". Please ask in the office if you have any questions, or our director, Mel Chapman, or coordinator, Anna House.
SINGLE BLADE, LACE-UP SKATES ARE NECESSARY, with firm ankle support. Velcro closures DO NOT give support. Hockey skates or Figure Skates may be worn. They should fit properly, not too large. Skaters should dress warmly; long johns or tights under jeans or sweatpants, short jackets or warm-up suits, and gloves or mittens. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL SNOWPLOW SKATERS AND RECOMMENDED FOR BASIC SKATERS AGES 6-7 YEARS OF AGE (bicycle helmets are acceptable, except for the Hockey skill class, must have hockey helmets).
CANCELLATIONS: A $15.00 processing fee will be assessed for any cancellation prior to the starting of the first semester class. NO REFUNDS ONCE THE SEMESTER HAS BEGUN!.
ONE-MAKE-UP CLASS (not including cancellations received from our program) IS ALLOWED DURING EACH SEMESTER. Classes are made up during any other scheduled class times in the current semester. The Basic Skill/Club office will issue a coupon on the day you come for your make-up class. It is recommended to call the office at 586-294-4132 as to the availability of your test badge level. Skaters must come to the office on the day of make-up; you must have a coupon to attend a class you are not registered for. You will receive a make-up coupon to attend class indicating your level and instructor for that particular day. The registration fee is not pro-rated if you register late. You will be allowed to make-up your missed class (classes).
NAME BADGES: Skaters will be issued name badges at the beginning of each new semester. These badges MUST be worn to class each week. There will be a $1.00 replacement fee for any lost badge. Skaters should keep these badges and wear them to class each week. The badges are collected at the end of the semester, as new ones are issued the beginning of each semester; they indicate your instructor and lesson time.
PRIVATE LESSONS are available to skaters at all levels who wish extra help beyond Group lessons. These private lessons may be scheduled during the practice session (as explained below), practice portion of group lesson ice, or Junior Club. Pro's (coaches) are contracted by the parent of the skater who is to receive the lessons. Rates vary per professional (coach), but approximately $10.00 for a 15-minute lesson. A list of current professional staff and phone numbers is available in the Superior rink Basic Skill/Club office. If you need assistance in securing a coach, please let us know in the office or our director, Mel Chapman. We will be happy to assist you in securing a private instructor.
PRACTICE SESSSIONS: When students are ready to skate more than one hour a week, they may consider purchasing a practice session. The ice time is filled on a first come basis with a limited number of skaters. This is an excellent time to schedule a private lesson for one-on-one valuable instruction. Junior Club is also available to skaters. An alternative, skaters can receive a lesson on their practice portion of the group lesson ice. This is usually only recommended for skaters at lower levels, as it is usually more crowded with the group lesson skaters than would be a practice session or club ice.
JUNIOR CLUB: Junior Club is for the skater who would like private instruction. Private instruction is very beneficial to all skaters as it is one-on-one instruction. You may just want to try it, and schedule one lesson with a coach of your choice or you may want to set up a weekly skate with the coach. This is very flexible. You arrange a 30-minute time period with a coach of your choice. The skater must have a 30-minute lesson with the coach. The ice time cost is $7.00 for 30 minutes. The skater will skate on our Club ice sessions available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. The coach fees vary; approximate $10.00 for a 15-minute lesson.
CLUB ELIGIBILITY: All skaters passing Basic 5 test level are eligible to join our figure skating Club. Forms are available in the Club office, or visit our office for information or to inquire. We are here to assist you and answer your questions. We want a positive experience for all our skaters as well as their parents. You must join the Club once you have successfully completed Freeskate 2.
COMPETITION: Basic Skills competitions occur in the Metro area throughout the year. Skaters may compete at all levels, beginning with Snowplow. A list of competitions is available in the Club office. Competition forms are completed and sent in by the skater, directly to the competition rink with the appropriate entry fee and signatures. Forms usually have an entry deadline, so be sure to check the form carefully.
INFORMATION: Please read the materials on our "table" set up during the group lesson ice as we will have competition forms available as well as other information on our activities, ice shows, fundraisers, etc. We are always available to answering any questions or concerns you may have.
"REGIONAL SEND-OFF/SPOOKTACULAR ICE" SHOW: This is held in October. We wish our Club skaters attending the "Regional" competition "Good Luck" as they skate their number in the show. All Basic skill skaters are encouraged to participate in this show. Skaters can elect to skate to music of the season with the assistance of a private coach, or we offer a "highlight" number, which will showcase a few of their skills. There is a minimal fee for participation and admission to watch the performance.
CHRISTMAS SHOW: Sponsored by the Fraser Figure Skating Club in Mid-December. It features both Basic Skill skaters as well as Club skaters. Skaters will perform in costume or holiday attire to music of the season. All skaters in our program are encouraged to participate, and all families are invited to attend this festive event, even if your skater is not performing in the show. There is a minimal fee for participation and admission to watch the performance.
"SPRINGTIME ON ICE" Show - This show is held in Mid-May. Registration to participate in this show is done with a separate fee. Forms are mailed or usually available in November and due in December or January. Please watch for information. We will have it posted or on our informational table during group lessons. All skaters who take part in the show MUST be enrolled in our basic skill group lessons for the winter semester. Measurements will be taken and costumes will be ordered for this show. This is our "big" show of the year.
WATCH LOBBY BULLETIN BOARDS FOR NOTICES OF: New Semester, Ice Cancellations, Office Hours, Competitions, New Information, etc.
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