2009 - 2010 Programs

Star Skate: Bronze

The executive reserves the right to move skaters
and adjust programs as necessary.

BRONZE SESSION: Passed Canskate Badge 5

New This Year:
Skate Canada has introduced the Long Term Athelete Development Plan (L.T.A.D) plan and so has EGSC with the introduction of off-ice, and special attention to power, stroking, endurance and flexiblility.


The Bronze session continues to focus and enforce basic skating skills (stroking, cross cuts, edges, turns) which are crucial in the development of a skater in this sport. This is done in a group lesson environment using stage 6 base skills. Skaters will also be introduced to “free skate” skills (jumps, spins, dance) using stage 7 Pre-Preliminary skills. Badges recognizing successful completion of Stage 6 and Stage 7 as well as fitness badges will be issued at this level. Skaters will receive a large group stroking session / warm-up session twice per week and smaller group lessons to focus on the development of edges & turns, Jumps & Spins, Dance technique & Field Movements.

Skaters have the option of taking group lessons only as part of the Bronze fee at this level or they can contact a professional club coach to arrange private lessons in addition to group lessons. All lessons taught by a private coach are an additional charge to be handled directly between the parent and coach. Skaters may only try a Skate Canada test under the supervision of a privately contracted club coach.

Bronze
Tues 4:30-5:45 PM / Off ice* 5:50-6:30 PM
Fri 6-6:50pm 

September 14 - December 19, 2009
January 5 - March 31, 2010

Fees:
$700 + $35 Skate Canada fee = $735 if registered by September 14, 2009.
Registrations received after this date will be an additional $25

Ensure that you register early to obtain the $25 savings.

Open StarSkate Session: $150 - This is an optional StarSkate session, which will include Bronze, Silver and Gold skaters. To be held on Wednesday's 4:00-4:50PM.

What Is Bronze?

Your skater has successfully completed the Canskate program and you are now entering the Bronze session. The biggest difference and the hardest part for your skater to adjust to will be the amount of time that your child will have for independent skating. At this level, you should have a professional coach for semi-private or private lessons and all skaters must wear figure skates. Included in your registration fee is one group lesson in dance, stroking, freeskate and skills per week. Additional lessons (if desired) must be arranged and scheduled with a professional coach. The remainder of your child's time is to be used for independent practice time. Your child will also begin testing. Skate Canada judges come to our club for scheduled test days. Your coach will tell you when your skater is ready for testing. You will be charged a fee, set by Skate Canada and a social fee set by the club to provide meals and traveling expenses for the judges.

What is Skate Canada?
Skate Canada is the group which regulates and sets standards for figure skating in all of Canada; their office is located in Gloucester, Ontario. As of January 2002, testing fees are $10 per dance, $10 per skill and $10 per freeskate. The club social fee is $5 (All fees are subject to change.)
Your child will have an opportunity to enter the world of competitions. There is a club competition, where they compete against teammates, and there are regional competitions that your child may qualify for.  You will have to pay an entry fee for each event. These fees range from $10 to $65. Clubs that host these events do it as a fundraiser so you are usually charged a nominal entrance fee to enter the building and there will be draws, flower sales, candy, photo and video sales, etc.  
Competitions are optional! Your coach will discuss with you and your skater if entering is in the child's best interest. Your coach will also charge a fee if they attend the competition with your child.

COMPETITIONS SHOULD BE FUN!!!!

How do I pick a Coach?
Picking a professional coach can be a difficult choice. First thing to consider is the attitude and personality of your child.
During the Canskate sessions, you have had an opportunity to watch several of our coaches work. If there is a coach that your child is familiar with, or one they like, that is usually a good place to start. You must contact that coach and ask if they have space available in their schedule. If they do not, they will be able to direct you to a coach that does. A brief phone call to a few coaches can help you make this decision. A list of club coaches, their phone numbers and email addresses are on the website, in your registration package or in the coaches room.
All professional coaches charge fees; don't be afraid to ask how much they charge for lessons, test supervision, competitions and partnering. It is up to you as the parent to make sure there is communication between you and the coach.

Volunteers
Our club is always in need of volunteers; to play music for the skaters, to help out with test days and with fund raising or with our bi-annual carnival. Please don't wait for someone to ask, offer to help whenever and wherever possible. It is the children who benefit!!  

SKATING SHOULD BE FUN!!!

Dance
Learning a set pattern on the ice to specific music. They are tested with a partner. There are more that 20 different dances that increase in difficulty with each level. Examples; Waltz, Tango, Blues.

Freeskate
Learning spins, jumps and footwork skills that will be combined to create a program to music.

Skills
These are set patterns that teach edges, balance and technique.

Stroking
This can be compared to a 15 min. aerobic workout. It should be fast but fun. It combines skills and speed.
It is very important to have properly sharpened skates!!

* Off ice sessions are held every other week, total of 12 sessions.