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STARSkate Academy FAQ
Halifax Skating Club

What is STARSkate?

STARSkate (Skills, Tests, Achievements, Recognition) is Skate Canada’s figure skating development stream. Skaters learn discipline-specific skills, take Skate Canada assessments, and may participate in regional competitions. Skaters can stay in STARSkate or move into the Competitive stream later on.

Skating Disciplines

  • Freeskate: Jumps, spins, footwork, choreography

  • Dance: Patterned dances to music (solo or with a partner)

  • Skills: Edges, turns, field moves, and basic skating control

  • Stroking: Group skating class focused on power, flow, and speed

  • Off-Ice: Sport-specific dryland training designed to build strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall athleticism.
    Our off-ice program includes:

      • Structured warm-ups and jump technique classes

      • Strength and conditioning, mobility and core training

      • Pilates, yoga, and skipping for stability, control, and stamina

      • Ballet, jazz, and movement/dance for posture, presentation, and musicality

      • Mental training, theatre, and performance classes to support confidence and expression on ice

  • Synchronized Skating (Synchro): A team-based discipline where skaters perform formations, footwork, and transitions together in unison, building timing, teamwork, and precision Jumps, spins, footwork, choreography

  •  Coach Tech: Small group instruction with your coaching team. Fee is included in your coaching invoice.

     

Coaching and Fees

  • Skaters work with certified Skate Canada coaches.

  • Lesson fees are billed monthly by your coach (via e-transfer, cash, or cheque).

  • Typical costs range from $50–$150/month, depending on:

    • Number of sessions/week

    • Lesson format (private, semi-private, group)

    • Skater’s level

    • Coach's hourly rate ($20–$50/hr)

  • Budgeting is flexible—speak with your coach if needed.

Note: Club fees (ice time, off-ice, stroking) are separate from coaching fees.

STARSkate Sessions

Sessions are divided into time blocks for different disciplines. Skaters use this time to:

  • Take lessons

  • Practice independently

  • Join stroking and off-ice classes

Coaches teach skaters how to read discipline boards and manage their time. Many use Binders and worksheets for the skaters to stay on track 

Equipment Checklist

  • Properly fitted figure skates (ask your coach for recommendations)

  • Towel to dry blades

  • Soft and hard guards

  • Skipping rope (for warm-up)

  • Yoga mat

  • Gloves/mittens (extras recommended)

  • Athletic clothing (no hoodies)

  • Competition attire (when needed)

Seasonal Breakdown

  • Fall/Winter: Sept – March

  • Spring: April – June

  • Summer: July – August (weekly registration format)
    Summer is a key time for progress and consistency in training.

Assessments

  • STAR 1-4: Coach-led on regular ice

  • STAR 5: Coach-led on empty ice

  • STAR 6-10: Evaluated by Skate Canada-trained assessors on Assessment Days

Competitions

  • STAR 1-4 Events: Dec, Feb, March, April

  • STAR 4+/Competitive:

    • Fall Skate (Oct)

    • Rob McCall Memorial (Nov)

    • STARSkate Provincials (Feb/March)

    • Atlantic Championships (April, top 6 per level in Atlantic Canada)

Programs (Solos)

A program is a choreographed routine performed to music. These begin at STAR 2 or earlier, based on coach discretion.

SMART Routine

At HSC, skaters follow our SMART Routine to build independence and performance readiness:

Smart Start (Before Session):

  • Off-ice warm-up: cardio, mobility, jump prep

  • Get skates on early

  • Be ice-ready before session start

Smart Recovery (After Session):

  • Cool-down stretch routine

  • Helps with flexibility and injury prevention

What SMART Stands For:

  • S – Start with Intention: Show up focused and with a purpose

  • M – Mobilize Your Body: Prep your body before, and recover after

  • A – Awareness Matters: Know how your body feels—tired, sore, ready

  • R – Routine Builds Results: Habits matter for progress

  • T – Take Ownership: Skaters manage their own prep and recovery

Skaters who consistently follow SMART are more likely to improve, stay injury-free, and feel confident on the ice.

Independence & Dressing Room Policy

  • STARSkaters are expected to tie their own skates.

  • Parents are not allowed in dressing rooms (Safe Sport policy).

  • If skaters need help, they can step out and ask their coach or parent.

Common Terms

  • PA (Program Assistant): Older skaters who help on CanSkate

  • Skate Canada: National governing body for skating in Canada

 

Drop-In Ice

  • Must be purchased by noon the day before the session.

  • Go to the registration page, select your date, and complete checkout.

  • Note: Club sessions are not the same as Ticket Ice.

Ticket Ice

  • Arranged directly with your coach

  • Tracked and billed monthly

  • Please pay promptly

Questions?

Your first point of contact should be the professional coaching team assigned to your skater. They know your skater's plan best and can help guide you through questions about sessions, goals, and scheduling.

If you still have questions, feel free to contact LeeAnne Cross, HSC Director of Development:
halifaxskatingclub@gmail.com