So you like to figure skate? What’s next!?!?!

Have you enjoyed taking figure skating classes, and ever wondered what’s next? Check out the resources below for more information on skating opportunities to take your skating to the next level!

Learn to Skate at Bloomington Ice Center

The Learn to Skate program is a great way to begin! There is a great Learn to Skate Roadmap that describes the path for skaters through the program.

In addition to the Blades Program, we have several specialty classes through Bloomington Parks and Recreation! These include:

  • Theater on Ice/Performance Team (5-5:30 Tuesdays) - The Basic Skills team, coached by LTS Instructor E. Fischer is a fun performance team geared towards Basic Skills skaters! The group performs at Open Skates throughout the year!

  • Create a Routine (Saturdays) - These classes give you the opportunity to work with a Learn to Skate Instructor or Accredited Coach on an individual or group routine to perform for your family at the last session!

  • Learn to Compete (Saturdays) - Ready to take the next steps and compete? Did you know even Blades skaters can compete? This class helps new skaters, who have not started taking private lessons yet, prepare for and skate in their first competition!

Private Lessons

Did you know that any level skater can start private lessons to progress faster? And it is highly encouraged to begin private lessons once you progress to Blades 3/4. At this phase, booster lessons with a certified Learn to Skate Instructor is a great affordable option! Private Lessons are offered at Freestyle Sessions and some LTS Instructors also teach basic skills lessons at Open Skate sessions as well. By taking Booster Lessons your skater can progress through the skills faster! Here is how it works:

  • Not sure which Instructor or Coach to go with - try a lesson from a few and decide on the best fit! Or take the Intro to Private Lessons class offered through Bloomington Parks and Recreation.

  • Once you get set up with an Instructor/Coach, you will pay the Instructor/Coach directly for their time. These lessons are offered during Freestyle Sessions, which are $6 for each 30 minutes of ice time. You pay for the Freestyle Sessions at the front desk, just like you would for Open Skate. Freestyle sessions generally occur 2:50-4:50, Monday - Friday, and 6-8 AM on Mondays and Wednesdays.

  • Practice makes perfect! It is recommended that skaters practice at least as much time as they are in a lesson, so if your skater takes one 30 minute lesson and one 40 minute Blades class, they should also attend at least 2, 30 minute freestyle sessions or an Open Skate so that they have time to practice the skills they are learning!

Join the Club!

Central Illinois Figure Skating Club offers great opportunities for skaters just getting started! By joining as a Junior Academy Member, your skater can participate in club activities and training to accelerate their development. The Club year runs July-June, so join early in the year to maximize your investment! This $50 membership includes:

  • A progress tracking booklet from Learn To Skate USA and sport accident insurance

  • Ability to compete at basic skills level competitions

  • Participation in CIFSC sponsored events such as:

Once your skater has progressed to the Blades 6/Jump & Spin Classes, it’s time to move to Aspire!

COMPETE

Did you know you can compete at the Learn to Skate levels? Compete USA offers competitions at the Basic Skills level! Skaters perform a short routine to music in costume in front of judges. Here are the requirements for Basic 1-6 competition routines.

Note that these do not correspond to the same level as our Blades 1-6 classes. Generally, skaters compete at the level where they have mastered the skills, not the level where they are learning the skills.