What is STARSkate?

Ready to take the next step in your skating journey?

STARSkate is Skate Canada’s figure skating pathway for skaters who want to continue building their skills after CanSkate. The program introduces skaters to 5 areas of figure skating — Skills, FreeSkate, Dance, Artistic and Synchro — allowing them to explore different aspects of the sport while continuing to grow as skaters.

Whether your skater is looking to skate for fun, develop their skills, or eventually compete, STARSkate provides opportunities to set goals, challenge themselves and celebrate their progress along the way.

STARSkate falls within the Learn to Train stage of Skate Canada’s Long-Term Development model.

Where Do I Start?

Our STAR 1–3 programming is designed to help skaters make the transition from CanSkate into figure skating.

At these levels, skaters begin developing the skating techniques, coordination and confidence needed to progress through the STAR pathway. Coaches work with skaters to build their skills while encouraging them to work toward their own individual goals.

Every skater develops at their own pace — there is no one-size-fits-all skating journey!

Skating for Everyone

At Stonewall Skating Club, everyone belongs on the ice.

Our STARSkate programming welcomes skaters of all abilities. Coaches can adapt activities and skills to meet individual needs, helping each skater participate in a way that is safe, comfortable and meaningful for them.

Our goal is to create an environment where every skater feels supported, encouraged and proud of what they accomplish.

Group Lessons & Private Lessons?

As skaters progress through STARSkate, they have opportunities to develop their skills through a combination of group instruction and private lessons. This approach gives skaters the chance to learn alongside their peers while also receiving individualized coaching as they advance.

At Stonewall Skating Club, our group programming is designed to complement private lessons and provide skaters with a well-rounded training experience.

Intermediate Group Lessons

Our Intermediate Group Lessons are designed for skaters developing their skills through approximately STAR 1–5.

Skaters in this group receive 4 group lessons, providing opportunities to work on skating skills, technique and elements alongside other skaters at a similar stage of development.

Group lessons are a great way to build confidence, learn from others and continue developing skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Senior Group Lessons

As skaters continue to progress, they can move into our Senior Group Lessons, designed for more advanced skaters, Star 5+.

Senior skaters receive two group lessons, allowing them to continue benefiting from group instruction while placing a greater emphasis on individualized training through private lessons.

Private Lessons

Private lessons give skaters dedicated one-on-one time with a coach to focus on their individual skills, goals and areas for improvement.

As skaters advance through the STARSkate pathway, the balance between group and private instruction changes to provide the appropriate amount of individualized coaching for their stage of development.

Group lessons and private lessons work together to help skaters build strong fundamentals, develop their individual skills and continue progressing toward their skating goals.

Interested in private or semi-private lessons for your skater? Please reach out directly to one of our coaches to discuss availability, lesson options and scheduling. Private and semi-private lessons are arranged directly with individual coaches.

Note: All levels of STAR program can be offered in a 100% coach directed format where applicable or appropriate.

Exploring the STARSkate Disciplines

STARSkate includes five different disciplines:

Assessments & Progression

STARSkate provides skaters with opportunities to work toward assessments as they develop their skills and progress through the program.

At Stonewall Skating Club, assessments are completed differently depending on the skater’s STAR level:

STAR 1–5

Assessments for STAR 1–5 are completed at the club level. These assessments allow coaches to evaluate skaters in a familiar environment while recognizing their progress and development throughout the program.

STAR 6 & Above

Once skaters reach STAR 6 and higher, assessments are completed through a formal assessment day. These assessments are conducted by a Skate Canada Judge, providing an official evaluation of the skater’s performance.

Skaters are not required to complete an assessment simply to continue participating in the STARSkate program. However, assessments may be necessary for skaters who wish to pursue certain competitive opportunities or advance within specific disciplines.

Not sure when your skater should be assessed? Our coaches are happy to help determine when an assessment is appropriate and guide skaters through the next steps in their skating journey.

STARSkate Competitions

For skaters who want to experience competition, STARSkate offers a variety of opportunities to perform and showcase the skills they've been working on.

Competition events can include:

• Elements: STAR 1–Gold
• Programs: STAR 2–Gold
• Artistic: STAR 5, 7, 9 & Gold
• Showcase: Levels 1–4
• Team Events: STAR 2–Gold
• Improv: Levels 1–4
• Ice Dance Pairs: STAR 2–Diamond
• Ice Dance Solo: STAR 2–Gold
• Pairs FreeSkate: STAR 3 & STAR 5
• Synchro: STAR 3, 4, 6, 8 & Gold

Competition isn't just about the result — it's an opportunity for skaters to challenge themselves, gain confidence, perform in front of an audience and celebrate how far they've come.

Equipment & Skate Care

Proper equipment helps skaters stay comfortable and get the most out of their time on the ice.

Figure Skates

Figure skates should be properly fitted and maintained. We recommend having figure skates sharpened by a specialized figure skate sharpener, as figure skate blades require specific knowledge and techniques.

As a general guideline, figure skates should be sharpened approximately every 15–30 hours of skating, although individual needs may vary.

Not sure where to go? Ask one of our coaches for recommendations.

Want to See the Skills?

It's one thing to read about a three-turn or a sit spin — it's another to actually see it!

Skate Canada's Development Video Library provides examples of skills from the different STARSkate disciplines, including:

Skills • FreeSkate • Dance • Artistic • Synchro

[Explore the Skate Canada Development Video Library →]

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether your skater dreams of competing, wants to learn new skills, or simply wants to become more confident on the ice, there's room to grow in STARSkate.

Find your next challenge. Set a goal. See how far you can go.

⛸️ Skate. Grow. Belong.