The CanSkate - Learn to Skate Program
New skaters begin i this program. It is a badge system, which introduces basic skating skills, on which our CanSkate 1, CanSkate 2 & A Sessions are based upon. Our badge system has several stages. Each stage has a set of elements which the skaters will complete.
The A Session continues with the higher level CanSkate badges and introduces the skaters to the test stream at the Preliminary Test Level. There is a system of 17 badges for the A Session. Each badge is based on the elements required at the Preliminary Freeskate, Dance & Skills Level. See page 9 for the specific names at each of the Premliminary Levels. Eventually Preliminary Level Tests (along with the higher levels) will be performed for an evaluator on Test Days.
Upon completion of the CanSkate Program, there are two different streams the skater will progress through (skater may choose one or a combination of both streams): StarSkate (Test Stream) and Competitive Stream
Sharon Reardon is the CanSkate/A Session Coordinator of East York Skating Club. She is responsible for organizing the CanSkate1, CanSkate2 and A Sessions. Her team includes:
| Sharon Reardon | CanSkate/A Session Coordinator |
| Caitlin Bruce | CanSkate/A Session Assistant |
| Diane Fukushima | Club Administrator/PA Coordinator and Supervisor |
| Professional Coaching Staff | |
These sessions are based on the CanSkate Program of Skate Canada. It is a series of badges. A badge sheet is available in the Club Office and is posted beside the CanSkate Bulletin Board across from Dressing Room 4. Skating techniques are taught from the basic level to the more advanced level. The CanSkate program is your first step toward more specific figure skating techniques (which become more of a focus on the A & B Sessions).
A Session: will introduce the skaters to the StarSkate (Test Stream) Program of Skate Canada. In order to help with the transition to the higher level sessions where there is much less group instruction. Skaters will receive more independent practice time (10 minutes) and be introduced to a Dance Session, which will be the last 5 minutes of the session. During dance session the Preliminary Dances will be played. The group lessons given will involve more figure skating specific elements (jumps, spins, skating skills, and dance).
Group Lessons: All skaters will be put into groups according to their age &/or badge level. These groups are colour coded for easy identification. There will be a sign on the bulletin board by the dressing rooms indicating which group each skater is in. CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARD BEFORE GOING ON THE ICE. Once assigned to a group the skater will have a coloured string tied to their skate which will match their group. Skaters will spend most of their time in these groups.
To learn more about CanSkate, download our detail CanSkate & A Session Skaters PDF. Info includes:
- Professional Coaches & Program Assistants
- Session Structure
- Equipment & Skating Attire
- Assessment & Achievement of Badges
- Private Lessons
- Moving Up Sessions
- B Sessions Structure
- Session Protocol