SKATING BASICS

	Below, You will find Descriptions of what we like to call Skating Basics. If you have more questions,Please contact a club member or stop by Thomas Creek Ice Arena and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
SKATING BASICS MIRROR IMAGES SYNC SKATING SHOWS COMPETITIONS OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS USFSA TESTING LINKS TCFSC CLASSIFIEDS SPONSORSHIP PHOTO'S	What is Freestyle Skating? What are Moves in the Field? What Do You Mean,Test Levels? What is Ice Dancing? Synchronized Team Skating Hair Sewing Instructions What are Competions All About? "Ice Dancing" Could be Right for You

What is Freestyle Skating?

Freestyle or free-skate consists of a variety of skills including jumps, spins, footwork and other connecting moves such as spirals. These elements are usually set to music and combined in what we call a program or routine. The music selected and the length of time depends on the type of event and level of skater.

Benefits: Freestyle helps develop athleticism, grace and performing skills.

Skills learned include Spins: one-foot spin (scratch spin), back spin (done on opposite foot), sit spin, camel spin (when leg is held in a spiral position), layback, and combinations of those spins; Jumps: waltz jump, salchow, toe loop, loop, flip, lutz, axel and jump combinations. (Spins and jumps are listed in the progressive degree of difficulty.)

Skaters can test their skills at FreeStyle. These tests are based the USFSA rulebook. Testing and passing the corresponding Moves test is a prerequisite before Freestyle. Test and competition levels (lowest to highest) are: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior. Skaters who have not tested usually compete at the Badge level.

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What are Moves in the Field?

Moves in the Field is a category of figure skating designed to emphasize power, edge quality, extension and line as well as quickness and preciseness of skating movement. Skills learned include stroking, crossovers, consecutive spirals, power skating, and alternating turns. Moves consist of a series of basic freestyle skating movements without jumps or spins.

Moves are based on the old school figures. They consist of set patterns of edges, steps and turns (found in the USFSA rulebook). Test and competition levels (lowest to highest) for Moves are: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, and Senior.

Moves in the Field lessons are taught in group format in the first 20 minutes of each Club session. Each member should sign up for one Moves session per week. There is a nominal fee, which is collected semi-annually by club treasurer Trish Wright.

Moves will also be incorporated into private lessons as well, as they are essential to the development and progress of basic skating skills.

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What do you mean, test levels?

Most club skaters are familiar with the Learn to Skate level and the informal testing through SnowPlow Sam classes and basic skills to FreeStyle; 1 through 6.

As skaters advance through their skills and progress in difficulty, they have an opportunity to take more formal individual tests set up at different skating clubs through USFSA. There are tests for Freestyle, Moves in the Field, and Dance. Test levels (lowest to highest) are: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, and Senior.

Once a skater tests formally and passes they will be required to compete with skaters at that same level. If they are in the Learn to Skate program and have not participated in individual testing, they will likely compete at what is called the Badge level or no test.

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What is Ice Dancing?

Ice dancing is a form of skating based upon ballroom dancing performed by a couple. At the beginning level, skaters learn compulsory dances (Dutch Waltz, Canasta, Rhythm Blues….) which consist of designated patterns of edges and turns done in specific rhythms to dance music. There are no jumps or spins in dancing. All of the dances can be found in the USFSA rulebook. Because of a shortage of young men to partner with, many skaters practice “solo dancing” and can compete in competitions without partners.

There are seven levels of dances at the national level. Typically each level has three dance tests, with the exception of the Gold dances which have four. From lowest to highest Preliminary, Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Pre-Silver, Silver, Pre-Gold, Gold.

Benefits: Ice dancing helps develop rhythm, expression, execution of footwork, quality of edges and partner unison. Skills learned include Mohawks, three-turns, Choctaws, chassés, progressives, and swing rolls.

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Synchronized Team Skating

In synchronized, a group of 12 to 24 athletes skate as one unit, performing routines consisting of complex formations, intricate transitions and original choreography. Individuals develop and build on all fundamental skating skills as they develop as a team.

The TCFSC has two teams; Mirror Images which will perform in the club shows, exhibitions and skate in competitions throughout the skating season. There are multiple levels for competition which are basically determined by age and skill level. Most common in our area are Youth Introductory, Teen Introductory and Junior Classic level. Mirror Images is currently competing at the Youth and Teen Intro level.

Also, the future is bright for sychro skaters who want to skate in college. Sychro is available at a growing number of universities like Bowling Green State University, Miami University in Ohio, Western Michigan University, Princeton, Notre Dame, Providence College and Oswego State University. For more information about Sychro visit the USFSA site www.usfsa.org/programs/sychro.htm or speak to a team member or coach.

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Hair Sewing Instructions; Classic Bun

You Will Need:

• 6 to 10lb. thin/fine fishing line
• Old fashioned hair net
• Extra long, round tipped needle
• Scissors or nail clipper
• Industrial strength/Mega hold hair styling gel
• Cloth covered hair tie

Getting Ready
Cut 2 to 3 feet of fishing line and tread needle
Generously gel hair, brush into pony tail

Position just Above Top of EARS
Twist pony tail and circle around the center of the tail
Tuck the end under the bun and hold with one hand
Wrap the net over the bun, twist the net and wrap around again

Now for the Sewing
Have skater hold the end of fishing line
Sew around the edge of the bun with whip or hem stitches
Sew with bigger stitches into middle of bun
Knot off to the end your skater is holding Repeat if the bun seems loose

The Finish
Sew scrunchy in the same way with generous stitches around it.
Knot off after sewing (if you have costume changes to make, use a separate line ) To take out, just clip fishing line and pull gently.

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What are Competitions all about?

Competitions are one way for skaters to demonstrate their skills and have fun in skating. There are several events for skaters to enter. Skate With U.S. or Basic Skills competitions are for skaters in the Learn to Skate program working on Basic 1-8. In these competitions, skaters go out on the ice with a group of others on their level. Emphasis is placed on participation and fun, not on results. All skaters generally receive a ribbon for participation. This is a great way to introduce skaters to competing.

In USFSA competitions, skaters can enter Compulsory Moves, Team Compulsory Moves, Freestyle, Showcase, Interpretive, Dance, or Synchronized Skating categories. Within each category, there are levels of ability. Speak with your instructor to ensure you are signing up for the correct level and categories before submitting an entry form.

In Compulsory Moves (CM), skaters perform a routine of pre-determined elements with connecting moves. It is very similar to Basic Skills competitions in that the judges will be looking at how well each element is performed. Competitors will not skate to music for this event.

For Team CM, groups of 3-5 skaters stand together at the perimeter of the ice with other teams. Each skater performs one or two of the required elements for their team.
Therefore, each skater is not responsible for each required move. Teams are usually independent of coaches, although they would be happy to offer advice on which elements are best for each skater.

Freestyle is typically what people think or when they talk about competitions. Each skater performs a program set to music displaying their artistry, music interpretation skills, and jumps and spins at their skating ability.Showcase is similar to freestyle in that it is a program to music. However, lyrics and props are also allowed. Skaters are judged by community members with an emphasis on entertainment quality.

Interpretive is an opportunity for skaters to create their own programs. Skaters hear music for the first time immediately before their event. They are given a chance to listen to the music during warm-up also. They are expected to perform an original program immediately following warm-up. Coaches are not allowed to assist skaters in any way during this event.

There are many competitions throughout the year. Each competition offers different events and levels of competition. Generally the entry fees are due one month before the event, so talk to your coaches and check the schedule for upcoming competitions that might be fun.

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The benefits of ice dance are many. It improves grace, balance and form. Your
presentation on the ice will be greatly improved in all aspects of your skating. The ability to listen to music and hear the exact beat is not a gift everyone possesses but it can be learned. In ice dance, you become very aware of your music, which in turn, enables you to listen to and really hear other music, like solos that you may skate to. Doing so will improve the overall look and feel of a freestyle solo noticeably. Each part of figure skating compliments another and ice dance fits right in.

Anyone can take "dance" and it is never too late to start. If you think you would like to give this a try, or have questions, talk to your coach or contact Cheryl Trelly at 585 624 2031.

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