SOUTHWEST ICE ARENA SOUTHWEST FIGURE SKATING CLUB 2010 Challenges & Opportunities for Skaters of All Ages Join the Club!  SIA offers ice skating instruction for skaters of all ages and ability levels.  Download our 2010-11 informational brochure and application form here. Session dates and other information are available here. Private Lessons Contact Director Paula Bowsman in order to schedule lessons with one of our professional instructors.  Private lesson fees vary depending on the qualifications and experience of the instructor. Spring Ice Show At the conclusion of each winter season, our annual ice show takes place.  All students are invited to participate in this grand event. Curriculum Southwest Ice Arena has adopted United States Figure Skating's (USFS) Basic Skills Program curriculum.  The following descriptions are provided by USFS. ►SNOWPLOW SAM 1-3 The Snowplow Sam levels are designed to help the preschool age skater develop preliminary coordination and strength necessary to maneuver on the ice. Snowplow Sam is a big, fuzzy bear who loves to skate.  Time with Snowplow Sam will allow preschool children to become comfortable on the ice. ►SYNCHRONIZED SKATING 1-4 Synchronized Skating is the fastest growing aspect of skating.  The Basic Skills synchronized badge program is a fun introduction to the five basic elements: Circle, Line, Block, Intersection and Wheel.  The purpose of these tests is to introduce skaters to synchronized skating and to familiarize them with elementary holds, formations and transitions.  A group can consist of six or more skaters to get started. ►BASIC SKILLS 1-8 The Basic Skills are the fundamentals of the sport.  These eight levels of the program introduce the fundamental moves: forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, three turns and mohawks.  Upon completion of the Basic 1-8 levels, skaters will have the basic knowledge of the sport, enabling them to advance to the more specialized areas of skating. ►ARTISTRY IN MOTION 1-4 The Artistry in Motion or “AIM” program is designed to educate skaters on the basic principles and philosophy of choreography and style. The badge program will give them a foundation in basic body alignment, movement and line.  Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater.  Artistry in Motion stimulates the creative mind of every skater. ►FREE SKATE 1-6 Skaters are always excited to graduate from Basics to the Free Skate levels.  Each free skate level is divided into four sections: • Moves in the Field • Spins • Dance/Footwork • Jumps The Free Skate levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build their skills.  This is the point where the skater can chose whether to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to the sport of figure skating. ►PRE-HOCKEY (Ages 4-12) This class is designed especially for children interested in learning the basic skating skills to prepare them for ice hockey and team play. Prerequisites: Child must be able to balance themselves on skates and move across the rink on their own. Helmets with face masks are required. Snowplow Sam and Basic Skills 1&2 and 3 are also strongly recommended. Class Progression Beginner Intermediate Advanced Snowplow Sam 1-3 Basic 1&2, 3, 4 Teen/Adult Basic 5-7 Basic 8 Freestyle 1-6 Testing Students who are ready will be tested during class time at the conclusion of each session.  Upon passing, they will receive a badge and a advancement form for the next level. Make-up Classes Classes can not be made up for any reason. Class fees will be pro-rated for students who register after a session has started. Skating Director Paula (Hase) Bowsman has been teaching figure skating for 25 years, of which 22 years have been at Southwest Ice Arena. At age 7 she enrolled at SIA's Learn to Skate program, and has been skating ever since!  She went on to enjoy a successful competitive skating career.  Some of her accomplishments include: Regional Upper Great Lakes 1979 Novice Ladies Competitor 1978 UGL Intermediate Ladies Bronze Medalist 1978 Intermediate Ladies Midwestern Silver Medalist. Paula is a USFS, PSA and ISI member, and currently resides in Frankfort, IL with her husband and two children. Staff Professionals Our qualified and experienced instructors are members of the United States Figure Skating (USFS), the Professionals Skaters Association (PSA), the Ice Skating Institute (ISI), or a combination thereof. Affiliated Associations Southwest Ice Arena Skating School is a representative of the following skating organizations: United States Figure Skating (USFS) The USFS is a national governing body for figure skating in the United States. This organization is responsible for making and enforcing rules of the sport, and holding regional, sectional and national competitions. USFS Basic Skills Program The official learn-to-skate program of United States Figure Skating. Professional Skaters Association (PSA) The PSA aims to continuously encourage and advance figure skating by providing technical and educational knowledge to coaches. The PSA provides its members with information on related fields such as sports psychology, sports medicine, off-ice training and equipment maintenance. PSA members attend seminars, and stay up-to date with rule changes, competition dates and national news. Ice Skating Institute (ISI) The ISI offers skating programs for recreational skaters.  Students testing must be a current member in order to receive a patch.  Membership applications and additional information pertaining to these organizations may be obtained from the S.I.A. Skating School office.