LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAMS
There's no doubt about it, zooming around on the ice is a fantastic way to embrace winter and get some exercise at the same time. It is a lifelong activity that provides many positive benefits, so why not learn how to skate?
The Skating Academy at Southwest Ice Arena offers multiple programs for people with a desire to master the skill of ice skating. We have developed a world-class program that provides all participants a positive atmosphere to achieve their goals, whether they are to simply learn to ice skate for fun, or to become a hockey player/figure skater.
Our instructional staff are trained professionals with a passion for ice sports. Their infectious attitude will give beginners a needed comfort level to succeed, while keeping each class fun and rewarding.
The Skating Academy at Southwest Ice Arena offers multiple programs for people with a desire to master the skill of ice skating. We have developed a world-class program that provides all participants a positive atmosphere to achieve their goals, whether they are to simply learn to ice skate for fun, or to become a hockey player/figure skater.
Our instructional staff are trained professionals with a passion for ice sports. Their infectious attitude will give beginners a needed comfort level to succeed, while keeping each class fun and rewarding.
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Objectives:
PLEASE WEAR THIN SOCKS, LONG PANTS, LIGHT JACKET AND GLOVES.
For more information on any of our skating programs, please don't hesitate to contact the program director directly.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Paula Bowsman 708-371-1344 x 1 paula@southwesticearena.com |
Session B RegistrationSession B Ice Skating Classes
Scroll down or select a class:
Session A Ice Skating Classes continue until March 1st Registration is CLOSED |
Learn to Skate USA Membership:
Our academy is built around the Learn To Skate USA model. And all skaters enrolling in our Basic 2 or higher programs are required to register with Learn to Skate USA. It is an annual July through June membership that assures you:
Our academy is built around the Learn To Skate USA model. And all skaters enrolling in our Basic 2 or higher programs are required to register with Learn to Skate USA. It is an annual July through June membership that assures you:
- Are a member of the best skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US speedskating.
- Gain great information to make sure your first glides on ice are successful ones.
- Access full listings of where to sign up for skating classes.
- Receive a Welcome Packet in the mail, which includes a subscription to Learn To Skate USA The Magazine valued at $3 (allow 2-4 weeks for delivery)
- Receive secondary sport accident insurance
- Participate in lessons, performances, competitions, and all activities associated with Learn to Skate USA.
SNOWPLOW SAM 1-4 (Tots) [AGES 3 TO 5]
The Snowplow Sam levels are introductory classes divided into four progressive levels allowing children with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating. These classes are designed to help children ages 3-5 yrs. develop the ABC’s of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed.
The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.
The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.
- Off-ice orientation prior to the first skating class:
- Equipment Check – Proper fit and lacing of skates, appropriate attire, and safety helmets.
- Practice falling and recovery, marching in place, dips and one-foot balances.
- 30-Minute Classes
- Rental Skates Available
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Snowplow/Tots 1
Saturdays
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Snowplow/Tots 2
Saturdays
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Snowplow/Tots 3
Saturdays
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Snowplow/Tots 4
Saturdays
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BASIC SKILLS 1-2 [AGES 6 TO 12]
The Basic 1-2 skills teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. These two levels of the program allow new skaters ages 6-12 yrs. with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate. FUNdamental moves will be introduced: forward skating, backward skating, stops, gliding and hopping. Upon completion of the Basic 1-2 levels, skaters are able to move forward to Basic 3-6 and or Pre-Hockey Classes.
- 1-Hour Classes
- Rental Skates Available
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Basic 1
Saturdays
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Basic 2
Saturdays
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BASIC 3-6 SKILLS [AGES - Teacher's Discretion]
These four levels of the program introduce the fundamental moves: forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, three turns and mohawks. Upon completion of the Basic 3-6 levels, skaters will have the basic knowledge of the sport, enabling them to advance to the more specialized areas of skating. From here skaters are able to move forward to Pre-FreeSkate and or Pre-Hockey Classes.
- Prerequisite Completion of Snowplow Sam 1-4 or Basic 1-2
- 1-Hour Classes
- Rental Skates Available
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Basic 3
Saturdays
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Basic 4
Saturdays
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Basic 5
Mondays
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Basic 6
Mondays
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TEEN & ADULT CLASS [AGES 13+]
The Adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and intermediate adult skaters from ages 13 yrs and up who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
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Teen/Adult
Tuesdays
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Do you know about...
Chicago Radiance
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PRE-FREESKATE and FREESKATE 1-6
Skaters are always excited to graduate from Basics to the Freeskate levels. Each Freeskate level is comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps – all of which build on the previous skill, providing skater’s a strong foundation of all elements. Instructors break down each skill and teach the skaters the foundation of proper jump and spin technique, as well as strong skating and edge skills in an educational group setting.
- Age Eligibility (Teacher's Discretion)
- Prerequisite Completion of Basic 3-6
- 1-Hour Classes
- All participants are required to have a Learn to Skate USA annual membership which can be obtained here.
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Freeskate 1
Saturdays
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Freeskate 2
Saturdays
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Freeskate 3
Saturdays
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Freeskate 4
Saturdays
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Freeskate 5
Saturdays
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Freeskate 6
Saturdays
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____________ SPECIALTY CLASSES ____________
SPIN CLASS
Spin class offers skaters the opportunity to focus on spin technique in a group setting. Spins covers all phases including, preparation, centering, and exit of all spins. Class will additionally have great emphasis on all Basic Spin positions – upright, sit and camel to increase the quality of all spins.
- Prerequisite Pre-Freeskate and Up
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High Spin
Tuesdays
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POWER, EDGE & AXEL CLASSES
Power Classes – High Power (High FS 6 & up) , Low Power (Pre-Freeskate & Up)
Power class is designed to add power, strength and speed to your skating along with improving cardiovascular endurance.
Edge Classes – High Edge (High FS 6 & up), Med/Low Edge (Pre-Freeskate & Up)
Edge class will help the skater develop turns on the proper edge pattern and how to obtain additional power through development and use of their edges, i.e. three turns, counters, brackets, twizzles, and loops.
Axel Class
Axel class focuses on refining proper form, transitions, and technique required to master one of the most important jumps in competitive Figure Skating. A jump harness will be utilized in this class to support skater movement and safety.
Power class is designed to add power, strength and speed to your skating along with improving cardiovascular endurance.
Edge Classes – High Edge (High FS 6 & up), Med/Low Edge (Pre-Freeskate & Up)
Edge class will help the skater develop turns on the proper edge pattern and how to obtain additional power through development and use of their edges, i.e. three turns, counters, brackets, twizzles, and loops.
Axel Class
Axel class focuses on refining proper form, transitions, and technique required to master one of the most important jumps in competitive Figure Skating. A jump harness will be utilized in this class to support skater movement and safety.
Session B
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Off-ice training is sport specific, function-based, and designed to help achieve the correct height to perform on-ice jumps. Through plyometric strength training skaters will improve on their jumps and build agility, power, core strength and balance.
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Jump/Conditioning
Wednesdays
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