Group Classes - Questions & Answers

In the event of inclement weather, how do I know if a class is canceled?

For the latest information on Winter Club activities, daily schedule, and for closings, call the Hotline: 

203-966-4280

How do I link my skater’s schedule to my own calendar (iCal, Outlook and Google Calendar)?

Detailed instructions on how to set-up your family calendar are linked here.

What type of curriculum does the Winter Club use in their classes?

We use the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, endorsed by USA Hockey, US Figure Skating and US Speed Skating as the leading fundamental program for skating development.

Badge levels are the classifying system that we use to teach skating skills in a chronological order.  Every level contains a set of 6-10 skills designed to build off the previous set.

How is a skater evaluated?

All skaters enrolled in their respective Group Class will be evaluated by the Head Pro during the opening weeks of the season. The evaluation includes a review of skills leading up to the badge level of each individual class. There is a possibility that skaters will be transferred to a different class based on Pro evaluations.

How can a skater test out of their level?

Whenever the Head Pro for a class feels a skater is ready to be tested, that Pro will sign up and/or contact Christi Jones to schedule the test. There are two evaluators for these tests: Christi Jones and Laura Vescovi. Most tests average between 5-10 minutes for completion. The evaluator will call out one skill at a time for the skater to perform. Upon completion of the test, the evaluator will offer feedback to the skater. In the event that the evaluator feels the skater needs more work on a particular skill or two, a retest can be scheduled. Those skaters that pass their set of skills are awarded with a badge (a colored patch reflective of the level).

How can I schedule private lessons?

Group lessons are a great way to learn basic skating…but you can hire a coach for supplemental or regular private lessons at any time. See our Contact Information tab on the NCWC website for a list of pro emails and phone numbers. Lessons can be scheduled directly with the pro. Additional private lesson fees are handled directly with the professional.  

Is there a Year-End Show?

Each year, there’s an end of season show in which skaters from our group classes can participate. The Group show is an opportunity to demonstrate what was learned during the year in each respective class. The routines and costumes are choreographed and coordinated by the Class Pros. 

Skaters wishing to perform solo, as a duet, or in a small group also have an opportunity to showcase a program during our Solo and Pairs Show. This show is often in conjunction with our Group Show, however some years there is enough demand to hold a separate show. Skaters select music and choreograph routines of their own choosing (with the help of Club Pros, if so desired). A sign up for this Show typically goes up after the competition and skaters will be limited to one number outside of their group class routine.

Are there Awards or a Year-End Banquet?

The Year-End Banquet is a celebration of all the skaters’ achievements throughout the season. All participants are awarded a medal and Head Pros will recognize any stand-out accomplishments. We also hand out several fun awards that the pros vote on in advance. The club’s highest honors are awarded to skaters that have earned points by passing tests throughout the year. Award recognition coincides with our Year End Celebration.

What’s up with the annual Competition with Greenwich Skating Club?

Each year the New Canaan Winter Club and Greenwich Skating Club take turns hosting this friendly figure skating event. The registration form is usually posted on our website in early December. Skaters have the opportunity to perform a short program to music, and some skaters may even showcase a skill as part of a Maneuver Team. Our pros are happy to schedule time to choreograph programs, although skaters in our Intermediate, Preliminary, and Junior classes will learn a routine in class. Skaters will be able to practice their programs during some class time leading up to the competition. Prior to the event, more information regarding our dress exchange and attire for the event, as well as the competition schedule will be sent out. 

How can I volunteer to help?

There are several ways to get involved with our program.  Each season we are always looking for volunteers to help serve as Class Managers, Photographers, and Year-End Show organizers. On the years that we host the competition, we will send out a Sign Up Genius to help fill shifts that help to make the day run seamlessly. Please reach out to our Co-Chairs directly for further information.

How does a skater earn points?

At the Senior and Masters class levels, skaters begin to bridge skills from Learn to Skate USA to the United States Figure Skating test track. Each US Figure Skating test has a point value. As a skater advances (passes) these tests, the points earned are totaled and our big Merit awards are given to the skater with the most points. Points can be earned in the following disciplines: Free Skate, Moves in the Field, Ice Dance.

What is Power Skating?

Power Skating classes at the Winter Club spans from Mites to Peewees. Weekly classes includes a series of drills relating to skating: maximizing power and control, turning/pivoting, stopping/starting, balance and body awareness. Skaters also become educated about parts of the blade as it relates to acceleration or performing specific turns.

What is Synchronized Skating?

Synchronized skating is a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform a program together. Skaters learn to skate in patterns and move across the ice matching their steps.

What is Moves in the Field (MIF)?

Moves in the field is a name given to elements of figure skating that emphasize basic skating skills and edge control. USFS has developed a series of patterns at each level. In order to pass a MIF level, skaters must learn, master and test a variety of skating/edge patterns.

What is Ice Dancing?

Ice dancing is a discipline of figure skating that draws from ballroom dancing. In compulsory dance, skaters perform the same standard steps and holds to music of a specified tempo. Traditionally performed with a partner.

What do LTS USA, USFSA and PSA stand for?

LTS USA: Learn to Skate USA (Colorado Springs, CO)

USFS: United States Figure Skating (Colorado Springs, CO)

PSA: Professional Skaters Association (Rochester, MN)