Preschool Programs
The 45-minute class is divided into two parts. The first 15 minutes are off-ice, working on balance and skill techniques. Once on the ice, the skaters go into small groups where skills appropriate to their level are taught. Skills are taught through circuits and games. If this is a skater's first time on skates, please expect the skater will spend most of the first few weeks sitting or falling on the ice! Once the skater can fall and get up on without assistance, the skater will start to learn how to push and glide, the basic skating action. Helmets are mandatory. Guards are a good idea to keep skates sharp.
CanSkate/Teenskate
The CanSkate Program has 7 stages in which skaters will learn forwards, backwards, stopping, turning, spinning, and jumping. Each badge builds on the skills from the previous stage and the skater works on two stages at once. Once the skater has completed a stage, a badge and certificate are awarded the following week. Remember helmets are mandatory up to the completion of Stage 3. After that helmet use is at the parent's discretion. Skaters are grouped by colours to help professional coaches locate them for testing. Skaters are assessed every 3-4 weeks. If skaters are interested in private lessons, please contact our Program Manager, Tasha Gallant so she can arrange for a coach. Tasha can be reached at 902.835.2012 or via email at
tasha.gallant@gmail.com.
Pre-Power and CanPowerSkate
The session is designed to improve skating skills used in the game of hockey or ringette. The Pre-Power program is designed to teach the basics of skating and stick control. Skaters work on 3 levels: A, B, and C. In the CanPowerSkate program skaters will be assessed on levels 1-6 based on their skill development. Each level has a prescribed circuit of skills that must be done in a specified time allotment. Skaters are assessed on their skills and can earn Bronze, Silver or Gold at each level. If you have questions about these programs, please contact Tasha Gallant at 902.835.2012 or via email at
tasha.gallant@gmail.com.
Pre-Juniors
The Pre-Junior program incorporates stages 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Canskate and the Ice Star levels. It is group lessons with the emphasis on figure skating skills. Skaters at this level are encouraged to skate 2 days a week. Many Pre-Juniors assist their group time with a private lesson. If you are interested in skating a second day or you would like a private lesson, please contact Tasha Gallant so she can arrange it. Skaters choosing to skate a second day receive a discount. Tasha can be reached at 902.835.2012 or via email at
tasha.gallant@gmail.com.
Figure Skating
During these sessions, skaters work on Skate Canada tests. Skaters have a private coach and take lessons for a portion of their session time, and work independently during the rest of the session. Figure Skaters progress through three levels of programming from beginner to advanced.
- Junior Figure Skating Program
- Intermediate Skating Program
- Senior Skating Program
Junior Figure Skating Program
Junior Sessions are for those skaters working on Stage 4 and up of the Canskate Badges. These skaters are interested in working independently with the help of their private coach. During these sessions, skaters work on Skate Canada tests. Skaters have a private coach for lessons for a portion of their session time, and work independently during the rest of the session. The Junior Skaters are on the same ice surface as the Intermediate Skaters. Semi-private lessons (group) are also an option for lesson time with your coach.
Test Streams (pdf)
Intermediate Figure Skating Program
Intermediate skaters are working on StarSkate Primary Level Tests (Preliminary or Junior Bronze Free Skate). Preliminary level testing includes elements such as: single jumps, 1 foot spin, camel spin, sit spin and dance. Junior Bronze level testing includes elements such as: single axel, flying camel and beginner double jumps, single combination jumps and combination spins, footwork and dance. Lessons for these skaters depend on the needs of the skater and can either be private or group. All lessons are with a certified Skate Canada Coach. Skaters choosing a group lesson package will be assigned a Dartmouth Skating Club Coach. When not in a lesson, skaters are working on their own. Once skaters pass their Junior Bronze Free Skate, they will move on to the Senior level.
Test Streams (pdf)
Senior Figure Skating Program
Senior skaters will have passed the Junior Bronze Free Skate Test. They will be working on the StarSkate Intermediate/Senior Level Tests or Competitive Tests (Juvenile, Pre-novice, Novice, Junior or Senior). Skating elements include: double and triple jumps, double combination jumps, combination spins, complex footwork and dance. Lessons for these skaters are typically private (with professionally certified Skate Canada Coaches) but are sometimes conducted in small groups depending on the Coach. When not in a lesson, these skaters are working on their own.
Test Streams (pdf)
Synchronized Skating
Synchronized skating teaches skaters of all ages the basics of synchronized skating while focusing on unison, accuracy and precision.
- Developing Synchro
- Qualifying Synchro
- Adult Synchro
Developing Synchro
Developing Synchro provides a fun team-oriented learning environment where skaters learn a synchronized skating routine. This program introduces off-ice training, group work and promotes team spirit. Skaters should be at the Stage 5 Canskate level.
Qualifying Synchro
Qualifying Synchro involves more advanced maneuvers and formations with greater speed. We continue to develop unison, accuracy and precision. Qualifying Synchro is open to skaters 14 years of age or younger (by July 31st) with advanced basic skating skills and footwork (must have passed preliminary skating skills, dance and freeskate or have the approval of the synchro coach). The Qualifying Synchro team will be competing this year both locally and nationally.
AdultSynchro
Adult Synchro provides skaters with the opportunity to continue with a sport they love and have fun in a team environment. We will work towards advanced maneuvers and formations with speed while developing unison, accuracy and precision. Adult Synchro is open to skaters over 18 years of age. Skaters should be able able to skate forward, backwards and stop. The Adult Synchro team will be competing this year.
Adult Skating
The Dartmouth Skating Club welcomes adults who want to continue participating in a sport they enjoy, meet new people and get some exercise. Adult skaters can participate in adult only sessions or choose to share ice with our Intermediate or Senior skaters (if operating at either of these levels of skating).
Where We Skate
While the Gray Arena is home to the Dartmouth Skating Club, we deliver our programs at a number of arenas in Dartmouth. Skaters have the opportunity to share ice with other regional cubs. Follow the links to find the location of the many arenas skaters use.
