STAR
Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what StarSkate is all about!
Welcome to StarSkate, Skate Canada’s flagship program for developing well-rounded figure skaters. Whether your skater dreams of competing, performing, or simply growing in confidence and skill, StarSkate provides the tools to succeed — on and off the ice.
What is StarSkate?
StarSkate offers skaters of all ages the chance to learn and refine fundamental figure skating skills in four key areas:
- Skating Skills
- Ice Dance
- Free Skate
- Interpretive Skating
Instruction is delivered in group and/or private lessons, using a progressive, nationally standardized structure. Skaters can track their development through Skate Canada’s official testing system, with opportunities to earn awards and participate in competitions.
Why Choose StarSkate?
By enrolling in STARSkate, skaters become members of Skate Canada and gain access to:
- Nationally recognized testing system
- Complimentary Gold Test pins
- Progress report cards & feedback
- Fun incentives: badges, stickers, tattoos
- Skater of the Year & achievement awards
- Life skills: goal setting, discipline, time management
- Opportunities for performance, leadership & even talent scouting
StarSkate has shaped generations of Canadian skaters — and continues to build the champions and confident individuals of tomorrow.
Program Structure
StarSkate is divided into Primary, Intermediate, and Senior levels across four disciplines:
🔹 Skating Skills
Skaters master fundamental movements such as edges, power, control, and speed.
- Tests: Preliminary, Junior Bronze, Senior Bronze, Junior Silver, Senior Silver, Gold
🔹 Ice Dance
Focuses on musical timing, rhythm, flow, and unison. Includes compulsory and creative dances.
- Tests: Preliminary through Diamond (7 levels)
🔹 Free Skate
Includes jumps, spins, stroking, footwork, and choreography — solo or to music.
- Tests: Preliminary through Gold
- Each level has two parts: Elements and Program
🔹 Interpretive
Encourages artistic performance, musical interpretation, and originality.
- Tests: Introductory, Bronze, Silver, Gold
- Can be performed solo or in a pair (any gender combination)
⭐ Competitive Opportunities
Not all StarSkaters enter the CompetitiveSkate stream — but many still love to challenge themselves! Skate Canada offers several competition formats:
🔸 Club Competitions
Friendly events within your home club. Categories often include fun activities like "longest shoot-the-duck" or "best spin."
🔸 Interclub Competitions
Regional events hosted by multiple clubs. These often follow standardized STARSkate formats and may lead to Section Finals.
🔸 Invitational Competitions
Larger, more competitive events open to STARSkaters and CompetitiveSkaters from various clubs and regions.
🌟 Pathways & Progression
Once in StarSkate, skaters have several options:
- Remain in StarSkate and progress through tests and competitions
- Transition into CompetitiveSkate, Synchronized Skating, or Pairs
- Explore roles in coaching, judging, or participate as adult or varsity skaters
StarSkate = More Than Skating
Skaters gain more than just technique — they develop life-long skills:
- Confidence & self-discipline
- Time management & resilience
- Leadership & creative expression
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Teamwork & sportsmanship
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