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Learn to Skate
The Montclair State Ice Arena Learn to Skate program offers classes for tots to adults and we have classes for every ability level. Our Program follows the USFS (United States Figure Skating) Learn to Skate USA curriculum which provides a progression of levels and skills for all skaters to learn at their own pace. Learn to Skate USA classes are offered all year round at convenient times and affordable prices. All Learn to Skate classes include complimentary public skate passes (total of 6) during the semester of your lessons.
Learn to Skate Enrollment includes: 30 minute group lesson, 6 free passes to public skate, USFS Membership, & Skate Rental. NO MAKEUP SESSIONS WILL BE PERMITTED. (MSA, Aspire & Synchro do not get the 6 free passes to public skate – they get longer class times.) All registrations are non-refundable.
**If you would like to come prior to next session, we offer “WALK ON” rates of $30 per class for LTS; My Tot & Me Walk on is $40; Adult Techniques w/Igor is a walk on rate of $75 and MSA ASPIRE Academy Walk on is $55. Please note, walk ons do not include free public skate admission.
Learn to Skate – SPRING Session #2 2024
SPRING #2 SESSION: May 7 through June 23, 2024 (6 WEEKS)
NO CLASSES May 27-June 2 for Memorial Week!
(Spring #1 Session Runs through May 5, 2024. YOU MAY STILL DO WALK ON CLASSES FOR Spring #1 SESSION FOR THE PRICING LISTED ABOVE! )
PLEASE NOTE: Learn to Skate registrations are non-refundable.
DUE TO RECENT SOFTWARE UPGRADES, THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT BEGINNING WITH SPRING #2 SESSION. You will register by choosing your class level first, then the day and time.
As this is new software, you will likely need to “create a new account” on the login page.
LEARN TO SKATE Classes are BASIC 1 through BASIC 4 (this applies for all ages and adult classes)
SNOW PLOW SAM 1 through 4 are the basic 1 lessons for children aged 6 and under.
LEARN TO SKATE FOR HOCKEY: These classes (1-4) are geared towards skating for hockey. Skaters wear hockey skates and helmets as they prepare for hockey play. Pre-requisite for Hockey classes are Snow Plow Sam 1 & 2 OR Basic 1. Skaters MUST have skating experience. $165 per skater.
The pricing for Learn to Skate, Snow Plow Sam, & LTS for Hockey for this 6 week session is $165 per skater, & includes six 30 minute group lessions & 6 passes to public skate.
ASPIRE CLASSES are for Basic 5 through Basic 8 (this applies for all ages and adult classes)
ASPIRE ACADEMY is for students that have passed Basic 8. (All students)
The pricing for Aspire Classes & Academy is $225 per skater and includes six 60 minute group lessons.
MY TOT & ME pricing is $195 per duo, and includes six 30 minute group lessons for tots and parent, plus 6 passes to public skate.
My Tot & Me Class is a basic Learn to Skate Class but includes both the Tot & a Parent or Guardian. It’s a 2-for! Learn along side your little one and share some fun quality time! My Tot & Me is ONLY offered on Saturdays at 10:10am.
REGISTER HERE
To register, click this link, in the upper right hand corner choose “Log In”.
You may need to create a new account if the system does not recognized your email address. Once your account is created, you may choose “Register” in the upper left. Choose “activity” from the drop down menu. You may then filter your activity selection by “Learn 2 Skate”. You will register for class based on your skill level and class selection. Once you choose your skill level (example: Basic 1) You can choose your day and time from the offerings. Click the Blue Register Button to add it to your cart. You may enroll more than 1 person at a time.
If you do not know your level, register for Basic 1 (beginners) and we can move you upon evaluation. Beginners Register for Basic 1 (all ages or adult), or Snow Plow Sam 1 (if under 6 years old).
General Information
- Skate rental & free skate passes are included in your enrollment of Learn to Skate at Montclair State Arena! The passes are located on the tag you will be given on the first day of class. PLEASE WEAR THIS TAG FOR ALL CLASSES!
- We encourage you to practice your skills weekly to continue to advance through each level of Learn to Skate.
- All participants 11 and under MUST wear a helmet to class. A bike, ski, or hockey helmet will all suffice. If you need a helmet, let us know, we have a limited supply on hand for lessons.
- Please dress warmly, we may get four seasons outside, but here it is always winter! Gloves are recommended!
- Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive to class on time. Montclair State Campus is a very busy campus and traffic can be hectic. On the first day of class you need extra time to check in and pick up your tag, get skates and helmets on and get dressed!
- All classes except Tuesday mid day will be held on the Rocky Arena. All Basic levels and Aspire will enter the ice through the side door by the locker rooms. My Tot and Me classes and all Snow Plow Sam classes will enter the large double doors at the end of the arena.
- We can’t wait to see you on the ice!
Class Descriptions
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 6 and younger develop the ABC’s of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed. This is 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.
Snowplow Sam 1 | Age 6 and under
Skaters learn:
- Sit and stand up with skates on – off ice
- Sit and stand up – on ice
- March in place
- March forward (8-10 steps)
- March, then glide on two feet
- Dip in place
Snowplow Sam 2 | Age 6 and under
Skaters learn:
- March followed by a long glide
- Dip while moving
- Backward walking, toes turned inward, shifting weight (4-6 steps)
- Backward wiggles (6 in a row)
- Forward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Beginning snowplow stop motion – in place or holding onto barrier
- Two-foot hop, in place (optional)
Snowplow Sam 3 | Age 6 and under
Skaters learn:
- Forward skating (8-10 strides)
- Forward one-foot glide, two times skater’s height (R and L)
- Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Backward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Moving forward snowplow stop (two foot)
- Curves
Snowplow Sam 4 | Age 6 and under
Skaters learn:
- Forward skating
- Backward two foot glide, length of skater’s height
- Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Rocking horse – one forward, one backward swizzle, repeat twice
- Two-foot turns from forward to backward, in place (both directions)
- Two foot hop, in place
For skaters who are 6 and older or have passed the Snowplow Sam level classes.
Basic 1
Skaters learn:
- Sit on ice & Stand up
- March forward across the ice
- forward two-foot glide
- Dip
- Forward swizzles – 6-8 in a row
- Backward wiggles – 6-8 in a row
- Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot
- BONUS SKILL: two foot hop in place
Basic 2
Skaters Learn:
- Scooter pushes – R and L
- Forward one-foot glides – R and L
- Backward two-foot glide – Glide the length of skater’s height
- Rocking horse (one forward swizzle, one backwards swizzle) Repeat twice
- Backward swizzles – 6–8 in a row
- Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Moving snowplow stop
- BONUS SKILL: Curves
Basic 3
Skaters Learn:
- Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
- Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle – 6-8 consecutive clockwise and counter clockwise
- Moving forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Beginning backward one-foot glides – focus on balance
- Backward snowplow stop – R and L
- Forward slolam
- BONUS SKILL: Forward pivots – clockwise and counter clockwise
Basic Skills 4
Skaters Learn:
- Forward outside edge on a circle – R and L
- Forward inside edge on a circle – R and L
- Forward crossovers – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Backward one-foot glides – R and L
- Beginning two-foot spin – up to 2 revolutions
- BONUS SKILL: forward lunges – both legs
Basic Skills 5
Skaters Learn:
- Backward outside edge on a circle – R and L
- Backward inside edge on a circle – R and L
- Backward crossovers – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Forward outside three-turn – R and L
- Advanced two foot spin – 4-6 revolutions
- Hockey Stop – both directions
- BONUS SKILL: Side toe hop – R and L
Basic Skills 6
Skaters Learn:
- Forward inside three-turn – R and L
- Moving backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle – clockwise and counter clockwise
- Backward stroking
- Beginning one-foot spins – 2-4 revolutions, optional free leg position and entry
- T-Stops – R and L
- Bunny Hop
- Forward spiral on a straight line – R or L
- BONUS SKILL: Shoot the duck – R or L
For skaters who have completed all of the Basic Skill levels.
Free Skate 1
Skaters Learn:
- Advanced forward skating
- Basic forward outside and inside consecutive edges
- Advanced back outside three-turns both directions
- Scratch spin from back cross overs
- Waltz jump from back cross overs
- Half flip
Free Skate 2
Skaters Learn:
- Basic back outside and inside consecutive edges
- Forward outside and inside spirals – both directions
- Continuous forward progressive chasse sequence – both directions
- Waltz threes
- Beginning back spin
- Waltz jump, side toe hop, waltz jump sequence
- Toe Loop
Free Skate 3
Skaters Learn:
- Forward and backward crossovers in figure 8 pattern
- Waltz 8
- Advanced forward consecutive swing rolls
- Backward inside three-turn – both directions
- Backspin with free foot in crossed leg position
- Salchaw
- Half Lutz Jump
- Waltz jump – toe loop or Salchaw – toe loo combination
Free Skate 4
Skaters Learn:
- Spiral sequence
- Forward power three-turns
- Continuous backward progressive chasse sequence on a circle
- Sit spin
- Loop jump
- Waltz jump-loop jump combination
Free Skate 5
Skaters Learn:
- Backward outside three-turn, Mohawk into three backward crossovers
- Spiral sequence
- Forward outside slide chasse swing roll sequence
- Camel spin
- Forward upright spin to back scratch spin
- Loop/loop combination
- Flip jump
- Waltz jump – falling leaf-toe loop jump sequence
- Lutz jump
Free Skate 6
Skaters Learn:
- Alternating back crossovers to back outside edges
- Five step Mohawk sequence
- Camel – sit spin combination
- Split jump – stag jump
- Waltz jump – half loop – Salchaw
- Lutz Jump
- Axel (not needed to be landed to pass the test)
The Daytime Learn to Skate USA Program is designed for skaters of all ages and abilities who are not confined to traditional school hours! This includes pre-school and home schooled children, as well as adults. Practice ice following the class time is available. In addition, each class member will be entitled to public skate passes (1 per week) during the semester. Our emphasis on fun while learning skating basics insures a positive experience for all skaters. Skaters should wear warm, appropriate clothing, as well as gloves or mittens!
Pre-School Learn to Skate & Homeschool Learn to Skate
For children who are not confined to traditional school hours, the Pre-School and Homeschool Daytime Learn to Skate program is a great way to learn skating skills in a fun-filled group setting. Participants are grouped according to age and ability and will learn skills from the Snowplow Sam, Basic Skills, and Free Skate levels of our traditional Learn to Skate USA classes.
My Tot and Me
Have fun ice skating with your child! The My Tot and Me program is a fantastic way to get toddlers on the ice with the comfort of knowing Mom or Dad is not far away, and we make it easy with creative play and interactive learning games that teach little ones basic ice skating skills. This class will teach skills such as marching, falling down and getting up, and beginning stops, culminating in both parent and child skating without any type of aid.
Specialty Instruction is also available at Montclair State Arena. Please contact Deana Sroka, Skating Director for more info on specialty lessons!
Hockey
Before you can score a goal, you need to learn to skate. In the hockey program, skaters will learn how to be proficient and agile on the ice.
Ice Dance
Skaters will learn the main components of the magic of ice dancing, strengthen edges and turns while skating to music.
Pairs
Introduction to pairs skating classes are designed to encourage skaters to learn and enjoy skills unique to pair skating.
Synchronized Skating
The combination of speed, artistry and technical skills makes synchronized skating great for those interested in being a part of a team.
Theatre on Ice
Choreography, movements and the rapport between skaters working together as a team blend into unbelievable stories brought to life on the ice.
Adaptive Skating
Specially designed classes allow individuals with a range of physical or developmental disabilities to skate. Endorsed by the Special Olympics.
Joining U.S. Figure Skating
Whether you’re chasing an international career with Team USA or going for the gold at local nonqualifying events, members have access to the tools, resources and programming necessary to develop their on-ice career in a way that makes sense for them.
Only U.S. Figure Skating members are able to skate in sanctioned U.S. Figure Skating events, like the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Other membership benefits include:
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- Certificates of accomplishment for passing proficiency tests and placing at U.S. Figure Skating qualifying events (athletes)
- Subscription to SKATING magazine
- Individually numbered membership card
- Coverage under U.S. Figure Skating’s sports accident insurance policy
- Special offers and discounts from U.S. Figure Skating corporate partners
- Membership is included in your Learn to Skate Enrollment at Montclair State Arena!
Under the Direction of
Deana Sroka has been coaching figure skating for over 30 years. Sroka specializes in singles, moves in the field and hockey. Sroka spent 15 years training and competing under Carlo Fassi and is a two time adult National Championship competitor. Deana is the 2017 Eastern Masters Intermediate Novice Champion and the 2019 Silver Dance National Champion. Sroka, or Ms. Deana as our skaters call her looks forward to sharing her love of ice skating with all of our Learn To Skate Students.
Contact Deana
