Aspire at Montclair State University Ice Arena is designed for skaters who are ready to explore what comes next after building their foundation in Learn to Skate. Open to youth and adults, Aspire provides a more focused introduction to figure skating and the skills and opportunities within the sport.
Sometimes, you can tell when a skater is ready for that next step.
They start talking about the skills they want to learn. They practice what they’ve learned whenever they get the chance. Jumps and spins start catching their attention, and each new skill makes them curious about what else they can do on the ice.
For skaters who have discovered that growing interest in figure skating, Aspire provides a more focused environment to develop their skills, take on new challenges, and explore where their skating journey could lead.
From Learning to Skate to Exploring Figure Skating
Learn to Skate gives skaters the fundamentals they need to feel comfortable and capable on the ice. As they progress, some discover they want to take those skills further.
That’s where Aspire comes in. Officially beginning at Basic 5, Aspire is designed for youth and adult skaters who have completed Basic 4 and are ready for more focused figure skating development. Whether they’re progressing through Learn to Skate as a child or discovering figure skating as an adult, Aspire provides an opportunity to take those foundational skills further.
“Aspire is where skaters begin to discover what they’re truly capable of,” says Skating Director Deana Sroka.
Aspire introduces skaters to figure skating-specific elements including jumps, spins, footwork and stroking while continuing to strengthen the fundamentals they’ve already developed.
It’s a chance to start discovering a much bigger world of figure skating.
What Makes Aspire Different?
Aspire isn’t simply the next Learn to Skate level.
Montclair’s weekly Aspire Class is structured as a one-hour semi-private class, allowing skaters to receive more focused instruction as they begin working on increasingly challenging figure skating skills.
Skaters are introduced to elements including the salchow, toe loop, half loop, half flip, half lutz, scratch spin, sit spin and introductory footwork maneuvers, spins and stroking.
But Aspire is also about learning how to grow within the sport.
Skaters begin to learn more about practicing independently and are introduced to the broader figure skating community and the different opportunities available as they progress.
Does Aspire Mean My Child Has to Compete?
Not at all. This is an important distinction for families who may hear “figure skating” and assume competition has to be the goal.
Some Aspire skaters may eventually become interested in private lessons, testing, synchronized skating, exhibitions or competitive opportunities. Others may simply want to keep developing their skills and enjoying figure skating.
Aspire gives them room to explore before they have to decide where they want skating to take them.
“Aspire isn’t just for skaters who want to compete,” Sroka says. “It’s for skaters who have discovered a passion for skating and are looking for more opportunities to grow.”
How Do I Know if My Skater Is Ready?
According to Sroka, one of the biggest signs is simple: they want more from their skating experience.
Maybe they’re eager to master new skills. Maybe they’re practicing on their own. Maybe they’ve started paying attention to jumps and spins or asking questions about other opportunities in figure skating.
Other signs can include being excited to come to class, enjoying new challenges, skating independently and progressing steadily through their Learn to Skate skills.
They don’t need to have a long-term skating goal. They just need to be interested in discovering what’s next.
Finding Their Own Path on the Ice
One of the benefits of Aspire is that there isn’t one required destination.
As skaters develop, they begin to discover what they enjoy most about figure skating and what they may want to pursue next.
That could eventually include freestyle skating, private instruction, synchronized skating, testing, exhibitions or competitive programs. Or it could simply mean continuing to develop as a figure skater and enjoying the challenge of learning something new.
Aspire provides the foundation and exposure to help skaters begin making those discoveries for themselves.
“For many skaters, Aspire is the program that helps them realize that figure skating can be more than just a weekly lesson,” Sroka says. “It can become a passion.”
Ready to Discover Aspire?
The Fall Aspire session runs September 15 through November 21 at Montclair State University Ice Arena.
Aspire is offered Tuesdays from 5:10–6:10 PM and Saturdays from 12:40–1:40 PM, with a multi-class option available for skaters who want to attend twice each week.
Missed the start of registration? No problem. Sessions can be prorated, and walk-on opportunities are also available.
Start the Season with Aspire Academy Camp
Skaters looking for an immersive experience before fall programming begins can also join Aspire Academy Camp, August 31–September 2.
The camp is open to skaters Basic 4 and higher and includes on-ice training, practice sessions and off-ice classes designed to help skaters develop their skills and prepare for the season ahead.