CanSkate
Open
Sessions offered a week
45 min
Session length
1:6
Coach ratio
Must be 4 by December 31, 2026
Fun, foundational skating skills for beginners and returning skaters of all ages in a safe, supportive group setting.
- Beginner and returning skaters
- All CanSkate Stages 1 through 6
- Sessions taught by Skate Canada certified coaches and caregivers are not permitted on the ice
- Skaters who have passed Stage 3 and interested in figure skating may sign up for Pre STARskate.
- Just turned 3? Start with KinderSkate, our introduction to the ice for our youngest skaters.
About This Program
CanSkate is Skate Canada's official national learn-to-skate program, designed for skaters aged 4 to 17 (skaters must be 4 by December 31, 2026) at any skill level. Whether your child is stepping on the ice for the first time or returning after a break, our Skate Canada certified coaches guide them through six progressive stages.
Every 45-minute session is focused on building balance, control, agility and confidence in a fun, supportive group environment. Skaters advance at their own pace within the group, with clear milestones at each stage.
CanSkate spans Stages 1 to 6. Skaters new to LSC are assessed and grouped in the first 2 weeks. Skaters will first be grouped by their age and then their skill level. If you do not know your skater's level, we will assess them in the first 2 weeks and group them accordingly.
Session Format
- 15-minute coach-led large-group warm-up.
- 25-minute small-group instruction based on skill level.
- 5-minute cool-down and fun activities.
Skill Development
Balance skills help skaters become comfortable and confident on the ice. Children learn how to stand, glide, move on one or two feet, and develop the stability needed for all future skating skills.
Control skills teach skaters how to safely start, stop, and change direction while skating. As they progress, they learn to skate both forwards and backwards with greater confidence, precision, and control.
Agility skills develop coordination, quickness, and body awareness on the ice. Skaters learn turns, jumps, spins, and other movements that help them become more agile, confident, and prepared for more advanced skating.
1-6
1
- Fall down & get up
- Forward skating
- Forward two-foot glide
- Forward two-foot sit glide
- Snow slide steps
- Backward skating
- Backward two-foot glide
- Stationary 180° turn
- Stationary two-foot jump
- Forward skating perimeter of ice surface
2
- Forward sculling
- Forward two-foot to one-foot glide
- Forward push/glide sequence
- Forward one-foot glide with speed
- Forward stop
- Backward two-foot sit glide
- Backward two-foot to one-foot glide
- Backward push/glide sequence
- Forward two-foot turn
- Backward two-foot turn
- Forward two-foot jump
- Forward 180° glide turn
3
- Forward stationary blade push
- Forward two-foot slalom
- Forward circle thrusts
- Walking crosscuts
- Forward two-foot to one-foot curve glide
- Forward stop with speed
- Backward sculling
- Backward two-foot to one-foot glide
- Backward push/glide sequence
- Backward one-foot glide
- Forward two-foot quick turn
- Backward two-foot quick turn
- Forward 360° step turn
- Backward two-foot jump
- Fast forward perimeter skating
4
- Forward crosscuts
- Forward inside giant slalom
- Forward outside giant slalom
- Forward lunge
- Forward spiral
- Drop-down drill
- Forward V start
- Backward stop
- Backward circle thrusts or pumps
- Backward two-foot slalom
- Backward one-foot glide with speed
- Sustained forward one-foot glide
- Speed drill #1
- Forward one-foot turn
- Backward 360° step turn
- Forward to backward two-foot jump
- Backward to forward two-foot jump
- Two-foot spin
- Two-foot sit spin
5
- Forward crosscuts – figure 8
- Forward inside edges
- Forward push/glide sequence
- Inside spread eagle
- Forward one-foot slalom
- Running lateral crossovers
- Forward perimeter skating with jumps
- Forward two-foot side stop
- Backward stop with speed
- Backward crosscuts
- Backward inside giant slalom
- Backward push/glide sequence
- Backward spiral
- Speed drill #2
- Forward one-foot turn
- Forward 360° glide turn
- Forward to backward one-foot jump
- Forward power jump
- One-foot spin
- Alternating foot spin
- Forward tight glide turns
6
- Forward power crosscuts
- Forward outside edges
- Forward one-foot slalom
- Forward one-foot sit glide
- Forward spiral (curve or straight line)
- Forward crossover acceleration
- Forward perimeter skating with crosscuts
- Forward perimeter skating with side stops
- Forward one-foot side stop
- Forward two-foot side stop with speed
- Backward outside giant slalom
- Backward crosscuts – figure 8
- Backward perimeter skating with crosscuts
- Backward one-foot slalom
- Backward one-foot spin
- Speed drill #3
- Forward C step
- Backward C step
- Two-foot multi turns
- Rotating power jump
- Backward toe-assisted jump
- Backward 360° two-foot jump
- Forward one-foot spin with spiraling entry
- Forward two-foot reverse pivot turn
Disciplines
Our figure skating program features the following pathways to develop your full potential:
Skills
Freeskate
Dance
Synchronized
Artistic
Skills: A discipline for assessments that allows skaters to explore turns, steps, field moves and more. Skills is the foundation to all other disciplines.
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Assessment list
Skills Assessments
Skills assessments consist of Edges, Turns, exercises, and field moves.
STAR 1
Forward outside and Forward inside Edges
Forward Three-turns
Forward inside C Step sequence
Skills exercise - basic
Forward Spiral circles
Choice of field move:
Forward one-foot sit glide
Inside Spread Eagle
Inside Ina Bauer
STAR 2
Backward outside and backward inside Edges
Backward Three-turns
Forward circle on circle
Two foot to one foot multi Turns
Forward outside Turn sequence
STAR 3
Skills exercise - power
Forward Spiral circles
Choice of Field move:
Backward one-foot sit glide
Spread Eagle
Y-Spiral
Ina Bauer
STAR 4
Forward Brackets
Backward Brackets
Forward double threes
Backward circle on circle
Forward Change of Edge
STAR 5
Skills exercise 1 - quick Edges
Skills exercise 2 - backward slalom
Spiral Sequence
STAR 6
Backward double threes
Forward Rockers
Backward Rockers
Forward Counters
Backward Counters
Skills exercise – Forward change threes
STAR 7
Forward loops
Backward loops
Forward inside S Steps
Backward outside S Steps
Forward and backward Twizzles
Skills exercise – Backward change threes
STAR 8
Forward Rocker-Three-turn sequence
Backward Rocker-Three-turn sequence
Forward Counter-Bracket sequence
Backward Counter-Bracket sequence
Two field moves (must be different)
Skills exercise – Rolling Edges
STAR 9
Forward Loop change Loop
Backward Loop change Loop
360-degree Spiral challenge
Skills exercise – Rockers
Skills exercise – S Steps
STAR 10
One-Foot Turn sequence
360-degree field move challenge
Step sequence
Skills exercise – Counters
Gold
Nine Turn challenge
Step sequence
Field moves sequence
Skills exercise challenge
Singles: Single skating is where individual creativity shines through in the art of freeskate. It's the most recognized form of our sport, showcasing personal style and athleticism on the ice.
Pairs: Two skaters join forces here to create a mesmerizing display of teamwork and skill. From lifts to throws, this discipline combines the beauty of technical ability and collaboration.
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Assessment list
Freeskate Assessments
Freeskate assessments are divided into two parts, elements, and programs.
STAR 1-5 Freeskate Assessments
STAR 1-5 Freeskate assessments are coach assessed on Club sessions.
STAR 1 - Elements
Waltz Jump
Single Salchow
Single Toe Loop
Forward Upright Spin
Backward Upright Spin
STAR 2 - Elements
Single Salchow
Single Loop Jump
Single Flip
Waltz + Single Toe Loop combination
Forward Sit Spin
Forward Camel Spin
Change foot Upright Spin
STAR 2 - Program
STAR 3 - Elements
Single Flip
Single Lutz
Waltz + Single loop combination
Single loop + Single loop combination
Backward Upright Spin
Backward Sit Spin
Forward camel/Sit Combination Spin
STAR 3 - Program
STAR 4 - Elements
Single Lutz
Single Axel
Single Flip + single Toe Loop combination
Single loop + single loop combination
Backward Camel Spin
Change foot Sit Spin
Combination Spin with forward entry and two changes of position (change of foot optional)
Flying Camel Spin or flying Sit Spin
STAR 4 - Program
STAR 5 - Elements
Single Axel
Any double jump (2S, 2T, 2Lo, 2F or 2Lz)
Single Lutz + Single Toe Loop combination
Sit Spin or Camel Spin (entry optional)
Spin In One Position with any variation
Combination Spin (optional change of foot)
Flying Camel Spin or Flying Sit Spin
STAR 5 - Program
STAR 6 - Elements
Axel + combination
Two different double jumps
Sit Spin or Camel Spin (one feature permitted)
Layback or Crossfoot Spin
Combination Spin with change of foot
STAR 6 - Program
STAR 7 - Elements
Three different double jumps
Jump Combination (single + double, double + double or double + single)
Flying Spin including camel and sit positions
Sit or Camel Spin with one feature
Change Combination Spin (one feature per foot optional)
STAR 7 - Program
STAR 8 - Elements
Four different double jumps
Jump Combination (single + double or double + double)
Sit Spin with one feature
Flying change Combination Spin
STAR 8 - Program
STAR 9 - Elements
Single Axel
One double jump
Jump Combination (double + double, must be different, may not repeat solo jump)
Spin of any nature with one feature (all Spins must have different codes)
Two Spins of any nature (all Spins must have different codes)
Change Combination Spin
STAR 9 - Program
STAR 10 - Elements
Single Axel
Five different double jumps
Jump Combination (double + double)
Spin of any nature
Change Combination Spin
STAR 10 - Program
Gold Program
There is no elements assessment at the Gold level.
Order of Freeskate Assessments
With the exception of the Gold Freeskate program, a skater may try all of the elements parts of Freeskate assessments in order before trying any of the program parts in order and vice versa. In order to receive credit for the full level the skater must complete both the element's part and the program part.
Dance: Pattern dances are the skating of prescribed steps on patterns to music, the type and tempo for each is defined. These dances may be performed solo, shadow, or with a partner.
Ice Dance Pairs: Inspired by ballroom dancing, ice dance blends rhythm, athleticism, and elegance, allowing skaters to express themselves through captivating performances set to some of your favourite songs.
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Assessment list
Dance Assessments
Dance at STAR 2 – Gold consists of pattern dances, dance Step assessments and a Gold Rhythm Dance.
Note: STAR 1, STAR 3b and STAR 5b are dance Step element assessments.
Pattern dances are the skating of prescribed Steps on patterns to music, the type and Tempo for which is defined. These dances may be performed solo, shadow or with a partner.
STAR 1 - Dance Step Elements
Forward Progressives
Forward Chassés
Forward slide Chassés
Forward outside swing roll sequence
Forward outside cross rolls
STAR 2 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 2a - Dutch Waltz
STAR 2b - Canasta Tango
STAR 3 - Pattern Dance Assessments and Dance Step Elements
STAR 3a - Baby Blues
STAR 3b - Dance Step Elements
Backward Progressives
Backward Chassés
Backward swing roll sequence
Forward inside Open C Steps
Right forward outside cross roll, cross behind
Forward outside three-turn/backward outside Edge
STAR 4 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 4a - Swing Dance
STAR 4b - Fiesta Tango
STAR 5 - Pattern Dance Assessments and Dance Step Elements
STAR 5a - Willow Waltz
STAR 5b - Dance Step Elements
Left forward outside Open C Step
Forward outside double knee bend
Forward Progressive-swing roll sequence
Backward Progressive-swing roll sequence
Ten-Fox Progressive
Left forward outside cross-behind
Forward outside cross rolls
Forward outside cross roll three-turn
Backward outside rolls
STAR 6 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 6A - Ten-Fox
STAR 6B - European Waltz
STAR 6C - Fourteenstep
STAR 7 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 7A - Foxtrot
STAR 7B - Tango
STAR 7C - American Waltz
STAR 8 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 8A – Killian
STAR 8B – Rocker Foxtrot
STAR 8C – Starlight Waltz
Note: Skater must complete two of three dances at each level of STAR 9, STAR 10 and Gold
STAR 9 - Pattern Dance Assessments
STAR 9A – Paso Doble
STAR 9B – Blues
STAR 9C – Silver Samba
STAR 10 - Dance Assessments
STAR 10A – Cha Cha Congelado
STAR 10B – Westminster Waltz
STAR 10C – Quickstep
Gold - Pattern Dance Assessments
Gold A – Viennese Waltz
Gold B – Argentine Tango
Gold C – Gold Rhythm Dance
Diamond Dance - Pattern Dance Assessments
Ravensburger Waltz
Tango Romantica
Yankee Polka
Rhumba
Austrian Waltz
Golden Waltz
Synchronized: Synchronized skating, or "synchro," is a dynamic team discipline where groups of eight or more skaters move as one, executing beautifully fluid circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections to music. Open to all ages and skill levels, it celebrates unity and teamwork on and off the ice.
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Assessment list
STARskate
STAR 3
STAR 4
STAR 6
STAR 8
Gold
Open
Adult
Podium Pathway
Novice
Junior
Senior
Artistic: This discipline allows skaters to show their artistry through movement, creativity, projection, and musicality.
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Assessment list
Artistic Program Assessments
Artistic programs consist of a program skated to music with required program content.
Program Length
The STAR 5, 7, and 9 programs must be a maximum of two minutes and 10 seconds in length.
The Gold program must be a maximum of two minutes and 40 seconds in length.
Levels
STAR 5
STAR 7
STAR 9
Gold
Sessions Requirements
Bronze
Skaters must have:
Passed CanSkate Badge 6 (FULL)
Working on STAR 1 tests/compete are STAR 1 level
Committed to a minimum of 2 sessions per week
Silver
Skaters must have:
Passed CanSkate Badge 6 and all 3 STAR 1 tests
Working on Star 2, 3, 4 tests
Intent to compete at STAR 2 level
Committed to a minimum of 2 sessions per week
Must have a private coach
Gold
Must meet any 2 of the following criteria:
Intent to compete at Provincial Series 2026-2027 season
Passed 2 STAR 4 tests or STAR 3 FreeSkate + 1 STAR 4 test (Dance or Skills)
Committed to a minimum of 2 STARskate sessions per week
Must have a private coach
- Balance: Standing, marching, falling safely on the ice.
- Glide: Two-foot glides, beginner stops.
- Control: One-foot glides, forward swizzles.
- Agility: Backward skating, edges introduced.
- Power: Crossovers, controlled stops.
- Mastery: Skills ready for the next stream.
Upcoming Sessions
Fall 2026 · Sept 9 to Dec 18 (14 weeks)
Session list will appear here when available.
If space is available, skaters may register after the start date, and fees are prorated once the season starts and will be reflected during the registration process.
Each season, skaters must be registered with Skate Canada, which covers their participation in Skate Canada programming, tests, competitions, and events, and provides accident insurance. This registration is valid from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026 and is non-refundable once registered. This fee is in addition to the program fees.
Register on AmiliaEquipment Needed
- CSA-certified hockey helmet: mandatory through CanSkate Stage 5 (ski and bike helmets are not allowed). See the helmet policy.
- Figure or hockey skates: properly sharpened
- Warm layers and mittens (no scarves on ice)
