Figure Skating
Canada’s figure skating program, StarSkate, taught by our nationally-certified coaches.
About Figure Skating at RPFSC
How to join our Figure Skating program
At the recommendation of our coaches, skaters are invited to join our Figure Skating program to develop skills across all four (4) training and assessment areas: Skills, Freeskate, Dance and Artistic.
Skaters should wear figure skates. A CSA-approved hockey helmet is optional.
See “Progressing through Figure Skating” below for category levels.
Volunteering
Volunteering is required for families with skaters registered in Junior Academy (Advanced CanSkate, Future and Rising Star), Junior Star, and Senior Star.
For the Fall 2026 skating term, a commitment of seven (7) volunteer hours is required by December 19, 2026. Families unable to complete volunteer hours may choose the Volunteer Opt-out option and pay $100 contribution in place of completing volunteer hours.
More questions? FAQ’s on our Volunteering page.
On Ice Lesson Format
Junior Academy
Skaters in Junior Academy (Advanced CanSkate, Future and Rising Stars) are grouped with others at a similar skills level and learn in groups. During their scheduled session, they receive a combination of individual and group instruction along with practice time. Registration fees for Junior Academy includes both ice time and coaching.
Junior and Senior Star
Skaters in Junior and Senior Star receive a private lesson and practice time during their scheduled session. Semi-private or small group lessons may be held as needed. Registration fees for Junior and Senior Star cover ice time only (“Ice only”) and paid to RPFSC. Private lesson fees are invoiced separately by the coach.
Off Ice
Off ice covers the basics of warm-up, cool-down, stretching and strengthening, as well as balance and technique for jumps and spins. Athletic shoes and appropriate activewear are required.
Competitions
Skaters are encouraged to participate in competitions once they have passed Star 1 but they are not required to compete.
There are several competitions throughout the skating season and events start from Star 1 though 10 and Gold. Our Director of Skating will reach out to eligible skaters when registration opens for a competition.
Information eligibility, competition formats and dates and training commitments can be found at Competitions page.
Tests and Assessments
Skaters progress at their own pace and coaches will recommend testing when skaters are ready based on their skill development and progress in each of the four assessment areas.
STAR 1 to 5 assessments are done by coaches during regular lessons, while STAR 6 to Gold assessments are done by Skate Canada assessors during High Test Days.
More information about tests, format and costs can be found on our Testing page.
Progressing through Figure Skating
Junior Academy
Advanced CanSkate → Future Star → Rising StarSkaters are introduced to the fundamentals of figure skating and progress from Advanced CanSkate to Future to Rising Star.
Skaters can join Junior Academy through our CanSkate program or a Skating Assessment.
StarSkate
Junior Star (Star 1–4) → Senior Star (Star 5+)Skaters progress at their own pace in alignment with Skate Canada’s Star levels across each assessment area from Star 1 to 10, then Gold.
Skaters can join StarSkate through our Junior Academy Program or a Skating Assessment.
Training and Assessment Areas of StarSkate
StarSkate has four (4) training and assessment areas.
Skills
Master the fundamentals of skating – edge quality, control, power and speed.
Freeskate
Perform jumps, spins, footwork, field movements and stroking, in isolation or in sequence to music.
Dance
Learn timing, musicality, rhythm interpretation, structure by skating with flow, control and unison.
Artistic
Demonstrate artistry through movement, creativity, projection, and musicality.
RPFSC Warmup Fleece Jackets
Warm-up fleece jackets are available on loan to skaters registered in our Figure Skating programs.
Please note that sizes are limited and skaters are required to return their current jacket in order to sign out a new size. When exchanging your jacket, please ensure it is laundered prior to the exchange.
Your account will be invoiced a $10 deposit fee during the initial sign-out. This deposit will be fully refunded upon returning the jacket.
To sign out a jacket for the first time, exchange your jacket for another size, or for further questions, please email [email protected] for assistance. If exchanging, please launder the jacket prior to the exchange.