Lace up and take your next step on the ice with us!
Learn To Skate USA
Learn to Skate USA classes are offered in collaboration with Marshall Community Services and the Southwest Figure Skating Club. Designed by U.S. Figure Skating (USFSA), this beginner-friendly program provides a fun, challenging, and rewarding introduction to ice skating.
Registration & Program Details
- Register for classes through Marshall Community Services using the link below.
- For full program details, visit Learn to Skate USA's website.
What to Bring & Important Guidelines
- Skaters are encouraged to bring their skates, or rentals are available for $10 per season.
- Single-blade skates are required for all participants.
- Helmets are recommended, especially for young skaters.
- Classes take place at Red Baron Arena & Expo.
- Parents are not allowed on the ice or in the skaters' box during instruction time and are encouraged to watch from the bleachers.
- Dress warmly in flexible clothing (preferably no jeans) and wear gloves or mittens for comfort and safety.
Annual Ice Show Opportunity
Skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate USA are invited to participate in the annual ice show in March. For more details, please reach out to any Southwest Figure Skating Club board member.
Join us on the ice and experience the joy of skating!
Junior Membership at Southwest Figure Skating Club
The Junior Membership is designed for younger and less experienced skaters who are ready to begin their figure skating journey outside of the Learn to Skate USA structure. This membership is for skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate USA levels Basic 3 through Basic 6.
Exclusive Opportunities for Junior Members
- Annual Ice Show Participation – Junior Members have the opportunity to perform in our Annual Ice Show, showcasing their progress and enjoying a fun, community-focused event.
- Private Lessons – Junior Members can receive private lessons, providing personalized coaching to accelerate skill development.
- Competition Opportunities – As Junior Members advance, they will have the chance to participate in figure skating competitions, offering a chance to test their skills in a competitive setting.
Independent Practice
- Ice Time for Practice Only: Junior Members can practice on the ice independently, allowing them to focus on improving basic skills such as edges, jumps, and footwork. These sessions are designed to help skaters build confidence and muscle memory.
- No Instruction During Ice Time: During these practice sessions, there will be no formal instruction or coaching provided, unless arranged with a Private Coach. Skaters are encouraged to apply the techniques they’ve learned in lessons or explore new skills they wish to refine.
Safety First
At Southwest Figure Skating Club, we prioritize safety both on and off the ice. We provide ice safety education for skaters and parents, ensuring a secure and enjoyable skating experience for everyone.
Advancing to Advanced Membership
As skaters progress and reach Learn to Skate USA Pre-Freestyle, they will automatically transition to an Advanced Membership level. Any required membership fees must be paid within 30 days of this change.
Season & Elective Ice Time
- Regular Season: October through March
- Elective Ice Contracts are available depending on ice availability and member commitment. Fees for elective ice time are separate from regular season expenses.
Start your skating adventure today with a Junior Membership, and enjoy the opportunity to grow, perform, and skate with the Southwest Figure Skating Club!
Southwest Figure Skating advanced Membership Benefits
Becoming an Advanced Member of the Southwest Figure Skating Club opens up a world of opportunities for skaters who are ready to progress beyond the Junior Membership level. This membership is designed for skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate Pre-Freestyle or higher, providing access to expanded training, additional ice time, and exclusive benefits that help skaters refine their skills and explore new avenues in figure skating.
Exclusive Opportunities for Members
- Private Instruction – Members have the opportunity to receive private lessons with our skilled coaches, tailored to the skater’s individual needs and goals. Whether you’re working on advanced moves, perfecting your technique, or preparing for competition, personalized coaching is an essential part of skill development.
- Annual Ice Show Participation – Members can showcase their progress by performing in our Annual Ice Show, an exciting event that allows skaters to display their skills in a supportive and celebratory environment.
- Competition Opportunities – Members are eligible to join U.S. Figure Skating (USFSA) and compete in local, regional, and national figure skating competitions. Skaters can also participate in U.S. Figure Skating skill tests, which follow the U.S. Figure Skating Curriculum. These tests assess progress in areas such as moves in the field, freestyle, and ice dance, helping skaters gain recognition for their achievements.
- Program and Technique Development – As a member, skaters will have access to structured programs designed to develop both technical and artistic aspects of their skating. This could include training in Moves in the Field, Freestyle, Ice Dance, and Pair Skating, allowing for a well-rounded figure skating experience.
- Group Training and On & Off Ice Sessions – In addition to private lessons, members can participate in group training and on and off ice sessions, when offered, focusing on specific techniques such as spins, jumps, edges, and footwork. These sessions are designed to build coordination, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Independent Practice for Skill Development
- Advanced skaters have access to independent ice time, which allows them to focus on perfecting more complex skills such as advanced jumps, spins, footwork, and moves in the field. These practice sessions are designed to help skaters build strength, improve precision, and refine their technique.
- During these sessions, there will be no formal coaching, unless a private coach is secured. Skaters are encouraged to apply the techniques learned in previous lessons, work on new skills, or rehearse routines for competitions or performances.
This independent practice time provides skaters with the opportunity to push their limits, develop a deeper understanding of their skating, and continue making progress toward their personal goals.
Safety First
At Southwest Figure Skating Club, we take safety seriously. We provide comprehensive ice safety education for both skaters and parents, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the knowledge to enjoy a safe skating experience. This includes instruction on proper skating etiquette, emergency procedures, and how to avoid injury while on the ice.
Season & Elective Ice Time
- Regular Season: October through March
- Elective Ice Contracts: Members can participate in additional ice time outside of the regular season based on ice availability and member commitment. Fees for elective ice time are separate from regular season expenses and provide skaters with more opportunities to practice and refine their skills.
Advancing Through the Sport
As an Advanced Member, skaters are supported in advancing through different levels of figure skating. Whether you’re mastering Basic Skills, moving into Freestyle programs, or preparing for competitive events, the club offers a structured pathway to help you achieve your skating goals. Skaters can progress through levels such as Moves in the Field, Free Skate, Competitive Skating, and more.
Joining the Southwest Figure Skating Club as an Advanced Member is not only about growing as a skater but also about embracing a community of dedicated and passionate athletes. Build lasting friendships, enhance your skills, and explore the wide range of opportunities available in the world of figure skating!
Membership Requirements
Membership requirements vary each year. The Board of Directors will meet and make adjustments accordingly prior to each season starting. A complete list is available upon request.
About privte coaching
At Southwest Figure Skating Club, we offer skaters the opportunity to work with private coaches to enhance their skills, technique, and performance. Private coaching is a personalized, one-on-one experience designed to target specific areas for improvement, whether it's perfecting jumps and spins, improving edge work, or preparing for competitions.
How Private Coaching Works
- Independent Coaches: Our private coaches operate independently from the club’s fees and set their rates for instruction. This allows skaters to choose the coach whose teaching style and expertise best align with their individual needs and goals.
- Experienced Coaches: We offer a diverse selection of experienced and certified coaches, each bringing a unique set of skills and specializations, from freestyle and moves in the field to ice dance and choreography.
- Coach-Skater Matchmaking: The Club Director is available to help connect skaters with a coach who suits their level and objectives, ensuring that each skater has the right guidance to progress in their skating journey.
Scheduling Lessons
- All lesson scheduling must be arranged directly between the skater and their private coach. This ensures flexibility in terms of timing and frequency, allowing skaters to customize their training around their own schedules and goals.
- Payment for lessons is separate from club membership fees and is paid directly to the private coach. Rates for private lessons are set individually by each coach.
Private coaching is an excellent way to accelerate development and receive focused attention to achieve your skating goals. Whether you are aiming to reach new competitive levels, prepare for a performance, or simply improve your technique, private lessons provide the personalized approach skaters need to succeed.
About USFS Competitions and testing
As skaters advance in their training, they have the opportunity to participate in competitions and skill testing through U.S. Figure Skating (USFSA). These experiences are highly encouraged for all skaters, as they provide valuable opportunities to set specific goals, track their progress, and build confidence as they progress through different skill levels. Competitions and skill tests offer skaters the chance to challenge themselves, demonstrate their abilities, and receive feedback that can drive further improvement.
- For advanced skaters, competitions become an essential part of their development. At these higher levels, skaters not only refine their technical skills but also gain experience performing under pressure, which is a key aspect of their growth. In addition to skills tests, advanced skaters may also participate in regional, sectional, or national competitions, depending on their level and commitment. These events help skaters build mental toughness, improve their routines, and further develop their competitive edge.
- While new skaters typically focus on building a strong foundation of basic skills during their first year(s) before diving into competitions or skill tests, advanced skaters may feel ready to compete or test sooner. Those who are prepared can discuss their options with a private coach to assess readiness and determine the appropriate timing for entering competitions or skill tests. Coaches can help design a personalized roadmap to success, considering the skater’s current skill level, experience, and overall goals.
For skaters who choose to compete, ice time during the competitive season will be focused specifically on preparing for competitions. This dedicated practice time will be used for refining program elements, rehearsing choreography, and perfecting performance techniques. The scheduling of this focused ice time will be coordinated between the skater’s private coach, the club director, and the skater’s parents to ensure a structured, goal-oriented approach that aligns with the skater’s competitive objectives.
Skaters who are committed to testing or competing at higher levels will need to put in more effort, both on and off the ice. This may include extra training, such as strength conditioning, flexibility exercises, and mental preparation. This well-rounded training helps skaters improve their skills and mindset, making sure they are fully prepared for the challenges of higher-level competitions.
By offering these structured opportunities, the Southwest Figure Skating Club supports its skaters in achieving their personal goals and reaching their full potential within the sport.