FSCSM Skating Academy
Running alongside our Learn to Skate (LTS) programming, the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland (FSCSM) Skating Academy offers four levels of on-ice instruction—developmental, junior, advanced, and elite—and off-ice specialties, including flexibility exercises, jump training, dance, and weight training, allowing skaters to hone their skills on and off the ice. Each level of FSCSM Skating Academy offers unique benefits and focuses on training designed to enhance the skater's overall performance and well-being.
Introducing FSCSM Skating Academy
Figure skating is a blend of artistry, athleticism, and grace on ice. The path to success for skaters lies in a comprehensive training program encompassing both on-ice and off-ice components. Therefore, we are thrilled to introduce our new FSCSM Skating Academy, beginning Sunday, August 27. Running alongside our Learn to Skate (LTS) programming, the Academy offers four levels of on-ice instruction—developmental, junior, advanced, and elite—and off-ice specialties, including flexibility exercises, jump training, dance, and weight training, allowing skaters to hone their skills on and off the ice. Each level of FSCSM Skating Academy offers unique benefits and focuses on training designed to enhance the skater's overall performance and well-being.
On-Ice Training
On-ice training allows skaters to develop proper technique, enhance their balance and control, and improve their overall performance.
Off-Ice Training
Off-ice training helps skaters improve their strength, flexibility, and endurance, ultimately contributing to their on-ice performance.
Specialty Classes
Specialty classes help skaters better understand the fusion of athleticism and artistry inherent in figure skating and enhance skaters’ abilities.
Level 1: Developmental
(Minimum recommended levels:
Basic 3-4)
The Developmental level of the figure skating academy caters to novices who are taking their first steps on the ice. This level focuses on mastering fundamental moves, building balance, and coordination. Off-ice, flexibility training prevents injuries, while jump training lays the groundwork for future leaps. Ballet and dance introduce grace and artistic expression.
Developmental level offers 3 classes per week:
2 On-ice: 1 LTS class + 1 specialty class
1 Off-ice or dance class
Level 2: Junior
(Minimum recommended levels:
Basic 5-6 & Pre-Free Skate)
As skaters progress to the Junior level, their artistic abilities begin to flourish. They learn more complex moves, footwork, stops, and beginner jumps. Junior skaters benefit from improved stamina and cardiovascular fitness. Off-ice, ballet, and dance training further refine posture and movement. Weight training helps build strength to support advanced maneuvers.
Junior level offers 4 classes per week:
2 On-ice: 1 LTS + 1 specialty class
2 Off-ice and/or dance classes
Level 3: Advanced
(Minimum recommended levels:
Free Skate 1-6 & Pre-Axel)
Our dedicated coaches work closely with skaters at the Advanced level to refine their technique, perfecting aspects such as form, transitions, edges, turns, spins, and more advanced jumps. As skaters progress, they explore greater artistic expression and gain insights into competition dynamics. Off-ice, intensive jump training sharpens technique, while dance training enhances interpretive skills. Weight training contributes to muscle control and stability.
Advanced level offers 5 classes per week:
3 On-ice: 1 LTS class + 2 specialty classes
2 Off-ice and/or dance classes
Level 4: Elite
(Minimum recommended levels:
Axel and beyond)
The Elite level represents the pinnacle of achievement, where skaters showcase a harmonious blend of athleticism and artistry. They push the boundaries of creativity and execution, including complex jumps (axels, double jumps, and beyond), spins, control and timing, choreography and interpretation, innovative footwork sequences, transitions and flow, artistic nuances, and emotive expression. Off-ice, jump training heightens leaps, ballet and dance elevate performances, and weight training fosters peak physical condition.
Elite level offers 7 classes per week:
4 On-ice specialty classes
3 Off-ice and/or dance classes
Specialty Classes
Jumps
Learn the proper in-air position, take-off, rotation, and landing techniques to improve your jump height and ability. This class also includes cardio and conditioning, focusing on muscles most utilized for jumping.
Spins
This course covers the importance of proper posture, edge control, balance, movement, and different strategies for building momentum and speed.
Moves in the Field
This course helps skaters improve their execution of basic skating skills, emphasizing power, quickness, edge control, turns, stroking, extension, and body control.
Power Skating
This class concentrates on proper skating form, stride length, edge control, transitions, balance, breakaways, and speed, which benefit ice hockey players and figure skaters. Additional drills improve muscular strength, coordination, and agility.
Artistry in Motion
Skaters learn and practice the basic principles and philosophy of choreography, presentation, and performance to integrate into their skating.
Theatre on Ice Skills
Learn about and advance your theatre-on-ice skills and techniques, including theme, choreography, body movement, and facial expressions.
Synchro Skills
Skaters will learn the skills needed when joining a synchronized skating team, including the five primary synchro elements–block, circle, line, wheel, and intersection–each performed with specific handholds.
Ballet
Ballet helps skaters integrate body balance, core control, flexibility, muscle strengthening, grace, and mental focus.