Skating Opportunities in USFS
Welcome to Part 4 of the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland’s blog series, “Navigating the Ice!” We’re here to help skaters and parents explore and understand the world of ice skating, based on the official U.S. Figure Skating Journey, and identify your best skating path.
This issue discusses the various opportunities and pathways in U.S. Figure Skating. We’ll share an overview of the most popular current opportunities and links to learn more about each. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, an adult looking to rediscover the joy of gliding on ice, or someone drawn to the camaraderie of a team, there’s something for everyone.
Links are available below if you missed previous discussions in this blog series.
Part 1: Learn to Skate, Introduction to Ice Skating Disciplines, and Membership
Part 2: Unveiling the Art of Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance, and Synchronized Skating
Part 4: Skating Opportunities in USFS
From a beginner stepping onto the ice for the first time to an experienced skater with a clear goal in mind, U.S. Figure Skating provides opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and improve your skills. Skaters can explore different pathways and even participate in the qualifying structure if they choose to. In the sections below, you’ll find a summary of the current figure skating opportunities and links for more detailed information on each option.
(All photos are sourced from U.S. Figure Skating)
Adaptive Skating
U.S. Figure Skating is dedicated to inclusivity with recreational and competitive Adaptive Skating programs. These initiatives cater to skaters with physical and intellectual disabilities, fostering an environment where the joy and benefits of figure skating are accessible to everyone. Adaptive skating exemplifies the belief that the ice is a space for everyone to express themselves.
Adult Skating
Age is no barrier on the ice, and U.S. Figure Skating recognizes this by encouraging adults of all skill levels to participate in Adult Skating programs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater looking to rekindle your love for the sport, adult skating provides a welcoming community and opportunities for skill development via Learn to Skate USA, Compete USA, the adult qualifying structure, and more.
Aspire Program
The Aspire Program is a stepping stone for young, talented skaters aiming for excellence in figure skating. It offers specialized training, mentorship, and support to allow aspiring athletes to sample different skating opportunities, fine-tune their fundamental skills, and reach their full potential. This program is a testament to U.S. Figure Skating’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of figure skating stars.
Axel Club
Named after the iconic Axel jump, the Axel Club is a vibrant community celebrating the achievements of young figure skaters landing the Axel jump. It provides a platform for skaters to connect, share their experiences, and inspire each other. The Axel Club fosters a sense of belonging and encourages the pursuit of skating dreams.
Collegiate Skating
If you are passionate about figure skating and pursuing higher education, U.S. Figure Skating's Collegiate Skating programs can be an ideal choice. These programs provide a unique opportunity to balance your athletic journey with academic achievements. There are over 75 schools with intercollegiate skating programs and more than 45 synchronized skating teams representing universities across the United States.
Excel
The Excel program aims to provide young athletes with a competitive and exciting environment that motivates them to focus on improving their program components and advancing their technical skills. This program is an excellent opportunity for grassroots skaters and coaches to get familiarized with the fundamentals of the International Judging System (IJS) through a phased approach, which helps them become proficient and confident with the IJS.
High School Skating
U.S. Figure Skating recognizes the unique challenges high school students face and supports them with dedicated High School Skating programs. These initiatives allow young skaters to balance their academic commitments with their passion for figure skating, fostering growth both on and off the ice. Like intercollegiate team skating, U.S. Figure Skating’s high school program offers skaters the opportunity to compete on a team for their high school.
Icemen
Founded in 2012 and celebrating the strength, grace, and athleticism of male figure skaters, the Icemen program is a community that encourages the growth and development of male skaters. It provides a platform for camaraderie, skill enhancement, and the celebration of the unique contributions of male skaters to the world of figure skating.
Showcase
Showcase Skating is a mesmerizing fusion of figure skating with artistic expression. Skaters in the Showcase program create captivating performances that combine technical prowess with creative storytelling in light entertainment, dramatic entertainment, and interpretive categories. It’s a display of individuality and artistic flair on the ice.
Solo Dance
Solo Dance programs provide skaters a platform to showcase their dance skills individually. Skaters can captivate audiences with their unique dance styles, from intricate footwork to expressive movements, adding a dynamic dimension to figure skating.
Synchronized (Synchro) Skating
Synchronized Skating is a testament to the beauty of teamwork on ice. Teams of eight to 20 skaters work together to perform intricate and synchronized routines, showcasing precision, unity, and artistic expression. It’s a thrilling and visually stunning form of figure skating that highlights the power of collaboration.
Theatre On Ice (TOI)
Theatre On Ice is a unique form of competitive figure skating that combines the grace of figure skating with theatrical elements, which results in mesmerizing stories being performed on ice. Teams of eight to twenty-eight skaters are judged based on their technical skills and presentation, focusing on distinctiveness, costumes, creativity, and musicality.
In conclusion, U.S. Figure Skating offers a tapestry of opportunities that cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of figure skaters of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re drawn to the technical precision of jumps and spins, the camaraderie of team skating, or the artistic expression of theatrical performances, there’s a place for you to shine on the ice.
Are you ready to embark on your figure skating journey? Whether you’re a novice lacing up your first pair of skates or an experienced skater looking to elevate your skills, our blog series is here to help you every step of the way. In the coming months, we’ll continue to provide advice, tips, and insights to guide you through this exciting world of figure skating. Let’s lace up, hit the ice, and unlock the magic of figure skating!