All skaters will start with the Learn to Skate Program with the Toyota Arena Skating School at the Toyota Arena. Classes are at 5:45pm to 6:05pm, 6:05pm to 6:25pm, & 6:25pm to 6:45pm. Not every coach will have all 3 classes but most the time most coaches use all 3 times. (personal info: my Mondays currently don't show classes at 6:25pm so I will skate at the free skate with the kids OR if someone comes in late and misses their scheduled lesson, I can take them at 6:25pm).Typically, the first lesson (5:45pm) is for the completely new skaters. Those who have never skated before or for those who have skated only a number of times. Skaters may or may not need the bars/walkers for this class. For the second class (6:05pm), it can be a bit more advanced. Skaters here know more of what to do. They don't need the walkers but they also aren't doing spins, jumps, turns, and all the advanced moves. Exceptions: Sometimes, if we have a lot of new skaters, this class will also be used for the new skaters who need the walkers. Also, sometimes if there is no 6:25pm advanced class due to not enough people signed up, the 6:05pm class IS that advanced class. (personal info: From July-Aug, my 6:05pm class on Monday only was my advanced class because I didn't have many newer skaters so that freed up my 6:05 so we just moved my 6:25 up to 6:05). The 6:25pm is almost always the advanced class. Skaters here typically learn spins, waltz jumps, crossovers, spirals, lunges ect. This class is right below Spin Spiral Jump and skaters here can move up to Private Lessons and/or Spin Spiral Jump at Coach approval. Exceptions: We have had LTS students take private lessons before going to the advanced class. Lessons are for ages 3+ as is ice skating at Toyota Arena in general.
Prices for Learn to Skate.
100$ for a 5 week session. 95.00 if you have your own skates. 5-week sessions are the regular
80$ for a 4 week session. 75.00 if you have your own skates.
60$ for a 3 week session. 55.00 if you have your own skates.
And so on..
Trial lessons are 20.00
Late registration fee of 25$. This applies once registration is closed.
Registration typically closes the week before a new session starts up OR when classes are too full. So be sure to sign up early.
Sessions are paid for separately. Monday is one session. Thursday is another session. So attending both 5-week classes and with skate rental would be 200.00 total.
Once coaches feel the advanced skaters are able to move up, the next step in Spin Spiral Jump (SSJ). These classes take place right before Learn to Skate (LTS). Mondays and Thursdays from 5:20pm to 5:45pm. All skaters who move onto SSJ will go to Coach Tim's classes. Many skaters in this class also take private lessons. We have had skaters start at SSJ and move to private lessons. Exceptions: many have gone from LTS to Private Lessons and then from private lessons, gone onto Tim's SSJ Classes. All while continuing private lessons. The alternate Coach is Craig. He teaches the advanced SSJ class while Tim is the beginner SSJ class. Craig can teach harder jumps, spins, ect. Despite that, Tim also has more advanced SSJ skaters mixed in his classes. (Novice & Intermediate)
Along with SSJ, some - but not all - attend Stroking Classes. Lead by Coach Craig. These classes take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm to 5:20pm. Tim helps all skaters who move up to SSJ who wish to take Stroking Classes until the skaters feel they no longer need Tim's services on the ice until SSJ begins. We suggest everyone who moves up go to Tim's SSJ. From there, the skaters can decide if they want to take Stroking Classes as an addition. For skaters who go from LTS to Private Lessons, we recommend talking to your coach about joining SSJ. Stroking classes can seem fast paced, intimidating, or overwhelming to new skaters so that is why Tim will be on hand to help them.
We have had skaters get advanced in LTS, quit skating, and return months or years later, ready for SSJ
How to know your child is ready for Spin Spiral Jump:
Really, all we ask is your child knows how to do backwards crossovers.
Talk to your child's private lesson coach and/or Learn to Skate coach to see if and when they are ready. These classes are coach approved so discuss it with the coach, child, and parents. It is also best knowing forward crossovers, and regular spins. Lunges, spirals. For those moves, and most others, not knowing those won't mean you CAN'T move up to Spin Spiral Jump. Your child will learn that and a whole lot more in SSJ. Stroking Classes will help Tim know what to teach skaters as well.
Prices for Stroking Classes - 5.00 per class. Payment at the Arena desk
Prices for Spin Spiral Jump Classes - 15.00 per class. Payment at the Arena desk
Prices for both classes - 20.00. Payment at the Arena desk.
Joining SSJ classes does NOT mean your child has to do away with LTS. We have skaters who attend both classes. Some have gone back and forth.
For those who wish to start their child in private lessons first, somewhere down the road, it would be a good idea to talk to your child's coach about joining LTS or SSJ, depending on their current level - if the child and parents want to eventually join classes.
Spin Spiral Jump Link. Registration is NOT done online. Payment is ONLY does at the Arena: Figure Skating Lessons | Year-Round Ice Rink | Tri-Cities WA
Skaters in these programs can eventually take part in Toyota Arena Skating School & Tri Cities Figure Skating Club sanctioned events: Fun in the Sun Competition, our Spring Show, our Halloween Party, & our annual Christmas Show (w/ rehearsals). The shows have designated rehearsals for Learn to Skate students. If it's under Learn to Skate, these skaters don't have to be in the figure skating club to attend the shows. Once skaters jump up to SSJ classes, they will be able to attend Arena Figure Skating Practice Ice times. Most Mondays to Fridays from 3pm to 5pm. Talk to your child's coach about joining these sessions. (Exception: we have had LTS students go to these without starting SSJ. Typically when they start private lessons first. As long as you can figure skate...)
To be added to the Toyota Arena Skating School Email List & for questions, email Tim at timtooders@aol.com