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Saturday, May 11, 2024

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RFSC Learn2Skate Program

Class Schedule
& Enrollment

The Rochester Figure Skating Club has been a mainstay in the Rochester, Minnesota Community for more than 75 years. The Learn2Skate program is the foundation of our extensive instructional curriculum, sanctioned by US Figure Skating.

Our Learn2Skate and Learn2Skate for Hockey classes are welcoming and nurturing environments geared to share the fun and fundamentals of skating. All of our coaches are certified by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and we utilize the U.S. Figure Skating Snowplow Sam and Basic Skills programs for our instruction.

Registration fees for figure skating classes include a U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Membership. This includes a test booklet, colorful badges for each level completed and of copy of US Figure Skating's Skating Magazine – Basic Skills Edition.

Follow the links in the menu bar above to find out more about our programs and staff. See the Classes page for our schedule and information on our figure skating and hockey programs.

Financial Assistance

RFSC provides some financial assistance for the group classes in our Learn2Skate program. See the Learn2Skate Financial Assistance page for details and application.

Location

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Rochester Recreation Center
21 Elton Hills Dr. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Learn2Skate News

Figure Skating & Hockey Classes

Details
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 30, 2024; 12:42 PM

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August 2022 COVID-19 Update

😷Masks are optional. We do encourage masks to be worn indoors if your community is in the High category based on the CDC Community Levels by County Map.

Learn2Skate News

Our Classes . . .

  • Provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced skater
  • Teach correct technique of the basic skating elements
  • Promote health and physical fitness
  • Enable all participants to achieve the skills necessary to either skate recreationally or to move competently into ice sports including U.S. Figure Skating advanced levels and hockey.
  • Learn2Skate registration covers 30 minutes of group instruction with our Professional Skaters Association (PSA)-member coaching staff and a U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills membership.
  • Learn2Skate for Hockey classes are now available year-round and prepare skaters for playing in the Rochester Youth Hockey Association. See the Learn2Skate for Hockey section below for details.

Location

Map Icon
Rochester Recreation Center
21 Elton Hills Dr. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Financial Assistance

RFSC provides some financial assistance for the group classes in our Learn2Skate program. See the Learn2Skate Financial Assistance page for details and application.

Class Information

See our class descriptions below for details, and schedule.

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Make-Up/Missed Class and Payment Policies

Learn2skate Make up Policy

Skaters will be able to make up only one missed class, but notification of the class being missed must be made to the Learn2Skate Director before the start of the class.

Make up classes will be at one of the structured practice ice times during the session. You must contact the Learn2Skate Director or call the RFSC office to schedule a make-up time:

Email Learn2Skate Director | (507) 288-7536 .

Missed classes will not be carried over to the next session and no refunds will be processed for any missed classes. Make-up classes need to be completed within the same session as the missed class.

Make up private lessons will need to be scheduled with the skater's private lesson coach.

Makeup classes are allowed only if there are spots available and must be scheduled ahead of time. Walk-ons will NOT be allowed on the ice.

Multiple Session Payment Policy

Class registration may be available for multiple sessions (e.g. Back to School, Fall etc). When registering for multiple Learn2Skate sessions, payment will be made in full unless arrangements are made.

Refund Policy

To receive a full refund of the session, you must notify the office or Learn2skate Director before the start of the second class and/or lesson of the current session.

Inclement Weather

In case of inclimate weather, we still hold classes unless the Rec Center closes. Please use your best judgement with traveling, and let us know if you plan to do make up class instead. You will need to schedule the make up class during the current session as we are not able to carry make up classes to the next session. Make up classes will be given only on class days and times we have available spots.

If the Rec Center closes due to the weather, we will let you know through email and post it on our Facebook page. Fees will not be refunded, but you may schedule make up classes on class days and times when we have spots available.

Learn2Skate for Beginners

Ages 4 and up | Snowplow Sam Badges 1–4| Basic 1–2 Badges

Beginning ice skating lessons are offered for our newest skaters. All of our beginners start here!

These classes focus on having FUN on the ice while safely learning basic movements and fundamentals of skating. This class is based on the Learn to Skate USA Snowplow Sam and Basic Skills badge curriculum, which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. It is strongly recommended that all beginning skaters wear safety helmets or protective headgear; especially all children six years old and younger. The Consumer Products Safety Commission offers guidelines regarding different activities. Learn to Skate USA® recommends that skaters should use one of these recommended helmets: ASTM F1447; Snell B-90A, B-95, N-94. Check the fine print for certifications. More

Class Details

Snowplow Sam (Ages 4-5yrs): Snowplow Sam 1 classes are designed for first-time skaters where the focus is on age appropriate and play based-learning, while developing beginning skating skills. Snowplow 2/3/4 classes continues the age appropriate and play based-learning, while continuing to improve beginner skating skills.

Basic 1 (Ages 6 yrs and up): Basic 1 classes are designed for beginner skaters age 6 years and older. The focus is on building beginning skating skills and confidence while incorporating fun, structured class.

Basic 2 (Ages 6 yrs and up): Basic 2 classes are for skaters who passed Basic 1 skills and continue to improve and build upon beginning skating skills.

Private and semi-private lessons, as well as Learn2Skate practice ice, are available for skaters Basic 1 and up. Skaters who are in Basic 1, Basic 2 or Basic 3 levels are required to be in a basic skills class along with their lesson. Please see the Learn2Skate Additional Options section for details.

Note: Information on Basic 3–6 classes is available in the Intermediate classes section.

Learn2Skate for Hockey

Ages 5–12

L2S Hockey

Boys and girls ages 5–12* who have completed Learn2Skate Basic 1 or Snowplow Sam 4 can learn the basic skating skills needed to play ice hockey. Equipment required: hockey skates, hockey gloves, hockey helmet with mask, and stick. Skate rental available if you do not have hockey skates.More

Learn2Skate for Hockey Class Details

Instructors use the Learn to Skate USA Hockey badge curriculum, which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. Our classes are approved by the Rochester Youth Hockey Association.

*Please contact us if you have a skater who is 4 years of age and has passed Snowplow Sam 4 badge. The skater may register depending on class size.

Intermediate Learn2Skate

Basic 2–6 Badges
Prerequisite: Basic 1

Once skaters have passed the Basic 1 badge, they may enter our Intermediate Learn2Skate classes. Intermediate Learn2Skate classes focus on the fundamentals of skating. Skaters will follow the Learn to Skate USA Basic Skills badge curriculum, which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey.. More

Class Details

Upon passing Basic 6, skaters must move to the Learn2Skate Free Skate class to graduate from the Learn2Skate program (see Advanced Learn2Skate Classes)

Basic 3/4/5/6 classes focus on developing the FUNdamentals of skating by using sequential skills of development as well as building confidence to advance in skating.

Private and semi-private lessons, as well as Learn2Skate practice ice, are available for skaters Basic 1 and up. Skaters who are in Basic 1, Basic 2 or Basic 3 levels are required to be in a basic skills class along with their lesson. Please see the Learn2Skate Additional Options section for details.

Skaters who have passed the Basic 4 level may take the Explorers class. Please see the Advanced class section for more information.

Advanced Learn2Skate Classes
Free Skate | Explorers | Power and Edge | Synchro Skills | Theatrical Exploration

Notes for Advanced Classes

Advanced classes are offered for those skaters moving beyond intermediate basic skills in preparation for skating on RFSC contract ice. These classes work on the final badges requried to graduate from Learn2Skate as well as introduce advanced skills and specialized training.

Please Note: We require that skaters participating in the Explorers, Beginning Synchronized Skating and Low-power and Edge classes attend at least two skating sessions a week.

  • The second session for the Explorers class may be a Learn2Skate Basic 5–Pre-Freeskate class and/or private lesson.
  • The second session for the Aspire Synchronized skating skills class may be a Learn2Skate Pre-Freeskate class and/or private lessons.
  • Skaters who have passed the Pre-Freeskate level can register for the Low Power and Edge class. Please check out the information for Intro to Contract Packages to continue skating after Pre-Freeskate.

Private and Semi-private lessons are available to all levels of skaters, as well as Learn2skate practice ice. Please check the Learn2skate private and semi-private lesson and practice ice in the Learn2skate Additional Options section.

Learn2Skate Pre-Free Skate

Pre-Free Skate
Prerequisite: Basic 6

Once skaters have passed Basic 6, they are welcome to join our Learn2Skate Pre-Free Skate class. This large-group and multi-level class introduces new concepts including strength, speed, and basic skating edge skills, jumps, and spins. It will follow the Pre-Free Skate badge program, Completion of the Pre-Free Skate badge is required to graduate from the Learn2Skate program and move onto club contract ice. This class is a lot of fun, and also appropriate for skaters who have completed the Pre-Free Skate badge but wish to continue learning skills in a group setting.

Explorers

Basic 5 and up (including contract skaters)
Prerequisite: Basic 5

Once skaters have passed Basic 5, they are welcome to join our Explorers class. This class does not follow a badge curriculum, but expands on skills learned and introduces new concepts including strength, speed, teamwork, and more! This class is a bridge to the more advanced skating classes available to RFSC contract skaters.

Participants in Fall and Winter sessions are invited to participate in our annual ice show in an Explorers-specific number.

Explorers Plus

Explorers Plus adds an off-ice component to our Explorers class at a package price. Skaters will participate in the contract level STARS class which meets right before the regular Explorers class. RFSC STARS Class Details

RFSC STARS Training Program Details

Become a better athlete as you become a better skater! Based on the program recently started by U.S. Figure Skating, the RFSC STARS Program will implement a system of off-ice fitness assessment and development from the STARS exercise guide used by U.S. Figure Skating. Its development is based primarily on the need to promote all-around fitness in young skaters; to push and maintain the athletic ability curve ahead of the skills curve; to ensure that young figure skaters are physically prepared to handle the introduction of new, more complex and more demanding skating skills; and to reduce the potential for injury typically sustained during the training of these new skills.

Low Power and Edge
On-ice Class

Passed Pre-Free Skate
Prerequisite: Pre-Free Skate

Using familiar footwork this class will focus on speed, endurance and strength. The class is designed to develop aerobic capacity and power to enhance program performance.

Please contact your coach or the office for registration information.

Aspire Synchro Class
Synchronized Skating On-Ice Class

Pre-Free Skate and up
Prerequisite: Basic 6

This class is for skaters who want to try synchronized skating. We will be learning about circles, lines, blocks, wheels and intersections as well as working on good basic skating skills. We will also work on the Synchro Badges of the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program. During the Winter Session, the class skates as our Aspire team.

Skaters should be passed at least Basic 6 or have a coach’s recommendation. There is no age minimum or maximum. For more information on our synchronized skating teams, see the Rhythm & Blades Teams page.

Please note: The Aspire Synchro schedule does not always match the Learn2Skate schedule. The actual dates are listed in the class schedules below.

This Class Offered:
Spring
Summer

Learn2Skate Additional Options
Individual practice and specialized instruction

Structured Practice Ice On-ice Practice Time

As always, practice makes perfect! Learn2Skate participants (Basic 1 and up) have the option to register for Structured Practice Ice sessions. Skaters can choose to practice independently or schedule private lessons with a staff coach (additional fees apply—see Private Lesson below).

Fine print: Working on Basic 1 and up (no Snowplow Sam). No parents or siblings allowed on the ice unless registered for a class or Practice Ice at that time.

Private Lesson One-on-one Lesson with an RFSC Coach

Private lessons (15 minutes in length) are available for skaters working on Basic 1 and up for an additional pre-paid fee. All private lessons include a full Practice Ice session. See Practice Ice above for available times.

Please note: Skaters in Basic 1, Basic 2 and Basic 3 levels who would like a private lesson must also participate in a group Learn2Skate class.

Learn2Skate for Teens/Adults

Ages 13 to adult

Any age can benefit from the fun and fitness of ice skating! Class attendees must be able to stand independently on the ice in skates. Our expert instructors can get you moving on the ice or help you learn some new skills to impress your friends. Instruction will be geared towards the needs and interests of the students. This class will generally follow the Learn to Skate USA Adult badge curriculum, which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey.

Adaptive Learn2Skate

Ages 5–12

This skating program is designed for exceptional learners with a wide range of disabilities. Skaters will learn to get comfortable with the ice, as well as learn basic skating techniques. Each participate will have one-to-one assistance if necessary and will learn in a small group setting. Classes are 30 minutes once a week. Class sessions will be 4–8 weeks in length. Skaters will build coordination, strength, and endurance within a fun and social learning environment.

What to Expect

  • Classes are designed for exceptional learners with the ability to bear weight
  • Skaters will learn to get comfortable with the ice, as well as learn basic skating techniques
  • Skaters will build coordination, strength, and endurance within a fun and social learning environment
  • Please note: the visual and noise levels can get “busy”!

Learn2Skate Financial Assistance

Details
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 02, 2023; 8:40 PM

RFSC provides some financial assistance for the group classes in our Learn2Skate program. See the Learn2Skate Financial Assistance page for details and application.

Spring Fling Tag

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Last Updated: Wednesday, November 03, 2021; 8:33 PM
Spring Fling

Spring Tag

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Last Updated: Saturday, October 24, 2020; 10:47 PM
Spring

Winter Tag

Details
Last Updated: Friday, October 23, 2020; 1:10 PM

Summer Tag

Details
Last Updated: Monday, August 26, 2019; 10:43 PM
Summer

Ice Show Tag

Details
Last Updated: Monday, July 29, 2019; 9:32 PM

Fall Tag

Details
Last Updated: Monday, July 29, 2019; 9:32 PM

Back to School Tag

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Last Updated: Monday, July 29, 2019; 9:32 PM

Contact Us

Details
Last Updated: Monday, August 27, 2018; 9:31 PM

Rochester Figure
Skating Club

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Rochester Recreation Center
21 Elton Hills Dr. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Learn2Skate Information

Phone: (507) 288-7536
Fax: (507) 288-7536
Email:

Office Hours

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RFSC Learn2Skate Coaches

Details
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2018; 12:28 PM

We are proud to introduce the Rochester Figure Skating Club coaching staff:

Lori Voepel Brakke

Lori Voepel Brakke

PSA Ratings: Master Group, Senior Figures and Freeskate, Level III ranking.
Specializing in: Freeskate, Moves-in-the-Field, Power, Off-Ice Conditioning, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
Registered Nurse
Toured with Ice Follies and Holiday on Ice
Coach of National Competitors
Over 30 years of teaching experience

Lori is part of a strong skating legacy. Her mom was a skating coach, and her dad was a U.S. Figure Skating judge. Lori continued her family's skating legacy by coaching many outstanding skaters over the years, including one of our fellow coaches, Mandy Wagner, who went to Junior Nationals. Lori continued sharing her talents by coaching her daughter, Shannon, who is a national competitor and medalist, a 3-time state champion and is performing and touring with Disney on Ice.

(507) 288-8177
Email Lori Voepel Brakke

Debbie Colgan

Debbie Colgan

Ice Show Artistic Director
PSA Ratings: Master Moves in the Field & Group, Senior Figures & Freeskate, Certified Choreography.
Specializing in: Specializing in: Freeskate, Moves-in-the-Field, Dance, Power, Basic Skills, Mental Skills Training.

Fun Facts:
B.A., Wellesley College
Ph.D. University of Minnesota (Specializing in Sport Psychology)
RFSC Ice Show Artistic Director
Over 40 years of teaching experience

Debbie has been skating at the Rochester Figure Skating Club for almost her whole life and she absolutely loves it. It's practically the only thing she does indoors since her other favorite things are running, hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, walking her dog, hunting, bird watching, and riding her bike. She rides two thousand miles every summer.

(507) 289-3854
Email Debbie Colgan

Vikki Dalquist

Vikki Dalquist

Synchronized Skating Director
PSA Ratings: Master Free Skate, MIF and Group, Senior Dance and Synchronized Skating, Level III Ranking.
Specializing in: Free Skate, Moves-in-the-Field, Dance, Synchronized Skating, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
BA, Colorado College
USFS Gold Figures, Freestyle, and Dance (plus 4 international dances)
Coach of National competitors
RFSC Synchronized Skating Director
Over 35 years of teaching experience

Vikki heads our Synchronized skating team and twice took them to nationals. She started skating at age 4 with the Rochester Figure Skating Club. She once tried out on skates for a Dairy Queen commercial. She likes to hike, bike, roller blade, and still enjoys skating herself.

(507) 287-0971
Email Vikki Dalquist

Kristina Orlova

Kristina Orlova

PSA Ratings: Basic Accreditation.
Specializing in: Freeskate, Moves-in-the-Field, Choreography, Synchronized skating, On- & Off-Ice Conditioning, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
B.A. Choreography, Chelabensk University (Russia)
Professional Ice Show Skater for 11 years
Choreographer for National Competitors
RFSC Synchronized Skating Coach
Over 15 years teaching experience

Kristina is from Ukraine and is the daughter of one of our other coaches, Lidia Masliukova. Like Lidia, Kristina skated in the Ukrainian Ballet on Ice. Off the ice, Kristina enjoys time with her three children.

(507) 206-3361
Email Kristina Orlova

Paul Paprocki

Paul Paprocki

PSA Ratings: Master Program Director, Master Group, Registered Freeskate, Senior MIF, Certification in Power, Hockey Skating I, II, and III.
Specializing in: Freestyle, Moves-in-the-Field, Dance, Power (Figure skating and hockey), and Group instruction.

Fun Facts:
USA Hockey – Level 4 Coach
Coach of National competitors
30 years coaching experience

Paul is married with two children and one grandchild. He enjoys: working outdoors, on home remodeling projects, and watching the TV show America's Got Talent. He is an avid reader and uses his finance degree to invest in the stock market. Paul's favorite students to coach are the pre-school age skaters.

(507) 292-1102
Email Paul Paprocki

Kari Sackett

Kari Sackett

Learn2Skate Director
PSA Ratings: Foundations of Coaching.
Specializing in: Basic Skills, Sdaptive Skating.

Fun Facts:
MA in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Concordia University
Kari is an active skater and forms part of the adult skating program with RFSC.

Kari started skating with the Rochester Figure Skating Club when she was nine-years-old and continues to skate with our adult synchronized skating team. She is married with two children, both children enjoy skating. Kari has a B.A. in elementary education and a masters in special education. She enjoys working with kids and is focused on building each child’s strength and confidence with skating. Along with education, figure skating is one of Kari’s passions.

(507) 951-8361
Email Kari Sackett

Carol Rossignol

Carol Rossignol

PSA Ratings: Master-rated in Figures, Free Skating, Dance, Group, Program Director and Synchronized Skating, Level V Ranking.
Specializing in: Free Skate, Moves-in-the-Field, Dance, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education degrees
CFSA Gold Figures, Free Skate and Dance, Jr. Competitive Dance, Gold Skating Skills
Coach of National and International Competitors
Over 40 years of teaching experience

Carol loves teaching kids of all ages (pre-school to adults) and knows the importance of skill progressions and repetition. She instructs skaters on the proper techniques of skating and she is always upbeat and instills that in her students. She has participated in skating throughout her lifetime for fun, fitness and achievement.

(507) 288-3252
Email Carol Rossignol

Jamie Lynn Santee

Jamie Lynn Santee

PSA Ratings: Basic Accreditation, Registered FS, Level III Ranking.
Specializing in: Free Skate, Moves-in-the-Field, Off-Ice Conditioning, Choreography, Power, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
World Professional Silver Medalist
11 years principal performer with Disney on Ice, and 2 years Performance Director
National Competitor in singles & pairs (Canada)
CFSA Gold Figures & Freeskate, Senior Competitive, Pre-Gold Dance, Novice Pair
Coach of National and International Competitors
Over 30 years of teaching experience

Jamie is a native of Canada. She toured all over the world with Disney on Ice where she met her husband Jimmie. One of her favorite moments was when he surprised her by proposing in front of thousands of people during one of the shows. Jamie and Jimmie have been married for 26 years and have 3 children who also love to skate. Her favorite won't-go-a-day-without-it drink is Soy Chai Latte!

(507) 923-0879
Email Jamie Lynn Santee

Olga Wheeler

Olga Wheeler

PSA Ratings: Basic Accreditation.
Specializing in: Free Skate, Moves-in-the-Field, Edge, Choreography, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
Master Level Qualification (Russia)
Bachelor Degree in Physical Training Education & Sports (Russia)
Russian National & International Competitor
National Jr. Team Member (Russia)
Over 12 years teaching experience

Olga grew up in the Soviet Union and has been figure skating since she was 3 years old. She toured with Disney on Ice for 5 years and portrayed many fun characters. Her favorite was Belle. She has two young children and they both enjoy figure skating.

(507) 280-7936
Email Olga Wheeler

Betsy Wilson

Betsy Wilson

PSA Ratings: Registered Figures, Freeskate & Group, Level III ranking.
Specializing in: Free Skate, Moves-in-the-Field, Off-Ice Conditioning, Basic Skills.

Fun Facts:
B. A. Rockford College
USFS Gold Figures & Freeskate
Coach of National Competitors
Over 35 years of coaching experience

Betsy likes to catch up on her newspapers during zamboni breaks. The other coaches like to see how many weeks she is behind in this endeavor. During the summer, Coach Paul will ask her if the forecast she’s reading predicts snow and temperatures below zero!

(507) 281-1334
Email Betsy Wilson

Skate Fitting Information

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Last Updated: Monday, May 21, 2018; 6:24 PM
Skate Fitting Information

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Skate Care Information

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Last Updated: Monday, May 21, 2018; 6:24 PM
Skate Care Information

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Learn2Skate FAQ

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Last Updated: Monday, May 21, 2018; 6:24 PM
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About Us
Lessons – General
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As Your Learn2Skate Skater Progresses . . .
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Ice Show
Competitions & Hiawathaland
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• 2024 Spring Session
March 5 – May 18, 2024
Registration starts:
Nov 1, 2023

• 2024 Summer Session
Jul 8 – Aug 22, 2024
Registration starts:
Feb 5, 2024

• Blades & Buddies Camp
June 17–21, 2024
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