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About Us
Rochester Figure Skating Club
- RFSC is celebrating its 75th year in 2013.
- We're located in the Rochester Rec Center facility at 21 Elton Hills Drive, NW.
- We're a non-profit organization comprised of a very dedicated and experienced staff and many, many volunteers.
- Rochester Figure Skating Club is an "Excellence on Ice" skating club, as designated by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA). This is a national recognition as a progressive training facility dedicated to excellence in coaching both on and off the ice.
- We are very proud to share that we are one of only two clubs Minnesota who are PSA Excellence on Ice facilities!
RFSC Coaches
- Our coaches enjoy introducing the sport of skating to beginning skaters.
- All of our coaches are U.S. Figure Skating compliant, and are members of PSA.
- PSA, the premier national organization for skating coaches, is headquartered right here in Rochester, Minnesota.
- See our Coach Profiles page for more information on our outstanding coaching staff.
Lessons – General
When is registration for Learn2Skate
Since Learn2Skate sessions are offered throughout the calendar year, registration is ongoing, and is typically open for the upcoming session.
Often there is a volume discount for registering for more than one session at a time. Be on the look out for Early Bird discounts as well.
What time should my skater arrive at the rink?
We recommend arriving approximately 15 minutes early to get skates on, and prepare for class.
Does L2S hold practice on Rochester School Snow Days?
Yes. As long as the Rec Center is open, we try to hold classes. What a great way to spend a snow day, but safety first! Participation is not required.
If my child misses test week, is there a make-up? Can they test early?
If the absence in planned, we can often accommodate testing the week prior or on a different class day.
Can I leave and run an errand while my skater is in class, or is it recommended/required that I stay at the Rec Center?
We encourage you to stay and watch your skater's progress. It's amazing how quickly they learn.
Gear
What apparel is recommended for Learn2Skate?
We recommend apparel that easily moves with your skater. Dressing in layers allows them to remove layers as they get warmer on the ice.
Mittens or gloves are a must! They protect cold little fingers, and especially during the unexpected fall.
Does RFSC recommend a helmet?
RFSC recommends a helmet for beginning skaters during practice. A bicycle helmet works well.
Due to costume restrictions, helmets are not permitted during the Ice Show.
Should hair be pulled back?
Yes. For safety, we recommend that long hair be tied back for better visibility.
What do I need to know about skate selection, care, and sharpening?
Double runner skates are not allowed for RFSC classes. While they allow stability, it is impossible to teach proper skating technique in this type of skate.
Skate care and sharpening is very important. Poor skate care and dull blades not only hinder the progress of your skater, but they can also be a safety concern.
Ginger Knapp of BladesToBallet has provided the following information to help you out:
As Your Learn2Skate Skater Progresses . . .
What levels are covered in Learn2Skate?
Learn2Skate Preschool/Kindergarten covers the Snowplow Sam curriculum offered by U.S. Figure Skating.
Learn2Skate Low and Learn2Skate High cover the Basic Skills Badges offered by U.S. Figure Skating.
What is the difference between Learn2Skate Low and Learn2Skate High?
Learn2Skate Low is for skaters working on Basic Skills Badges 1-3, and Learn2Skate High is for skaters working on Basic Skills Badges 4-8.
Is there additional time for skaters to practice what they have learned?
We also encourage Learn2Skate practice sessions which run concurrently with Learn2Skate classes. For example, if your skater is in a 6pm class, we encourage participation in a 6:30pm practice session.
What is JPSE, and how is it different than Learn2Skate Low & Learn2Skate High?
Once a skater passes Basic 5, they are encouraged to join our Junior Program for Skating Excellence (JPSE).
JPSE introduces new concepts including strength, speed, teamwork, choreography, and synchronized team elements. This is a bridge to the more advanced skating opportunities and classes available to RFSC contract skaters. This class is a lot of fun, and skaters use the whole ice.
Is JPSE a replacement for Learn2Skate, or an addition?
We recommend JPSE skaters continue with their Learn2Skate classes through Badge 8. Learn2Skate offers a different class structure focusing primarily on technique. This augments JPSE well.
JPSE skaters are encouraged to attend at least two skating sessions a week. The second session may be a second JPSE class, a Learn2Skate High class, or a private/semi-private lesson on a Free Skate session.
How long can a skater stay in JPSE?
There is no set limit to how long a skater remains in JPSE. However, once a skater has passed Pre-Preliminary tests they have probably outgrown the scope of the class.Once a skater passes Basic 8, what is next?
Once a skater passes Basic 8, they progress to joining our club as a Contract Skater. Contract Skaters work with our professional staff through classes and one-on-one instruction to more fully develop their skating skills.
Skaters have the option to continue working with their coach on the U.S. Figure Skating Free Skate Badge series.
Coaches
At what skill level is it recommended that skaters start working with a coach?
You may choose to supplement class time with private lessons at any point. Some skaters find it very helpful to get some extra attention once they are working on Basic 4. This test level introduces some challenging elements!
We have a wonderful, fun, annual event in February, Hiawathaland, that encourages participation of skaters in Basic 1 and higher. If this interests you, then you may want to look into private instruction earlier to help your child prepare for this event.
Most very new skaters will benefit more from simple practice time on the ice rather than adding the additional expense of private instruction.
How does a skater choose a coach?
First, we recommend you read about our coaches in the Coaches Handout, on our Website, or the bios posted with their pictures in the glass case.
It's important to also observe how your skater interacts with various coaches during Learn2Skate sessions.
When families decide to start private lessons while in Learn2Skate, we often will assign you a coach based on availability.
If there is an instructor that you are specifically interested in working with, you may approach them directly to make lesson arrangements. Coaches may be contacted via email/phone or on breaks between class times. See the office for further assistance.
How are private lessons arranged?
Private lessons are arranged through the RFSC office.Ice Show
What level of Learn2Skate skill is required?
We love having our Learn2Skate skaters in the Ice Show! Every Learn2Skate skater, Preschool/Kindergarten through Basic 8, is encouraged to participate.
Skaters must be registered in Fall 2 and Winter Learn2Skate sessions to participate.
What are the benefits of participating?
Our Ice Show is a ton of fun. It’s a chance for our skaters to make new friends, and gain more confidence in their skating.
Did you know that many of our coaches have skated all over the world in ice shows, such as Disney on Ice? Look for some fun elements of professional ice shows right here in our RFSC Ice Show.
Are Ice Show rehearsals different than L2S lessons?
Yes. Ice Show rehearsals run for approximately 4 weeks prior to the Ice Show. This is during the Learn2Skate mini-session. However, rehearsals are independent of the L2S mini-session classes.
During show week (the week prior to the Ice Show), Learn2Skate skaters can expect 1-2 practices, and 2 dress-rehearsals.
What is the typical schedule for an L2S skater during Show Week?
We try to run our Ice Show rehearsals during Show Week as efficiently as possible. Though your skater will be required to come multiple nights that week, the rehearsals are generally short. A schedule will be available and skaters do not need to be there for the entire show rehearsal.
Skaters are required to skate in all three performances (Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon).
What are the costs for the ice show?
Rehearsal fees (ice and coaching time) are approximately $65 for Learn2Skate, and $85 for JPSE.
Costume fees (including delivery) are approximately $55-65.
See the Ice Show Tabs on our Classes Page for more information.
Are alterations available for costumes?
No, you will be responsible for your own costume alterations.Are helmets worn during the Ice Show?
No. While we take skater safety very seriously, skaters must be willing to skate without a helmet in the ice show due to costume restrictions.Will there be pictures for the Ice Show participants?
Yes. We hold a Picture Day for professional photos of all show groups. Individual photos will also be available.
Competitions & Hiawathaland
What is Hiawathaland?
Hiawathaland is Rochester Figure Skating Club's annual competition. We host hundreds of skaters from around the region.
Hiawathaland is typically held Friday-Sunday in early February. The Basic Skills portion of the competition (for Learn2Skate participants) is held on Sunday.
Check out our Hiawathaland page available from our Homepage for more information.
Can Learn2Skate skaters watch?
Absolutely! Hiawathaland is free to the public. We would love for you and your skater to come see all the different skaters, in our club and from around our region, who are competing.Can Learn2Skate skaters participate?
We would LOVE for your skater to participate! Talk to your Learn2Skate coach about competing. Skaters as early as Basic Skills 1 are welcome to compete in Hiawathaland.
We also offer our annual Skate Race. This is open to anyone in Learn2Skate and Learn2Skate Hockey. It's a lot of fun!
What are the benefits of participating?
Much like the Ice Show, your skater will have an opportunity to perform and gain confidence in their skating.
Basic Skills Competitions (the competitions Learn2Skate skaters participate in) are geared toward FUN!
Are there any classes for my skater to prepare for Hiawathaland?
Yes! We host a Learn2Compete lesson series for our Learn2Skate participants, which generally runs 4-5 weeks before the event. This series is in addition to the Learn2Skate classes. These lessons get our skaters excited about Hiawathaland, and focus on their competition routine.
What are the expectations for coaching time and apparel if I participate?
The sooner a skater can begin preparing for a competition, the better prepared they will be. The timeline can be discussed with their private instructor.
Generally, an additional lesson series is established, or preparation is integrated into a skater's private lessons. This will be determined by the coach and the skater.
Skating competitions are a fun and moderately formal event for the skater. Even at the Basic Skills level, girl skaters should wear a skating dress, and boy skaters should wear skating pants and a shirt. Many dresses worn by other RFSC skaters are available on consignment for a reasonable price at Blades2Ballet.
I’ve heard terms like preliminary, juvenile, novice...what do they mean?
After Basic Skills, skaters transition to the further levels of skating skill development and testing.
During competitions, skaters compete with peers based on their level.
Pre-preliminary is the first level after Basic 8. This graphic has more information.
Are other competitions available around the region if my skater is interested?
Definitely. The Twin Cities Figure Skating Association, of which RFSC is a member, hosts a Basic Skills Competition Series. Talk to your skater’s coach for more information.Camp Olivia
What is Camp Olivia?
Camp Olivia is a skating camp for skaters in the Basic Skills 4 through Pre-Preliminary levels, who are 13 years or younger. It is a week-long camp that runs for approximately 4 hours each day.
Each day involves approximately 2 hours of skating, plus 1.5 to 2 hours of crafts, food and fun with fellow skaters. Skaters develop deeper friendships with fellow skaters, work on new skills, learn to choreograph, and prepare for the skating exhibition at the conclusion of the camp.
All skaters are encouraged to perform in the exhibition, but it is not required.
When is it held?
Camp Olivia is typically held the last week of August, before Labor Day.
When does my skater register
Look for registration announcements in Early Summer, or contact the RFSC office.
Have a question you think should be added to our FAQ? We would love to hear from you to help make this page most useful. Email us at Email Learn2Skate Director