Junior Academy
Junior Academy is an entry-level program that teaches introductory figure skating skills to young children who show potential to excel in competitive figure skating. This program fast-tracks young CanSkaters into our Junior Figure Skating program. Entrance into our Junior Academy is by invitation only. Skaters must be 4-8 years old and are talent-identified and selected from our CanSkate program.
The curriculum for this program has been developed by Olympic coach Ravi Walia to build a strong foundation for long-term success in the sport of figure skating. Skaters are taught in small groups by a Skate Canada Certified Coach with a maximum coach-to-student ratio of 1:10. This dynamic program creates a fun, enthusiastic atmosphere to learn correct technique in fundamental skills, such as edges, stroking, jumps, spins, and musical interpretation. Dryland training is incorporated to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination.
Ravi Walia will visit the class periodically throughout the year to talent-identify the skaters. Skaters will also have the opportunity to participate in seminars led by Ravi and 3-time Olympic Medalist and World Champion Kaetlyn Osmond. There will be games, prizes, fun “theme days”, as well as our annual Holiday Ice Show and Junior Academy Competition. As skaters progress through various stages of development and skill acquisition, they may be invited to our NextGen Team. The NextGen program offers additional training times, where our Next Generation athletes will learn at an accelerated pace. Invitation to this program occurs frequently and new skaters are added throughout the year. As skaters in our NextGen Team progress, they may be invited to our Junior Program, where they will work with a coach for private or semi-private instruction.
Junior Academy skaters skate a minimum of two times per week. (Three days per week is recommended for accelerated progress.) The Junior Academy program is offered in four terms per year: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Skaters who want to skate only once per week or who cannot skate on the days that we offer Junior Academy classes should register for JumpStart. These skaters can move to Junior Academy in the next term.
Skaters in our Junior Academy must wear figure skates. Correct equipment is an important part of timely skill acquisition. Helmets are optional. Any questions regarding proper fitting skates and maintenance may be answered by our coaching team.
For more information or to request an audition, please contact us at info@icepalace.ca.
Fun. Fitness. Achievement. It all begins in our Junior Academy!