Our Spring Show is happening soon.
Don't miss it!
WE SKATING!
The Buffalo Figure Skating Club welcomes area skaters who want to obtain additional ice time and have the opportunity for private instruction and competition entry.
Members of the club are able to participate in an annual Spring exhibition, local and national competitions, fundraisers and other fun activities planned throughout the year.
The next session starts January 6, 2024. Registration is now open. We look forward to skating with you!
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NEW for 2023-2024 - Gamma & Delta Skaters are graduating to Jr. Club! If your skater has passed Beta or Gamma, they will now move to Jr. Club from Learn To Skate.
LEARN TO SKATE CLASSES
WINTER 2024 CLASS INFORMATION
Classes start in January!
We are dedicated to using Ice Skating Institute (ISI) standards for advancement of skating skills used for both figure skating and hockey. Our goal is to provide a productive and fun atmosphere for students age 3 and older, of varying abilities, to advance their skills! ​
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Classes are offered on Saturday mornings
Class times: 8:50 - 9:20am
9:30 - 10:00am
Class dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 (No Class Feb 3rd).
Class fees: $110 Tots & $130 for all other Classes
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Available Classes
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• Beginner Tots: Skaters ages 3-4. Skaters will learn basic skills to be comfortable on the ice - they will learn to stand up, march, and eventually gliding. Figure skating and hockey tots work on the same skills and will be combined. Beginner Tot class is only 20 minutes.
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• Advanced Tots: Skaters ages 4-5 who have skated before and are able to stand independently on the ice. They must be able to stand and march without assistance. They will learn two-foot hops, and eventually gliding. Figure skating and hockey tots work on the same skills and will be combined. Beginner Tots are brand new to skating and Advanced Tots have skated before and can stand independently on the ice.
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• Pre-Alpha: Skaters ages 5+ who have never taken classes should start here. Skaters in this class must be able to stand and march without assistance. Beginner students learn to balance and do simple glides on both feet. Figure skating and hockey skaters must pass the Pre-Alpha level before registering for a higher level. Pre-Alpha Mastery is for skaters who have been in Pre-Alpha before and are able to glide and wiggle backwards.
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• Alpha: Must have passed Pre-Alpha
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• Beta: Must have passed Alpha
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• Mites/U6/U8 Hockey Development: Must have passed Pre-Alpha or have coach approval with the following: a basic understanding of ice safety, falling and standing up, must understand and are able to show beginning stages of backwards skating and be able to glide on one foot (both feet) the width of the ice. Skaters must be in full gear and have previously skated unassisted.
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NEW for 2023-2024 - Gamma & Delta Skaters are graduating to Jr. Club!
If your skater has passed Beta or Gamma, they will now move to Jr. Club from Learn To Skate.
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Classes are held at the Buffalo Civic Center.
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All group classes are 30 minutes
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Helmets are strongly encouraged for all skaters and are required for Tot and Pre-Alpha classes.
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Class size is limited to 5 - 12 skaters depending on level. In the event of low enrollment some classes may be cancelled or consolidated with another level or time slot.
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It is common for skaters to stay in their skating level for more than 1 session.
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We offer ISI sanctioned, hockey-specific skating instruction for tots through Mites/U6/U8 levels. No sticks allowed, we focus on skating skills.
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No refunds or credits for absences due to illness.
LEARN TO SKATE FAQ's
Does my child need a helmet for Learn to Skate?
Yes, helmets are required for safety of the skaters. Hockey helmets work great but you can also use a bike helmet if you have one.​
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Are skates available to rent?
No. Skaters need to bring their own skates. Make sure skates are sharpened and no double runner blades. Hockey and figure skating skates are allowed. Suggested retailers include Play It Again Sports, Fleet Farm, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Dave's Sporting Goods.
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What should my child wear?
It's cold in the rink. Skaters should wear warm clothing or layers that they can easily move around in. Snow pants are suggested (Tots) and warm/water proof clothing including jacket or fleece, waterproof gloves/mittens, hat, and warm socks. For parents that plan to watch, we also recommend dressing warmly.
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What if I sign up my child for the wrong session?
Instructors are constantly evaluating skaters during each class and may move a skater to a different class if it is a better fit for them skill-wise throughout the session. Classes will be formally evaluated toward the end of the session and will be given a form with their evaluation results and recommendations on what to sign up for the next session.
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ABOUT
US
Buffalo Figure Skating Club Membership
The Buffalo Figure Skating Club was formed for area skaters to obtain additional ice time and have the opportunity for private instruction and competition entry. Members of the club are able to participate in an annual Spring exhibition, Holiday show, local and national competitions, fundraisers and other fun activities planned throughout the year.
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Ice Skating Institute
The Ice Skating Institute is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the skating industry. ISI encourages participation in ice skating as a recreational sport.
Membership in ISI allows skaters the opportunity to perform locally and nationally, in addition to test registration and earning patches.
Members will have their tests registered with the National Ice Skating Institute.
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Competitions
There are several local and national competitions Buffalo Figure Skating Club members participate in each year. In order to compete, skaters are required to be club members and skate under the direction of a private coach. All ages and levels are encouraged to compete. Skaters can choose to compete in a variety of categories demonstrating skills in different aspects. Some events can be performed with a partner or in a group. Contact the skating staff if you are interested in partners or group skating events.
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Ice Shows and Exhibitions
Participants in the Buffalo Figure Skating Club may participate in our Spring Exhibition which takes place in either April or May.
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Thank you to our Sponsors
OUR
COACHES
Katrina Stewart - Skating Coach
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USFS Gold Medalist
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Upper Great Lakes Regional Competitor
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1996 Minnesota State Intermediate Ladies Champion
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Full time skating professional 15 years experience
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7 years USFS program director experience
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PSA rated
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PSA Level ll ranking (qualifying regional competitors)
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USFS/PSA Catagory A coach
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ISI Member
Katie Hetzler - Skating Coach
Katie is a former member of the Buffalo Figure Skating Club. Katie has experience teaching classes through the BFSC and Community Ed figure skating programs and recently began teaching private lessons. Katie was co-captain of the BFSC synchronized skating team, "Go Figure" and has tested through ISI Freestyle 5. Coaching figure skating has been a dream of Katie's for many years and she is thrilled to finally make that dream come true!
Jackie Heinz - Skating Coach
Jackie is a former member of the Ice Cutters Skating Club. Jackie started with the club at the age of 10 and quickly came to love figure skating! She competed for many years at different levels. She has tested through ISI Freestyle 4. Her daughters have now shared in her passion and participate in the Learn To Skate program. Jackie is excited to be back at her home rink and sharing her love of figure skating with others!!
Sandy Wittman - Skating Coach
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PSA Master Rated in Moves in the Field
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PSA Senior Rated in Senior Freestyle
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PSA Category “A” coach
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USFS Category A coaching certification
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PSA Level III Ranking
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ISI District 10 Test Chair
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ISI Gold level judge/referee
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Assistant Director (ISI) 10 years
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Presenter at ISI World Conferences and local seminars
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Judged at the State Games of America, 2005 as ISI representative
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Adult Camp Director, 2016 & 2017
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Coached ISI Freestyle 9 skaters, USFS Gold Freestyle, Moves in the Field skaters, Canadian Gold freestyle skaters MN State/ regional/sectional and adult champions and skater
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Coaching since 1985
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Full time skating professional
Val Matzke - Skating Coach
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USFS Double Gold Medalist in Figures and Freestyle.
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Northwest Regional Champion and Pacific Coast Sectional Competitor.
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Competitive skater through the Senior Ladies level.
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Soloist with Ice Capades National tour and Holiday on Ice International tour for 13 years.
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Coaching for 22 years.
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Coached ISI through FS 10, USFS Senior Free and Canadian Gold Free tests.
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Member of USFS, ISI & PSA (Professional Skaters Association)
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PSA Category A Coach.
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PSA Master rated in Freestyle instruction.
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PSA Level IV Ranking (International Coach).
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Experienced Learn to Skate director for six years
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Full time skating professional.