Where to Start
How do I get started?
The best way to get started is by submitting your inquiry about lessons via this link. We’ll be in touch with you in at least 24 hours after you submit your answers.
Do I need my own skates?
The short answer is yes. But, if you’ve never skated before, Coach Ashleigh suggests going to a few public skating sessions first. This way you can get a feel for the ice, & see if you like skating without making a significant investment on skates and ice time. Most rinks offering public skating provide rental skates on a first come, first serve basis at a low cost too.
Is skating expensive?
Figure skating is an expensive sport, there’s no way around this. Skaters are paying for their equipment, ice time, coaching fees, clothing, group lessons to supplement their skating, and the cost increases alongside your commitment level. That being said, people who want to skate have to decide how much time, energy, commitment they are willing to dedicate to their skating journey.
A good place to start is by deciding what your monthly budget will be for skating.
Start out by signing up for a Learn-to-Skate program in your area.
Add more practice time by attending public skating sessions when available.
This helps keep your initial investments at a lower cost. As you progress through the sport, your investment levels & commitment levels may change.
Private Lessons
What is a private lesson?
Dedicated time between you and I for on-ice practice, or off-ice strength and conditioning.
Private lessons are different than group classes where you usually spend 25 minutes to one-hour working on a few skills in one lesson.
You’ll have the opportunity to build on skating skills you already know and learn new skills at your own pace. Private lessons may also focus on jumps, spins, footwork, connecting moves & transitions.
Will adding private lessons to my skating schedule help me improve?
Yes! When you add private lessons to your weekly practice routine, your skating skills dramatically improve. Most skaters who work with a private coach also combine 1:1 instruction with independent practice & weekly group classes.
What is the benefit of private lessons?
You’ll learn new skills that will challenge and motivate you to improve your figure skating technique, control, posture, power, balance, and rhythm. Private lessons allow you more time to master your foundational skating skills like the development of big jumps, fast, centered spins, and dynamic footwork.
How will private lessons help my figure skating improve?
When you work with a coach, one-on-one, we’re able to take time pinpointing specific areas in your skating that may need improve or mastery. I focus only on you, unlike group classes where my attention is divided among many skaters. This level of attention makes it easier for you to process and apply corrections in the moment.
Is a private coach different than a learn-to-skate instructor?
Sometimes. Most coaches who offer private lessons also teach learn-to-skate classes.
How is working with a coach different than skating on my own?
Skating is always more fun with a buddy! While weekly independent practice is encouraged, supplementing this with a one-on-one lesson will help you attain mastery of your skills.
The immediate feedback and corrections you receive allows you to improve more quickly. You’ll learn techniques which Coach Ashleigh will demonstrate and/or explain to you in the moment. It’s also nice to have another set of eyes on your skating to make suggestions and motivate you when you’re feeling stuck.
Competitions
Do you charge an additional amount for coaching during competitions?
Yes.
Why are you charging a coaching fee?
The hosting rink requires coaches to fulfill a judging assignment to receive credentials. The credential allows access to certain areas within the rink parents/relatives/spectators are not allowed to enter (i.e. putting skaters on the ice). Judging assignments often require at least one-hour of our time. Some competitions require coaches to fulfill multiple assignments based on the total number of events your home rink enters.
What about out-of-state competitions?
Most of the competitions I suggest my skaters participate in Massachusetts, part of ISI District One.
However, ISI is a multi-district skating organization with opportunities to compete all over the country.
You can find more info about National competitions on the Skate ISI website.
What about competitions requiring overnight stays?
Coaches, skaters & skating families are responsible for finding their own accommodations & transportation for competitions. For competitions requiring overnight stays, we’ll try to get a group rate or block of rooms at a nearby hotel for Franklin Finesse skaters.
How is a competition different than a skating show or exhibition?
At a competition, skaters compete against one another, performing their freestyle programs or a compulsory program in front of a panel of judges. At an exhibition or show, skaters perform their programs for an audience instead of judges.