HOW TO BECOME A FIGURE SKATER
At Tim Hortons Iceplex, we know every aspiring figure skater's story starts with those magical first moments on the ice—full of wobbly glides, tentative stops, and growing excitement. That's why we've partnered with the Genesee Figure Skating Club (GFSC) to offer an entry-level program designed for young beginners. This collaboration creates a nurturing starting point at our facility, where kids discover skating basics in a fun, encouraging environment. Imagine your child mastering essential skills like forward marching, basic turns, and balance-building, all while gaining confidence to push further. Our program provides the ideal foundation, guiding them step by step toward advanced opportunities with GFSC to grow and thrive.
We understand busy family life, so we've made our programs as convenient as possible. All introductory sessions run on the same weekdays for a consistent routine as your child advances. Each 8-week session ensures smooth transitions between levels, without the need for full-season commitments—letting kids learn at their own pace. Beginning with group lessons on fun fundamentals, they quickly progress to elements like crossovers and introductory spins under experienced instructors. This flexible setup fits easily into your schedule, balancing school and activities while watching your child's skills and smiles blossom.
As your child builds a strong base, the journey leads naturally to GFSC, a Rochester skating mainstay since 1953. Our partnership enables a seamless transition into their programs for freestyle, competitions, and more. It's the perfect path from our beginner foundation to broader figure skating adventures, helping your child's story unfold with confidence and joy.
WHY FIGURE SKATE?
Figure skating is more than just a sport—it's a transformative activity that combines physical fitness, artistic expression, and personal growth, making it an ideal pursuit for children of all ages. Physically, it builds core strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination through dynamic movements like glides, spins, and jumps, helping kids develop agility and endurance in a fun, low-impact way. Unlike team sports that might emphasize competition from the start, figure skating allows young learners to progress at their own pace, fostering a sense of accomplishment with every new skill mastered. At Tim Hortons Iceplex, our entry-level programs introduce these benefits early on, turning those initial wobbly steps into confident strides that lay the groundwork for lifelong health and wellness.
Beyond the physical advantages, figure skating nurtures mental and emotional resilience, teaching discipline, focus, and perseverance as skaters learn to embrace falls as part of the journey. It's a creative outlet too, blending athleticism with music and choreography to encourage self-expression and boost self-esteem. Socially, it creates lasting friendships in a supportive community, whether through group lessons or shared ice time. For families, it's a rewarding way to instill values like goal-setting and teamwork, all while creating joyful memories. As your child advances from our beginner sessions toward opportunities with partners like the Genesee Figure Skating Club, they'll gain skills that extend far beyond the rink, from improved concentration in school to the confidence to tackle new challenges in life.
This guide details the exciting journey from tentative first steps on the ice to thriving in the world of figure skating.
STEP #1: LEARNING TO ICE SKATE
Skating 101 Program
Skating 101 is the first step for any child interested in playing hockey. This 8-week program provides a solid foundation of skating skills, which is crucial for a positive first experience and for developing into a successful figure skater.
The 8-week cycle is designed to align with our Next Step Programming, so the start and end dates match up perfectly. This creates a smooth transition for participants as they graduate from Skating 101 and move on to higher-level programs.
Skating 101 runs year-round and is offered on various days to accommodate different schedules.
Learn more about the Skating 101 program by clicking here.
STEP #2: THE INTRODUCTION TO FIGURE SKATING
Figure Skating 101 Program
Figure Skating 101 is an entry-level program designed to introduce skaters to the artistry and athleticism of figure skating in a fun and positive atmosphere. This program allows new skaters to transition into the sport without a major financial or time commitment. We provide complimentary rental skates for all participants, so there is no need to purchase specialized gear to get started.
Over the course of the 8-week program, which runs year-round on multiple days of the week, the focus is on foundational figure skating skills, including advanced edge work, introductory spins, and beginning jump techniques.
Figure Skating 101 is run in partnership with the Genesee Figure Skating Club. They are dedicated to helping every participant flourish and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
Learn more about the Figure Skating 101 Program by clicking here.
STEP #3: JOINING A FIGURE SKATING CLUB
Genesee Figure Skating Club
The Genesee Figure Skating Club (GFSC) is Rochester's premier figure skating club, founded in 1953 and a proud member of U.S. Figure Skating. Dedicated to skaters of all ages and levels, GFSC offers classes, freestyle sessions, synchronized skating, targeted coaching, and off-ice conditioning, supported by experienced, certified coaches. The club hosts competitions, test sessions, and seasonal shows, promoting inclusivity, safety, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning. Beyond the rink, GFSC partners with schools and charities, supports underserved youth, and has developed athletes who succeed at regional, national, and even Olympic levels.
Learn more about the Genesee Figure Skating Club by clicking here.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE GENESEE FIGURE SKATING CLUB
The Genesee Figure Skating Club (GFSC) stands as a vibrant, non-profit organization in Rochester, New York, dedicated to promoting and fostering figure skating throughout the Greater Rochester community. Established in 1953, it ranks among the oldest figure skating clubs in the region and holds membership in U.S. Figure Skating, the national governing body for the sport. The club's mission centers on creating a supportive environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels to hone their abilities, build confidence, and embrace the artistry and athleticism of the discipline. GFSC emphasizes inclusivity, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning, catering to recreational enjoyment, competitive ambitions, or personal development. Over the years, it has evolved into a key pillar of the local skating landscape, enabling countless individuals to experience the thrill of ice skating while maintaining top standards in safety and instruction.
GFSC provides an array of programs tailored for skaters across various proficiencies, from those building foundational skills to elite athletes. Its Learn-to-Skate USA initiative guides participants through essential techniques via group lessons, while more advanced members engage in freestyle sessions, synchronized skating teams, and targeted coaching for elements like jumps, spins, and choreography. The club organizes yearly events including competitions, test sessions, and holiday ice shows, allowing skaters to demonstrate their progress within U.S. Figure Skating's structured framework. With a team of experienced, certified coaches drawing from competitive expertise, GFSC delivers customized guidance aligned with individual aspirations. It also features adult skating options and off-ice conditioning, fostering a welcoming hub for families, enthusiasts, and aspiring professionals to grow collectively.
Extending its reach beyond the ice, GFSC actively engages with the Rochester community through collaborations with local schools, charities, and events aimed at encouraging physical fitness and artistic expression, including initiatives that bring skating to underserved youth. The club has nurtured many regional and national competitors, with alumni achieving success in coaching, performance, and even Olympic endeavors. For parents seeking opportunities for their children or adults rekindling an interest in skating, GFSC offers a family-oriented setting that prioritizes fun, camaraderie, and excellence. It continues to inspire future generations of skaters, forging enduring connections both on and off the rink. www.geneseefsc.com
FIGURE SKATING FAQ
Getting your child started in organized youth hockey is an exciting journey, but it can be a lot to take in if you're new to the game. This information was compiled for those new to the sport, breaking down everything you need to know, from understanding the different levels of play to finding the right equipment and navigating the full season.
Have questions
Do you have any questions or need more information? Contact us, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
To make ice sports more accessible, our Ultimate Assist program offers financial aid. If you need help, you can learn more by clicking below.