Skating Star
BECOME A SKATING STAR!
The Skating Star program is designed to provide an opportunity for ALL Learn to Skate students to participate in a competition and see what it’s all about. The Skating Star program is open to all Learn to Skate participants, regardless of skill level.
Compete USA competitions aim to promote a fun, introductory, competitive experience for beginner skaters. Events incorporate skills from Learn to Skate USA into a competition format. Compete USA competitions are open to all Learn to Skate USA or USFS members.
When you join the Skating Star program, you will be matched with one of our Certified Learn to Skate Instructors who will develop a Free Skate program specifically for you! From choosing music, to costumes, to competition send-off, your coach will be with you!
Competitions: This season, we chose three competitions that offer a variety of experiences to our skaters.
The Snowflake Classic is held each year, typically the first Saturday in December, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Historically, this competition has been an easy day event where you can travel both there and back on the competition day. This competition is typically a Compete USA competition that is specifically designed to be a great first competition experience. Every competitor receives recognition on the podium & a medal based on their placement.
The Skate River City competition is in its inaugural year! Our club has discussed hosting a competition at our arena for many seasons, and this season, we’re finally making it happen! Show your home club pride and choose to compete. Our competition will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, and will take place between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. This competition is a Compete USA competition and will provide an opportunity for all local skaters to have a taste of FUN! Every competitor will receive recognition on the podium & a medal or trophy based on their placement.
The Eau Claire Competition is held annually, the first weekend in March, in Eau Claire, WI. This is both a Compete USA & USFS non-qualifying competition with a day of Synchro! This is a great opportunity to join many of the NIFSC competitors and compete not only as individuals but also as a club. Each placement in an event earns the club points, and the club with the most points at the end of the competition wins the team event. We’d love to have you join us for this weekend and have the opportunity to see what a full weekend competition has to offer. There will be a variety of events to watch and see what they’re all about. Our Storm Synchro line will be competing on Sunday, and we hope that this season we will see one or both of our other lines there as well.
*Depending on overall interest, our club may choose to participate in the Winter Iowa Game the weekend of February 21st-22nd. IF we choose to compete in this competition, skaters in the Skating Star program may choose to add on this competition for $50. This will help cover the cost of competition day coaching and will include one additional practice time for all skaters.
Register for two Skating Star opportunities – save $20 – total $180
Register for all three Skating Star opportunities – save $40 – total $260
Registration
FAQ
What is required for each skill level?
Skaters typically compete at the last skill level they’ve passed by the date set by each competition. This is so that skaters are skating the skills they’ve achieved vs skills they’re still learning. Each skill level is divided into its own event and often
also by age groupings. Each Compete USA event should only have up to six competitors. Everyone who competes receives a trophy or medal, depending on placement. Your coach will incorporate the skills you are required to have into your choreography.
Who picks my song?
During the registration process, there is a place for adding song suggestions. If you don’t have a favorite song, you could list your favorite movie, genre of music, or something you’re more drawn to. Songs must be age-appropriate and work for your individual skill level, so the coaches will have the final approval. Our coaches are knowledgeable about what works best for each level, age grouping, and what won’t be too popular (you don’t want to walk in with the same song as five other skaters) for the season. Let them be your guide. To keep this process smooth and moving forward, your song will be chosen, cut to length, and even your program choreographed, prior to your first lesson.
Do I need a costume? & Where can I get a costume?
Once you know your song selection, you can begin to find a dress or costume that works well with it. NIFSC will have a costume sale/exchange that you can browse, or you are welcome to find something on your own.
I borrowed skates from the LTS program, can I use them?
Yes, a $50 security deposit is required to take the skates. You bring a check or cash when you pick up your skates, and get it
returned to you when you bring your skates back in good condition.
Can I purchase extra practice sessions?
Each competition will have one extra practice date in the week leading up to the competition. All skaters are welcome to participate at no additional charge. This date will be announced closer to each competition.
Can I purchase extra lessons?
We have talked extensively with coaches about the number of lessons needed to learn and grow a FreeSkate competition program at the Basic Skills level, and we are confident that your skater can do this in the allotted time. If your skater would like to have an additional practice, you can sign up for a booster lesson anytime and indicate that you would like
them to work on their competition program. Booster lessons are $15/15 mins and available on
select Sundays.
What information do I need to register for the competition?
You will need your individual LTS USA or USFS number, skill level information, & link to the competition registration. Once you are registered for the Skating Star program, you will receive a more detailed information packet with this information included. We are happy to help you register by walking you through this process individually.
Where do I register for the competition?
Each competition has its own online registration process. Once you are registered for the Skating Star program, you will receive a more detailed information packet with this information included. We are happy to help you register by walking
you through this process individually.
How much is competition registration?
Each competition sets its own prices. Typically, for a Compete USA competition at the Basic Skills level, the cost ranges from $60-$100 for the first event. For skaters at the Aspire levels (FreeSkate 2-6), those fees typically range from $80-$130 for the first event. As soon as information is available to us, we’ll share it with you!
Can we register for other competitions?
At this time, we are not offering that option as a club. This program is intended to offer a sample of what competitions are like while keeping it more affordable while doing so. Our volunteers & coaches are donating time or offering it at a discount to allow all skaters the opportunity to try competition. If you’re interested in competing at additional competitions and/or participating in more events, you will need to register as a regular club member, contract ice, & have a regular private lesson in order to have adequate time to learn, practice, and perfect those competition programs.
