Basic Skills classes are open to ALL skaters - figure, recreational and hockey - at ALL skating levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced!

Basic Skills classes are offered through the NEW Mid-South Ice House and will run YEAR-ROUND scheduled for Saturday mornings. Classes are taught by USFSA registered FSCM coaches and directed by Coach Carla Bressler.

Does FSCM still offer Basic Skills Classes?
The Mid-South Ice House will offer classes through an in-house skating school. Classes will be offered through the Mid-South Ice House using the USFSA Basic Skills Program curriculum and taught by many FSCM coaches. The skating director is our own Carla Bressler. Classes are available for figure, recreational AND hockey skaters.

How are classes structured?
Students receive weekly 30 minute group instruction classes followed by a public session practice time. Rental skates are included on class day. Students will receive a USFSA Basic Skills membership card, record book with stickers, membership patch, year patch, a patch for the highest level completed during the 8-week session and a certificate of participation.

What will I learn?
The Skating Program follows the United States Figure Skating Association’s Basic Skills Program, which teaches the basics of all types of skating. Whether you are interested in figure skating or hockey, the basic skills of all types of skating are the same: balance, edge control, gliding, turning, and stopping.

How do I sign up for classes?
First, become an FSCM member (insurance requirement). If you are a beginning skater, you may register as a Basic Skills skater for only $25 per year. Additional family members in the same household are only $20 each. If you are above the Basic 8 level, you should register for a full FSCM membership ($95 for parent/child or $75 for adult skaters). Membership is valid for the entire USFSA fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). You will not need to pay for membership again until next summer. We are unable to pro-rate membership fees.

Click here to select and pay for a membership.

Second, register for classes through the Mid-South Ice House web site or contact the skating director, Carla Bressler, for more information on registration.

What does it cost?
Membership is as low as $25 per year. Classes run for 8 weeks and cost $125 per 8 week session. The class fee includes a 30 minute class each week, skate rental for the class session, and practice time on the public skate on the class day.

What are the class days/times?
Classes run on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings. Depending on your class level, class times run anywhere between 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM on Saturdays or 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM on Thursdays. Check the class schedule at MidSouth Ice House for the complete calendar. Classes begin September 10th.

What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable, warm clothing such as: jeans or exercise pants, long-
sleeved shirt, a light-weight sweater or jacket, and gloves. Helmets, skate or bike styles, are optional.

NEW HOMESCHOOL SKATING PROGRAM AVAILABLE!
Thursdays @ 2 PM beginning Sept. 13, 2011
Click here for more information

Mid-South Ice House will now run progressive class sessions year round. Skaters may purchase class packages and receive class instruction according to their level placement as outlined in the US Figure Skating Basic Skills curriculum. Skaters receive 30 minutes of class time per week with a qualified instructor.

Payment Information
All class participants MUST also register as a member of the Figure Skating Club of Memphis for insurance purposes. If you are not currently a club member, an annual $25 Basic Skills membership must be purchased when registering for your first class session (in addition to class fees paid separately to the Mid-South Ice House). Alternatively you may register as a full club member for additional benefits and ice offerings.

Skates & Equipment
Skate rental is available for class participants through Mid-South Ice House at no additional fee during class time.

However, you or your child will be MUCH more comfortable in your own skates and in the long run, buying skates saves you money! Coach Carla Bressler offers beginner figure and hockey skates for sale for around $50 from Reidell. Price varies for sizes/styles. She is also able to purchase intermediate and advanced model skates for our returning skaters. You can also purchase skates online (new and used) from a variety of sources or visit a skate shop regionally in Little Rock, Nashville, or Decatur. Please purchase your skates at least 2 weeks prior to your class start date so you can be sure they arrive in time! If you have more questions about buying skates, email us.

Rental Skate Info: Rental skates should be available through the Mid-South Ice House for skaters enrolled in classes that do not currently own skates.

Refund Policy
Please visit Mid-South Ice House for information about their class refund policy. FSCM Membership dues are not refundable at any time. We purchase your membership through US Figure Skating when you make your payment. We cannot get a refund for your membership through US Figure Skating. Therefore, your membership fee is not refundable.

Snowplow Sam 1-3
Ages 2-5 | Classes meet for 30 min
Snowplow Sam levels are designed to help the preschool age skater develop preliminary coordination and strength necessary to maneuver on the ice. Snowplow Sam 1 skaters will be learning basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and two foot glides. Snowplow Sam 2 & 3 are progressive in completion and skill mastery. Students work on forward marching with speed, simple turns, beginning backward skating and stops. USA Hockey endorses the use of figure skates for beginner hockey skaters. Helmets, skate or bike styles, are optional.

Basic Skills Levels 1-8
Ages 6+ | Classes meet for 30 min
The "Basic Skills" are the fundamentals of skating skills. Once a skater has completed the first two levels, they may choose to enroll in Junior Figure Skating Academy. The Basic 1 & 2 skill progression includes basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and backward skating, two-foot glides, crossovers and stops. The Basic 5-8 skill progression includes edge techniques, introduction to jumps and spins, three turns and mowhawks, power stroking, and much more! Skaters in Basic 5-8 can also opt for the
Junior Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes. Upon mastery of the “Basic Eights”, skaters transist to Free Skate classes and may enroll into the Elite Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes.

Free Skate 1-6 | Classes meet for 30 min
Skaters are always excited to graduate from the “Basic Eights” to the Free Skate levels divided into 6 levels. The Free Skate levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build their skills. The skills progression for Free Skate 1-6 include more advanced footwork, jumps and spins. Upon completion of Free Skate 6, skaters are strongly encouraged to set and practice towards achieving United States Figure Skating
tests and competition goals. Skaters in Free Skate 1-6 can also opt for other Elite Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes.

Hockey 1-4
Ages 6+ | Classes meet for 30 min
The Hockey curriculum are designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. Basic Skills Hockey 1-4 classes are for children who have never ice skated before and are enthusiastic about hockey. In four badge levels, skaters will learn balance, basic forward & backward skating, glides, stops, turns and beginning crossovers. Skaters will learn to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. Proper skating techniques are the primary focus of the levels. All elements are taught without a puck or stick. Skaters will learn the basic fundamentals to be successful in game situations. These skaters must complete and master the skills in Hockey 1-2 before becoming eligible to enroll in the Hockey Department’s Learn to Play Hockey class. Helmets are optional. USA Hockey endorses the use of figure skates for beginner hockey skaters.

Once enrolled in Learn to Play Hockey, skaters are encouraged to continue enrollment in Basic Skills Hockey Level 3-4 classes to further improve their of skating skills along side learning the ins and outs of the actual game of Hockey.

Adult Levels 1-4
Ages: 17+ | Classes meet for 30 min
It is never too late to learn to skate! Do you dream of flying across the ice or gliding with the grace of Dorothy Hamill? The Adult curriculum is designed for the beginner adult skater. It will promote physical fitness as well as improve balance and coordination while learning proper skating techniques. Divided into four levels, adult skaters will progress at an individual rate, while being challenged and motivated. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable way for a fit and healthy lifestyle. Included in the Basic Skills Adult Level 1 skill progression: balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward and backward skating, glides, and stops. The Basic Skills Adult Level 2-4 skill progression, for skaters who are already comfortable on their blades, will improve technique, agility and edge usage while learning combination foot work sequences integrating forward and backward crossovers, advanced turns and power skating moves.

Therapeutic 1-14
Ages 6+ | Classes meet for 30 min
The Therapeutic Badge Program is designed to help physically challenged skaters develop skills and enhance their skating experience. The program encourages skaters to continue in the sport of skating for physical recreation and activity while taking limitations into consideration. Assisted is with the help of a person. If skaters use an assistive device without a person, they are unassisted.

SPECIAL OLYMPIC BADGE PROGRAM 1-12
Age 6+ | Classes meet for 30 min
The Special Olympics Sports Skills program is designed for people with mental handicaps who may exhibit any number of physical impairments. The Special Olympics Figure Skating Badge Program, divided into 12 levels, allows athletes to learn skills in a progressive order and earn badges at each level. Athletes who complete the Special Olympics Badge Program will be prepared to move into the existing program at local rinks.

Youth Synchronized Skating
Synchro 1-4 | Classes meet for 30 min
Synchonized Team Skating is the fastest growing component of figure skating combining elements of ballet, ice dance and pairs skating into an exciting on ice performance. The team aspect of synchronized skating encourages camaraderie and long-term participation in skating. Team members execute difficult formations
with speed and accuracy.

The Basic Skills Synchronized badge program is a fun introduction to the five basic elements of synchronized Team Skating: Circle, Line, Block, Intersection, and Wheel. The purpose of these tests is to introduce skaters to synchronized skating and to familiarize them with elementary holds, formations, and transitions. A group can consist of six or more skaters to get started. Skaters in Basic 5 and higher are eligible to enroll.

Introduction to Dance
Dance 1-6 | Classes meet for 30 min
The Dance badge program focuses on the components of ice dancing and reviews the basic edges and turns while skating to music. Skaters will learn the first six dance pattern in the USFSA test structure. These tests can be taken with or without a partner. Skaters in Basic 5 and higher are eligible to enroll.

Artistry In Motion (AIM)
AIM 1-4 | Classes meet for 30 min
The Artistry in Motion or “AIM” program is designed to educate skaters on the basic principles and philosophy of choreography and style. The badge program will give skaters a foundation in basic body alignment, movement and line. Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater. Artistry in Motion stimulates the creative mind of every skater. Skaters in Basic 5 and higher are eligible to enroll.

Junior Figure Skating Academy
Basic Skills levels 5-8 | Classes meet for 30 min
While encouraging skaters to accelerate their completion of the Basic Skills Curriculum, academy coaches encourage skaters to enhance the quality of their basic skating giving them a strong foundation in fundamental figure skating techniques.

Intro to Power Skating | Classes meet for 30 min
Figure skaters must build their fitness and endurance for program performance as well as learning to make the most of every push or stroke of their blades. This class focuses on the less experienced skater’s introduction to endurance, proper stroking skills, and power. Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater. Skaters in Basic 5 and higher are eligible to enroll in this class.

Moves in the Field (MIF)/Intro to Edges | Classes meet for 30 min
Moves in the field are basic skating moves skated without music required by the United States Figure Skating Association. An effortless, flowing and graceful execution should be achieved as the skater performs steps skated in general accordance with the diagrams and descriptions set forth by the United States Figure Skating Association Test Book. Moves in the field must be skated with good edges, control, flow, extension, carriage,
and rhythm with an even speed and flow. This class serves as an introduction to proper edges and turn techniques needed to eventually progress to the Moves in the Field practice and instruction class. Instruction will focus on introduction to upper body control, free leg placement, edge control and turning technique. Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater. Skaters in Basic 5 and higher are eligible to enroll in this class.

Elite Figure Skating Academy
The Elite Figure Skating Academy is intended for skaters Free Skate 1 and higher (USFSA test skaters included). Skaters receive specialized and challenging instruction in jump and spin techniques, stroking, footwork and power skating, moves in the field, ice dance, synchronized skating and music interpretation.

Power Skating | Classes meet for 30 min
Figure skaters must build their fitness and endurance for program performance as well as learning to make the most of every push or stroke of their blades. This class focuses on endurance, proper stroking skills, and power. Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater. Skaters in Free Skate 1 and higher are eligible to enroll in this class.

Moves in the Field (MIF)/Intro to Edges | Classes meet for 30 min
Moves in the field are basic skating moves skated without music. An effortless, flowing and graceful execution should be achieved as the skater performs steps skated in general accordance with the diagrams and descriptions set forth by the United States Figure Skating Association Test Book. Moves in the field must be skated with good edges, control, flow, extension, carriage, and rhythm with an even speed and flow. This class provides skaters designated practice and instruction needed to master proper technique and skills required for MIF. Instruction will focus on upper body control, free leg placement, edge control and turning technique. Using this program will contribute to the training of the complete figure skater. Skaters in Free Skate 1 and higher are eligible to enroll in this class.

Seasonal Ice Shows
All Enrolled Skating School Skaters | Classes meet for 30 min
Each year there will be two ice show productions: A holiday show in the winter and a themed show in the summer. In this class, skaters build relationships and teamwork skills with fellow skaters as they work toward the common goal of the ice show production. Skaters learn choreography skills, learn to perform elements in sequence and gain experience skating in front of an audience. Skaters enrolled in any Skating School class are eligible to sign up for group numbers as well as a limited number of solo positions available.

For more information or to arrange for an evaluation, contact Skating Director, Carla Bressler – skateschool@midsouthicehouse.com - phone 901-674-6878.