Junior Development
The Delta Skating Club Junior Development Program is for young skaters that have achieved Canskate Stage 3 and who have been identified in the CanSkate Program by our coaches with talent and a keen interest in figure skating.
Junior Development is the next stage for skaters to bridge the gap between CanSkate group lessons and StarSkate Programs, when skaters get individual attention and begin private lessons in preparation for StarSkate competitions and Skate Canada Tests.
The program introduces skaters to various disciplines of figure skating (freeskate, skills & dance) in a fun, energetic group format. The program is divided into two groups based on age and ability, with a maximum of 10 skaters per Skate Canada coach:
- Under 8 years old, working on CanSkate Stage 4 and higher
- 8 -10 years old, working on CanSkate Stage 5 & 6 and Elementary StarSkate level
Once skaters reach Stage 6 they can start working on their own program set to music and upon completion of the Junior Development program, skaters will be able to perform at least two rotational jumps, spin and be ready to move onto the StarSkate program.
The Junior Development program consists of two 1-hour ON-ICE and two half-hour OFF-ICE sessions per week from September to March. Two classes per week are mandatory, as the program emphasizes quick progress in a fun, enthusiastic group format. The program focuses on the fundamentals of figure skating consisting of stops, edges, turns, jumps and spins. We also encourage skaters to supplement this program with a private lesson, with the coach of their choice on Friday’s at 3:30 – 4:30PM in Tsawwassen. We will also be offering a Ballet class for skaters on either Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon in Richmond.
It is important that skaters in the Junior Development program wear proper skating attire. Please refer to the Parent Handbook and Skater Code of Conduct Form in the registration section of our website and also Important Dates to Remember for start and end dates.
What’s after Junior Development?
After one to two years in Junior Development, skaters are ready to move onto the Skate Canada StarSkate program to develop basic figure skating skills with the option of taking more Skate Canada Tests and creating a program to music and enter local StarSkate Competitions.