What is Artistic Skating?
Artistic Roller Skating is a sport that pairs artistry, strength and discipline in a unique and incredible way. Similar to ice figure skating, it is comprised of multiple disciplines such as freeskating, pairs, solo and team dance, and a variety show events. Artistic roller skating is a beautiful activity with competitive opportunities for skaters of all ages and skill sets!
Who We Are
The Rinks, partnered with Team USA athlete and coach Candice Clifford, are bringing a new roller skating program to Irvine In-line! The Rinks Artistic Skating Team is dedicated to helping students develop self confidence, strength, artistry and discipline in a fun and positive environment. This new sports program strives to take the beginners of today and make them into the World Champions of tomorrow!
Overview
The Rinks Artistic Skating Team (RAST) is a new approach to artistic roller skating! Unlike most programs in the United States, ours is class based. From first steps to double axels, students will train primarily in group settings. This style of training provides skaters with a better sense of camaraderie and parents a more affordable alternative throughout their athlete's careers.
- Students brand new to skating begin in our Star Skate Program, a 30 minute class followed by 30 minutes of off skates fun! As they progress through the four levels of this program, they learn body awareness and master foundational skills that they will use for life! This program is a variation of the USA Roller Sports Star Program. It has been modified to help students progress quickly and more efficiently through their fundamental skills.
- Once students graduate from the Star Skate Program, they will join the Pre-Competition Program which comprises of two weekly classes, one for freeskating skills and one for dance skills. Each of these classes are followed by an off skates strength and stretching class. The three levels of this program will introduce students to the two primary disciplines of artistic skating and prepare them to join our competition team and compete in local and regional competitions.
- Finally students will join our Competition Team which comprises of one dance and one freeskating class per week grouped by competitive age division. Competition Team athletes will participate in off skates conditioning, dance and stretching classes as well and will be eligible for 1-2 private lessons a week with our instructors.
If your student has prior experience in skating (roller or ice), we strongly encourage you to sign them up for a skills assessment prior to the start of the program so that they begin in the appropriate class level for their skill set. Please email Skating School Lead Candice Clifford at cclifford@therinks.com to schedule time for a 20-minute assessment.
Personal skates, quad or inline are HIGHLY recommended, as rental skates are limited in size and availability.
