Are you ready to glide onto the ice and experience the thrill of skating? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, K.B. Willett Arena’s Learn To Skate program, powered by Learn to Skate USA, offers the perfect classes for all ages and abilities. Our comprehensive curriculum provides a fun, supportive environment to help you master the fundamentals and progress towards your skating goals.
Discover the Joy of Skating with Expert-Led Classes
Learning to skate is not just a fun recreational activity; it’s a fantastic way to improve your balance, coordination, and overall fitness. At K.B. Willett Arena, we make learning to skate accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our classes are structured using the nationally recognized Learn to Skate USA curriculum, ensuring a high-quality and consistent learning experience. Whether you dream of figure skating, hockey, or simply enjoying a leisurely skate, our program provides the foundational skills you need to succeed.
2024-2025 Winter Session: Dates and Registration
Get ready for our Winter session! We offer flexible class schedules to fit your busy life:
- Tuesday Classes: Start January 7, 2025, and run through February 25, 2025.
- Saturday Classes: Begin January 4, 2025, and conclude on March 1, 2025.
- Please note: There will be no class on Saturday, January 25th, due to the Badger State Games.
- Session Length: All classes are eight weeks long, providing ample time to learn and develop your skating skills.
- Registration Opens: Mark your calendars! Registration for the Winter session and our exciting Ice Show opens on October 30, 2024. Ice Show registration closes promptly at noon on December 4, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this spectacular event! For more details about the Ice Show, please visit our Ice Show Page.
Ready to register? Click here to Register Online
Registration requires a simple account creation and secure online payment.
First Time on Ice? Welcome to Learn to Skate!
We understand that starting something new can be a little daunting, but we’re here to make your first Learn to Skate experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Skate Rentals: Don’t worry about equipment! Skate rentals are included at no extra cost for all Learn to Skate classes.
- Properly Tied Skates: Comfort and support are key. Well-tied skates are essential for a positive learning experience. Watch this helpful video from Learn to Skate USA on how to tie skates, or don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for assistance.
- Blade Care: Extend the life of your rental skates (and prevent rust!) by drying the blades after each use.
- Dress in Layers: Ice rinks can be chilly, especially for beginners. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to your comfort level as you warm up. Many new skaters find winter jackets, hats, gloves, and snow pants helpful. Helmets are optional but recommended, particularly for younger learners. For more tips on preparing for your first class, check out Learn to Skate USA’s recommendations for a successful first experience.
- Spectator Comfort: Bringing someone to watch? Consider bringing a blanket for the metal bleachers to stay warm and comfortable while cheering you on.
Class Descriptions: Find the Perfect Fit for You
Our Learn to Skate program offers a variety of classes tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Please note that class availability may vary each session.
For Young Beginners (Ages 3-6):
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Teddy Bear (Age 3): Specifically designed for three-year-olds who are new to the ice. This playful class uses games and fun activities to help young children become comfortable and confident on skates. Many Teddy Bear graduates progress to Snowplow Sam 1 after a session or two. The first class is an off-ice orientation.
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Snowplow Sam 1 (Ages 4-6, No Prerequisite): The starting point for children aged 4-6. Skaters will learn essential skills like sitting and standing (on and off the ice), marching, dipping, and gliding. The first class is an off-ice orientation.
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Snowplow Sam 2 (Ages 4-6, Prerequisite: Snowplow Sam 1): Building on Snowplow Sam 1, skaters will refine their existing skills and learn new ones, including backward walking, backward wiggles, forward swizzles, beginning snowplow stops, and two-foot hops in place.
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Snowplow Sam 3-4 (Ages 4-6, Prerequisite: Snowplow Sam 2): Continuing skill development from previous levels, this class focuses on forward skating, one-foot glides, backward swizzles, and navigating curves.
For Youth & Teens (Ages 7-17):
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Basic 1 (Ages 7-17, No Prerequisite): Designed for beginners aged 7-17, this class focuses on building comfort on the ice and mastering fundamental skills. Skaters will learn to sit and stand (on and off ice), march forward, perform two-foot glides and dips, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, and snowplow stops. The first class is an off-ice orientation.
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Basic 2 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 1): Progressing from Basic 1, skaters will refine their foundational skills while learning scooter pushes, one-foot glides, rocking horses, backward two-foot glides, backward swizzles, and two-foot turns.
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Basic 3 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 2): This level introduces more advanced techniques, including beginning forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, moving two-foot turns, backward one-foot glides, backward snowplow stops, and forward slaloms.
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Basic 4 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 3): Focusing on refinement and progression, skaters will continue developing forward stroking, forward half swizzle pumps, two-foot turns on a circle, backward one-foot glides, backward snowplow stops, and forward slaloms.
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Basic 5 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 4): Skaters will begin to explore edges and more complex movements, learning backward outside and inside edges on a circle, backward crossovers, forward outside 3-turns, advanced two-foot spins, and hockey stops.
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Basic 6 (Ages 7-17, Prerequisite: Basic 5): Further developing edge control and introducing turns and spins, this class covers forward inside 3-turns, backward to forward two-foot turns, backward stroking, beginning one-foot spins, T-stops, bunny hops, and straight-line forward spirals.
Advanced Skating and Figure Skating Pathways:
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Pre-Free Skate (Prerequisite: Basic 6): This class bridges the gap to figure skating, focusing on mohawks, backward crossover to backward outside edge glides, backward outside edge to forward outside edge transitions, 10-step mohawk sequences, one-foot upright spins, mazurkas, and waltz jumps. Upon passing Pre-Free Skate and progressing to Free Skate 1, skaters can explore Saturday afternoon classes, Free Skate classes, and private lessons offered through the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club. Completion of Pre-Free Skate makes skaters eligible to join the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club.
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Open Freestyle (Prerequisite: Pre-Free Skate): For skaters who have reached Pre-Free Skate level, this session provides dedicated ice time to practice freestyle, moves in the field, and dance skills across the entire ice surface.
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Free Skate Levels 1-6 (Progressive Skill Development): These classes (Free Skate 1, Free Skate 2, Free Skate 3, Free Skate 4, Free Skate 5, Free Skate 6) build progressively on jumps, spins, and edge work. Each level introduces new and increasingly challenging skills, from basic jumps and spins in Free Skate 1 to advanced combinations and the axel jump preparation in Free Skate 6. Specific skills for each level are detailed in the original class descriptions above.
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Adult Class: Tailored to individual goals, the Adult class provides a flexible learning environment for adults of all skill levels. Work at your own pace and focus on your personal skating aspirations.
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Axel Class (Permission Required): This specialized class focuses specifically on the fundamental skills required to perform an Axel jump. Offered both on and off-ice, skaters are encouraged to take both components for maximum benefit. Enrollment requires permission from a private coach.
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The Aspire Program (Prerequisite: Basic 4 or Above): For Learn to Skate participants at Basic 4 level or higher, the Aspire Program is designed as a supplementary course to enhance your skating journey. It serves as a transition into figure skating, providing athletes of all ages with the tools they need to excel. The program includes eight weeks of on-ice and off-ice training, informational meetings for skater support, and specialized resources for skaters and parents.
K.B. Willett Arena is proud to partner with Learn to Skate USA, bringing the world’s leading ice skating program to Central Wisconsin.
