Learn to Skate
Join us on campus for some skating fun! Class sizes are limited due to social distancing recommendations and new ice arena safety guidelines. Explore the skating options below and visit our registration site to book your place on the ice today!
For questions about the skating program, or for assistance in registering for a class, please contact the Auxiliary Services office via email or call 414.540.3306.
Learn to Skate Classes
Class options change by season. Please see the class schedule downloads above to specific classes.
Youth Learn to Skate
Youth skating incorporates early skills like walking on the ice and balance, to forward/backward skating, one-foot glide and turn work. Fun and interactive games are played to make sure skaters are enjoying themselves. During the first class in each session, the Learn to Skate professionals decide the levels in which the skaters will be placed. Class assignments are dynamics and may be changed during the session if the skating professionals decide that another class may be more appropriate for the skater.
Advanced Figure Skating
For experienced skaters who have passed through the first three basic skill levels in Learn to Skate. Here, the skaters will choreograph skills to music, practice rhythm and flow, and begin to jump and spin. Class recitals will be held at the conclusion of the program—a commitment to attendance is particularly important at this level. Ages 7 to adult.
Learn to Play Hockey
Each class will begin with new skills, and end with stick handling exercises. Hockey helmet, stick, and mask are required. Children must have a basic level of experience on the ice.
Atoms and Mites Power Hockey
Skaters will work on increasing power, quickness, edge control, and extension by reinforcing proper technique and using repetition to improve upon edgework. Hockey helmet, stick, and mask are required.
Sled to Skate
Through play-based activities, the skaters will build on skills that a two-year-old is already familiar with. On ice skates, they will learn how to walk, jump, turn around, and glide across the ice, before they move to the next level. Ice skates will be provided, but children must have their own snowsuits, helmet (bike or ski), and mittens. This class is designed for first-time skaters, aged 24-36 months old. Class size is limited to enhance the child's experience.
Adult Learn to Skate
A fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. The adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experience ice skaters. The classes focus on fitness, balance, body alignment, coordination, agility, and increased stroking power.
Keep Kool!
Join the "big chill" in the Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice Arena at USM. Beat the heat and learn how to ice skate at the same time. No ice-skating experience necessary. Ice skating activities include games, mazes, snowball toss, ice art, strength and conditioning, skills, and drills. Ages 3-14.
Keep Kool for Adults
A fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. The adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced ice skaters. The classes focus on fitness, balance, body alignment, coordination, agility, and increased stroking power.
Hockey Tots Week 1
Level: Learn to Play, Atoms, Mites
Ages: 4-8
Prerequisite: Basic skating skills and backwards skating
Footwork, agility, edge control and coordination, fast starts and acceleration, crossovers and endurance, tricks and turns. Each day ends with a hockey game.
Hockey Tots Week 2
Level: Learn to Play, Atoms, Mites
Ages: 4-8
Prerequisite: Basic skating skills and backwards skating
Game engagement, goalie skills, puck control, shooting, passing and receiving, basic rules of the game. Each day ends with a hockey game.
Learn to Skate/Bridge
Level: Beginner through advanced
Ages: 3-14
Prerequisite: Skaters must be able to use the bathroom without assistance (teachers will help with outer layer and wait outside restroom with door open and help wash hands).
Basic skating skills, games and activities, balance and coordination, stroking and edges, spins and jumps, rhythm and power, artistry in motion, and choreography. Figure skaters plan their own programs and show them on the last day or camp. All skaters perform in a recital at the end of each week.
Skating Levels
During the first class in each session, the Learn to Skate professionals decide the levels in which the skaters will be placed. Class assignments are dynamic and may be changed during the session if the skating professionals decide that another class may be more appropriate for the skater.
Skill assessments are done on a weekly basis so that there is no elaborate testing system at the end of each session. The "test-free" philosophy results in the skaters learning the skills quickly and more completely.
Teaching Professionals
The USM Learn to Skate program teaching professionals have been involved in ice skating for many years, and are masters in their fields and have perfected their own teaching guidelines. The skating professionals meet regularly throughout the season to share new and exciting ideas and to raise the level of teaching within the program.
All professionals are encouraged to maintain their memberships in the ISFSA, ISI, or PSA. Please contact Jill Herbst, or call 414.540.3306 with any questions.