Skating, Health & Fitness

OVERVIEW

Figure Skating in Detroit values the health and fitness of all our participants and provides a safe and fun environment with group skating instruction that follows the framework of United States Figure Skating (USFS) to serve the needs of both recreational and beginner skaters. Figure Skating in Harlem’s unique skating model has been bestowed with the Rings of Gold Award by the United States Olympic Committee for developing the dreams of children, teaching girls valuable life skills, and making a positive impact through fitness.

Our participants are placed into USFS Basic Skill groups based on skating ability and age, where they learn proper technique, improve self-esteem, and develop a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness through skating. In addition, our Girls Off-Ice Fitness Investment Training (GO-Fit) program teaches the girls nutrition, fitness, and balance and body awareness through different classes including ballet, jazz and Laban Movement.

It's so transformative to actually see the girls fall and get back up on their own, that's something so small but so significant.”
ALISSANDRA ARONOW
FIGURE SKATING IN DETROIT CO-CHAIR

SKATING

Figure skating requires an incredible amount of concentrated physical and mental discipline, hard work and dedication. When our students take to the ice, most for the very first time, they will have group instruction up to 4 afternoons per week. They benefit from the experience and dedication of our professional skating staff. Throughout the year, our girls see their progress concretely measured using the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills test. At the end of the program year, we celebrate their achievements on and off the ice at our much anticipated Awards Banquet.

GO-FIT

All students participate in GO-FIT (Girls Off-Ice Fitness Investment Training) once per week throughout the entire season. Stars (grades 1-3) and Pros (grades 3-5) take dance class alternating with GO-FIT once a week. Dance is an introduction to GO-FIT, and will introduce basic body movements, different styles of dance, choreography and expression.

We conduct four assessments in GO-FIT throughout the season to monitor the physical improvement of the students. We hope to see all of our girls learn valuable lessons to help keep their bodies healthy and fit throughout their lives.

Our vision is to empower every young girl with the foundational academic, social and leadership skills to achieve her dreams. She will be a powerful speaker, effective leader, live a healthy lifestyle and be a global citizen.