FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Skaters interested in figure skating typically enroll in the Learn-To-Skate program. After passing Basic Skills 1
through 8, students generally move into the Freestyle classes. BFSC offers a bridge program, Rising Stars, which
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provides an additional opportunity for skaters moving through Basic Skills and offers the opportunity of combining
advanced group lessons with private instruction.
Learn about our programs here.
Where are you located?
The Bozeman Figure Skating Club skates at the Haynes Pavilion in Bozeman, Montana. Click here for directions.
About Lessons and Coaches
Should I Take Private Lessons?
If you are a fast learner or want to move ahead more quickly in skating or would like to compete in a competition
with a program set to music then private lessons are for you. Private lessons are available for any skill level. Lesson
time is primarily spent working on skating technique, learning, perfecting, and polishing the jumps, spins, footwork,
and artistic presentation of a program for competition. Very little time is spent on conditioning. A Pro may advice
on a physical training regime to build endurance and fitness. Off ice practices may be encouraged to train the
coordination and height for jumps. The number of lessons you take each week varies according to several factors.
Beginners usually take one or two lessons a week and spend additional time at the rink practicing what was learned.
The Pro can monitor a skater’s progress and adjust the amount of instructional time depending upon the skater’sprogress. Skaters, who practice often at the rink, generally advance more quickly compared to those who practice
less frequently.
How Do I Choose a Pro?
You will want to observe a few ice skating lessons taught by the various Pros. You should then ask for a lesson
from the Pro that you are interested in and try them out. You can then decide on which Pro you would like to work
with.
- Choose someone who can you develop a rapport with, someone you can be open with.
- A Pro should be professional and serious about the job, have definite lesson times and consistently follow through on plans.
- Don’t rule out a Pro due to age or inexperience with coaching.
- Ask if the Pro is a member of the Professional Skating Association (PSA). Ask about the skating instruction they have received.
- Ask what level skaters have they coached and how well have the skaters performed at competitions?
Check out our Coaches Page here.
When Do I Skate?
You and your instructor will decide on a lesson time, usually during a freestyle session. Remember, it is a good idea to practice between lessons. The more you practice the faster you will progress. Consult with your Pro about the amount of time you should practice and how many lessons you should have per week.
How Much Does a Private Lesson Cost?
Each skating professional sets their own rates based on experience and qualifications. Lessons are usually 30 minutes in length and range from $18 to $35 per 30 minutes depending on the Pro. Ice time is not included with your lesson. If skating on the freestyle session, you will need to pay for the specific session you are skating on.
How can I get the most from my lessons?
- Value your time and the Pro’s time. Focus on skating.
- Come rested and mentally prepared to work and concentrate.
- Eat right, warm up and stretch properly before each lesson.
- Ask questions. Don’t wait until the last few minutes of the lesson to ask questions. If they are important enough to ask, they are important to have answered and maybe worked on during the lesson.
- Practice. Repeat the same lesson you did with your Pro in the same order. There is often a reason for the order.
How and when should I change Pros?
See our page on changing pros.
How do I choose equipment and clothing?
See our pages on equipment and clothing for more information.
Skating and your future
What can I do with my skating?
- First and foremost…HAVE FUN!
- Meet different kids and adults at the rink who also have a passion for skating.
- Exercise while having fun.
- Join the United Skates Figure Skating Association (USFS).
- Membership includes “Skating” magazine, insurance, testing and competition information.
- Join the Bozeman Figure Skating Club (BFSC), a non-profit organization.
- Skills Testing - National Standards set by the USFS
- Moves-In-The-Field - A series of skating skills, edges and footwork patterns that get progressively more difficult as you advance through the different levels. A Moves-In-The-Field test must be passed prior to taking the Freestyle test for each level.
- Freestyle -- Jumps, spins, and footwork set to music in a program (with the exception of the pre-preliminary test which is not done to music).
- Ice Dancing – Specific dance and footwork sequences done to specific music, with or without a partner.
- Pairs - Programs set to music and done with a partner, including jumps, spins, and footwork.
- Competitions
- Local in Montana.
- Regional throughout the Nation.
- Qualifying Regional, Sectional, and U.S. Nationals, Championships and Winter Olympic Games.
- Ice Theater and Synchronized skating teams.
- Performances/Demonstrations
- Hockey Games
- Ice Shows
- Special Events
- Assist with Learn-To-Skate.
What Can I Do With My Skating After High School?
- Keep skating and stay in shape through your adult years.
- Teach skating as a career or as extra income, i.e. through college.
- Compete as part of a collegiate program. Some colleges offer full scholarships.
- Skate professionally in many of the professional shows in the U.S. and overseas. This is a very attainable goal for many students. It is not necessary to be an elite skater to work in the ice show business. Strong skating skills, good work ethic, and presentation are important in this type of work.
- Continue to compete as an adult.
- Earn judging credentials -- travel and judge figure skating competitions and testing sessions.