Adult Skating @ PSCHS

Ice Breakers

Beginning adult skaters and those who used to skate but are rusty may want to come out on Monday nights during the Club season. During this time our professional staff offers free group lessons. The atmosphere is fun, friendly, and supportive. These lessons are so successful that many choose to continue as a group afterwards.

The PSCHS offers many opportunities to develop in all the figure skating disciplines.

Patch

The ice is divided into approximately 20 different areas or patches and a person is assigned to only one or two areas. The skater can then practice traditional figures on this clean, smooth ice. If you like discipline, intense concentration, and focus on detail, this is for you.

Moves in the Field

This activity has replaced patch figures as a prerequisite for competition, but for the rest of us combines the discipline of patch with the flow of dance. Because most adults find this activity difficult, it is perfect for those of you who want to excel at something few others will attempt.

Freestyle

Skaters use the whole ice to practice jumps (yes, even some of us over 40 do), spins, and fancy footwork. Some skaters who have been lucky enough to find partners at the same level have been known to practice pair skating at these times.

Dance

Many adults choose to learn dance. It is a little easier on the knees than the high impact action of free skating and many adults can continue ice dancing long after giving up free style. If you basically love music and rhythms and just like to have a good, social time, then learn to dance on ice.

Team Skating

Our adult synchronized skating team offers a way of skating without being alone on the ice. Our team competes all over the United States, and has been known to capture a medal or two. If you like the spirit and camaraderie of team competition and the fun of dressing up in costume, the Philly Spirit – Adult Synchronized Skating Team is for you.

Social Dancing on Ice

Once you learn a handful of the set pattern dances, you can join the rest of our adult skaters at one of the two social sessions. At these sessions, skaters skate with other members and professional staff to pre-programmed dance music. The Wednesday evening session is a slightly lower level than the Saturday afternoon session. The Saturday afternoon session is more demanding and is followed by a social tea in the upstairs lounge on the first Saturday of every month. Both sessions offer an opportunity to get to know other members, get some exercise and generally have a good, fun time.

If you are a member of another U.S. Figure Skating club and you would like to come as our guest to one of the Saturday afternoon sessions please send e-mail or call us for more information.

Competing

Many of our adult dancers compete with one another in Club competitions. There are three such annual events:

The Novice Dance Competition: Two levels, for skaters who have just learned to dance and those who can handle the bronze level dances.

The Meyers Cup: A round-robin dance competition where each male skater with each female skater, to select the best all around skaters.

The Molton Trophy: Where couples compete with other couples by dancing the same three or four dances.

Our Adult Synchronized Skating Team also competes throughout the country. But for those who are most adventurous and competitive, the adult competitions at the Area, Regional and National levels should satisfy your lust for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Many of our Club members compete at Adult National Championships.

Freestyle, Moves, and Dance Testing

Our adults' test at all levels of moves, dance, freestyle, and figures. Testers are judged by USFSA judges, according to standards established by the association. Three levels of tests exist:

Standard: Tests judged according to a standard scale without regard forage.

Adult: Tests judged according to the standard scale, but for which some element—such as solo performance—is eliminated.

Master: Test judged at a slightly lower level than standard, for those adults who are over 50 years of age and choose to take this level.

Judging

For those who prefer to be critics to actually going out and doing it, or for those who want to do both, the Club offers the opportunity for members to become certified by the USFSA as judges. Judging requires extensive study and attendance at one of several judges school programs offered throughout the year. It also requires an extensive amount of trial judging until your results generally, and consistently match the results of other more seasoned judges. If you become really good you may be able to join those members who are ranked to judge both national and international competitions. The travel perks are good and the chance to see top-level competitors skate for you as a judge is an unforgettable experience.

Ballet / Ballroom Dancing

There are many opportunities to engage in other activities off the ice, all designed to help you feel more comfortable on the ice. The Club offers group Ballet lessons for all levels. These lessons area great way to limber the body while learning some of the finer points of posture and position for ice dancing maneuvers. Ballroom dancing lessons are also offered if there is sufficient interest. In the past, members have been able to show off their newly learned skills with the Tango at the Annual Dinner Dance, much to the delight of everyone there.

Socializing

There is an old saying around the locker rooms - if you don't mind making a fool of yourself by trying to stand on a quarter inch of metal on the ice, you certainly won't mind having a good time at a party. Skaters, and those they love, are especially fun creatures and always manage to have a good time at social events. During the Club year, we have a number of different events to lure the party animals out of their dens:

The Great Skate: This party annually opens the club season in November. It is a great way to greet and meet other members and to get your skating feet wet. Along with good food and drink, there are games, exhibits, and of course a grand March on the ice.

The Annual Dinner Dance: Held after the end of the season each year, This is the one major social event held outside the club. The music is always lively, the food superb, and the company raucous. If you like a good time, and can get into the Electric Slide, make your reservations now.

Family-centered Activities: Throughout the year, there are numerous family activities sponsored by the Junior Club. These include the Spaghetti Dinner, the Saturday Pizza Party, and the Club Competition, among others. These events require everyone's participation in planning and getting them to happen. Involvement in one of these can be a great way to meet and get to know other members.