Skate Lessons

1 – Group lessons

A – Preschool Group Lessons:

Group lessons for beginning skaters ages 4-5 will be available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Preschool classes will focus on skating fundamentals, including rink/ice safety, starting and stopping, getting up, changing directions, and other skills. Please note that any child enrolled in a group class should be able to stand and move independently on the ice; if your child is a true beginner (has never been on skates), please consider booking a few private lessons early in the season and joining session 2! Parents of preschool students must remain onsite for the duration of the lesson. Sign up for the lessons here.

B – Elementary Age Group Lessons:

Group lessons for elementary school children, ages 5 to 10 will be available on Saturday mornings. These classes will focus on the following skills: falling and getting up, basic starting and stopping, basic balance on two- and one-foot glides, beginner backward skating, turning from forward to backward, and other beginner skills that the instructors deem appropriate for the class level. Please note that any child enrolled in a group class should be able to stand and move independently on the ice. Please click here to sign up through the New Canaan Parks and Rec site.

C – Older Adult Group Lessons:

Group lessons for seniors will focus on mastering skating fundamentals in a relaxed, social setting. Depending on the skill level of the class, lessons may focus on starting and stopping, changing direction, crossovers, and other skills. Instructors will work with each participant based on his or her skill and comfort level; all participants should be comfortable moving across the ice without support. The rink will be closed to other skaters during this time. We would love to have enough participants to offer these lessons to seniors! If you are interested in group lessons for seniors 65+, please contact the Lapham Community Center at 203-594-3620 to enroll.

Group Lesson Info:

We will offer one makeup lesson per session for cancellations due to inclement weather. If we need to cancel a class, we will do so via email at least 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time. Parents and skaters are always welcome to call the rink to confirm that we are open.

Group lesson rates and policy:

The cost for each type of lesson is included in the table below, along with the dates for each session. The group lesson rate includes instruction and the skater’s admission to the rink for each of the classes. The rate also includes one makeup class, as needed, for cancellations due to inclement weather. Payment for the entire series is due at the time of enrollment.

Skate rentals for skate sizes 11 – 5 will be available to group lesson students at $3/rental.

2- Private and/or Semi private lessons:

Private lessons for up to 2 skaters at a time are available during public skate times and should be arranged directly with your preferred instructor (contact information below).

Semi-private lessons (up to 3 students) are available from the start of public skate time until 3 pm, Tuesday – Friday.

Please reach out to either Kristin Burkhart OR Janine Prete (info below) to schedule private or semi-private lessons.

3 – About the Instructors

Janine Prete, 845-629-4612 [email protected]

Janine is passionate about the sport of figure skating and has been coaching both children & adults from beginners to competitive skaters, for almost 18 years. She began skating at the age of 6 and trained with some of the most prestigious coaches (including National & Olympic Champions) in both Singles Figure Skating and Moves in the Field.

Kristin Burkhart, 203-219-9272

Kristin is a U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist. She trained with World and Olympic coaches Peter Burrows and Tommy Litz. Kristin has worked with beginners to National Collegiate competitors and has worked with hockey players developing edges and power skating. Throughout her years as a coach she has trained and produced double gold medalists in figure skating.

Jane Lane

Jane is a U.S. Figure Skating member and double gold medalist with the Skating Club of New York and Fairfield County. She has competed regionally and locally, up to and including at the senior level. Jane has previously taught group skating lessons to young children of a variety of ages and abilities.

Important for all skaters taking lessons:

Please note that all skaters must wear helmets for the duration of any lessons. Neither the instructors nor the rink staff are permitted to assist skaters in putting on helmets and/or skates.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.