At Skateaway we recognise how much adults love ice skating and more to the point how dedicated they are. With our adult community in mind we have developed the new Skate test program in both free skating and ice dance. The program is designed to be tested in an informal test setting, with a coach or by using the Skateaway video assessment.

We have created a program for ice dance and free skating. Each discipline has three test booklets to work through, Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced. Once you have learnt each element or exercise you can test it with your coach or Skateaway. You will be graded using a Bronze, Silver & Gold standard and you can go back and test it again at any point to try and improve your rating. 

 

Free Skate Test Program

Each skate test booklet has six levels and a bonus level. The exercises are broken down into the following four categories:

 

Off ice exercise

Jump Exercise

Spin Exercise

Balance Exercise

 

In the bonus level you will be required to skate a routine to music instead of the balance exercise.

 

The Beginner program is for those that want to learn to jump and spin. This will start with entry level exercises and move through basic spins and jumps up to loop jump. To order click here.

 

The Intermediate program will test the skater on the jumps, Flip through to Axel. There will be more challenging exercises off the ice than the beginner skate test program to prepare you for the harder jumps. The skater will also be tested on basic spin positions, combination spins and some difficult variation spins. The balance exercises will include more creative & challenging movements to increase the skaters ability to use more body movement mixed with technical elements. To order click here.

 

The Advanced program will test the skater from Axel and move onto double jumps. There will be more challenging exercises off the ice than the intermediate skate test program to prepare you for the harder jumps. The skater will also be tested on more challenging spin variations. The balance exercises will include different creative & challenging movements to increase the skaters ability to use more body movement mixed with harder technical elements. This program is now available to pre-order for its October release. To pre-order click here.

 

Ice Dance Test Program

 

 

Each skate test booklet has six levels and a bonus level. The exercises are broken down into the following four categories:

 

Exercise to Music

Pattern Dance to Music 

Skill

Balance Exercise

 

The Beginner program is a great introduction to ice dance or a refresher for those that are already familiar with the forward dances and would like to test themselves and gain feedback on how they can improve. The test program will cover forward skating pattern dances, skating exercises to music, skills & balance exercises. To order click here.

 

The Intermediate program is for those that are ready to begin dances with backward skating and transitions. Perhaps you already know the junior backward dances and would like to be tested and gain feedback on how you can improve. The test program will cover the junior backward skating pattern dances, skating exercises to music, skills & balance exercises. To order click here.

 

The Advanced program is for skaters that are competent on the junior backward dances and want to test pattern dances & exercises of a more complex nature. The skills and balance exercises will include more complex and creative movements increasing the skaters agility and improve their technique and performance. This program is now available to pre-order for its October release. To pre-order click here.



We are preparing videos for all the exercises that you can request access to once you have purchased your test program. Below we have put together a Q&A's to try and answer any questions you may have.

 

How to purchase your test programs or video assessment 

 

You can purchase your Skate Test Program or book you Video Assessment via our online shop using Paypal or email us if you would like to pay via BACS.

 

We would love to see your progress as you work your way through the test program so please tag us @skateawayuk on social media. Your videos will encourage others to join our amazing sport and hopefully continue to build our fantastic ice skating community. We hope you enjoy the program !!

 

Happy Skating

from

Skateaway

 



Q&A's about the test program

 

How much do the test booklets cost?

 

£16.99 each plus P&P

 

Do I have to start with Beginner level?

 

No, please have a look at the information for each level and see which one meets your skating standard. If you are not sure send us an email with some information about your skating and we will let you know what we think.

 

Can I still take part in this test program if I have done tests with BIS?

 

Yes absolutely, we want this to work alongside the other systems in place. Please email us if you are unsure about which level to start at.

 

Can I test the exercises in ice dance with my coach or partner?

 

You are allowed to test the exercises to music & pattern dances with a partner/coach. The skills & Balance exercise must be tested solo. If you are dancing with your coach and they are also assessing you, please ask somebody to video the test, so the coach can review it and provide feedback.

 

Can I fail the test?

 

No - you must be able to complete the exercises/elements before arranging your assessment. If you make a mistake, you can have multiple attempts. We want the test program to be a positive and encouraging experience. 

 

What if I don't have a coach?

 

If you don't have a coach and would like to take your assessment with one, please email us and we can recommend a coach at your local ice rink. Alternatively you can ask a friend to video your test and send it in into Skateaway to be marked using our Video Assessment.

 

How does the Skateaway Video Assessment work?

 

Once you feel ready to take your test and can complete all the elements, ask a friend to video your test. (They may have to stand on the side and get permission from the ice rink to do this). You can book your assessment online here and then send your videos into us. Make sure you have multiple attempts and then send us your best videos. Once we receive the videos, they will be marked by a fully qualified coach and a feedback sheet will be emailed to you. The assessor may ask for you to send in another video after providing some feedback at their own discretion.

 

How much does the Skateaway video assessment cost?

 

£20 per level. 

This will include the mark awarded for each exercise and detailed feedback about the skaters progression.

 

Do you have to be a member of Skateaway to take part in the test program?

 

No 



Is the Skateaway Test Program easy?

 

We have designed the test program specifically with adults in mind, but we have not made it easy. We want you to be challenged, but be able to test in a more relaxed environment. We know that not all adult free skaters are going to be able to do double jumps, or all adult dancers will be able to do a complex Pattern Dance, but there are many adults that can or want to try. The idea of having three levels was to try and make this accessible for as many different standard adults as possible.