2026 In-House Competition: Free Skate 1 to Free Skate 4
Darwin Ice Skating Centre is pleased to announce the 2026 In-House Skating Competition.
A variety of competition categories are available for skaters of all levels. A skater’s highest level passed at the close of entries will determine the categories they are eligible to enter. Skaters may enter multiple categories.
Competition Details
Date: Friday 14 August 2026, from 5pm
Entry Fee: $30 per skater, per category
Eligibility
Competitors must:
- Be enrolled in Term 3 group lessons; and
- Be registered with Aussie Skate.
Judges: Accredited judges invited from interstate
Medals: Gold, Silver, and Bronze will be awarded to the top three places.
Photography and Videography
Parents and guardians may photograph or video only their own skater.
Skills Category
Eligible Levels
- Free Skate 1A – Open to skaters enrolled in Free Skate 1 for less than one year
- Free Skate 1
- Free Skate 2
- Free Skate 3
- Free Skate 4
Competition Practice Sessions
Skaters will learn their competition routine during their regular Term 3 group lesson time. Each skater will perform their routine individually on full ice and will compete against others within their own level. We encourage the competitors to participate in the practice sessions during Term 3 to help them practise and refine their program routines.
Dress Requirements
Aussie Skate competitors must wear:
- Black leggings or skating pants; and
- A fitted black top (no hoods, artwork, or slogans; small logos are permitted).
Solo and Duo Categories
These categories are open to all skaters.
Competitors will compete within their own level and will need to wear an appropriate skating outfit, costume, or unitard.
These events are judged on overall presentation and audience appeal. Judges will be looking for skaters who:
- Interpret and connect with their music;
- Engage with the audience;
- Demonstrate confidence and performance quality; and
- Present an enjoyable and entertaining routine.
While artistic programs are encouraged, this is not an artistic event. Technical difficulty is not the primary judging criterion.
Program Requirements
Free Skate Levels
- Program length: 1 minute 30 seconds ± 10 seconds
- Free Skate 1A programs may be shorter
Preparing Your Program
If you would like to participate in the Solo or Duo categories, the usual process is:
- Select your preferred music (please provide two options).
- Ask a coach to assist with music editing (fee: $30).
- Book private coaching lessons to develop your routine:
- $55 for a 30-minute lesson during public skating sessions; or
- $65 for a 30-minute lesson during session breaks.
- Take advantage of the school holidays to get a head start on routine development and competition preparation.
Jumps and Spins
- Maximum of 4 jumps
- Maximum of 2 spins
All elements should be performed confidently and should complement the music and overall presentation.
Duos
Depending on entry numbers, Duo entries may be judged separately from solo competitors.
Props
Props are permitted provided they can be carried onto the ice without assistance.
A deduction will apply if any part of a costume or prop falls onto the ice during the performance.
The following are prohibited:
- Feathers;
- Fire;
- Dry ice;
- Any material that may damage, contaminate, or alter the ice surface; and
- Any other hazardous materials.
Registration
Please click the link below to complete the registration form and register your interest by Sunday 28 June 2026.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/x89uWsigBVarHoK48