2026 Term 1 Pattern Skills Classes and Free Skate Practice Sessions
Darwin Ice Skating will hold Patterns classes, which streams skaters toward International Skating Union (ISU) rules within Ice Skating Australia (ISA). This term, the Preliminary, Elementary and Basic Novice levels will be held as classes.
Learning Patterns facilitates a skater’s skating ability and skating skills in between jumps and spins by focusing on balance, power, flow, edge quality, and extension. These skills are learned and mastered in different patterns at 6 different levels: Preliminary, Elementary, Basic Novice, Advanced Novice, Junior and Senior (Gold level).
Skaters gain ISA recognised qualifications and a pin when they pass a test. However, a skater is under no obligation to test. Remember, skating is about achieving what you want to achieve. Let the coach know your goals so they can guide you in the direction you want to go. This is particularly important for adults as adults in ISA/ISU have different rules.
- With a few exceptions, this class is usually for skaters who are at Free Skate 1 level and above.
- All skaters who wish to take a Patterns test are recommended to enrol in Patterns each term. No test paper will be signed by the coach for skaters not enrolled in Patterns at Darwin Ice Skating Centre before a test. This is so skaters can be fairly assessed and signed off by the coach before going out for the test.
- The cost for the 9 week term is $351 per skater.
- There are no make-up lessons for Pattern skill classes.
- Testing is subject to ice availability and a certain (minimum) number of skaters/tests are usually necessary.
- There are fees with the Figure Skating Association of the NT if a skater wants to take a test.
- No skater will be permitted to test without a signature from the coach.
- Skaters not enrolled in Patterns classes are not permitted to do Patterns in private lessons.
Patterns Skills Classes will be every Friday from 30 January 2026 to 27 March 2026 (9 weeks total). Classes are conducted from after school into the evening interspersed with Free Skate lessons and/or practice time.
Free Skate Practice Sessions with Coaching
Darwin Ice Skating is also offering Free Skate practice sessions on Fridays for skaters in Free Skate classes. This is subject to interest. The coach will be available to give guidance to the skaters and will divide the time given to each skater as evenly as possible. Practice sessions will be on Fridays in between Patterns skills.
The time of the practice class is subject to the number of skaters undertaking Patterns, so the proposed time will be announced ahead of the class.
Free Skate practice classes will be every Friday from 30 January 2026 to 27 March 2026 (9 weeks total).
The cost is $225 per 9 week term (one session per week, 30 minutes per session). For the Free Skate practice sessions, a maximum of one make-up session will be given for non-medical reasons (at a suitable time for the rink). A medical certificate is required for medical reasons. The make-up lesson(s) needs to be within the term.
Please respond whether you would like to participate in either the Patterns skills or the Free Skate practice sessions, or both, and the times when you are available by 8pm Sunday 18 January 2026.