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First Arena Rec Rink
 
Updated 2/1/2012
Please note:  There are some changes to our program for the 2011-2012 season.    
 
Click Here to Download an Information Brochure or Winter 2012 Brochures are downloadable as pdfs on this site and are also available at the Rec Rink Desk or via email...           robyn@icehotconcepts.net
 
Winter Session I Started Sunday, January 8th and Wednesday, Jan. 11th, 2012 - Class dates listed below.
Winter Session II Starts Sunday, Feb. 19th and Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012.
 
Registrations may be mailed in advance or dropped off during regular business hours.
 
All Participants must complete a Full Registration Packet 1 time per year, regardless of whether a new or returning skater.  
Winter Session II Registration deadline will be February 15th, 2012.
 
Click Here to Download Registration forms and Click Here for Waivers to fill out and bring in on or before Feb. 15th. 
 
*If you are currently enrolled in the Winter I 2012 session, or were in the Fall 2011 session, all you need to do is Click Here for a re-enrollment form and drop it off with your payment on or before Feb. 15th.
 
Whether your goal is to become a competitive figure skater or hockey player, or just learn to skate or upgrade your skills for fun, We have a class for you....
 
Quality Professional Instruction with FREE Practice Time Included.
 
Come Join the area's only year-round skating program!
 
Pre-registration Required.  Class size is limited.  Classes will be combined or cancelled, due to lack of enrollment.
 
Registrations must be paid prior to starting classes and are accepted at open registration (preferred), or can be placed in the designated box at the Rec Rink or Pro Shop (subject to rec rink desk hours). 
 
The skating school program at the First Arena is sponsored by the Southern Tier Skating Club, a 501c3, not-for-profit organization. 
 
For more information, call Robyn Bentley, Skating Director at 607-734-7835 ext. 2212, or email:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
 
MORE SKATING SCHOOL GROUP CLASS INFORMATION:
 

6 or 8 Week Sessions

20 Minute Group Classes

FREE Practice Session on Lesson Day

Professional Instruction
 
Classes run in 6 or 8 week blocks, year-round, and cost is $75 for the 1st 6 week session, per year, or $100 for the first 8 week session, per year, plus $15 ISI Registration (Annual).     No refunds or make-ups.  ISI Year runs from 9/1/11-8/31/12.  All skaters will be charged the $15 ISI membership fee, unless they provide proof of annual membership to skating director, in advance. (6 or 8 week session is determined by rink schedule and will either be advertised as a 6 or 8 week session - this is not at the customer's discretion).  Skate 2 days per week and pre-pay before the entrollment deadline and receiv a $25 discount on registration (ISI Membership and Skate Rental fees additional)
 
FREE Skate Rentals for New Enrollees and Discounted Rental Punch available for purchase from the arena for returning students for use during lesson program only.  Discount card skate rental card = $10 (per day, per 6 week session) or $15 (per day, per 8 week session). If register for 2 days = $25.  Regular skate rental charge is $3 per visit.  Skate Rental fee is paid to the First Arena.  We are not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen cards. 
Skating School Participants enjoy at 10% discount in the pro shop everyday, and please ask about other skating school packages available.
 
Class days and times are listed below.  Please scroll down to view class curriculum and other important information.  Students are grouped by age and ability level.   
 
Wednesdays:
Group classes -  5:30-6:10pm   
Groups will have lesson 5:30-5:50pm or 5:50-6:10pm. Skaters get a 20 min. lesson and 20 min. practice time
.
Fall Session - Sept. 28th - Nov. 16, 2011
9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16 (8 weeks)    
 
*No Class 11/23 (Thanksgiving)    *Show Dress Rehearsal 12/14
 
Winter Session I - Jan. 11th - Feb. 15 , 2012
1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 (6 weeks)
 
Winter Session II - Feb. 22nd - Mar. 28, 2012
2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28 (6 weeks)
 
Sundays:
Group classes - 5:30-6:10pm (5:30-5:50 & 5:50-6:10)
Groups will have lesson 5:30-5:50pm or 5:50-6:10pm.  Skaters get a 20 min. lesson and 20 min. practice time
 
Fall Session:  Oct. 2nd - Nov. 20, 2011 (8 weeks)
10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
* No Class 11/27 (Thanksgiving)
** Show practices will be held on Sundays in December (separate registration required)
*** Holiday Skating Show and Family Event 12/18
 
Winter Session I - Jan. 8th - Feb. 12 , 2012
1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 (6 weeks)
 
Winter Session II - Feb. 19th - Mar. 25, 2012
2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 (6 weeks)
 
* Tots & Pre-Alpha thru Delta classes include a 20 min. group lesson, the remainder of the time is available for those enrolled to use as uninstructed practice time (20 min.).  Advanced classes are 10-30 min. long.  Skaters above the Gamma level are encouraged to attend freestyle time for additional practice time. 
Advanced Figure Skating & Advanced Group Lessons/Clinics are held following basic group lessons, please see separate brochure for details or figure skating site.
 
 
**  Tots Only - A family member may skate with (supervise) their skating school participant during the practice ice, but must be pre-registered prior to the start of the season, and a current ISI member (for insurance reasons).  Sorry, NO exceptions.  All participants on the ice must be wearing skates and have a current participation card.
 
Skating Director reserves the right to adjust class times and offerings based on enrollment.
 
Pre-registration forms are available at the Rec Rink Information Desk, in the literature rack in front of the Pro Shop or by emailing:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
     
Proper Skating Attire:
Remember, it can be very cold on the ice!  We strongly recommend that skaters wear long pants that are not too baggy at the ankles, sweater or sweatshirt, and gloves or mittens.  We also suggest that skaters wear elbow pads, knee pads, and a helmet.  Please note that skate sizing runs differently than shoe sizing.  If using the rental skates, we will assist you in getting the proper size.  Skaters should wear one pair of light socks.  Skate sizing will be checked by instructors the first day of class, and adjustments, if needed, will be suggested.   If you are using your own skates, please be sure that they are properly sharpened.  Skaters will progress much faster, and have a more enjoyable time if their skates fit properly, offer correct support, and are sharpened.
 
If you are interested in purchasing skates, please consult the advice of a professional (we can help with that, please ask). 
Ice Hot Concepts currently operates a pro shop within the Rec Rink of the First Arena.  With over 20 years experience, and as authorized dealers for all major brands, they can work with you to meet your needs.  To schedule an appointment for skate fitting, please email us at robyn@icehotconcepts.net or call 607-734-7825 ext. 2212. 
 
 
Skating School Class Curriculum
We at the First Arena are proud to be a member of the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) and use their WeSkate Program for teaching skaters the best basics, with quality instructors. 
 
Tots:     For the young ones!  Children will learn how to march, stand, fall down and get up corectly and safely.  Games will be used with emphasis on fun!  Ages 5 and under.
 
Pre-Alpha:     For the beginner skater.  One of the first levels of the ISI skating program.  Emphasis will be on gliding, forward and backward skating, and stopping.
 
Alpha 1 & 2:     Students will learn forward stroking and crossovers.
 
Beta 1 & 2:     Emphasis on backward stroking and crossovers and T-stops.
 
Gamma 1 & 2:     Students will learn turns, mohawk, and hockey stops.
 
Delta 1 & 2:     Students will learn advanced turns, edges, and beginning freestyle moves.
 
Adult:     For our adult skaters.  Participants will follow the same curriculum as younger skaters, but will advance into Adult Clinic, which will introduce Ice Dancing and/or Freestyle.  Adult groups may be combined depending on enrollment.
 
Freestyle:     Students will learn inside pivots, forward arabesques and beginning jumps and spins.  Levels 1 -10.
 
Hockey:    Learn the fundamentals:  Balance, agility, and skating skills.  Levels 1-6
 
Freestyle skaters are encouraged to join our clinics - please see figure skating section for more details or ask skating director for more details.
 
 
 

Updated 2/1/12

* We are hoping to offer Session II this Winter, but need to know how many registrations we will have in advance.  If you are interested in Session II (scheduled to start Sunday, February 19th), please download the registration form below and indicate that you wish to participate in Session II.  We need to have enough enrollment to continue!  We've been having a great time on Sunday nights!  Deadline is Feb. 15th.  Any questions, please email robyn@icehotconcepts.net

IT'S BACK!  FAST HOCKEY....

The program designed for those who want to learn how to play hockey!   FAST Hockey returns in January 2012 and will be offered to adults first (teens 14 and up with no playing experience are welcome too).... Click Here to download a Registration Form and for more information on the program.  Registration form must also include a signed waiver, click here. Walk-in registration will be on Sunday, Dec. 18th, at 8pm in the Rec Rink or you can mail or drop off forms and payment during Rec Rink or Box Office hours before January 4, 2012.

Classes Start Sunday, January 8th, 2012 and will be held from 8:00-9:00pm.  All participants must register (with payment) in advance.  A limited number of rental skates will be available for use if necessary.  Skaters need to have hockey equipment to participate (min.:  helmet & cage, shin guards, pants, gloves, stick, mouthguard).  At least one session of Learn to Skate is strongly recommended if you have little or no skating experience. 

Any questions should be directed to:  Robyn Bentley, Skating Director, at robyn@icehotconcepts.net.

 

 

 

***The Rec Rink Manager reserves the right to change the schedule for all events at the First Arena!