You've made it through the Skate UK star passport, so what's next?

Q: I have passed all of my Skate UK Gold Star Free Skating except the routine to music, what now?

A: The routine to pass Gold Star does not have to be to music, but you will need a routine to music soon, so now is as good a time as any.

• You may already have a coach for individual/private lessons, if not, you need to choose one.

• You can book an ice skating lesson with Marika or Vitaliy by emailing us

• You will also need to pick your music (vocals not allowed) and make sure it is 1 minute and 30 seconds long. The coach may be able to help you with this.

• You may also want to think about taking the Skate UK Star award for Ice Dance which gives you extra time to perfect your turns and steps 

Follow the skater to find out more about Skate UK Star award for Ice Dance

Q: I've passed all of my Gold Star, what happens next?

A:  The world is your oyster!

• You can join a skating club. Our local club is the Deeside Ice Skating Club.

• Compete in club competitions.

• Take part in amateur club shows. Here is a link to a local news article about the club shows.

• You can start National tests with "real" judges! (First you'll need to join up to the National Ice Skating Association)

Q: How do I pick a coach?

A: You will probably have been coached by several different coaches during the Skate UK classes.

• Ask yourself, which coach did you enjoy classes with?

• Which coach improved your skating during classes?

• Do you want a male or female coach?

• Then ask that coach when they can fit you in for a lesson.

Q: I have my first club competition soon. Do I need my coach there?

A: It can be nice to have your coach with you at your first competition although it is not essential. They can help you to feel ready and confident.

• Let your coach know when you enter a competition.

• Ask your coach if they can help you to prepare a few weeks in advance. They can tell you what you should do on the warm up and really important things like what should you do if you fall.

• Ask your coach if you want them to be at your event.

Pictured above: Marika and some of her skaters at a Deeside Ice Skating Club competition

Q: When can I expect to take my first National test?

A: Practicing outside of your lesson time will help you to improve more quickly to get "test ready".

• 40 minutes to 1 hour of practice after each lesson is a good rule of thumb.

• Keep a note book for tips from your lessons and refer to it when practicing.

• Ask your coach about your progress.

Pictured above: Passing that first NISA test; Vitaliy with one of his skaters who made the grade

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