If your skater is ready to move beyond local competitions, the U.S. Figure Skating National Qualifying Series (NQS) is the next exciting step. It may sound complicated at first — but don’t worry. Once you understand the process, it’s very manageable. ​ Here’s everything you need to know ​ Who Can Compete in NQS? For the 2026–27 season, the National Qualifying Series includes: Singles (Championship Track): Preliminary ( NEW for NQS pathway ) Pre-Juvenile (NEW for NQS pathway )

If your child has recently been inspired by Olympic figure skating , you may be wondering how much lessons cost and how families typically get started. Figure skating can range from recreational lessons to competitive training, and the cost depends on the type of instruction and ice time involved. This guide explains what parents can expect when starting figure skating lessons in Miami. Typical Cost of Figure Skating Lessons Most beginning skaters start with group Learn-to-Sk

If your child has been inspired by Olympic figure skating , you may be wondering how kids actually begin the sport. In Miami, many young skaters start with beginner skating classes and progress to private figure skating lessons  as they develop their skills. This guide explains how children start skating, what to expect from lessons, and where to find coaching in Miami. What Age Do Kids Start Figure Skating? Most children begin skating between ages 3 and 8 , although older be

Every time the Olympic Winter Games  appear on television, thousands of kids suddenly want to try figure skating. They watch the incredible jumps, beautiful spins, and dramatic music and think: “I want to do that!” The good news is that every Olympic skater started exactly the same way, by stepping onto the ice for the first time and learning the basics. If your child has been inspired by Olympic skating, here is how the journey typically begins. Step 1: Start with Basic Skat

If you’ve ever watched your skater practice spins and wondered “Why are they doing the same simple spin over and over?” —you’re not alone. In modern figure skating, especially under today’s judging system (IJS), strong basic spins are the foundation for everything that comes later . Skaters don’t earn high scores by jumping straight to difficult spin variations. They earn them by mastering the basics first. What Are “Basic Spins”? Basic spins are the three core spin positions

If you’re the parent of a high-level figure skater, you already know how many decisions go into each season. Coaching, training schedules, competitions, costumes… and then there’s music . Music selection often raises a lot of questions for parents: Why this piece? Why not something more exciting? Why doesn’t my skater get to choose their favorite song? All fair questions. Let me walk you through how coaches and choreographers think about music—and why it matters so much at th

As a coach, my goal for every Compete USA competition is simple: help each skater feel prepared, confident, and proud of their effort . These events are designed to be positive learning experiences, especially for young skaters and families who may be attending their first competition. Below is how I guide my students—and how I partner with parents—to make competition day a success both on and off the ice. My Coaching Philosophy for Compete USA Compete USA competitions are no

Why Buying the Right Figure Skating Boots and Blades Matters (Especially for Beginners) If you’re new to figure skating—or a parent just starting this journey with your child—it’s easy to assume that skates are just skates. Lace them up, step on the ice, and off you go… right? Not quite. In figure skating, boots and blades are not one-size-fits-all , and choosing the wrong equipment can slow progress, cause discomfort, or even lead to injury. One of the most important early d

Vestibular Motorized Rotation Training for Figure Skaters If your child loves figure skating, you may have heard the term vestibular training  and wondered what it means. It sounds technical, but it’s really about helping skaters build balance, coordination, and confidence  — all skills that matter when they’re learning jumps, spins, and quick changes of direction on the ice. What Is Vestibular Training? At its core, vestibular training helps develop the body’s vestibular sys

Figure skating demands strength, balance, and control—often on one leg at a time. Jumps, spins, edges, and even simple stroking all rely on a skater’s ability to stabilize the hips and core while moving dynamically. One Pilates exercise that directly supports these demands is the Single-Leg Bridge . This exercise is a favorite in Pilates training for figure skaters because it strengthens key skating muscles while improving alignment and balance. What Is the Single-Leg Bridge?