Why Figure Skating Is the Perfect Next Step for Gymnastics and Dance Kids

Kent Johnson
4 days ago
3 min read

As the excitement builds toward the upcoming Olympic Games, many parents are finding themselves inspired by the athleticism, artistry, and confidence displayed by elite figure skaters on the world stage. What many don’t realize is that figure skating is one of the most natural transitions for children who already love gymnastics or dance — especially gifted, athletic kids who thrive on movement and challenge.

A Familiar Foundation, A New Playground

If your child is drawn to gymnastics or dance, they already possess many of the qualities that make successful figure skaters:

Strong body awareness
Flexibility and coordination
Rhythm and musicality
Comfort with learning complex movement patterns
Focus and discipline at a young age

Figure skating builds directly on these skills — but adds an exciting new dimension: gliding, speed, and flight across the ice. Jumps, spins, and edge work feel familiar to gymnasts, while choreography and musical interpretation feel like home to dancers.

For many children, skating becomes the place where athletic ability and artistic expression finally come together.

The Olympic Connection: Big Dreams Start Small

Olympic figure skaters don’t start with medals — they start with fundamentals. Most elite skaters begin between ages 5 and 9, the same window when many children are exploring gymnastics or dance.

Watching Olympic skaters perform triple jumps, intricate spins, and emotionally powerful programs can spark something powerful in young athletes: possibility.

Parents often say:

“My child watches skating and says, ‘I want to do that.’”

Figure skating offers:

Clear progression paths
Individual goal setting
Measurable achievement (tests, competitions, skills)
Both recreational and elite opportunities

Whether a child dreams of competing, performing, or simply mastering new skills, skating allows ambition to grow naturally — without pressure to decide “how far” they’ll go at the beginning.

Why Parents Love Figure Skating

For families of gifted, athletic children, figure skating offers unique benefits:

Individual attention Private lessons allow coaching to be tailored to a child’s learning style, physical development, and personality.

Balanced athletic development - Skating promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination — while emphasizing healthy movement patterns that support long-term development.

Confidence and resilience- Skaters learn to set goals, work through challenges, and perform independently — skills that transfer far beyond the ice.

Creative expression - Unlike many sports, skating values individuality. Music choice, choreography, and performance allow children to express who they are.

A Natural Fit for Gymnastics and Dance Families

Many families discover figure skating while searching for:

A sport that blends athleticism and artistry
An activity that challenges both mind and body
A structured environment that still allows creativity
A path that can grow with their child

For gymnasts and dancers, skating doesn’t replace what they love — it expands it. Some children cross-train, while others discover skating as the place where everything finally clicks.

Inspired by the Olympics, Built for Real Life

Not every child who skates will compete at the Olympic Games — and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is that figure skating gives children the chance to feel strong, capable, expressive, and proud of what their bodies can do.

As the world turns its eyes to the Olympics, it’s a perfect moment to explore a sport that celebrates: