✨Sk8Arts Academy is moving!

A New Chapter for Sk8Arts is About to Unfold

We’re growing—and it’s time to give each part of our world the space it deserves.

ArtisticSkating.com will continue to evolve as a global hub for the sport—featuring stories, education, history, and inspiration for skaters everywhere.

At the same time, our in-person training program is stepping into its own spotlight with a new home: Sk8Arts Academy—dedicated to classes, coaching, events, and the vibrant skating community here at the rink.

✨ Two paths, one shared passion for artistic skating.

To guide you through this transition (and make sure you don’t miss a single step), we’ll be sending a special newsletter on April 15th introducing the new Sk8Arts Academy site, along with what to expect from both platforms moving forward.

👉 Be sure you’re on our mailing list to receive this important update and be part of what comes next.

Because whether you’re skating with us in person or following the journey from afar…
there’s a place for you here.

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Our Annual Spring Showcase is Set!

✨ Spring Showcase 2026 🎶

What happens when rhythm meets wheels?

Music in Motion

This year’s Spring Showcase will celebrate the joy, energy, and pure electricity of skating set to music. Music in Motion is more than a theme — it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. When skaters truly listen, their edges soften, their timing sharpens, and movement becomes expression.

And now… it’s your turn to be part of it.

🌈 Who Can Participate?

Intermediate-level skaters are invited to join our featured group production number set to the spirited classic:

🎵 “I’ve Got the Music In Me”

This high-energy routine will include a fun, dynamic “follow-the-leader” sequence where the entire group moves together in powerful formation — confident, joyful, and absolutely alive on wheels.

To participate in group numbers, skaters should be able to:

• Skate confidently forward on one foot
• Execute controlled turns
• Skate backward
• Perform simple steps (a plus!)

If you’re not sure whether your skater is ready — talk to your coach. We’ll help you find the right place.

⭐ Opportunities for Advanced Skaters

More intermediate to advanced skaters may be eligible to perform:

• Small group numbers
• Specialty feature numbers
• Even solos*

*Solo and small group eligibility is determined in consultation with your coach.

We will also feature special performances by local skaters preparing for Regional Championships the following weekend — giving our audience a glimpse of skating at its competitive best.

🗓 Show Practice Details

Tentative start: April

Fridays | 4:30 – 5:30 PM

📍 El Centro Skate Rink

Attendance at every practice is not mandatory — we understand busy schedules — but all group participants must be available to rehearse group numbers the day of the show.

There is no charge to participate and no admission fee to attend. Bring your family and friends!

Donations will be welcomed to help support our skaters as they prepare for their journey to the National Championships.

🎤 Ready to Join?

If you’re interested:

✔ Talk to your coach

✔ Add your name to the Spring Showcase Interest Sheet

✔ Or leave your contact information to be notified when official practices begin

This is your chance to be part of something joyful, musical, and unforgettable.

Because when the music starts…

Skaters don’t just roll.

They shine. ✨🎶

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🌈 They’re Here! Spring Sk8Passports

Simple. Flexible. Rewarding.

This Spring, we’re rolling out something new at Sk8Arts Academy — and it was inspired by you.

Many of our skaters want to skate more… but life doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule. So we’ve created a simple, flexible passport system for March, April, and May that makes it easy to commit without complicated subscriptions.

No apps.
No logins.
Just skate. ✔️

And yes — Passport holders receive special perks.

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🟣 Studio Passport — $105

12 Studio Stamps Good for Available Studio Hours

For skaters who want dedicated practice time during Studio Hours (average 10 hours available weekly).

Ideal for independent practice and private lesson skaters who need floor time.

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🔵 Community Passport — $125

8 Stamps – 4 stamps each for Social Skates & Classes

Each stamp may be used for:

• A full Social Skate + Class combo
• Just the Class
• Or just the Social Skate

Valid Tuesdays or Thursdays.

If you usually skate once per week, this is likely your best fit.

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🟡 All Access Passport — $225

16 Stamps – 8 stamps each for Social Skates & Classes

For skaters who plan to skate regularly this Spring.

Use your stamps Tuesdays and/or Thursdays for:

• Social Skate + Class
• Just Class
• Or just Social Skate

More skating = faster progress and stronger foundations.

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✨ Passport Holder Benefits

✔️ 10% off merchandise at ArtisticSkating.com
✔️ No Studio Fees during Studio practice time
✔️ Flexible use throughout the Spring semester

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The Simple Details

• Passports are valid March through May
• All passports expire after 3 months
• No new passports will be sold in May
• Family members may share within the semester

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Why We Created This

Skating improves with consistency. Confidence grows with repetition. And community strengthens when we see each other regularly.

The Sk8Passports are designed to make that easier.

Whether you’re here for fitness, artistry, performance, or pure joy — there’s a passport that fits your rhythm.

Passports will be available to purchase in-person at the rink throughout the months of March and April

Not sure which one is right for you? Just ask. I’m happy to help you choose.

Let’s make this a Spring of strong foundations, joyful movement, and time well spent on wheels.

See you on the floor 💫
~ Linda

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Where Do Star Skaters Go After Beginner’s Class?

Learning to skate is exciting — but the real growth begins after the beginner phase. When foundational skills are in place, skaters need structure, progression, and purpose to continue improving. Without a pathway, many stall out. At Sk8Arts Academy, our progressive teaching system ensures that every skater knows exactly where to go next — and how to keep building strength, style, and confidence.

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Rink Operator Appreciation Day

Last Chance Dance Skaters Roll Up Their Sleeves

On February 20th, the wheels weren’t just turning on the floor — they were turning in the skate room, too.

Twelve members of our Last Chance Dance Skaters club showed up for a special Rink Operator Appreciation Workday, trading practice time for polish cloths, tools, and a whole lot of elbow grease. Together, we cleaned and repaired rental skates, checked wheels and toe stops, organized shelves, and straightened up the skate room so it’s safer, smoother, and more welcoming for everyone who walks through the doors.

Rental skates are often a skater’s very first experience on eight wheels. When they roll well, fit properly, and look cared for, it sets the tone for confidence and fun. By helping maintain this equipment, our club members directly support the rink’s daily operations — and the families, schools, and new skaters who rely on it.

This day was about more than tightening trucks and wiping down boots. It was about gratitude. We are fortunate to have a home for artistic skating, and we believe in being good partners. When we invest in the rink, we invest in the future of our sport.

Twelve volunteers. Countless rentals refreshed. One very grateful skating community.

Service is part of who we are — on the floor and off. 💙✨

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A Good Day at the Skating Rink

He came to watch his kids skate.

He left with a grin on his face and a quiet victory over fear.

Sometimes the most powerful moments at the rink don’t happen in the spotlight—they happen in rental skates, on shaky knees, when someone decides to try.

Read how one dad’s first lap around the floor became a reminder of why we do what we do.

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🗓️ Calendar of Events — Artistic Skating 2025–2026 Season

The competitive and performance season is already shaping up to be an exciting one for our El Centro Artistic Team (ECAT) skaters! As we move toward 2026, there will be several major opportunities for our skaters to perform, test, and compete on both the regional and national stage.

Upcoming 2026 Events:

• USARS Regional Qualifiers
  June 20–22, 2026 — Portland, Oregon
  Skaters who have been working hard through the fall and winter will have the opportunity to qualify for the USARS National Championships in their own backyard. This event serves as the gateway to Nationals and an inspiring showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s top talent.
• Spring Showcase — Sponsored by Last Chance Dance Skaters
  June 18, 2026 — 5:30–7:30 PM, El Centro Rink
  Our annual Spring Showcase returns! This uplifting community event gives every skater a chance to shine and celebrate the progress of the season in a fun, family-friendly evening of performances, music, and awards.
• AARS American Championships
  June 24–July 3, 2026 — Union, Missouri
  ECAT will proudly participate in this multi-division event that brings together artistic roller skaters from across the Americas. A great opportunity for our skaters to represent El Centro on a national stage.
• USARS National Championships
  July 2026 — Lincoln, Nebraska
  The historic home of roller skating once again hosts Nationals! Skaters who qualify at Regionals will compete among the country’s best in this inspiring annual tradition. Official dates will be announced soon.

Skaters interested in performing, testing, or competing in any of these events should speak with Coach Linda or Coach Kayla for details about eligibility, travel, and training plans. More information will be shared as registration and event details become available.

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💖 Thank You for Rolling with Us

A Closing Note from Linda & Kayla

As we wrap up this month’s focus on Strong Foundations, we’re reminded that foundations aren’t flashy. They’re not the big jumps or the spotlight moments. They’re the quiet repetitions, the wobbly first attempts, the courage to try again, and the simple joy of rolling forward one more time.

Every edge you strengthen, every posture you correct, every fall you learn to recover from — these are the bricks that build your skating future.

But foundations aren’t just technical. They’re relational. They’re built in encouragement, shared laughter, patient coaching, and the courage to step onto the floor — whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth year on wheels.

We are so proud of the work we’ve seen this month. The determination. The breakthroughs. The willingness to go back to basics and do them well.

Strong foundations don’t just support advanced skating — they support confidence, resilience, and lifelong joy.

Keep building. Keep listening. Keep showing up.

We’ll see you on the floor.

With gratitude and belief in you,
Linda & Kayla 🛼✨

Justine and her circles!