Twirling from local rinks to world stages! Our champion-making family competes September through August via AARS and RSA, mastering Dance, Figures, and Freestyle. Beyond competitions, we dazzle at Holiday Shows and community events. Join us where sparkling friendships and spinning excellence create magic on eight wheels!
This January, as we focus on “It Starts With a Beat,” we celebrate the teachers who first counted us in. Debbie Berg is one of those rare mentors whose rhythm stays with you long after the music changes.
Debbie is one of those rare teachers whose influence reaches far beyond the rink. Her knowledge, standards, and deep respect for the craft of roller skating have shaped generations of skaters—including many of us who now pass that legacy forward. Having Debbie involved in our program is both an honor and a gift, and we’re thrilled to introduce her to our skating community as our new Technical Advisor for the El Centro Artistic Team.
Debbie Berg has been teaching roller skating since 1979, bringing more than four decades of experience, wisdom, and passion to the rink. Over the years, she has trained and mentored hundreds of skaters—from those nervously taking their very first steps to competitive athletes striving for championship-level excellence.
A National Judge and respected coach, Debbie has guided many skaters to success at both regional and national levels. Equally meaningful to her is watching skaters grow beyond the rink. She takes great pride in seeing former students carry the discipline, confidence, and determination learned through skating into their personal and professional lives—whether in business, education, leadership, or the arts.
For Debbie, roller skating is far more than a sport; it is a lifelong passion and a powerful teaching tool. She remains deeply committed to developing not only strong skaters, but resilient, capable individuals prepared to meet life’s challenges with grace and grit. She will be assisting with Classes and taking reservations for private lessons beginning in January. Please help us welcome Debbie to our team!
🏆 Building Our Future: The El Centro Artistic Team Judges Panel
Behind every great skater is a great judge. This fall, the El Centro Artistic Team is proud to introduce its new Judges Panel, a dedicated group of skaters and teachers training to become certified judges for the RSA Achievement Tests and USARS competitions.
Led by Kaydee Mounce, an experienced judge, referee, and tabulator, the group meets Fridays at 1:00 PM to study scoring systems, judging ethics, and how to fairly and clearly evaluate the skaters who’ve worked so hard to master their skills.
“Judging is more than just scoring,” says Mounce. “It’s about recognizing the hard work and heart each skater puts into their performance—and helping them see their progress clearly.”
All El Centro Artistic Team members are invited to join these sessions to learn what judges look for and how the testing system works. Successful candidates will be certified to judge at local Test Centers and can go on to train for regional and national events through USARS and AARS.
📸 Photo: Members of the El Centro Artistic Team Judges Panel during a recent Friday training session.
We are so proud of all our local skaters who represented our community at the USARS National Championships in Reno. You all brought heart, skill, and a whole lot of style to the floor!
Spotlight on Kayla Burns
A HUGE congratulations to Kayla Burns of South Gate Skating Club for earning the Bronze Medal in Silver 1 Figures! 🎉 Kayla also made the finals in her Creative Solo event and became a true crowd favorite with her high-energy Las Vegas routine (yes—that’s the same one you might remember from our Spring Showcase).
First-Timers Making Big Impressions
For Justine, Patrick, Ellen, and Hayley, Nationals was not just their first time on the big stage—it was their first competition ever! All four skated admirably, earning solid scores and warm appreciation from the audience. Way to set the bar high for your future events!
Mavis’s Incredible Journey
One of our favorite skaters, Mavis, faced some unexpected travel drama when Alaska Airlines’ delays caused her to miss her figure event. But she wasn’t about to let that stop her—she made the drive from Seattle to Reno in time for her Dance event. Huge thanks to Rosita, Sandy, and June for making sure she got there just in time!
Fans in the Stands
We were thrilled to spot Pam and Loyd cheering from the sidelines—what a surprise! Maybe next year we’ll see them on the floor instead of in the stands. 😉
A Coaching Dream Team
An enormous thank you to Lona Denis and Sue Logghe for their coaching assists. I truly couldn’t have done it without you both!
Daytime Skating through the Artistic Skating program at El Centro Skate Rink will be paused beginning Friday, July 18th until September (exact re-opening date TBD depending on construction of the new bathroom project at El Centro Skate Rink). We’ll be announcing some SPECIAL REMOTE ACTIVITIES AND MEETUPS we’re planning for the month of August, so be sure to add artisticskating.com to your email safe list for notifications.
Also keep in touch through our website and our email announcements for information on our EXCITING new program beginning this Fall! We’ll feature our popular subscription programs for Daytime Skating Social Skates and Classes, in addition to some NEW CLASSES and fun new activities!
We’ll be skating as usual until July 18th, and will also offer the Tuesday and Thursday Social Skates + Class for $30 for both (a saving of $5). Coach Linda will leave you with some Summer Practice Drills in Class the week of July 15th & 17th, so be there and help send off our competitors to a successful National Championships!
🥇 El Centro Artistic Team Shines at 2025 NW Pacific Regionals
With dazzling focus and exceptional artistry, the newly formed El Centro Artistic Team made its championship debut at the 2025 NW Pacific Regional Championships on June 14–15—and what a debut it was! The team rolled home with six gold medals, one silver, and the honor of advancing to the National Championships in Reno, Nevada this July.
👏 Justine Briley earned gold in Bronze 1 Figures and qualified for Nationals in the combined Figure/Loop event, showcasing both grace and precision under pressure.
🔥 Javier Aragon impressed judges across the board, capturing four gold medals in his Large Figures, Small Figures, and Solo Dance events—a standout sweep that reflected his technical mastery and flair.
💃 Coach Linda Sewell claimed gold in the Classic International Dance category, pairing her deep artistry with musical expression. She also secured silver medals in both her Large and Small Circle Figures events..
These achievements mark a powerful start for El Centro Artistic, but the talent pool doesn’t stop there. Other local stars have also punched their tickets to Reno:
Coach Patrick got the gold in Classic Freestyle and Ellen Monteith got the silver in Creative Solo
Kayla Burns Claimed the Gold in Creative Solo
Hayley Stats got the Bronze in Creative Solo (way to go GoFigure Skating Club for sweeping that event!)
And longtime friend of the club, Mavis Redmon, who qualified in Bronze 3 Ladies Figures and Dance
Each skater not only competed with distinction—they carried the heart and spirit of their community with them into every glide, turn, and spin.
As the National Championships approach, we celebrate these incredible milestones and cheer on our champions as they prepare to take the national stage. Reno, get ready—El Centro is rolling in strong! 🇺🇸🛼
ATTENTION: Important announcement about the upcoming Showcase Event
Hello Skaters,
Due to an unexpected scheduling shift, we’ve made a small adjustment to our show date. Our much-anticipated performance will now take place on June 10th, 2025, with practices scheduled for June 3rd and 5th. Everything else—show format, times, and all the exciting details—remains the same!
Here’s the silver lining: we now have one extra week to fine-tune our routines and make our performances even more spectacular. I know some of you may have already made plans and invited family and friends to attend, and I sincerely hope this shift doesn’t cause too much inconvenience.
Our skating community is built on adaptability, dedication, and support for one another, and I have no doubt that this will be another shining moment for all of us. Thank you for your understanding, and I can’t wait to see everyone on the rink, bringing our best energy to the show!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at **linda@artisticskating.com**.
**With gratitude,**
Coach Linda
Rolling into this week’s Classes: Here’s what we’re working on!
/
/With recital season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore the art of performing on skates! Whether you dream of dazzling an audience or simply want to refine your presence on the rink, understanding performance fundamentals can elevate your skating experience.
Not every skater aims to perform—but even those who prefer solo skating in a personal bubble of rhythm and flow benefit from moments of deep connection with music and movement. These “zen skating” sessions are where skills are solidified, muscle memory is built, and artistic choices take shape. That dedicated practice time is essential.
But for those ready to step into the spotlight, performing for an audience transforms skating into something more—a shared experience, a celebration of artistry, and a chance to showcase the dedication behind the gliding magic. Our club offers two annual opportunities to take the floor and let family, friends, and skating enthusiasts witness the hard work and passion that fuel our craft.
Since many of our skaters are new to performance, this week’s class will focus on techniques to help you feel comfortable, confident, and connected to the audience. Whether you’re a soloist commanding the stage, part of a group creating a dynamic ensemble, or simply demonstrating skills in the center of a busy rink, performance skating is all about presence, precision, and storytelling.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
✨ **Expressive Body Language** – Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions add emotion to every movement.
🎶 **Musicality & Rhythm** – Understanding how to accent beats and pauses enhances your skating artistry.
🚀 **Smooth Transitions** – Fluid movement keeps performances engaging and professional.
💫 **Confidence & Presence** – Own the space with strong posture and assured movements.
⚖️ **Balanced Energy** – Nervous energy can throw off timing—learn how to control excitement for polished execution.
🌍 **Spatial Awareness** – Whether solo or in a group, know how to orient yourself within the performance.
📖 **Storytelling through Movement** – Every routine tells a story—make yours memorable.
✅ **Recovery Techniques** – Mistakes happen! Learn how to recover seamlessly and keep the magic alive.
Throughout the week, we’ll practice entering and exiting the floor with confidence, connecting with the audience through eye contact and engagement, and using audience participation techniques to bring spectators into the performance.
By the end of the week, you’ll not only be stronger, more intentional skaters—you’ll also have the tools to *shine* when it’s time to perform. Let’s take the skills we’ve worked so hard to develop and share them with the world!
🎉 Get Ready for an Unforgettable Skating Spectacle! 🎉
This inaugural season marks a thrilling milestone for the El Centro Artistic Skating Team—we’re sending our first-ever competitive skaters to the Regional qualifying competition in Portland, OR, on Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15th! But before they hit the road toward Nationals, we’re inviting YOU to be part of an extraordinary event.
✨ Join us for our Spring Showcase ✨ 📅 June 10th | 5:00 – 6:30 PM
This special evening will shine a spotlight on our competitive team, alongside amazing performances from our class and lesson skaters. Expect dazzling routines, featured numbers from local professionals, and our GRAND MARCH finale to close out the night with style!
🎟️ Admission: $5 per spectator | Kids 7 & under: Free 🍿 Refreshments will be available in the Snack Bar, with proceeds supporting the El Centro Artistic Team.
Don’t miss our “Rolling Through the Years” exhibit in the party room, showcasing photos and memorabilia that tell the rich history of our skaters. Doors open at 4:00 PM for spectators, while performers can come early to practice and warm up.
📣 Calling All Performers & Volunteers! Skaters and volunteers, we need YOU to make this event a success! Attend one of our rehearsals:
Tuesday, June 3rd | 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 5th | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
See Linda or Patrick to secure your spot in the show or to volunteer. Let’s make this a night to remember as we cheer on our team and celebrate the magic of skating!
El Centro Artistic Skating Team now sponsors a Judges Panel, headed by our own Kaydee Mounce. Kaydee has judged, refereed and tabulated competitive skating and achievement testing for many years and has brought her no-nonsense approach to assessing skating skills to all skaters interested in learning to judge tests and/or competitions, or just wish to increase their knowledge in the rules and techniques of organized roller sports.
With this capability of having “in-house” judges, we are now able to organize seasonal “Test Centers” to offer skaters interested in the RSA Achievement Testing program the opportunity to climb the ladder of skating skills that was originally established in the 1940s. These progressively more difficult tests in all recognized disciplines of roller skating have been proven to be the best and fastest way to learn and retain the skills skaters learn each week in their classes and lessons. Many of our long-time skaters still cherish their old skating medals. This “rite of passage” has bonded skaters together for 80 years, and the pride skaters feel when accomplishing their goals establishes a habit of skating excellence that serves skaters well even outside the skating rink.
Our first Test center was Thursday, April 24th. We tested eight skaters for a total of 22 tests, and all passed!
In the coming season, skaters wishing to challenge themselves through the RSA Achievement Test Program https://www.rollerskating.com/roller-skating-achievement-program.html will get the opportunity to skate before judges as they reach toward their skating goals. All Class and Club skaters are invited to participate in this program. Talk to your skating teacher for more information.
What’s a Test Center? A “roller skating test center” is a designated location/event in which roller skaters can take standardized tests to demonstrate their skill level and progress through different levels of proficiency, typically overseen by certified judges and following a set curriculum established by a governing body like the RSA and American Artistic Roller Skating. These progressively more difficult tests are available in all roller skating disciplines; school figures, dance, freestyle, speed, and other roller sports.
Key points about roller skating test centers:
Skill evaluation: Skaters perform various maneuvers and routines at the test center, which are evaluated by judges based on specific criteria like technique, execution, and overall performance.
Achievement levels: Different levels of tests are available, allowing skaters to progress through a structured system and earn recognition for reaching higher skill levels.
Competition against self: Unlike a typical competition, skaters are essentially competing against their own abilities to meet the requirements of each test level.
Official sanctioning: Test centers are sanctioned by the RSA and SRSTA to ensure consistency and quality in the testing process.
Cost: Achievement Tests are $8 per test. Test Candidates must be currently enrolled in classes or private lessons at El Centro Skate Rink or a member of USARS.
Please speak to one of our professional staff for more information if you are interested in participating.
Starting and stopping on skates may be a key skill—but truly stopping your passion for skating? That’s nearly impossible! No one embodies this relentless love for the sport more than Ivanna Otero, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her as the inaugural recipient of the El Centro Artistic Skating Team’s “Skating Scholar” for the 2025 season.
Ivanna’s skating journey has been as remarkable as it has been determined. A 16-year-old powerhouse of talent and resilience, she’s faced stops and starts in her skating career but has never let challenges slow her down. Her love for skating began in her early years in Mexico, but life’s twists and turns—including a broken arm and several major moves—meant she was reintroduced to Artistic roller skating time and again. Despite these hurdles, Ivanna’s dream of maintaining a regular skating schedule has been her steadfast goal for the past four years.
Her story took a pivotal turn in 2023 when she met Coach Linda at SkateWorld in Tacoma. Although the rink’s closure meant Ivanna couldn’t follow her coach to El Centro in Federal Way until the fall of 2024, her commitment never wavered. Since joining the team, Ivanna has shone brightly—performing a solo freestyle skating number in her first skating show, a heartfelt piece choreographed in honor of her grandfather. Beyond the rink, Ivanna excels in academics, band, and sports, demonstrating the same dedication and drive that define her skating practice.
Currently working toward her first Achievement Tests, Ivanna is gearing up for an exciting performance at the club’s Spring Showcase in June. The El Centro Artistic Skating Team and the Last Chance Dance Skaters Club are proud to support Ivanna’s journey with this scholarship, which includes assistance with equipment, costumes, and lessons.
Please join us in congratulating Ivanna Otero, a shining star and the very first recipient of our “Skating Scholar” Teen Scholarship. We can’t wait to see her continue to roll toward greatness!
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