Today, a dad walked into the rink with three kidsโabout nine to fourteenโand the unmistakable look of a man who planned to supervise from the sidelines.
I gently nudged him toward the rental counter.
โWeโve got a family discount,โ I told him. โYouโre practically free.โ
He laughed. Good sport. But I could see the hesitation. The kids were laced up and flying before he even knew his shoe size. By the time he stepped onto the floor, he looked exactly like every brand-new adult skater doesโequal parts brave and betrayed by gravity.
Thereโs a very specific look. Knees locked. Arms hovering. Eyes wide.
So we started at the beginning.
I showed him how to fall (with dignity), how to get up (with strategy), and how to do a simple forward bubble so he could at least move without panic. He approached it like he was being graded for finals. Every lap around the rink, I caught his eye and gave him a thumbs-up.
And something shifted.
By the time the hokey pokey started, he was breezing around the rink with the most ridiculous grin on his face. Not cool. Not composed. Just pure, unfiltered joy.
After they turned in their skates, he came back over to thank me. He said he hadnโt just had a great time with his kidsโheโd discovered he could face his fear and try something new.
Thatโs the moment.
Not the medals. Not the choreography. Not the polished performance.
The moment when someone realizes theyโre capable of more than they thought.
Sometimes purpose doesnโt announce itself with fireworks. Sometimes it shows up in rental skates, wobbly knees, and a dad who decides not to sit on the bench.
What makes someone look at a great skater and think, I want to learn how to do that?
Before edges, before spins, before posture corrections โ there is a spark.
For some, itโs the music. For others, itโs the feeling of flying while still on the ground. For many, itโs watching someone move with grace and confidence and thinking, that looks like freedom.
That spark is the very first foundation.
And foundations matter.
The Desire to Skate
Every skater begins in a different place. Some are drawn immediately to the artistry and athleticism. Others simply want to feel steady, confident, and comfortable rolling with friends.
A strong foundation in skating begins by nurturing that desire โ not rushing it.
When beginners are encouraged instead of overwhelmed, when they are guided instead of left to figure it out alone, they begin to associate skating with growth rather than frustration.
And that makes all the difference.
The Role of the Teacher
A supportive, qualified teacher or coach becomes part of that foundation.
Great instructors donโt just teach skills โ they:
Create a safe space to try and fail.
Break down complex movements into achievable steps.
Model beautiful technique and strong posture.
Inspire skaters to see what is possible.
For some students, that guidance leads to advanced dance, figures, jumps, and team skating. For others, it leads to confident recreational skating, fitness, and lifelong enjoyment.
Both paths are valid.
A strong teacher helps each skater build the foundation that supports their journey.
What a Quality Learn-to-Skate Program Brings to a Rink
A rink with a strong instructional program feels different.
There is focus. There is progress. There is community.
Skaters practicing skills bring energy to the floor. Families see improvement week by week. Friendships form around shared goals. The rink becomes more than a place to roll in circles โ it becomes a place to grow.
Quality instruction strengthens the entire skating community. It builds consistency, commitment, and a culture of learning that benefits everyone on the floor.
When a rink invests in foundations, it builds resilience โ the kind that carries it through changing trends and seasons.
Foundations Support Flight
This semester, as we focus on posture, core strength, balance, and alignment, weโre not just revisiting basics.
Weโre reinforcing the structure that supports:
Advanced Artistic skating
Precision and Performance Teams
Jam, Rexing, Rhythm and style skating
Speed Skating
Confident recreational skating
Every advanced movement rests on fundamental control.
Weโre growingโand itโs time to give each part of our world the space it deserves.
ArtisticSkating.com will continue to evolve as a global hub for the sportโfeaturing 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 Academyโdedicated to classes, coaching, events, and the vibrant skating community here at the rink.
โจ Two paths, one shared passion for artistic skating.
To guide you through this transition (and make sure you donโt miss a single step), weโll be sending a special newsletter on April 15th introducing the new Sk8Arts Academy site, along with what to expect from both platforms moving forward.
๐ Be sure youโre on our mailing list to receive this important update and be part of what comes next.
Because whether youโre skating with us in person or following the journey from afarโฆ thereโs a place for you here.
Our Annual Spring Showcase is Set!
โจ Spring Showcase 2026 ๐ถ
What happens when rhythm meets wheels?
Music in Motion
This yearโs Spring Showcase will celebrate the joy, energy, and pure electricity of skating set to music. Music in Motion is more than a theme โ itโs the heartbeat of everything we do. When skaters truly listen, their edges soften, their timing sharpens, and movement becomes expression.
And nowโฆ itโs your turn to be part of it.
๐ Who Can Participate?
Intermediate-level skaters are invited to join our featured group production number set to the spirited classic:
๐ต โIโve Got the Music In Meโ
This high-energy routine will include a fun, dynamic โfollow-the-leaderโ sequence where the entire group moves together in powerful formation โ 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 youโre not sure whether your skater is ready โ talk to your coach. Weโll help you find the right place.
โญ 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 โ giving our audience a glimpse of skating at its competitive best.
๐ Show Practice Details
Tentative start: April
Fridays | 4:30 โ 5:30 PM
๐ El Centro Skate Rink
Attendance at every practice is not mandatory โ we understand busy schedules โ 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.
๐ค Ready to Join?
If youโre interested:
โ Talk to your coach
โ Add your name to the Spring Showcase Interest Sheet
โ 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 startsโฆ
Skaters donโt just roll.
They shine. โจ๐ถ
๐ Theyโre Here! Spring Sk8Passports
Simple. Flexible. Rewarding.
This Spring, weโre rolling out something new at Sk8Arts Academy โ and it was inspired by you.
Many of our skaters want to skate moreโฆ but life doesnโt always follow a perfect schedule. So weโve 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. โ๏ธ
And yes โ Passport holders receive special perks.
๐ฃ Studio Passport โ $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.
๐ต Community Passport โ $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.
๐ก All Access Passport โ $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.
โจ Passport Holder Benefits
โ๏ธ 10% off merchandise at ArtisticSkating.com โ๏ธ No Studio Fees during Studio practice time โ๏ธ Flexible use throughout the Spring semester
The Simple Details
โข Passports are valid March through May โข All passports expire after 3 months โข No new passports will be sold in May โข Family members may share within the semester
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 youโre here for fitness, artistry, performance, or pure joy โ thereโs 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. Iโm happy to help you choose.
Letโs make this a Spring of strong foundations, joyful movement, and time well spent on wheels.
See you on the floor ๐ซ ~ Linda
Where Do Star Skaters Go After Beginnerโs Class?
Youโre a Star!
Learning to skate is exciting โ 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 โ and how to keep building strength, style, and confidence.
On February 20th, the wheels werenโt just turning on the floor โ 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 itโs safer, smoother, and more welcoming for everyone who walks through the doors.
Rental skates are often a skaterโs 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 rinkโs daily operations โ 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 โ on the floor and off. ๐โจ
A Good Day at the Skating Rink
“C’mon, Dad!”
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 donโt happen in the spotlightโthey happen in rental skates, on shaky knees, when someone decides to try.
Read how one dadโs first lap around the floor became a reminder of why we do what we do.
๐๏ธ Calendar of Events โ Artistic Skating 2025โ2026 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 20โ22, 2026 โ 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 Northwestโs top talent.
Spring Showcase โ Sponsored by Last Chance Dance Skaters June 18, 2026 โ 5:30โ7:30 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 24โJuly 3, 2026 โ 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 โ Lincoln, Nebraska The historic home of roller skating once again hosts Nationals! Skaters who qualify at Regionals will compete among the countryโs 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.
๐ Thank You for Rolling with Us
A Closing Note from Linda & Kayla
As we wrap up this monthโs focus on Strong Foundations, weโre reminded that foundations arenโt flashy. Theyโre not the big jumps or the spotlight moments. Theyโre 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 โ these are the bricks that build your skating future.
But foundations arenโt just technical. Theyโre relational. Theyโre built in encouragement, shared laughter, patient coaching, and the courage to step onto the floor โ whether itโs your first time or your fiftieth year on wheels.
We are so proud of the work weโve seen this month. The determination. The breakthroughs. The willingness to go back to basics and do them well.
Strong foundations donโt just support advanced skating โ they support confidence, resilience, and lifelong joy.
Keep building. Keep listening. Keep showing up.
Weโll see you on the floor.
With gratitude and belief in you, Linda & Kayla ๐ผโจ
A skater becomes a โstarโ the moment they try again after falling, the moment they glide a little steadier, the moment they realize they can do more than they thought. But talent needs guidance. Confidence needs structure. So where do star skaters go after beginnerโs class? They step into the next level of training โ where skill deepens, expression grows, and skating truly begins to shine.
๐ New at Sk8Arts Academy: Two Pathways to Confidence on Wheels
At Sk8Arts Academy, we believe skating should feel joyful, structured, and achievable at every level. Whether a skater is just learning how to balanceโฆ or ready to shine with performance energyโฆ we now have two new classes designed to guide them forward with purpose.
Our progressive system builds strong fundamentals first โ because confidence on wheels starts with control.
Hereโs where our newest classes fit into that journey:
๐ผ Sk8Skills 1 & 2
Wednesdays | 3:30 โ 4:30 PM
The Foundation Class
Sk8Skills 1 & 2 is where strong skaters are built.
This class focuses on:
Forward rolling & controlled stopping
Balance and posture
Bubbles and edge awareness
Weight transfer & one-foot glides
Beginning freestyle and dance skating
Fun tricks and partner skating
We break skills into simple, teachable steps so skaters truly understand what their feet are doing โ and why.
โจ This class is the entry point into the Sk8Arts Academy system. It prepares skaters for specialty tracks like GrooveSk8, ArtisticSk8, and Sk8Stars.
When basics are strong, everything else becomes easier.
โญ Sk8Stars
Thursdays | 4:30 โ 5:30 PM
The Bridge to Performance Class
Sk8Stars is designed for skaters who are ready to grow beyond basic skills and step into confidence on wheels.
This class includes:
Stronger edge control
Introductory turns and transitions
Musical timing and rhythm
Simple choreography combinations
Performance confidence
Sk8Stars bridges foundational skating and our more advanced ArtisticSk8 levels.
โจ In our progressive system, Sk8Stars builds the spark โ helping skaters see themselves as performers, not just participants.
๐ Where These Classes Fit in the Sk8Arts Academy System
Our teaching structure is progressive and intentional:
Sk8Skills 1 & 2 โ Learn control and confidence
Sk8Stars / GrooveSk8 โ Develop style, strength, and musicality
ArtisticSk8 (Bronze, Silver, Gold) โ Structured artistic training
Team & Performance Pathways โ Test, show and competitive skating
Each level supports the next. Each class builds community. Each skater grows at their own pace โ with certified, experienced instructors guiding every step.
Rising Star Award
๐ Ready to Use Your Award?
If you or your skater received an award card, we invite you to redeem it for a complimentary class experience.
I come from a roller skating family. And when I say that, I donโt mean โwe went on Friday nights sometimes.โ I mean deep roots, hardwood floor, generational wheels.
My parents met at the Grand Old Rink in Portland, OregonโOaks Park Rinkโwhich opened in 1902 and is still rolling strong. My grandmotherโs father and grandfather helped build it, so the rink shows up in our family history the way a favorite relative does: always there, always important. My aunt and uncle skated competitively in the early 1950s, and by the time I was two (around 1956), I was already on skates and underfoot.
So noโโgrew up at the rinkโ isnโt poetic license. Itโs literal.
Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around competitions, club activities, and rink life. When I was ten, I was chosen to be Cinderella in the annual skating show. This was a big deal: two nights, packed grandstands, media coverage, the whole magical production. My family was so proud they bought tickets for an entire section in the grandstand. For those two nights, I truly felt like a princessโand that moment bonded my mother and me forever. Nearly every birthday after that included some small Cinderella trinket, as if to say, remember who you were on wheels.
Then we moved to Texas.
Roller skating there wasโฆ different. Fewer shows, more pressure. Competitive skating was cutthroat in the best and worst ways, and coaches were training skaters to winโperiod. Our club produced national champions, and suddenly I wasnโt Cinderella anymore. I was just another pretty good skater.
I won my share, but by high school I was ready to widen my world. I cut back on skating to experience something resembling a โnormalโ teenage life in the early 1970s: captain of the drill team, chorus, drama club. And honestly? I loved it.
I never stopped skating, though. When disco hit in the late โ60s and early โ70s, I found my way into paid performancesโspecial events, theater openings, appearances. I loved performing, and it was a great way for a young skater to make a little money. Of course, earning money meant losing amateur status and the ability to compete. That was fine with me. I was in love, planning my wedding (to a non-skater), and knew I couldnโt fund a competitive career while going to college and starting a marriage.
So when the chance came to teach at a brand-new rink near the university, I jumpedโliterally.
It was the perfect setup: classes during the day, teaching evenings and weekends. By the time I was pregnant with my first daughter, I had a small skating club and students heading into competition. I taught entire familiesโparents and kids togetherโand many of them are still lifelong friends. The rink moms helped watch my children, and everyone knew to keep an eye out for two little ones toddling around the skating floor in walkers.
Skating wasnโt just my job. It was our village.
My husbandโs aerospace career eventually moved us aroundโCalifornia, Texas, and beyond. Each move meant leaving behind skaters Iโd mentored, families I loved, programs Iโd built. That part never got easier. Short stays made it hard to develop national-level competitors, but I kept building anyway. Because somewhere along the way, I realized it wasnโt the winning that mattered most to me.
It was the becoming.
Taking beginners and helping them grow into confident artistic skaters. Teaching courage. Teaching joy. And alwaysโalwaysโwanting my students to love skating as much as I do.
So yes, skating is my life. And the lessons I learned on the skating floor have shaped everything that came after.
Lessons from the Floor
Sportsmanship
There is honor in both winning and losing. Learning to congratulate the winner when it isnโt you is one of the hardestโand most generousโlessons a young person can learn. Being a graceful winner matters too. Some of my dearest friendships are with people I once competed against, and that is a gift competitive skating gave me for life.
Perseverance
Some people learn quickly. Some learn visually. And some have to try a move a hundred times before it finally sticks. I was a quick learnerโuntil I wasnโt. Iโve fallen so many times on one elbow that I still have a permanent bump. I also have a broken tailbone that makes sitting squarelyโฆ complicated. Perseveranceโthrough pain, frustration, and disappointmentโprepared me for real life. It taught me that if I keep going, things do get better.
Musicality
Music has always been the soundtrack of my life. I grew up under the glow of the neon organ loft at Oaks Park, with the Mighty Wurlitzer playing and Don Simmons cueing โLindaโ as I stepped onto the floor. We knew every classical overture used for freestyle. Iโll never forget watching Bobby Greer land a triple right on the crescendo of Slaughter on 10th Avenue, pointing at us kids like a touchdown celebration. Music is to skating what air is to breathingโitโs the reason I skate. Itโs how movement becomes emotion.
Balance
And I donโt just mean on eight wheels. Skating taught me how to fall without quitting, how to get back up without drama, and how to find center when everything feels off. Funny how often that skill comes in handy off the floor.
Community
A rink is never just a building. Itโs a family. A refuge. A place where generations overlap, where everyone knows whoโs struggling and who needs cheering. Skating taught me that we are never really doing this aloneโeven when the music is just for us.
And Iโm Still Learningโฆ
If thereโs one lesson skating keeps teaching me, itโs this: youโre never finished.
Not finished learning.
Not finished growing.
Not finished being surprised.
Even nowโespecially nowโI learn something every time I step onto the skating floor. Sometimes itโs a technical reminder Iโd forgotten. Sometimes itโs patience. Sometimes itโs courage, watching a beginner try something that scares them. And sometimes itโs joy, pure and unfiltered, when a skater finally feels a piece of music land in their body for the very first time.
People often assume that because Iโm the teacher, the learning flows in one direction. But thatโs never been true. My students teach me how to see skating through fresh eyes. They remind me not to rush the process. They show me new ways to listen to music, to interpret movement, to celebrate progress that doesnโt come with medals or titles.
They also keep me honest.
Skaters know immediately if you stop caring, if you stop listening, if you start teaching from habit instead of heart. So I stay curious. I ask questions. I adapt. I learn.
What I hope my skaters understandโnew and oldโis that skating doesnโt end when competition does, or when life gets busy, or when the music changes. It can grow with you. It can comfort you. It can challenge you. It can give you community when you least expect it.
I may have started this journey as Cinderella, and I may no longer wear the tiara every dayโbut I still step onto the floor with the same sense of wonder. Wheels under my feet. Music in the air. Something new waiting to be discovered.
As long as Iโm skating, Iโll be learning.
And as long as Iโm learning, Iโll keep teaching.
Because this lifeโthis art, this community, this beautiful, rolling journeyโwas never meant to stand still.
February invites us to slow down just enough to remember why we skate.
Before the medals, the tests, or the techniqueโฆ there was a feeling. A rhythm that pulled us forward. A melody that made our wheels move without being told. This month, our classes are built around that idea โ learning to Skate from the Heart by feeling the music first and letting movement follow.
Weโll begin by exploring how we listen to music as skaters. Not just counting beats, but noticing mood, tempo, phrasing, and energy. Is the music playful or powerful? Smooth or sharp? Relaxed or dramatic? These qualities shape how we move โ and how an audience experiences our skating.
Using the dances weโve already learned, weโll focus on styling:
How arms, posture, and carriage can communicate emotion
How small changes in timing and expression transform a familiar pattern
How movement can reflect the character of the music, not just the steps
Arms, in particular, become our voice. They can soften, accent, invite, or declare โ and when used intentionally, they turn skating into storytelling.
This month weโll also experiment with partner and group skating, discovering how skating alongside others changes the way we interpret music. Sometimes that means mirroring. Sometimes responding. Sometimes leading or supporting. Itโs a powerful reminder that skating doesnโt have to be a solo conversation โ it can be shared.
To help skaters explore what resonates most, weโll introduce a Listening Lab, where weโll play with different tempos and dance styles and see how the body naturally wants to respond. Whether you gravitate toward lyrical flow, rhythmic dance, or bold musical accents, this is a chance to discover โ and trust โ your instincts.
Thereโs no single โrightโ way to skate from the heart. Some skaters express emotion quietly, through control and nuance. Others through expansive movement and theatrical flair. This month is about honoring your style while learning tools that make expression clearer, stronger, and more intentional.
Technique gives us stability. Music gives us direction. Heart gives skating its meaning.
We invite you to join us this February as we listen more deeply, move more honestly, and let the music lead the way.
๐
This Month in Class: Skate from the Heart
What weโll explore together:
๐ต Feeling the Music Learning how to listen for mood, tempo, and phrasing โ not just counts.
โจ Styling & Expression Using arms, posture, and timing to add personality and emotion to dances you already know.
๐ค Partner & Group Skating Exploring connection, mirroring, and shared musical expression.
๐ง Listening Lab Trying different tempos and dance styles to discover what naturally resonates with you.
๐ Finding Your Style Whether your expression is subtle or bold, weโll help you make it intentional and confident.
February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but weโre packing a lot of heart into it.
A quick heads-up as you plan your skating time: El Centro will be closed February 16โ20, giving us a brief pause mid-month โ and a perfect opportunity to connect, give back, and skate a little differently.
This monthโs theme, Skate from the Heart, invites us to slow down, listen more deeply to the music, and rediscover the joy and expression that drew us to skating in the first place. Youโll see that theme reflected throughout our classes, events, and community activities this February.
โจ Whatโs coming up:
A special Monday Meetup at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate on February 16, where weโll join Howard Jenkinsโ Skate Therapy session for a refreshing, feel-good skating experience
A chance to give back with a Skate Room Cleanup Day during the closure week as we show appreciation for the rink and the space that supports our skating community
Our monthly Skate Swap on the last Thursday of the month โ a great time to pass along gear and pick up something new-to-you
Andโฆ a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming soon about our Spring Showcase (you wonโt want to miss this one ๐)
Below, youโll find more details on each of these โ along with a closer look at what weโre exploring in class this month as we learn to feel the music, style our movement, and skate with intention.
February may be brief โ but itโs full of meaning. Letโs skate it from the heart. ๐
Open Studio Hours are designed for focused, independent practice with a supportive structure. Skaters can: โข Work on figures, dance, freestyle, or choreography โข Practice test or competition material โข Receive light coaching feedback as available โข Skate alongside motivated peers in a studio-style environment
Private Lessons are taught during this time, and have the right-of-way on the skating floor. Skaters must adhere to our “Skater’s Etiquette” in order to skate this practice session.
Perfect for performance-track skatersโor anyone ready to take ownership of their progress.
๐ Sk8Passports Update
Due to the February rink closure, the launch of Sk8Passports has been delayed until March. We promiseโitโll be worth the wait, and weโre excited to roll it out under better conditions.
New Classes!
๐ฏ Sk8Skills 1 & 2, Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Where Strong Skaters Are Made
This is where confidence beginsโand bad habits quietly disappear.
Sk8Skills 1 & 2 focuses on the fundamentals that make every style of skating better:
Balance & posture
Edges & control
Turns, transitions, and flow
Musical timing and skating awareness
Perfect for beginners and self-taught skaters who want to feel more stable, more graceful, and more intentional on wheels.
Because great skating doesnโt start with tricksโit starts with technique.
Olympic Trial for February – $15 (save $5)
๐ Recommended for all skaters building a strong foundation
โญ Sk8Stars, Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Step Into the Spotlight
Ready to skate with purposeโand a little polish?
Sk8Stars is where skills turn into performance:
Choreography & presentation
Musical interpretation
Confidence, expression, and style
Preparation for showcases, teams, and special performances
This class is ideal for skaters who love to perform, want to be part of group numbers, or are curious about taking the next step beyond recreational skating.
This is where skating becomes storytelling.
๐ Mark Your Calendar
๐ Spring Showcase โ Coming June 18
An evening of artistry, music, and movement on wheels.
Our skatersโfrom newest beginners to advanced performersโwill take the floor to share what theyโve been learning this season in a joyful, supportive showcase of artistic roller skating.
โจ Local skaters invited to participate โจ Spectators warmly welcomed
๐ญ Coming Soonโฆ
๐ This Yearโs Showcase Theme
Wings? Music? Motion? Legacy? Weโre not saying yetโฆ but itโs a good one.
Keep your eyes openโthe 2026 Spring Showcase theme will be announced soon, and skaters will want to be part of it from the very beginning.
Hint: itโs poetic, powerful, and very Sk8Arts. ๐
Olympic Trials: Figure Skating on Wheels
Every four years, the world pauses to watch athletes glide across the iceโedges carving clean arcs, spins floating effortlessly, music and movement woven together into moments of pure artistry.
What many people donโt realize is that the same skills theyโre watching in Olympic figure skating are taught and trained right hereโon roller skates.
This February, while the Olympics are on our screens, weโre inviting you to experience that artistry firsthand with a special program weโre calling Olympic Trials.
What Are Olympic Trials?
Unlike the elite Olympic Trials you see on television, our Olympic Trials are personal.
Theyโre a low-pressure opportunity to try Artistic Roller Skatingโno commitment, no experience required, and no pressure to โsign up for everything.โ Just a chance to see what it feels like to skate with intention, technique, and music.
As we like to say: See it on ice. Learn it on wheels.
The February Olympic Special
For the three weeks weโre open in February, weโre offering a special Olympic Trials bundle:
Social Skate + Class for $25 (a $10 savings)
This experience pairs a guided daytime Social Skate with a structured Artistic Skating class, giving you time to warm up, explore movement, and then learn how the fundamentals really workโedges, balance, turns, flow, and musical interpretation.
Whether youโre:
a recreational skater curious about classes
an adult returning to skating after years away
or someone whoโs watched figure skating and thought, โI wish I could do thatโ
โฆthis is your invitation.
We’re also inviting you to our Wednesday Sk8Skills 1 & 2 Classes from 3:30 – 4:30 pm for just $15 (a $5 savings!). Give it a Trial and see what Class suits your skating level and style.
Why February Looks a Little Different
You may notice weโre keeping February intentionally simple. The rink will be closed February 16โ20 for floor resurfacing, and rather than rushing the launch of our new Passport training system, weโve chosen to use February as a trial and discovery month.
That means:
No long-term commitments
No pressure to choose a pathway yet
Just time to roll, explore, and enjoy skating
Our full Sk8Arts Passport programsโwith structured monthly plans and clear pathwaysโwill officially debut in March, once weโre back on a freshly resurfaced floor and can offer a full, uninterrupted month.
Everyone Starts Somewhere
Every Olympic skater youโre watching right now began with a first edge, a first turn, a first attempt.
Olympic Trials are about that beginning. Your beginning.
If youโve ever been curious about Artistic Skatingโor wondered what makes figure skating so captivatingโFebruary is the perfect time to step onto the floor and try it for yourself.
๐ผ Olympic Trials โ February Only ๐ Tuesdays & Thursdays (daytime) – 11 am – 2 pm
Family Friday โข February 13 | 11:00 AM โ 1:00 PM
While the world is watching Olympic figure skating on ice, weโre bringing the excitement to the roller rink with Olympic Skating Games on Wheels โ a special Family Friday event inspired by the grace, skill, and celebration of the Olympics.
Skaters of all ages and levels will take part in fun, skill-based skating games designed to highlight balance, rhythm, edges, spins, and presentation โ all adapted for roller skates. Whether your skater is brand new, home-schooled, preschool-aged, or already rolling strong, everyone is welcome and included.
To make the experience truly Olympic, weโll be awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at a real podium, complete with Olympic music โ giving every skater the thrill of standing on the podium and feeling like a champion. Events will be offered for multiple levels and ages so every participant has a chance to shine.
This is not about competition or elimination โ itโs about participation, confidence, and joy in motion. Think of it as: See it on ice โ Try it on wheels.
Event Details
๐ Friday, February 13 ๐ 11:00 AM โ 1:00 PM ๐ฒ $12 per skater ๐ถ Under 7 skate free with paid admission ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Special Family Rate: $30 for up to 4 family members
Join us for a special midday celebration of skating, inspired by the Olympics we love to watch โ and made just right for families on wheels.
โจ All ages welcome โจ All skill levels included โจ Olympic spirit, zero pressure
Let the games begin!
This oneโs going to feel magical โ guaranteed goosebumps when that music plays.๐
Coachโs Corner – New Blog Post
From the Coachโs Heart: My Life on Wheels
Roller skating has been part of my life since I was two years old. I quite literally grew up on the skating floor, surrounded by music, movement, competition, and community. Over the years, skating has carried me through childhood, performance, teaching, family life, and more than a few reinventions.
In this personal reflection, I share how a lifetime on wheels has shaped not just the skater I becameโbut the teacher, mentor, and person I am today. From early rink shows and competitive skating to building clubs, teaching families, and returning to the floor later in life, skating has been a constant teacher.
But perhaps the most important lesson is this: Iโm still learning.
My students continue to teach me as much as I teach themโabout courage, patience, musicality, perseverance, and joy. Skating isnโt something you outgrow; itโs something that grows with you. And I hope this story offers a glimpse of how skating can become a lifelong companion, shaping confidence, creativity, and connection long after the music starts.
This is the story behind why I teach the way I doโand why the skating floor will always feel like home.
Rink Operators Appreciation Day ๐ Friday, February 20 Rink closed due to resurfacing
When the rink rests, the community rises. Join Last Chance Dance Skaters (LCDS) in a volunteer effort to thank and support rink operatorsโthe unsung heroes who keep skating alive.
โธป
โป๏ธ Skate Swap
๐ Thursday, February 26 (last Thursday of the month)
Trade gently used skating gear and help another skater roll forward. See a Coach or Team Member for details.
โธป
๐ผ Monday Meetup โ Offsite Adventure
๐ Lynnwood Skate & Bowl ๐ Monday, February 16 | 11:00 AM โ 2:00 PM
With El Centro closed, weโre skating elsewhere! Join us for Howard Jenkinsโ Skate Therapy: โข 11:00โ11:30 AM โ Guided class โข 11:30โ2:00 PM โ Open skating
A great chance to explore another rink and skate together as a group.
๐๏ธ Calendar of Events โ Artistic Skating 2025โ2026 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 20โ22, 2026 โ 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 Northwestโs top talent.
Spring Showcase โ Sponsored by Last Chance Dance Skaters June 18, 2026 โ 5:30โ7:30 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 24โJuly 3, 2026 โ 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 โ Lincoln, Nebraska The historic home of roller skating once again hosts Nationals! Skaters who qualify at Regionals will compete among the countryโs 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.
๐ Thank You for Rolling with Us
๐ A Note as We Closeโฆ
As we wrap up this month, we just want to say thank youโfor showing up, for supporting one another, and for bringing your unique energy onto the floor each week.
In our recent blog, Skate from the Heart, we talked about listeningโto the music, to our bodies, and to each other. That idea carries us through everything we do here. Progress doesnโt come from perfection; it comes from presence. From skating with intention, curiosity, and joy.
Whether youโre just beginning, returning after time away, or finding new confidence in your skating, know this: what you bring to the floor matters. We see it. We appreciate it. And weโre honored to skate alongside you.
Thank you for being part of this community and for sharing the heart of your skating with us.
With gratitude and wheels still turning, Coach Linda & Coach Kayla ๐ผโจ
January is where we begin againโnot with tricks, not with speed, but with something far more essential.
A beat.
Every great skating momentโevery clean edge, confident turn, expressive dance phrase, or powerful jumpโstarts with timing. Before style, before difficulty, before polishโฆ there is rhythm. This month at Sk8Arts Academy, our January theme is โIt Starts with a Beat,โ and weโll be exploring timing, tempo, and musicality across all of our classes.
Whether youโre gliding your very first patterns, dancing to music you love, or sharpening technical skills, the beat is your best teacher.
โธป
Why the Beat Matters
Music isnโt something we skate toโitโs something we skate with.
Timing teaches control. Tempo teaches intention. Musicality teaches artistry.
When skaters learn to listenโnot just hearโtheir skating changes. Movements become clearer. Transitions smoother. Confidence grows. Suddenly, skating feels less like โtrying to remember stepsโ and more like telling a story through motion.
Thatโs what weโre aiming for this month.
โธป
The Move of the Month
Each month, we introduce a Move of the Monthโa choreographed skating phrase designed to connect skills, rhythm, and expression.
In January, this Move of the Month is built around: โข Clear counts โข Repeatable rhythmic patterns โข Adaptable difficulty levels
That means the same movement idea can live in multiple places at once: โข Groove Skaters will explore the beat through flow, body movement, and musical accents โข Artistic Dance Skaters will refine timing, edges, and phrasing โข Skills Students will use the rhythm to support balance, precision, and control
Different paths. Same pulse.
(Musical selections and specific cues will be added here once choreography is finalized.)
โธป
How Weโll Build It in Class
Rather than rushing to the finished product, weโll layer skills week by week: โข Week 1: Finding the beat โ skating on the count โข Week 2: Playing with tempo โ slow vs. quick, sustained vs. sharp โข Week 3: Musical phrasing โ beginning, middle, and finish โข Week 4: Expression & polish โ making it your own
Youโll notice that we repeat ideas on purpose. Repetition is where confidence livesโand confidence is what allows artistry to emerge.
โธป
For Skaters (and Parents)
If youโre practicing at home or during open sessions, try this: โข Count out loud while skating โข Clap the rhythm before you move โข Notice how your body wants to respond to different tempos
You donโt need more speed to improveโyou need better timing.
โธป
Looking Ahead
Everything we build in January becomes part of the foundation for the rest of the year. Rhythm leads to flow. Flow leads to confidence. Confidence leads to performance.
I noticed something recently while talking with a few โold skaters.โ Amongst us, thereโs a phrase that comes up almost instinctively, as if itโs part of our shared vocabulary: โWho did you take from?โ
When we talk about past skating champions, we donโt just mention their medals or their styleโwe mention their lineage. โHe took from Bob in California.โ โThatโs the year she started taking from Peggy.โ
Itโs a curious phrase when you stop and really look at it.
Soโฆ what are we taking?
Of course, weโre talking about teachers and coaches. But the word take implies something more intimate than just instruction. It suggests transmission. Inheritance. The passing of something living from one person to another.
And that got me thinking.
Iโve been a giver all my life. Most of the time, Iโm a pleaser. My identityโwhether by nature or by habitโhas often revolved around what I can offer: to my family, to my friends, to my skating students, and to the world at large. That thread runs through nearly every chapter of my life.
And you know what? Iโm actually okay with that.
So when a student says, โI take from Linda,โ I feel something warm and grounding. Pride, yesโbut also gratitude. Gratitude that I have something worth taking. That the years I spent practicing, studying, failing, returning, and beginning again didnโt just disappear into time, but became something transferable. Useful. Alive.
When we say we โtake fromโ a teacher, what we really mean is this: We are the recipients of someone elseโs lived experience. We are borrowing wisdom that cost them time, effort, heartbreak, and devotion. We are trusting that what theyโve given has valueโeven when weโve paid for the lesson.
And as teachers, we are giving.
We may not say, โI give to Justine,โ the way a student says, โI take from Linda.โ But teaching is a form of giving that goes far beyond steps and technique. It is patience. It is seeing potential before itโs visible. It is offering structure, encouragement, and perspective earned over a lifetime of showing upโespecially on days when it would be easier not to.
When I teach, I feel humbled by the exchange. Honored by it.
Because teaching is not about depletion. Itโs about continuity.
Every time a student takes what I offer and carries it forwardโadds their own artistry, their own courage, their own voiceโI am reminded that giving and taking are not opposites. They are partners. A cycle. A lineage.
So as we begin a new year, maybe itโs worth asking ourselves a slightly different questionโnot just who did you take from? but also:
What are you carrying forward? What has been entrusted to you? And who might someday say your name with the same quiet pride?
If someone says, โI take from Linda,โ I hope they say it knowing they are part of something larger than a single lesson or a single season. I hope they say it knowing that what was given to them was given freely, lovingly, and with the hope that they would someday give it forward in their own way.
That, to me, is the real legacy of skating. And maybe of life itself.
January is where we begin again – not with tricks, not with speed, but with something far more essential.
A beat.
Every great skating moment – every clean edge, confident turn, expressive dance phrase, or powerful jump – starts with timing. Before style, before difficulty, before polish.. there is rhythm. This month at SK8Arts Academy @ El Centro, our January theme is “It Starts With a Beat,” and we’ll be exploring timing, tempo, and musicality across all of our classes.
Whether you’re gliding your very first patterns, dancing to music you love, or sharpening technical skills… the beat is your best inspiration and teacher!
โจ The Sk8Passport Program โ Launching February
This February, Sk8Arts Academy introduces the Sk8Passport Programโa flexible, skill-driven way to skate with purpose and progress.
Choose your path:
๐ Social Pathway Passport Designed for social, rhythm, and recreational skaters who want to level up their skills without losing the fun. Each Passport pairs a Social Skate with guided instruction, helping skaters build confidence, style, and musicalityโthen take it straight to the floor.
โญ Performance Pathway Passport Created for artistic and competitive skaters ready to train with intention. This Passport supports structured classes, coached practice, and performance preparation, while tracking growth across technique, artistry, and mastery.
Your Passport is more than admissionโitโs your map, record, and invitation to skate your own path. Collect experiences. Build skills. Roll with purpose.
๐ฆ More details coming soonโฆ
Let’s Welcome our New Artistic Technical Advisor!
Debbie Berg joins Sk8Arts Academy
Debbie Berg
โGreat skaters donโt just learn stepsโthey learn the rhythm that carries them for life.โ
This January, as we focus on โIt Starts With a Beat,โ 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 will be guest teaching some of our classes, and will also be available for private lessons. Please help us welcome Debbie to Sk8Arts Academy!
๐ซ Ready to Grow? Private Lessons Are Your Pathway Forward.
Whether youโre just starting out, getting your confidence back, or dreaming big for the year ahead, nothing accelerates your progress like one-on-one instruction with a trusted guide. Private lessons offer focused attention, personalized feedback, and the kind of targeted breakthroughs that simply arenโt possible in a group setting.
Our certified instructors โ Linda Sewell and Kayla Burns โ bring decades of experience, artistry, and a whole lot of heart to every lesson. Think of us as your skating guides: we help you discover your strengths, polish your edges, and explore the skills that make you feel joyful, expressive, and capable on wheels.
๐ Private Instruction Can Help You:
Build a strong foundation and correct early habits
Level up specific skills like edges, turns, spins, or dance steps
Prepare for Sk8Skills testing, Sk8Stars, or competitive goals
Gain confidence and consistency in your skating
Create a personalized plan for growth in the new year
Private lessons are the perfect place to ask questions, explore new ideas, try challenges at your own pace, and experience real โaha!โ moments โ the kind that stay with you long after you roll off the floor.
As we look toward a fresh new year, this is a wonderful time to invest in deeper, more intentional skating instruction. Weโll be announcing a special January opportunity soon, so stay tuned!
๐ Visit our Private Lessons page to contact the certified teacher of your choice and begin your next chapter on wheels.
Among โold skaters,โ itโs a question that carries history, respect, and lineage. But what does it really mean to take from a teacherโand what does it mean to give? As we step into a new year, this reflection explores the quiet exchange between teachers and students, legacy and learning, and the gifts we carry forward long after the lesson ends.
๐๐ผ Last Chance Dance Skaters Club Update โ New Leadership Elected!
Our skating community took a big step forward on November 20th as the Last Chance Dance Skaters Club held its first organizational meeting โ and we are thrilled to announce the election of our inaugural officers:
Bri Sevores โ President
Justine Briley โ Vice President
Rosita Mayo โ Secretary/Treasurer
This dynamic trio will be working together throughout December to prepare the Clubโs Mission Statement and By-Laws, setting a strong foundation for the future. With their leadership, weโll be ready to hit the ground rolling in January, when the Club will officially file its 501(c)(3) nonprofit application.
Why This Matters
Becoming a nonprofit organization gives the Club the ability to support the sport of Artistic Skating in the ways our local members choose โ whether thatโs helping skaters attend competitions, offering scholarships, improving equipment, promoting special events, or creating more opportunities for our community to grow.
It also means the Club can host fundraising activities such as:
Skating shows & exhibitions
Bake sales
Skate-a-thons
Community events
And more โ all benefiting the goals decided by the membership
This is a huge milestone for our skate family and a beautiful example of what happens when skaters come together with vision, energy, and heart.
Stay tuned โ 2025 is going to be a remarkable year for the Last Chance Dance Skaters!
๐๏ธ Calendar of Events โ Artistic Skating 2025โ2026 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:
Americaโs Cup Championships of Clubs January 16โ22, 2026 โ Orlando, Florida This prestigious invitational event kicks off the year and brings together clubs from across the nation for a celebration of artistic roller skating excellence.
USARS Regional Qualifiers June 20โ22, 2026 โ 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 Northwestโs top talent.
Spring Showcase โ Sponsored by Last Chance Dance Skaters June 18, 2026 โ 5:30โ7:30 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 24โJuly 3, 2026 โ 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 โ Lincoln, Nebraska The historic home of roller skating once again hosts Nationals! Skaters who qualify at Regionals will compete among the countryโs 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.
๐ Thank You for Rolling with Us
We’re so grateful for everyone whoโs been part of this growing community โ both on and off the rink. Your encouragement keeps us going through the late nights, the learning curves, and the occasional โoopsโ moments. Thank you for your patience and for believing in this journey as we keep building something truly special together.
See you at the rink (and online, too!) ~ Coach Linda & Coach Kayla
You must be logged in to post a comment.