✨February’s Theme: Skate from the Heart

February at a Glance: Short Month, Full Heart

February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but we’re packing a lot of heart into it.

A quick heads-up as you plan your skating time: El Centro will be closed February 16–20, giving us a brief pause mid-month — and a perfect opportunity to connect, give back, and skate a little differently.

This month’s 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. You’ll see that theme reflected throughout our classes, events, and community activities this February.

✨ What’s coming up:

• A special Monday Meetup at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate on February 16, where we’ll join Howard Jenkins’ 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 — a great time to pass along gear and pick up something new-to-you
• And… a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming soon about our Spring Showcase (you won’t want to miss this one 👀)

Below, you’ll find more details on each of these — along with a closer look at what we’re exploring in class this month as we learn to feel the music, style our movement, and skate with intention.

February may be brief — but it’s full of meaning.
Let’s skate it from the heart. 💜

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🗓️ February 2026 Calendar & Announcements

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🎥 NEW: Open Studio Hours

📅 Fridays | 2:00 – 5:00 PM – $12.00*

Open Studio Hours are designed for focused, independent practice with a supportive structure. Skaters can:
• Work on figures, dance, freestyle, or choreography
• Practice test or competition material
• Receive light coaching feedback as available
• 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 skaters—or anyone ready to take ownership of their progress.

📘 Sk8Passports Update

Due to the February rink closure, the launch of Sk8Passports has been delayed until March. We promise—it’ll be worth the wait, and we’re excited to roll it out under better conditions.

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New Classes!

🎯 Sk8Skills 1 & 2, Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Where Strong Skaters Are Made

This is where confidence begins—and 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 doesn’t start with tricks—it starts with technique.

Olympic Trial for February – $15 (save $5)

👉 Recommended for all skaters building a strong foundation

⭐ Sk8Stars, Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Step Into the Spotlight

Ready to skate with purpose—and 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.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

🌈 Spring Showcase — Coming June 8

An evening of artistry, music, and movement on wheels.

Our skaters—from newest beginners to advanced performers—will take the floor to share what they’ve been learning this season in a joyful, supportive showcase of artistic roller skating.

🗓 Thursday, June 18
🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM
🎟 Free admission • Donations welcome

✨ Local skaters invited to participate
✨ Spectators warmly welcomed

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🎭 Coming Soon…

👀 This Year’s Showcase Theme

Wings? Music? Motion? Legacy?
We’re not saying yet… but it’s a good one.

Keep your eyes open—the 2026 Spring Showcase theme will be announced soon, and skaters will want to be part of it from the very beginning.

Hint: it’s poetic, powerful, and very Sk8Arts. 😉

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Olympic Trials: Figure Skating on Wheels

Every four years, the world pauses to watch athletes glide across the ice—edges carving clean arcs, spins floating effortlessly, music and movement woven together into moments of pure artistry.

What many people don’t realize is that the same skills they’re watching in Olympic figure skating are taught and trained right here—on roller skates.

This February, while the Olympics are on our screens, we’re inviting you to experience that artistry firsthand with a special program we’re calling Olympic Trials.

What Are Olympic Trials?

Unlike the elite Olympic Trials you see on television, our Olympic Trials are personal.

They’re a low-pressure opportunity to try Artistic Roller Skating—no commitment, no experience required, and no pressure to “sign up for everything.” 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 we’re open in February, we’re 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 work—edges, balance, turns, flow, and musical interpretation.

Whether you’re:

• a recreational skater curious about classes
• an adult returning to skating after years away
• or someone who’s watched figure skating and thought, “I wish I could do that”

…this 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 we’re keeping February intentionally simple. The rink will be closed February 16–20 for floor resurfacing, and rather than rushing the launch of our new Passport training system, we’ve 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 programs—with structured monthly plans and clear pathways—will officially debut in March, once we’re back on a freshly resurfaced floor and can offer a full, uninterrupted month.

Everyone Starts Somewhere

Every Olympic skater you’re watching right now began with a first edge, a first turn, a first attempt.

Olympic Trials are about that beginning.
Your beginning.

If you’ve ever been curious about Artistic Skating—or wondered what makes figure skating so captivating—February is the perfect time to step onto the floor and try it for yourself.

🛼 Olympic Trials — February Only
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays (daytime) – 11 am – 2 pm

Wednesdays – Sk8Skills 1 & 2 – 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
🚫 Closed Feb 16–20

We can’t wait to skate with you.

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🛼 Olympic Skating Games on Wheels

Family Friday • February 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

While the world is watching Olympic figure skating on ice, we’re bringing the excitement to the roller rink with Olympic Skating Games on Wheels — 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 — 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, we’ll be awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at a real podium, complete with Olympic music — 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 — it’s about participation, confidence, and joy in motion. Think of it as:
See it on ice → Try it on wheels.

Event Details

🗓 Friday, February 13
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💲 $12 per skater
👶 Under 7 skate free with paid admission
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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 — and made just right for families on wheels.

✨ All ages welcome
✨ All skill levels included
✨ Olympic spirit, zero pressure

Let the games begin!

This one’s going to feel magical — guaranteed goosebumps when that music plays.🌟

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Coach’s Corner – New Blog Post

From the Coach’s 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 became—but 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: I’m still learning.

My students continue to teach me as much as I teach them—about courage, patience, musicality, perseverance, and joy. Skating isn’t something you outgrow; it’s 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 do—and why the skating floor will always feel like home.

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🤝 LCDS Volunteer Opportunity

Rink Operators Appreciation Day
📅 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 operators—the unsung heroes who keep skating alive.

⸻

♻️ Skate Swap

📅 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.

⸻

🛼 Monday Meetup – Offsite Adventure

📍 Lynnwood Skate & Bowl
📅 Monday, February 16 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

With El Centro closed, we’re skating elsewhere! Join us for Howard Jenkins’ Skate Therapy:
• 11:00–11:30 AM – Guided class
• 11:30–2:00 PM – Open skating

A great chance to explore another rink and skate together as a group.

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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 Note as We Close…

As we wrap up this month, we just want to say thank you—for 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 listening—to the music, to our bodies, and to each other. That idea carries us through everything we do here. Progress doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from presence. From skating with intention, curiosity, and joy.

Whether you’re 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 we’re 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 🛼✨

✨January’s Theme: It Starts With a Beat

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!

✨ Read the full January class preview on ArtisticSkating.com →

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🗓️ January 2026 Calendar & Announcements

Winter/Spring Class Semester Starts January 6th

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A New Way to Keep your Wheels Rolling…

✨ The Sk8Passport Program — Launching February

This February, Sk8Arts Academy introduces the Sk8Passport Program—a flexible, skill-driven way to skate with purpose and progress.

Choose your path:

🌀 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 musicality—then take it straight to the floor.

⭐ 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 admission—it’s your map, record, and invitation to skate your own path.
Collect experiences. Build skills. Roll with purpose.

🚦 More details coming soon…

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Let’s Welcome our New Artistic Technical Advisor!

Debbie Berg joins Sk8Arts Academy

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💫 Ready to Grow? Private Lessons Are Your Pathway Forward.

Whether you’re 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 aren’t possible in a group setting.

Our certified instructors — Linda Sewell and Kayla Burns — 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.

🌟 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 “aha!” moments — 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. We’ll be announcing a special January opportunity soon, so stay tuned!

👉 Visit our Private Lessons page to contact the certified teacher of your choice and begin your next chapter on wheels.

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Coach’s Corner – New Blog Post

Who Did You Take From?

Among “old skaters,” it’s a question that carries history, respect, and lineage. But what does it really mean to take from a teacher—and 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.

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The Skaters Have Spoken!

💃🛼 Last Chance Dance Skaters Club Update — 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 — and we are thrilled to announce the election of our inaugural officers:

• Bri Sevores — President
• Justine Briley — Vice President
• Rosita Mayo — Secretary/Treasurer

This dynamic trio will be working together throughout December to prepare the Club’s Mission Statement and By-Laws, setting a strong foundation for the future. With their leadership, we’ll 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 — whether that’s 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 — 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 — 2025 is going to be a remarkable year for the Last Chance Dance Skaters!

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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:

• America’s Cup Championships of Clubs
  January 16–22, 2026 — 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 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

We’re so grateful for everyone who’s been part of this growing community — both on and off the rink. Your encouragement keeps us going through the late nights, the learning curves, and the occasional “oops” 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

🎄 Holiday Schedule Highlights

We’re pausing regular classes for the holidays and will resume instruction on
Tuesday, January 6.

In the meantime, we’re hosting a series of special holiday social skates, and we’d love to see you there!

Please note:
👉 Tuesday & Friday social skates are 2:00–4:00 PM during the holiday period
(this is different from our usual 11:00–1:00 PM time).

✨ JOY IN MOTION — December’s Theme

As we roll into the heart of The Big Dark in the beautiful PNW, our rink (El Centro Skate Rink in Federal Way, WA) becomes a bright spot in the week—a place where movement brings warmth, connection, and that unmistakable spark of joy. This year’s guiding theme, The Joy of Skating, reaches its fullest meaning now, as we find light not from the sun… but from each other, from the music, and from the simple magic of wheels in motion.

This month, we’re celebrating how joy grows when we move with intention—through the beautiful basics, the Art of Plain Skating, and every breakthrough that makes skating feel effortless and expressive.

Here’s a glimpse of the message that opens our December season:

“Joy isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we create every time we show up, glide forward, and let movement wake us up from the inside out.”

✨ Read the full December reflection on ArtisticSkating.com →

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🗓️ December Calendar & Announcements

🎁 (Un)Boxing Day — Family Skate!

The Day After Christmas… let’s get out of the house and ROLL!

After the wrapping paper settles and the cookies disappear… it’s time to lace up, step out, and move together as a family!
Join us on December 26th for a special Family Skate & Artistic Skating Pop-Up — the perfect way to shake off the holiday stillness and enjoy some joyful movement together.

Whether you received new skates for Christmas or you’ve had a pair waiting in the closet, this day is for you. And even if you don’t own skates — no problem! We’ll have rentals available so everyone can enjoy the fun.

🛼 What to Expect:

• Family-friendly skating time
• Instructors on the floor for tips and help
• A pop-up intro to artistic skating (just a taste!)
• Skates and equipment check-in for new gear
• Lots of smiles… maybe even a few laps holding hands!

🛼 Perfect For:

• Families wanting to get active the day after Christmas
• Kids who want to show off their new skates
• Parents who skated when they were young and want to try again
• Beginners, curious skaters, and returning skaters of all ages

Date: Thursday, December 26th
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Location: El Centro Skate Rink
Bring: Your skates (boxed or unboxed!) and your family!

Let’s make December 26th a tradition —
A day to roll, laugh, and move together after the holiday hush.
Because time together is the real gift. 💫

Note: This is a pop-up event hosted by Artistic Skating, and as such we don’t offer snack bar or arcade service. We will have special treats in the Snack Bar and a Fund Raiser Bake Sale to benefit our Artistic Skating Team. This special social skate is for families with children, and our focus is fun learning games and music selected for the young ones.

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🌈 December’s theme: Joy In Motion

✨ What to Expect in Classes This Month! ✨

December may be a short month for classes, but we’re filling every minute with what matters most: JOY. Not the perform-it-perfect, toes-just-so kind of joy… but the real kind. The kind that comes from moving your body, laughing with friends, discovering new rhythms, and doing those quirky little moves that feel amazing — even if the mirror (or the photos) tell another story.

You know the moment: you lift your leg into a glorious, sweeping spiral… the wind in your hair, the music swelling…
And then someone shows you the picture and — well — your leg was apparently only 3 inches off the ground.
But did it feel fabulous?
Yes.
And that’s exactly the spirit we’re embracing this month.

💫 Feel-Good Skating All Month Long

We’ll explore the movements that make your body say “ooooh yes” — the stretches, the flowing edges, the silly-but-satisfying wiggles, the powerful pushes, the little hops and swizzles that wake up your imagination. Whether they’re technically “correct” or not, if they bring you joy, they’re in the mix this month.

🎶 Skating to New Tempos & Styles

We’ll also play with music in a big way:

• Fast songs, slow songs, dreamy songs
• Ballroom, pop, classic rink favorites
• And even a few surprises…

We’ll take some familiar dances we’ve been practicing all year and try them to completely different music — and suddenly, everything changes. It’s a beautiful way to discover flow, personality, and confidence on the floor.

🛼 Daytime Classes: A Year-in-Review

Both Sk8Groove and Sk8Artistic daytime classes will spend December revisiting every dance we’ve worked on in 2024. Think of it as a joyful rewind — a chance to remember how far you’ve come, how your edges have smoothed out, how your posture has lifted, and how your confidence has grown.

We’ll also be preparing some special takeaways for the
Joy of Skating Workbook — 2025 Edition, including:

• Steps we’ve mastered
• Dances we’ve completed
• Reflections on joy, momentum, and growth
• A few inspiration pages to carry into the new year

🎩🥧 Grand Finale: GRAND MARCH + “Ties & Pies” Social

We’ll close out our December classes with a festive Grand March, followed by a “Ties & Pies” Social hosted by our Last Chance Dance Skaters Club. Bring a fun tie, your best pie, your family, or your friends — and get ready for laughter, photos, and plenty of sugary cheer.

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This Month’s Theme: Joy in Motion

It’s not about perfection.
It’s not about comparison.
It’s about remembering why we skate in the first place:
Because it feels good to move. Because it feels good to belong. Because it feels good to glide.

And that joy? It’s already in you.
Let’s skate it out together. 💖🛼✨

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💫 Ready to Grow? Private Lessons Are Your Pathway Forward.

Whether you’re 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 aren’t possible in a group setting.

Our certified instructors — Linda Sewell and Kayla Burns — 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.

🌟 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 “aha!” moments — 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. We’ll be announcing a special January opportunity soon, so stay tuned!

👉 Visit our Private Lessons page to contact the certified teacher of your choice and begin your next chapter on wheels.

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The Skaters Have Spoken!

💃🛼 Last Chance Dance Skaters Club Update — 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 — and we are thrilled to announce the election of our inaugural officers:

• Bri Sevores — President
• Justine Briley — Vice President
• Rosita Mayo — Secretary/Treasurer

This dynamic trio will be working together throughout December to prepare the Club’s Mission Statement and By-Laws, setting a strong foundation for the future. With their leadership, we’ll 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 — whether that’s 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 — 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 — 2025 is going to be a remarkable year for the Last Chance Dance Skaters!

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🏆 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.

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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:

• America’s Cup Championships of Clubs
  January 16–22, 2026 — 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 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

We’re so grateful for everyone who’s been part of this growing community — both on and off the rink. Your encouragement keeps us going through the late nights, the learning curves, and the occasional “oops” 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