ArtisticSkating.com Updates

  • What’s Happening This Week:

    Where has the month gone???

    Almost half the year has floated by like a cloud, and yet we’re still looking up — seeing visions of roller skates sliding through the moves we’ve been working so hard to master! If you’ve been dreaming of landing that elusive turn or maneuver, we’re here to help make those dreams a reality.

    What’s your summer plan? We hope you’ll carve out time to skate with us at El Centro Skate Rink – whether for fun, fitness, or that little break from the unpredictable summer weather. Rain or shine, the rink is here to keep you rolling!


    What’s on tap for Classes this week?

    This week, our classes spotlight SHARP TURNS AND DEEP EDGES, and finds examples in our favorite dances and skills moves. We’ll review some foundational skills and add some new twists (literally) that’ll have you eager to show off your progress!

    Both groups will focus on edging techniques, with the GrooveSk8 Class building on last week’s lessons in cross-overs onto an edge, while the Artistic Expressions skaters will refine edging precision in the dances we’re prepping for our upcoming SPRING SHOWCASE.

    Want your skating to look polished and dynamic? It’s all about learning how to LEAN and AIM – and we’ll help you master both!

    2025 Spring Showcase: CARNIVAL!

    Don’t forget our 2025 SPRING SHOWCASE is happening at El Centro Skate Rink on June 10th (Tuesday) from 5 – 6:30 pm, with a special ROLLING THROUGH THE YEARS exhibit of roller skating memorabilia generously provided by our legacy skaters from as far back as 1956. We’ll also be recognizing the skaters and volunteers that have made our brand new program such a success during our inaugural year with a special AWARDS PRESENTATION to honor some very deserving recipients.

    Our Class and Competitive skaters are working hard to perfect their routines for the Showcase, then they’re off to Portland to compete at our Regional qualifying competition the very next weekend. We’d love to have you come experience either (or both!) of these events that celebrate our skaters’ hard work in achieving the skills to perform at a high level on a National stage. (*It’s not too late to join in the fun and be a part of our Showcase performances! See Linda or Patrick if you would like to join in a group number or the Grand March.)


    NW PACIFIC REGIONAL COMPETITION

    When? June 14 – 15th

    Where? The Oaks Park Rink, Portland, OR

    2025 marks the inaugural year of El Centro Artistic Skating Team’s participation in this prestigious competition to determine the skaters who will represent the Region at the USARS National Championships in Reno, NV in July. Please join in wishing these hard-working skaters GOOD LUCK in their efforts to make the cut in order to bring their skating skills to the National skating floor! The skaters representing El Centro are Linda Sewell, Javier Aragon, and Justine Briley. To these skaters, along with all of the talented competitors from the PNW Region… SK8 GR8!!!


    SUMMER SCHEDULE

    We’re also unveiling our SUMMER SCHEDULE with just a few small changes to the regular lineup. The Summer Season for in-person classes at El Centro will now start at 11 am with our regularly scheduled Social Skates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, followed by our popular Groove Sk8 Class on Tuesday and the Artistic Expressions Class on Thursdays from 1 – 2pm. The early 10 am Advance Groups for each of these classes will be paused through the summer, but we’ll combine the advanced and basic groups from 1 – 2 pm in order to focus on some fundamentals and review of basic skills through the summer months.

    Our new FUN FAMILY FRIDAY Social Skate every Friday from 11 – 1 pm will combine our 10 – 11 am SkaterTots with the Home Schooler’s Recess Social Skate. While school is out, we’d like to invite our non-home schooler friends to join us for this inclusive, FAMILY FRIENDLY session centered around the younger skaters and their parents and siblings. The format is suitable for skaters as young as 2, and children under 7 are free with the admission of a sibling or parent.

    Just a note; we don’t provide snack bar service or game center operation during our social skates in order to maintain the focus on learning to skate with special games and activities that build skating skills. For this reason, we also don’t provide the Skate Mate trainers during this skating session. Our Rolling Ambassadors and Coaches are available to assist new skaters, and we also allow parents to walk the rink with their children for added support.


    Summer is here – make time for skating!

    Whether you roll outdoors or prefer a smooth indoor session, El Centro Skate Rink is the place to soak up some laid-back summer vibes while refining your skating goals.

    Join us, bring a friend, and make the most of the season – one stride at a time!



  • Around the rink this week:

    ATTENTION: Important announcement about the upcoming Showcase Event

    Hello Skaters,  

    Due to an unexpected scheduling shift, weโ€™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 elseโ€”show format, times, and all the exciting detailsโ€”remains the same!  

    Hereโ€™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 doesnโ€™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 canโ€™t wait to see everyone on the rink, bringing our best energy to the show!  

    If you have any questions or concerns, please donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to me at **linda@artisticskating.com**.  

    **With gratitude,**  

    Coach Linda  

    Rolling into this weekโ€™s Classes: Hereโ€™s what weโ€™re working on!

    /

    /With recital season in full swing, itโ€™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 performโ€”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 โ€œzen skatingโ€ 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 moreโ€”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 weekโ€™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.  

    Hereโ€™s what weโ€™ll cover:  

    โœจ **Expressive Body Language** โ€“ Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions add emotion to every movement.  

    ? **Musicality & Rhythm** โ€“ Understanding how to accent beats and pauses enhances your skating artistry.  

    ? **Smooth Transitions** โ€“ Fluid movement keeps performances engaging and professional.  

    ? **Confidence & Presence** โ€“ Own the space with strong posture and assured movements.  

    โš–๏ธ **Balanced Energy** โ€“ Nervous energy can throw off timingโ€”learn how to control excitement for polished execution.  

    ? **Spatial Awareness** โ€“ Whether solo or in a group, know how to orient yourself within the performance.  

    ? **Storytelling through Movement** โ€“ Every routine tells a storyโ€”make yours memorable.  

    โœ… **Recovery Techniques** โ€“ Mistakes happen! Learn how to recover seamlessly and keep the magic alive.  

    Throughout the week, weโ€™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 skatersโ€”you’ll also have the tools to *shine* when it’s time to perform. Letโ€™s take the skills weโ€™ve worked so hard to develop and share them with the world!