Development Academy 

Development Academy combines small-group instruction with dedicated freestyle time, giving skaters the opportunity to learn new skills and practice them without the larger crowds often found in general skating sessions.

Each DA session includes:

• Two 30-minute group lessons each week

• One 30-minute DA freestyle session each week

• Opportunities to participate in club events and performancesDevelopment Academy combines small-group instruction with dedicated freestyle time, giving skaters the opportunity to learn new skills and practice them without the larger crowds often found in general skating sessions.

Each DA session includes:

• Two 30-minute group lessons each week

• One 30-minute DA freestyle session each week

• Opportunities to participate in club events and performances

One of the things that sets Development Academy apart from traditional parks and recreation skating programs is our small class size and high level of coaching support.  Each DA session is limited to just 12–15 skaters, and three Learn to Skate USA-certified coaches are present for every group lesson. This allows our coaches to give skaters more individual attention, provide immediate feedback, and adjust instruction to meet each skater where they are in their development.

This year, Development Academy is led by Coach Lindsay and Coach Lily, with regular coaching and involvement from our other Learn to Skate USA-certified coaches throughout the season.  Working with multiple coaches gives your skater exposure to a variety of coaching styles while helping them build relationships with our entire coaching team.

Our teen Coach-in-Training (CIT) skaters are also an important part of the DA experience. These experienced skaters serve as mentors and role models, giving younger skaters the opportunity to connect with athletes who were in their shoes—or skates—just a few years ago.

As skaters progress through the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, those who complete Basic 6 are eligible to move into our USFS-level programming and continue their skating journey with Bend Ice FSC.  We hope our Development Academy is the foundation for a lifetime of skating friends and joy.

Development Academy Schedule

• Thursday: 3:50–4:20pm — Group Lesson (30 minutes)*

• Saturday: 7:30–8:00am — Group Lesson (30 minutes)

• Saturday: 8:00–8:30am — DA Freestyle (30 minutes)

*Thursdays we will use half the sheet of ice.  BPRD Kinder skaters will be on the other half.  Your skater will already be acting as a model and inspiration to those putting skates on for the first time!

We offer two Development Academy sessions during the season. The cost for each session is $300.

·Session 1: Nov 5, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026

o   Registration opens mid September

o   Includes 11 group classes and 5 DA freestyles; no classes the week of Thanksgiving.

o   Coaches will do a more formal skills check at the end of the session to provide written feedback.  Skaters who have demonstrated mastery and fluency of skill is a certain level can earn a patch and progress will be recorded in their official LTS record.

o    Session 1 skaters are eligible to participate in our Winter Solstice Show, December 18, at no additional cost.

·Session 2: Jan 7, 2027 –Feb 20, 2027

o   Registration opens around December 1

o   Includes 13 group classes and 6 DA freestyles

o   Coaches will do a more formal skills check at the end of the session to provide written feedback.  Skaters who have demonstrated mastery and fluency of skill is a certain level can earn a patch and progress will be recorded in their official LTS record.

Session 1 and Session 2 DA skaters are all eligible to participate in the Spring Showcase, April 3, 2027.  There is an additional cost of approximately $50 for the group routine, which includes approximately 5 additional hours of ice and coaching time.  This is a highlight of the season so please join us!

• During holiday weeks our club offers special drop-in freestyles for any level skater that is a member of our club.  Join us for the chance to be on ice with our USFS level skaters and to form new friendships.

• DA skaters are eligible to apply to perform a solo or duet in our Spring Showcase. Applications are reviewed by the coaching staff. There is an additional cost (estimated to be $75) and this opportunity is typically available only to DA skaters who meet the following criteria:

  • Are working on Basic 5/6 skills

  • Have been working regularly with a private coach

  • Plan to compete in the Oregon Open during the second weekend of April

  • Participate in both Development Academy sessions

To be eligible for Development Academy, skaters must have already passed either BPRD Level 3orLearn to Skate USA Basic 3.  If you are wondering whether your skater qualifies, start by looking at the skills on this Learn to Skate USA Basic Skills checklist. Your skater should be comfortable with most of the skills in Levels 1–3.

·      If you feel your skater is close to meeting the requirements, or you are unsure whether they are ready, please contact us at chair@bendfigureskatingclub.org. We are happy to answer questions and help determine whether Development Academy is the right fit.  In some cases, you may be asked to schedule a private session with an LTS coach for placement recommendations.  

·      If your skater has participated in BPRD programming, please note that the BPRD and Development Academy level systems are different. Development Academy follows the Learn to Skate USA curriculum.  You will likely be placed in a lower level with us than you were with BPRD.  Don’t be discouraged – it’s two different systems!