 |
Figure Skating
|
|
It's never too late to enjoy figure skating!
The Jackson Hole Figure Skating Club embraces and encourages adults to experience the world of figure skating. We truly believe that figure skating is not just a sport for children!
Skating Lessons
You may learn to skate and advance your skills in Adult-Only group lessons (this year offered on Thursdays during lunch time) and can also take private lessons to advance faster. We also offer beginning Ice Dancing classes (traditionally on Sunday afternoons) that adults can participate in.
Testing
The JHFSC offers/administers testing on your skills with levels for Adult 1-4, Freestyle 1-6, and the USFS Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Adult Freestyle and Moves in the Field Tests.
Performance
The JHFSC gives adults the same opportunities for performance in Club shows as we provide to young skaters. In the past, there have been adult group numbers in our holiday show and solo performances by more advanced adult skaters. If you've always wanted to skate in the spotlight, here's your chance!
Competitions
Our annual USFS figure skating competition, The Jackson Hole Invitational, offers Adult only events based on the USFS test structure. In addition, Adults currently in the Skate with US program (Adult 1-4) are invited to participate in our Skate with US Competition.
You may wish to compete with other adults outside of our area. The USFS has a growing adult program that extends across the nation. In fact, we adults even have our own Adult Figure Skating Championships. Each spring the Adult National Figure Skating Championships are held, bringing together over 500 skaters from all over the US for a week of skating and camaraderie. They compete by test and age level (and those who were competitive as children compete in a different category from those who took up the sport later in life).
Awards
The Young at Heart Award for Outstanding Achievement in Adult Figure Skating is presented annually to an adult skating member of the Jackson Hole Figure Skating Club that has strived to advance and challenge his/her skating by participation in lessons, clinics, practices, competitions, testing, and/or performances while also setting a positive example for other club skaters. It was established in the Spring of 2003 by JHFSC adult skaters Kelli Mobeck and Lori Fussell to encourage other adult skaters who are working hard and discovering the joy of adult figure skating. Lori and Kelli named the award in honor of a memorable performance at the 2003 US Adult Figure Skating Championships in which a very inspirational 75 year old skater by the name of Barbara Kelly performed to “Young at Heart” and brought the audience to tears.
2007 Recipient: Valerie Conger
2006 Recipient: Mindy Polan
2005 Recipient: Leslie Montgomery
2004 Recipient: Courtenay Adams
2003 Recipient: Jim Van Nostrand
Want More Information?
If you are an adult skater new to competing and testing and would like some guidance in understanding the ins and outs of the Adult skating world we can help. Please email Lori Fussell to discuss the possibilities.
Still think you are too old to skate?
If you still think you are too old to skate, take a look at this video of 81-year-old Yvonne Dowlin competing at the 2007 Adult National Figure Skating Championships. Now, don't you want to be like her when you grow up? Put your skates on and get on the ice now!!!
Adult Skating Humor and Emotions:
The Lament of An Adult Figure Skater Poem
What it Means to Be An Adult Skater
Websites for Adult Skaters:
USFSA US Adult Skating Home Page
