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First Arena Rec Rink
 
Updated 8/30/2010
Please note:  There are some changes to our program for the 2010-2011 season.   We are pleased to announce our enhanced partnership with the Southern Tier Skating Club and their sponsorship of our skating school program. 
 
Fall 2010 Brochures are available at the Rec Rink Desk           or via email...           robyn@icehotconcepts.net
 
Fall Session I Starts Wednesday, Sept. 15th...
On-site Registration - Wed., Sept. 8th..
 
Fall Sunday Session Starts Sunday, Oct. 10th...
Additional On-site Registration - Sun., Oct. 3rd..
 
Whether your goal is to become a competitive figure skater or hockey player, or just learn to skate or upgrade your skills for fun, We have a class for you....
 
Quality Professional Instruction with FREE Practice Time Included.
 
Come Join the area's only year-round skating program!
 
Pre-Registration Required.  Class size is limited. 
 
Registrations must be paid prior to starting classes and are accepted at open registration (preferred), or can be placed in the designated box at the Rec Rink or Pro Shop (subject to rec rink desk hours). 
 
The skating school program at the First Arena is sponsored by the Southern Tier Skating Club, a 501c3, not-for-profit organization. 
 
For more information, call Robyn Bentley, Skating Director at 607-271-2212, or email:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
 
MORE SKATING SCHOOL GROUP CLASS INFORMATION:
 

6 Week Sessions

20 or 30 Minute Group Classes*

FREE Practice Session on Lesson Day**

Professional Instruction
 
Classes run in 6 week blocks, year-round, and cost is $75 for the 1st 6 week session, plus $15 ISI Registration (Annual).  Re-enroll for an additional session this season, before the discount deadline, and pay only $65 for 6 weeks.   No refunds or make-ups.  ISI Year runs from 9/1-8/31/11.  All skaters will be charged the $15 ISI membership fee, unless they provide proof of annual membership to skating director, in advance.   
 
FREE Skate Rentals for New Enrollees and Discounted Rental Punch available for purchase from the arena for returning students for use during lesson program only.  Discount card skate rental card = $10 (per day, per session).  Regular skate rental charge is $3 per visit.  Skate Rental fee is paid to the First Arena.  We are not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen cards. 
Skating School Participants enjoy at 10% discount in the pro shop everyday, and please ask about other skating school packages available.
 
Class days and times are listed below.  Please scroll down to view class curriculum and other important information.  Students are grouped by age and ability level.  There have been a few changes for the 2010-2011 season. 
 
Wednesdays:
Group classes -  5:30-6:10pm (Pre-Alpha thru Delta),  
Interval Training On Ice  -   5:50-6:00pm
*Pre-requisite for interval training, power freestyle/stroking group classes (Delta & above, exceptions may be made, at the Skating Directors Discretion)
.
 
Fall Session I - Sept. 15th - October 20, 2010
9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20    
 
Fall Session II - Oct. 27th - December 8, 2010
10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8
*No Class 11/24 (Thanksgiving)    *Show Dress Rehearsal 12/15
 
Re-enrollment Discount Deadline for Fall Session II:
October 22nd (for those who were enrolled in Session I 2010). 
 
Students will be given re-enrollment forms on the last day of class 10/20/10...
 
 
Sundays:
4:15-5:15pm  Group Lessons* (Tots thru Delta)  (see below)**
Advanced Figure Skating & Advanced Group Lessons/Clinics are held following basic group lessons, please see seperate brochure for details or figure skating site. 
 
 
Fall Session:  Oct. 10th - Nov. 21, 2010
10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21
* No Class 10/31 (Halloween)    * No Class 11/29 (Thanksgiving)
** Show practices will be held on 12/5 and 12/12 (seperate registration required)
*** Holiday Skating Show and Family Event 12/19
 
Holiday Skating Show - Sunday, December 19th - Registration Info. Coming Soon...All Skating School Participants are Encouraged to Participate!
 
Winter Sessions will be posted later this Fall.
                                                 
* Tots & Pre-Alpha thru Delta classes include a 20 min. group lesson, the remainder of the time is available for those enrolled to use as uninstructed practice time.  Advanced classes are 10-30 min. long.  Skaters above the Gamma level are encouraged to attend freestyle time for additional practice time.  Public sessions are also a great time to practice. 
 
**  A family member may skate with (supervise) their skating school participant (tots only) during the practice ice, but must be pre-registered prior to the start of the season, and a current ISI member (for insurance reasons).  Sorry, we cannot make exceptions to this.  All participants on the ice must be wearing skates and have a current participation card.
 
Skating Director reserves the right to adjust class times and offerings based on enrollment.
 
Pre-registration forms are available at the Rec Rink Information Desk, in the literature rack in front of the Pro Shop or by emailing:  robyn@icehotconcepts.net
     
Proper Skating Attire:
Remember, it can be very cold on the ice!  We strongly recommend that skaters wear long pants that are not too baggy at the ankles, sweater or sweatshirt, and gloves or mittens.  We also suggest that skaters wear elbow pads, knee pads, and a helmet.  Please note that skate sizing runs differently than shoe sizing.  If using the rental skates, we will assist you in getting the proper size.  Skaters should wear one pair of light socks.  Skate sizing will be checked by instructors the first day of class, and adjustments, if needed, will be suggested.   If you are using your own skates, please be sure that they are properly sharpened.  Skaters will progress much faster, and have a more enjoyable time if their skates fit properly, offer correct support, and are sharpened.
 
If you are interested in purchasing skates, please consult the advice of a professional (we can help with that, please ask). 
Ice Hot Concepts currently operates a pro shop within the Rec Rink of the First Arena.  With over 20 years experience, and as authorized dealers for all major brands, they can work with you to meet your needs.  To schedule an appointment for skate fitting, please email us at robyn@icehotconcepts.net or call 271-2212. 
 
 
Skating School Class Curriculum
We at the First Arena are proud to be a member of the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) and use their WeSkate Program for teaching skaters the best basics, with quality instructors. 
 
Tots:     For the young ones!  Children will learn how to march, stand, fall down and get up corectly and safely.  Games will be used with emphasis on fun!  Ages 5 and under.
 
Pre-Alpha:     For the beginner skater.  One of the first levels of the ISI skating program.  Emphasis will be on gliding, forward and backward skating, and stopping.
 
Alpha 1 & 2:     Students will learn forward stroking and crossovers.
 
Beta 1 & 2:     Emphasis on backward stroking and crossovers and T-stops.
 
Gamma 1 & 2:     Students will learn turns, mohawk, and hockey stops.
 
Delta 1 & 2:     Students will learn advanced turns, edges, and beginning freestyle moves.
 
Adult:     For our adult skaters.  Participants will follow the same curriculum as younger skaters, but will advance into Adult Clinic, which will introduce Ice Dancing and/or Freestyle.  Adult groups may be combined depending on enrollment.
 
Freestyle:     Students will learn inside pivots, forward arabesques and beginning jumps and spins.  Levels 1 -10.
 
Hockey:    Learn the fundamentals:  Balance, agility, and skating skills.  Levels 1-6
 
Freestyle skaters are encouraged to join our clinics - please see figure skating section for more details or ask skating director for more details.
 
To view the Recreational Rink calendar for September, click here.
REC RINK SEPTEMBER CALENDAR ONLINE
The Recreational Rink calendar for September is online.
BALLIN 4 GOD AT FIRST ARENA ON SEPTEMBER 11TH
Ballin 4 God, a charity basketball game between the ABA's New York Red Riders and the Elmira Media All-Stars, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7:00 p.m. at First Arena.
FIRST ARENA TO HOST THE DUELING PIANOS
First Arena will host the Dueling Pianos in a night of comedy, sing-along, and dancing on Saturday, September 18 from 8-11 p.m. The event is presented by the Crew at A.S.U., Appliance Services Unlimited, and Salsaritas.
REC RINK CALENDAR FOR AUGUST NOW ONLINE
The calendar of events for the First Arena Recreational Rink for the month of August is now available.
FIRST ARENA PARTNERS WITH V/GLADIEUX ENTERPRISES, INC.
First Arena announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with V/Gladieux Enterprises Inc., a Toledo, Ohio-based company with a long, rich history of providing quality food service operations.