Programs

LVPA offers figure skating students an individual curriculum to suit the needs of our students. The Figure Skating program provides two hours of focused skating time each day, plus daily “Off Ice” instruction in Ballet, Personal Fitness and Theater. All ice time is spent at the Steel Ice Center in South Bethlehem. In addition, skating academic courses are offered in rules/standards, skating history, choreography and program construction. In all artistic and academic classes LVPA strives for excellence.

The Figure Skating department creates an individual curriculum based upon each student’s skills; while incorporating a uniform assessment of initiative, skating academics and performance. A student’s passion for skating is nurtured and supported by a faculty of national and international skating professionals including former competitors, coaches and national judges. Our figure Skating Students have multiple opportunities to visit and serve at U.S. Figure Skating qualifying competitions and professional ice shows.

Admission to LVPA’s Figure Skating Department is based upon a skating audition. Please contact our Director of Figure Skating to discuss the program and opportunity for your child. To learn more about our school we invite you to attend an Open House night in November or February. LVPA recommends that all prospective students spend a day shadowing a current student to see if LVPA is right for them.

Bill Fitzpatrick

LVPA Figure Skating Mission Statement:

LVPA’s Figure Skating Program is an individual program that meets the dreams and goals of our students. While recognized as an Olympic sport, figure skating becomes a magical presentation when athletic skills join artistic interpretation. Students who have a passion for skating are given a unique educational experience that helps them achieve their individual dreams of skating excellence. Our faculty nurtures each student by supporting their individual goals. LVPA is the only public school in the nation that offers an emphasis in Figure Skating.

Performance Schedule

An Evening Of Excellence On Ice, at the Steel Ice Center located on First Street in Bethlehem,

Thursday evening, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.

FIGURE SKATING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Each member of this department is continually assessed based on their point of entry into the program. Individual progress and assessment is a critical element in each of the three major course strands. Measurement skills in this department are based, primarily, on standards published by the United States Figure Skating Association through their testing and competition standards.

Skating Techniques- Grade 9

In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts of “Moves in the field”; power, extension, edge quality and quickness. The course will focus on athleticism; the ability to perform skating elements which are identified by USFSA (i.e. lutz, camel spin, stroking) In addition, the course will include physical training; warm-up off the ice and on the ice, encouraging strength and flexibility and differentiation of proper execution of elements based on judging criteria.

Skating Techniques- Grade 10

In this course, students will extend to more advanced concepts of “Moves in the field”; power, extension, edge quality and quickness. The course will focus on athleticism; the ability to perform skating elements which are identified by USFSA (i.e. lutz, camel spin, stroking) In addition, the course will include physical training; warm-up off the ice and on the ice, encouraging strength and flexibility and differentiation of proper execution of elements based on judging criteria.

Sophomores will additionally be introduced to basics in judging and assessment techniques.

Skating Techniques- Grade 11

In this course, students will learn the concepts of “Moves in the field”; power, extension, edge quality and quickness. The course will focus on athleticism; the ability to perform skating elements which are identified by USFSA (i.e. lutz, camel spin, stroking) In addition, the course will include physical training; warm-up off the ice and on the ice, encouraging strength and flexibility and differentiation of proper execution of elements based on judging criteria.

Juniors will refine advanced judging and assessment techniques.

Skating Techniques- Grade 12

Seniors will become deeply involved in self-analysis and the development of coaching skills.

Performance Skills: Grade 9

This course will serve as an introduction to the basics of choreography and to the elements of a musical routine. The use of body language, creating a mood, telling a story, and drawing in the audience will all be included. Students will utilize music, timing of movements to music, expression body and facial. Students will learn to attain proper power and extension, positive, body expression to interpret music appropriately.

Performance Skills: Grade 10

This course will be introduced to more advanced concepts of choreography and to elements of routine music. The use of body language, analysis of creative choreography, creating a mood, telling a story, and drawing in the audience will all be included. Students will utilize music, timing of movements to music, expression body and facial. Students will further develop the ability to attain proper power and extension, positive, body expression to interpret music appropriately.

Performance Skills: Grade 11

This course will examine advanced concepts of choreography and elements of routine correctly to phrasing of music. The use of body language, analysis of creative choreography, creating a mood, telling a story, and drawing in the audience will all be included. Students will utilize music, timing of movements to music, expression body and facial.

Juniors will be expected to assist in leadership roles for individual and group performance numbers.

Performance Skills: Grade 12

This course will require students to choreograph at least one advanced individual or group performance number. Students will demonstrate advanced use of body language, analysis of creative choreography, creating a mood, telling a story, and drawing in the audience.

Integration of the Arts: Grade 9

This course is focused on introducing students to the basic components of the arts and academics that impact on the development of the skater. Dance, Music, and Theatre are incorporated into this course on a regular basis. When applicable, students utilize other academics such as Math, Science, and Language Skills to complete this process of integration. This course also includes a four year study of the history of figure skating and its implications on our society.

Integration of the Arts: Grade 10

This course is focused on introducing students to the more advanced components of the arts and academics that impact on the development of the skater. Dance, Music, and Theatre are incorporated into this course on a regular basis. When applicable, students utilize other academics such as Math, Science, and Language Skills to complete this process of integration. This course also includes a four year study of the history of figure skating and its implications on our society.

Integration of the Arts: Grade 11

This course is focused on introducing students to advanced components of the arts and academics that impact toward the development of the “complete” skater. Dance, Music, and Theatre are incorporated into this course on a regular basis. When applicable, students utilize other academics such as Math, Science, and Language Skills to complete this process of integration. This course also includes a four year study of the history of figure skating and its implications on our society.

Integration of the Arts: Grade 12

This course is focused on requiring students to demonstrate advanced components of the arts and academics that impact on the development of the “complete” skater. Dance, Music, and Theatre are incorporated into this course on a regular basis. When applicable, students utilize other academics such as Math, Science, and Language Skills to complete this process of integration. This course also culminates a four year study of the history of figure skating.

In addition, seniors will be involved in the examination and study of career options available to Figure Skaters.

Our Figure Skating Graduates are being accepted into many leading colleges and universities upon graduation

Elizabethtown University
Miami University of Ohio
Northampton Community College
University of Delaware

Biographies

Director – William M. Fitzpatrick

Bill is a National Judge and Referee with the United States Figure Skating Association. His skating experience includes numerous National and International figure skating competitions – most prominently the U. S. Figure Skating Championships, Skate America, The European Championships and the World Championships.

As Director, he interacts with each student/skater as well as the coaches involved to craft and refine each person’s abilities through an individual skating program based on skill and stated ambition.

Teaching Assistant – Melissa Desiderio

Melissa is a former competitive skater who trained with many renowned skating coaches. She currently also holds a teaching position at the Olympic Training facility in Newark, DE.

Her specialty is Free Skating (Jumps, Spins and Intricate Footwork).

“Off Ice” Instructors are:

Tiffany Allred – our Personal Fitness Instructor

Amanda Wescott – our Ballet Instructor and Assistant Choreographer

Jennifer Bruno – our Theatre Coach