Northfield Skating School

• Learn new skills in our fun, professional, environment!
• Enjoy specialized classes with PSA Rated and Guest instructors
• Make friends and take part in a fun performance
• $5 Discount for each additional family member

Register Online or Download Paper Registration Form.

Registration deadline EXTENDED MON MARCH 15

A big congratulations to Anna Sheehan for becoming our first Northfield skater to pass a U.S. Figure Skating test. Anna is both a skater and Skating Assistant (assistant coach) with the Northfield Skating School and has been skating with us since we formed in 2005. She is a 9th grader at the Northfield School of Arts and Technology (ARTech) and she takes private skating lessons with Carey Tinkelenberg, NSS Director, and Melanie Ritz. U.S. Figure Skating tests are the next step of the U.S. Figure Skating development path beyond the Basic Skills curriculum. These tests make a skater eligible to compete at higher levels, but skaters need not compete in order to progress. The tests themselves are an achievement. Anna impressed the judges with her strength, form, and beautiful spirals as she passed her Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field Test in front of a panel of U.S. Figure Skating judges in Burnsville. Congratulations, Anna, we are proud to have you representing NSS!

View more photos of Anna’s test on our Photos Page

The 2010 Winter Olympics are upon us! Beginning Friday with the Opening Ceremonies and continuing over 17 days, the excitement and glory (and 200+ hours of tv coverage) of 15 Olympic sports will finally be here. Visit the Official Vancouver 2010 site and NBC’s official Winter Olympics site for highlights, tv listings, results, athlete info, and more.

Join NSS for our OLYMPICS PJ PARTY as we celebrate the ladies freeskate final in the party room at Beef O’Brady’s on Thursday, Feb 25. Bring your PJs, because it will be a late night! Coverage runs from 7:00-11:00pm. We will raffle off Beef O’Brady’s gift certificates and a FREE PRIVATE LESSON with an NSS coach of your choice. You can also participate in our Destination Vancouver coloring contest and learn about the International Judging System used for figure skating. Raffle tickets are $4 at the rink during lessons and $5 at the door.

Let us help you out! SKATING magazine, the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating, published a five-article series explaining the International Judging System (IJS) used for figure skating events. Catch up on these articles to refresh your understanding before the 2010 Olympics. Come to our OLYMPICS PJ PARTY to see a full display of articles and explanations, and watch the ladies final with NSS staff and skaters (see post below).

“Making Sense of It All: International Judging System, A Numbers Game” Oct 2009, Part 1 Part 2

“Understanding IJS: Element Identification Primary Role of Technical Panel“ Nov 2009, Part 1 Part 2

“Understanding IJS: Measuring Success Comes Down To Execution“ Dec 2009, Part 1 Part 2

“Understanding IJS: Artistic Ability Plays Major Role in Overall Scoring” Jan 2010, Part 1 Part 2

“Understanding IJS: Pairs, Ice Dancing Offer Additional Elements for Judges to Call“ Feb 2010, Part 1 Part 2

Thanks to all who attended our second annual Skating Night at the Depot on Tuesday! We enjoyed a fine evening of open skating at a beautiful arena, tips from our staff, and special performances from a broad guest skaters. A big thank you to Carleton College Alumni Affairs for co-hosting, and to our talented feature performers from Northfield, Stillwater, and the St Paul FSC for joining us.  See Photos page for more photos.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Penny and Maggie Kielas for their accomplishments at the Granite City competition in St. Cloud last weekend. Elizabeth earned a gold medal for her performance to Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” and Maggie won two silver medals for her compulsory program and free program to a medley from “The Music Man.” Both girls are coached by Carey Tinkelenberg, Founding Owner/Director of the Northfield Skating School.

Photos, L to R: Maggie Kielas, Elizabeth Penny, and both skaters with coach Carey Tinkelenberg

Holiday order deadline Thurs 12/3 Order today!

Looking for a great gift for your skaters this season? Check out our Shop Page for NSS gear. Place your order during lessons or contact us with order info.

Check out more photos on our photos page under “Special Events 2009-2010.” Parents are encouraged to send photos for our archives.

Parents: Have you filled out your Session 1 program evaluation? Your feedback is very important to  us and contributes directly to program improvements each session. Thanks for your input and for helping us serve your family as a U.S. Figure Skating Model Program!

Check out photos of Toby and Amber Barksdale, NSS skaters who took advantage of their newly paved road to practice some skating skills. Thanks to Toby for passing along photos!