hello
my name is
Coach Chérie
skating science
Where are you on your blade? Accelerate your learning by understanding the scientific principles of each skating skill. Ice is basically frictionless and offers a unique opportunity to experience the science behind force and motion.
Everyday I’m inspired and entertained by my students. The Dot Dude characters here on my web site reflect that inspiration!
Join my mailing list for updates on the educational materials I’m creating.
Hello! My name is Coach Chérie Farrington. I’m a Master-Level Accredited Skating Coach in practice over 30 years. The goal of this web site is to provide Tips & Tricks to help you be successful in your skating journey!
Book Lessons
Coaching guidance
My methodology is to give technical skating skill guidance while boosting skater’s confidence - one skate at a time.
a
Each skating level can take 3 to 9 months to master. Skaters should level up *only when they’re at the Refinement stage of each skill. For more info please read my Showcase page below.
skating lessonS with coach chérie
locations
located in a Regional Park
Private & semi-private lessons on public and freestyle sessions.
Currently I only have openings at Wheaton.
To begin, please click on the link and fill out the form. Take a moment to review my rates, policies & sign the athletic waiver.
TELL ME MORE
book lessons
ice rink Locations
Wheaton Ice Arena
Cabin John Ice Rink
showcase of Success
why skate?
Figure Skating has all the exhilaration of flying - yet requires the endurance of a marathon runner, the aggressiveness of a football player, the focus of a golfer, and the grace of a dancer.
My skating journey
Skating has always been my jam! At age 8 I was inspired by Dorthy Hamill, borrowed a pair of figure skates & never looked back!
My training as a competitive figure skater spanned a decade, affording me a comprehensive and diverse experiences.
Training before school everyday taught me self-discipline. Taking U.S. Figure Skating tests, performing in competitions & community ice shows with large audiences - taught me to Plan, Practice, and Perform with confidence. The ice rink was a safe-haven, and a great community.
contributions
In 2008 with two Master-level coaching certifications, I started volunteering as a Professional Skaters Association Mentor and Ratings Examiner.
a
In academia, I’ve presented the Science of Sports at over 20 conferences, including the National Science Teachers Association, Children's Engineering Festival, and National Council Teachers of Mathematics.
philosophy
Coach with kindness, respect and connection.
Use technically-sound, universal methods so students build off of what they already know.
ds
Use applied physical science vocabulary and concepts to develop a student’s kinesthetic-understanding of body segment control, force application and follow through. Engage student’s body and mind!
Coaching career
From figure skating to competitive high school Dance Team - I then started coaching in 1990. Since then, I’ve been the Head Coach for hundreds of athletes - guiding them from Basic Level 1 to Junior level tests and regional competitions.
getting starteD
habits of a successful skater
- Dress in layers. Pack a helmet and gloves. Don’t wear bulky ski pants.
- Review how to tie skates and arrive early.
- Use the bathroom before class.
- Do warm-up skills like “Dips”.
- Use your rink-issued pass to practice on public skating sessions.
- Schedule a one-on-one lesson to really understand a skill.
- Keep a notebook. Take notes after lesson.
Watch out! The ice can be as slick as a banana peel! With these tips, you'll be set up for skating success.
Let's talk skating gear! Stay cozy and comfy with these tips:
skates
- Skates are the #1 most important equipment you have.
- Rental skates are okay, but the blades can be dull, and the boot can be uncomfortable. Schedule an appt at a pro-shop and be professionally fitted.
- Go with the smallest size possible.
- Find skates that are stiff and provide good ankle support.
Contact an ice rink’s pro-shop for a skate fitting appointment.
knee and hip pads
Consider padded knee pads covered in cloth, not plastic. Plastic slides across the ice.
s
Hip-pads/shorts with shock-absorbing foam provide increased protection, offering more safety for skaters.
socks
Slip on some tall socks or tights that will reach above the top of the skate.
Do *not wear super-thick socks. Thick socks can cause bumps inside the skate and makefor an incorrect size.
helmet
Skaters should wear a helmet that covers the base of the neck. Skateboarding helmets often have good coverage.
gloves
It’s easier for me to see the skater’s body lines with form-fitting gloves.
Master the Art of tying skates. Skates are the #1 most important equipment you have.
3 steps to tie skates correctly
Step #1 Take the laces out of the skate. Make sure the laces are loose enough to allow the foot to slip in easily.
Think: Cinderella and the glass slipper.
Step #2 Tap the heel way back into the skate. Pull the tongue so it's straight, before tucking it in beside the foot.
laces too long
Extra long laces: cross back over the hooks again. Don't tie the laces around the back of the skate or tie a big bow.
Here’s a helpful video on How to Tie Ice Skates
Step #3 Pull laces tightly to close the boot over the front of the foot.
Laces should be snug/tight through the ankle area and a little looser at the top so the skater can bend their knees.
Stand up and make sure you can bend your knees, and stick a finger between the back of the boot and leg to make sure there's a little room.
after skating
Unlace the skates down to the ankle so your foot slips out easily. If you are having to pull really hard, loosen the laces more.
figure skating
UnleAsh your inner-superstar Skater!
be encouraged
2024 Events for skaters
U.S. Figure Skating COMPETITIONS
Please ask which competitions are right for your skater.
Shoot for the stars with these epic Personal Skating challenges:
⚈ Crush a U.S. Figure Skating Test
⚈ Battle it out in fierce skating competition
⚈ Steal the show with a starred-solo or be apart of a group show number
Skaters should first participate in a Compete USA competition. Several types of events are offered and all promote a fun, introductory competitive experience.
Figure Skating SHOWS
Community ice shows are free and open to family and friends. Performers pay a small fee to the rink, plus coaching fees.
Wheaton and Cabin John Ice Arena both offer opportunities to perform in a solo or duet, or a group number.
U.S. Figure Skating TESTS
Virtual testing via video recording or in-person testing is available. Skaters are required to join a club. Washington Figure Skating Club is the largest in the area.
Preparing for a skating event is a great way to set and meet a goal. Each type of event offers a different kind of challenge.
So lace up your skates and join me on the ice! I’ll help you reach your skating goals.
Stay tuned for the registration links to be posted.
U.S. Figure Skating Competitions
Why compete?
Competition isn’t just about winning it’s a chance to conquer your fear, show off your skills, get feedback to further improve and drive your competitive spirit.
Competitions
Discover the three types of Competitions – Compete USA, Nonqualifying, and Qualifying – by visiting this US Figure Skating link.
Visit the US Figure Skating web site for more information on the Compete USA competitions.
That’s me waiting rinkside. Proud to have coached and choreographed Kaitlyn P.’s programs from Level 1 to Regional Non-qualifying competitions.
To see her journey from Level 1 to elite skating, see her videos.
steps to participate
- Become a Member of Learn to Skate USA
- Create an Entry-Eeze account;
- Register with the rink before the deadline.
- Set up enough private lessons to be prepared.
- Study your program diagram and practice.
Preparing for each type of event requires a minimum of 6 private lessons.
Figure Skating Shows
2024 SHOW opportunites
Skaters can showcase their skills by performing in various ice shows throughout the year.
The Wheaton Ice Arena and Cabin John Ice Arenas offer the opportunity for all skaters, of all levels, to perform in front of an audience under the lights!
Students can work with me to design and perform a solo, duet, or trio (3 skaters), or join a rink class and perform in a group show number.
Summer Show August 2024
Stay tuned for the registration links to be posted.
In the spirit of community - admission is free. Skater’s family and friends can come cheer them on!
U.S. Figure Skating Tests
frequently asked questioNS
Area clubs including the Washington Figure Skating Club offer U.S. Figure Skating tests. These are nationally recognized tests.
“Skating Skills” tests are the best place to start. Skaters must first pass the corresponding Skills test before taking a Freeskate (jumps & spins) test.
Skating Skills develop pattern-recognition and *critical skating technique, body lean, edge control, and power - necessary to future success.
Virtual Testing via video is possible. Skaters need a coach to guide the process and on the day of the test, whether in-person or via video taping.
New USFS new Test structure.
Sports science for kids!
Hello fellow science enthusiasts! I'm the creator of the Sport Science FUN K-6 grade curriculum.
I’m creating engaging (K-6) educational sports-science materials - Worksheets, Coloring Sheets, etc.
Even children as young as 5 can benefit from understanding the Force, Motion, and Energy concepts of ice skating!
And, meet my funky pals, the Dot Dudes! They're my trusty sidekicks who help me whip up some crazy sports science adventures for kiddos in Kindergarten to Grade 5.
To stop a skater has to apply Force. You can’t see a force, but you can feel it!
To supplement private lessons, I highly recommended that students also take a group class through the ice rink.
Thrilled to share that the Superstars program has been a huge success!
Skaters (ages 4-8) enjoy a 45 min class with music.
Skating Superstars classes have two levels:
- Low (Preschool level 2 and 3) and
- High (Basic 3 to 6)
For questions please ask. To register visit Active Montgomery.
For Summer 2024 I’ve requested to coach:
- Summer Figure Skating Clinics (8:30AM-12:30PM)
- Wheaton Ice Arena and alternating weeks at Cabin John Ice Arena,
For questions on group programming please contact the ice arena (301)905-3000 and register through Active Montgomery.
ice Arena Programs
Kids on ice - stay out of hot water!