Common questions.

No. The Aspire program is taught as a small group by PHFSC coaches and Ice Captains. A dedicated private coach is the next step once a skater is ready, usually by the Aspire levels — but it isn't required.

No. The Aspire program is for skaters age 3 and up — kids, teens, and adults are all welcome. Skaters are grouped by skill level, not just age.

Great — they'll be placed at the right level on the first day. Or they can skip group lessons entirely and start with a private coach. See our coaches and reach out to whoever fits best.

Make sure to provide an up-to-date email address on your registration form. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check the News and Calendar pages here.

Two things happen — and the order matters. First, you arrange the lessons themselves directly with a coach: schedule, rate, and goals are between you and them, and you pay the coach directly. Second, you book the ice time through PHFSC, like any other session — when club registration opens, you sign up for the sessions you and your coach already agreed on. So lessons aren't booked through the club, but the ice you take them on still is. Coordinate desired times with your coach BEFORE registration opens so you sign up for the right slots. Important to know: your lesson takes place DURING your booked ice slot — it doesn't add extra time. So if you book a 45-minute ice session and take a 15-minute lesson during it, the other 30 minutes is yours for solo practice. Book longer ice slots than your lesson length whenever you want more solo practice on the ice. (This is only possible for private lesson skaters. Aspire program participants have their group session time only — they can't separately add ice for solo practice.) A skater is ready for private lessons after completing the Aspire program or whenever a parent feels their child would benefit from one-on-one instruction. Skaters working with a private coach are eligible for testing and competitions.

There are two separate costs and they don't overlap. (1) Ice time is paid to PHFSC at registration — this covers the ice slot only and does NOT include the coach. (2) Lessons are paid directly to the coach, who charges a per-lesson fee. Coach rates vary, so ask each coach for their rate. Quick example: book a 60-minute ice session, take a 30-minute lesson during it, and use the other 30 minutes for solo practice — you pay PHFSC for the full 60-minute ice slot AND the coach for the 30-minute lesson. Private lesson skaters can deliberately book more ice than lesson time to get more practice in. (Aspire program participants only have their group session time; extra practice ice is a private-lesson perk.)

PHFSC membership is $100/year. A 10-week Aspire session is included for members. Private lessons add two separate costs that don't overlap: (1) ice time paid to PHFSC at registration — this covers the ice slot only and does NOT cover the coach; and (2) a per-lesson fee paid directly to the coach (rates vary by coach).

For LTS skaters: check with the LTS Director for used skates first — fit matters more than newness, so confirm with your coach before buying. Local shops our families have used include Dancer's World (Fort Gratiot), Jones Skate Shop (Detroit), and Podium Skates (Garden City). For sharpening, Steve Harris at Glacier Pointe sharpens figure skates; some skaters also use Jones at the Detroit Skate Club, Podium, or go over to Canada.

Yes. Competing requires a private coach. The coach picks the right event for your level, prepares your routine and music, registers you, and is required to be on-site to coach you through warm-up and the event itself. Skaters in the Aspire group program alone can't compete in USFS events — the coaching and individual prep are non-negotiable. If you're not yet in private lessons, the next step is to find a coach (see the Coaches page).

Three separate costs to budget for. (1) Competition entry fee — paid to the host club or organizer when you register, varies by event. (2) Coach travel expenses — you pay your coach for mileage to the venue, plus lodging if the event is overnight. (3) Per-event coaching fee — coaches charge a separate fee to be at the competition, on top of your regular lesson rate, covering their time at the venue. Your coach will give you the full cost breakdown when you commit to an event.

Yes — coaches are required to be on-site with their skater at each event. They coach you through warm-up, give last-minute notes, and are present rinkside during your performance. Because they travel to the event, skaters cover the coach's travel expenses (mileage, plus lodging when overnight) and a per-event coaching fee separate from regular lessons. Coordinate dates with your coach far in advance — they may already have other students competing the same weekend.

Stroking is a group lesson taught by PHFSC coaches that is included and available for all registered skaters. We also offer a Spins class taught in a group by your private lesson coach. Check the season schedule to see when each is available for your skater's level.

Testing is done to move skaters up in levels after the LTS program. Test days are typically held four times a year at our club — February, May, August, and November. The November test day determines ice show casting placement. Testing includes Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and Dance. Talk to your coach about readiness.

Purchase your own jacket (any color — black is most common), then bring it to the rink to be embroidered. The cost is $22 and includes the skater's name on the front. Drop the jacket off with payment and a note ("PHFSC logo" + skater's name) to Steve Harris; his wife Rebecca does the embroidery. Jackets can also be dropped at the LTS table. Forms are available upon request.

Cedar Hill Graphics in Port Huron has spirit wear available year-round. We try to hold a sale at the rink in November.

The Club tries to host a Used Dress, Skate, and Apparel Sale each year before the Club Competition. There's also an album for this in the PHFSC Basic Skills Program Facebook Group. For custom dresses, Audrey at Dancer's World can help; many resources online exist as well. Check with your private coach first in case they have a preference.

PHFSC hosts two of its own annually: the Edith Scheonrock Memorial Invitational (first Saturday in February, open to PHFSC members at basic level and above) and the William E. Gilbert Sr. Memorial Club Competition. Skaters also travel to regional events — Tri-States (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, often Canadian competitors as well), Detroit-area competitions, and USFS Regionals depending on level. Your coach will recommend events that fit your level and goals.