Ice Sports Center

Skating School

We offer Learn to Skate classes for kids and adults ranging from basic skills - intermediate levels. Classes are in series ranging from 5-10 weeks depending on the calendar month and season.

THE BASICS

  • Introduction to Learn to Skate USA curriculum
  • We accept children 3 years and older
  • Children advance through levels 1 - 6
  • Class registrations are ongoing (scheduled throughout the year)
  • All class participants are required to hold an annual membership through the Huntsville Skating School and Learn to Skate USA. (LTS Membership)
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

 

ScheduleDescriptionPrice
04:40 PMJune 6, 2023 Tuesday LTS Class (Youth ages 3+) (4 weeks) $80.00 Register
04:40 PMJune 7, 2023 Wednesday LTS Class (Youth ages 5+) (4 weeks) $80.00 Register
10:00 AMJune 3, 2023 Saturday LTS Class (Youth ages 4+) (4 weeks) $80.00 Register
11:10 AMJune 3, 2023 Adult Learn to Skate (4 weeks) $80.00 Register
11:10 AMJune 6, 2023 Hockey Skill Development (Adults/Youth, 4 weeks) $80.00 Register
05:40 PMJune 7, 2023 Wednesday Aspire Classes (4 weeks) $80.00 Register
01:30 PMJune 5, 2023 Monday LTS Class (Youth 3+) (4 Weeks) $80.00 Register

Tuesday LTS Class (Youth ages 3+) (4 weeks)

All classes are held in the Huntsville Ice Sports Center located at 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville Al 35801.

Tuesday Class

Class dates listed below :
June 6, 13, 20, 27 

  • 4:40-5:40pm
  • Skate rental included in series price
  • Warm up starts at 4:30pm
  • Helmets are not provided - you must bring your own if desired.
  • All children must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and socks that reach above ankle to mid calves.
  • No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

In the HSSTA Learn to Skate program, the Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 3 who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.

Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.

Wednesday LTS Class (Youth ages 5+) (4 weeks)

All classes are held in the Huntsville Ice Sports Center located at 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville Al 35801.

Wednesday Class

Class dates listed below :
June 7, 14, 21, 28

  • 4:40-5:40pm
  • Skate rental included in series price
  • Warm up starts at 4:30pm
  • Helmets are not provided - you must bring your own if desired.
  • All children must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and socks that reach above ankle to mid calves.
  • No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

In the HSSTA Learn to Skate program, the Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 3 who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.

Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.

Saturday LTS Class (Youth ages 4+) (4 weeks)

All classes are held in the Huntsville Ice Sports Center located at 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville Al 35801

Class dates listed below :
June 3, 10, 17, 24

  • 10:00 -11:00 am 
  • Skate rental included in series price
  • Warm up starts at 9:50am 
  • Helmets are not provided - you must bring your own if desired.
  • All children must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and socks that reach above ankle to mid calves.
  • No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

In the HSSTA Learn to Skate program, the Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 4 who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.

Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.

Adult Learn to Skate (4 weeks)

All classes are held in the Huntsville Ice Sports Center located at 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville Al 35801.

Saturday Class (4 weeks)

June 3, 10, 17, 24

  • 11:10am-12:10pm.
  • Skate rental included in series price.
  • Warm up starts at 11:00am.
  • Helmets are not provided - you must bring your own if desired.
  • All skaters must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and socks that reach above ankle to mid calves.
  • No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

Adult Learn to Skate curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle.  At the conclussion of the Learn to Skate Classes skaters can advance their skills to other disciplines such as ice hockey or advanced figure skating.

 

Wednesday Aspire Classes (4 weeks)

Wednesday Aspire (Bridge) Class

Class for skaters that have graudated from Basic 6 to the Freeskate levels of Learn To Skate.  If you are unsure if your skater has passed Basic 6 DO NOT REGISTER ONLINE.  Call the Skating School Office and verify your skaters level prior to registration. 

•  Dynamic Warm up begins at 5:00pm in the Multipurpose Room A

•  Classes are 1 hour long

•  Skaters are encouraged to wear their hair tied back if longer than shoulder length

•  No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.

•  The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

Monday LTS Class (Youth 3+) (4 Weeks)

All classes are held in the Huntsville Ice Sports Center located at 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville Al 35801.

Monday Homeschool & TOT Class

Class dates listed below :
June 5, 12, 19 and 26

  • 1:30-2:30pm (Homeschool & TOT Class)
  • Tots allowed - ages 3+
  • Skate rental included in series price
  • Warm up starts at 1:20pm
  • Helmets are not provided - you must bring your own if desired.
  • All skaters 4 and under must wear a helmet.
  • All children must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and socks that reach above ankle to mid calves.
  • No credits or refunds will be offered for absent classes.
  • The ISC reserves the right to refuse/suspend/cancel service to patrons that display unacceptable behavior.  No refunds or credits will be issued if refusal of service happens

In the HSSTA Learn to Skate program, the Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters over the age of 3 who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.

Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.

Ice Sports Center

Our Staff

Director of Skating

Editha Dotson-Bowser

View bio

Director of Skating

Editha Dotson-Bowser


Before starting her coaching career, Editha was an accomplished skater training under renowned coach Carlo Fassi. She is a quadruple Gold Medalist in Figures and Freestyle with both International Skating Union (ISU) and US Figure Skating (USFS). As a competitor Editha won medals at Regional, Sectional, and National competitions. Because of her National ranking, Editha was selected to represent the United States, winning several medals including gold at Senior International Competition. 

After the 1981 World Championships, Editha began her professional career. Competitively, she medaled in two World Professional Championships, winning the Bronze and Gold medal. Additionally, she toured worldwide as a featured soloist with Olympians, Dorothy Hamill, Robin Cousins, and John Curry Companies.

Editha’s coaching career includes developing skaters from basic skills classes to Regional, Sectional, National, and International podiums. To date, she is privileged to have coached 23 skaters to National or International medals, in single and pairs, and at every level.  Because of these coaching accomplishments, Editha has been nominated by Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and US Figure Skating as Developmental Coach of the Year.

Editha has two Master Ratings with the PSA in Freestyle and Program Director. She holds additional ratings in Pairs and Group instruction. Editha has a level 5 International ranking with the Professional Skaters Association. While she specializes in skater development technically, Editha has had extensive ballet and dance training (22 years). Her performance experience includes tours worldwide highlighted by skating in the John Curry Skating Company at the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington and the Wang Center in Boston.

Editha and her husband Jim have been married for 31 years and have two talented adult children Christopher and Cassandra. Christopher graduated from Tisch/NYU and is very active in Theater. Cassandra graduated from Fordham/Alvin Ailey conservatory in Dance. Both are pursuing their professional careers in New York City. Editha has a BA Degree with Honors from the University of Alabama. She has been inducted into the Madison County Hall of Fame and is a Master Gardner.

dita@icesportscenter.com

Assistant Director of Skating

Heidi Parker

View bio

Assistant Director of Skating

Heidi Parker


•  Alabama Special Olympics Skating Team Head Coach

•  Previous Skating Director for Point Mallard Figure Skating Club, Decatur AL

•  Coaching since 2001

•  Member of US Figure Skating (USFS), Professional Skaters Association (PSA), Ice Sports Industry (ISI), Learn To Skate USA (LTS)

•  CER Category A

•  BA Degree from Aquinas College in Communication Arts with a minor in Computer Information Systems

•  Coached skaters from basic skills to International.  Coach in Singles, Dance, Synchro, TOI and Alabama Special Olympics Unified Synchro Team

•  Professional Ratings: Basic Accreditation

•  SafeSport Certified   

•  Certified Special Olympics Coach

heidi@icesportscenter.com

HSSTA Instructor

Jim Bowser

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Jim Bowser


Mr. Bowser has developed skaters from beginner to the World Class level.

He is triple Master Rated by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) with a Level V International Ranking.

His philosophy is to promote a fun, healthy, safe and rewarding environment with a commitment to excellence.

As a Huntsville Skating Club coach, Mr. Bowser offers a wide range of expertise at all levels and in all disciplines of freestyle, pairs, dance, and moves in the field.  

HSSTA Instructor

Ginger Gober

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Ginger Gober


I began ice skating when I was 5 years old at the Ice Palace on Governors Dr. in Huntsville, Alabama. I was privileged to skate with many wonderful skating enthusiasts and to be inspired by their spirit and love of the sport. The small Ice Palace produced regional, sectional, national, international and Olympic participants in spite of irregular coaching schedules, one sheet of ice and no Zamboni for several years! Even though our facilities are greatly improved and this is all in the past, I hope that I am passing the torch to another generation of skaters.

I am a Master Rated Figure Skating Coach and I have had the pleasure of coaching skaters from basic skills to the National level in Singles, Dance and Showcase and International Level in Dance. Over the past 40 years of coaching experience I have also worked in many skating productions and shows. Music, a key component to ice shows, is an area of great interest to me and I have many years of professional experience in vocal and piano performance.

I greatly enjoy singing, playing the piano and watching my biological children as well as my skating children grow and mature. I currently hold several professional ratings PSA: Master Group, Certified Freestyle, Certified Moves in the Field, CER Category A as well as a level 4 International ranking with Professional Skaters Association. I attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville and served as a part time Ice skating instructor in the HPE Department. 

HSSTA Instructor

Melinda Mowdy

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Melinda Mowdy


Coached skaters from Basic Skills to National Titles in Singles

Former Director of Skating in Columbia, SC

USFS Pre-Gold Dance, Intermediate Free, Pairs and Figures

Featured Skater with Cypress Gardens, Southern Ice

Skated with Ice Capades

Professional Ratings: MASTER Group, Certified Free Skate, Certified Moves in the Field

BS in Business Management w/concentration in Accounting from University of South Alabama

Professional Organizations: PSA: Professional Skaters Association, USFS: United States Figure Skating, USA Hockey

CER A

Melinda Mowdy is a MASTER Rated coach and has been coaching over 20 years. She has taught skaters from the Basic Skills level to National Titles as well as a former performer in the Ice Capades and Cypress Gardens, Southern Ice, where she was a featured skater.  She is an active member of PSA (Professional Skaters Association), USFS (United States Figure Skating), and USA Hockey.  She currently enjoys teaching students in the Learn to Skate programs for figure skating and hockey as well as competitive skaters.  This is not only Melinda’s full time job….but her lifelong PASSION!!!!!

HSSTA Instructor

Charles Bernhard IV

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Charles Bernhard IV


  • B.A. degree in Psychology with minor in Biology from University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Professional Skaters Association
  • ISI Gold Level Judge
  • 7 Time National Competitor
  • International US Team Member International Gold Medalist (Zagreb, Croatia) Senior Pairs
  • National Silver Medalist Junior Pairs
  • USFS Senior Pairs
  • USFS Senior Free Skate
  • USFS Senior Moves in the Field
  • USFS Pre Silver Dance
  • USFS Fourth Figure
  • Group class and Private lesson instructor
  • Point Mallard Skating Director from 2001-2014

HSSTA Instructor

Brianna McCormick

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Brianna McCormick


    • I am an active member of US Figure Skating and PSA and have my Basic Accreditation by PSA
     
    • I am a Senior Double Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field and Freeskate. 
     
    • I skated around the country with Disney On Ice “Worlds of Enchantment” as an ensemble, understudy, and character performer (2018-2019).
     
    • Besides figure skating and coaching here, I enjoy spending my time roller skating, synthetic ice skating, rock climbing, and doing gymnastics. I will graduate from UAH in 2023 with a BFA in Graphic Design.
     
    • My goal is to share my love for figure and hockey skating with as many children and adults as I can!

HSSTA Instructor

Brittany Mock

View bio

HSSTA Instructor

Brittany Mock


Active member of US Figure skating and PSA

  • Trained at the world arena with Tiffany Dumback, alongside Piper and Todd Gillies. Trained in off-ice by Laureano Ibarra.
  • Pre-Gold moves in the field and Pre-Gold Level Dance
  • Fitness enthusiast, With 6+ years of Personal training experience and fitness Classes.
  • 4+ years with TOI Coaching/ Choreography
  • 10+ years dance and Ice-skating Choreographer

LTS Instructor

Glenn Replogle

View bio

LTS Instructor

Glenn Replogle


LTS Instructor

Chris Jones

View bio

LTS Instructor

Chris Jones


LTS Instructor

Jean Paradise

View bio

LTS Instructor

Jean Paradise


LTS Instructor

Emily Zieman

View bio

LTS Instructor

Emily Zieman


Ice Sports Center

Skating School FAQ’s


The HSSTA has Beginner Classes for children and adults all year long. You can start as soon as you're ready and continue until you reach your skating goal. Visit our Class page to determine which class would work best for you!


Group classes are a great way to learn basic skating skills, but you can hire a private coach for supplemental lessons at any time! Private lessons take place during one of our Freestyle sessions.

Some things to look for in a coach are personality, teaching style, teaching experience, skating background and technical know-how.

Join the club to make friends, go to competitons, perform in ice shows and exhibitions and take skating tests. It's a blast!

The test structure is a ladder of proficiency tests designed to encourage skill development and measure skill mastery.

Skaters can compete at every level, even basic skills! To find an event near you, check the rink's bulletin board or stop by the HSSTA office!

Practice and dedication are keys to success. Rule of thumb is to practice 2-3 times for every lesson if possible. Practice = perfect!

Skate rental is included through Basic Skill Level 5, but you can invest in your own equipment anytime! Check out the rink's on-site pro shop, Skateworld, for more information on skating equipment.

Rental skates should be the same size as your shoes or one size smaller.

Tie your skates from the toes up through the bottom hooks and lace them looser as you progress through the top hooks to provide for enough circulation and appropriate ankle flexibility.

Rinks are chilly, so skaters should dress in warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement. Always remember to bring gloves and wear thin socks for your lessons. You should use the restroom before putting skates on and have your skates laced up and ready to go 10 minutes prior to class for stretching and warm-up.