STAR 6–Gold is Skate Canada’s advanced figure skating pathway. Skaters continue developing Skills, Freeskate, Dance, and Artistic at progressively higher levels. This is where skaters refine technique, learn advanced jumps and spins, and complete multiple pattern dances at each level. Progress remains individual and based on safety and readiness.

Star 6-Gold Program

Star 6

  • Skills

  • Freeskate

    • Axel + Combination

    • Two Different Double Jumps

    • Sit Spin or Camel Spin

    • Layback or Crossfoot Spin

    • Combination Spin with Change of Foot

    • STAR 6 Freeskate Solo

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Dance

Star 7

  • Skills

    • Forward Loops

    • Backward Loops

    • Forward Inside S-Steps

    • Backward Outside S-Steps

    • Forward and Backward Twizzles

    • Skills Exercise: Backward Change 3-turns

    • See Demonstration video

  • Freeskate

    • Three Different Double Jumps

    • Jump Combination

    • Flying Spin

    • Sit or Camel Spin

    • Change Combination Spin

    • STAR 7 Freeskate Solo

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Dance

  • Artistic

    • Full artistic program

    • Musical interpretation

    • Choreography and expression

    • Performance quality

    • Mature presentation

    • See Demonstration Videos

Star 8

  • Skills

    • Fwd/Bwd Rocker-3

    • Fwd/Bwd Counter-Bracket

    • 2 Field Moves (minimum 5 seconds each, skater's choice)

    • Rolling Edges exercise

    • Stronger edge control

    • More advanced turns and transitions

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Freeskate

    • Four different double jumps

    • Single + double or double + double jump combination

    • Sit Spin with one feature

    • Flying change Combination Spin

    • STAR 8 Freeskate Solo

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Dance

Star 9

  • Skills

    • Forward Loop / Change Loop

    • Backward Loop / Change Loop

    • 360 Degree Spiral Challenge

    • STAR 9 Skills Exercise 1 (Rockers)

    • STAR 9 Skills Exercise 2 (Choctaws / S-Steps)

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Freeskate

    • Single Axel

    • One Double Jump

    • Double–double combination

    • Change Combination Spin

    • Three Different Spins of Any Nature

    • STAR 9 Freeskate Solo

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Dance

  • Artistic

Star 10

  • Skills

    • 1-Foot Turn Sequence

    • 360 Degree Field Move Challenge

    • Step Sequence

    • STAR 10 Skills Exercise (Counters)

    • See Demonstration Videos

  • Freeskate

  • Dance

Gold

  • Skills

  • Freeskate

    • Passing requirements: 13 of 15 assessments rated silver or better, including:

    • Eight elements including:

      • Five Jump Elements, including four different double jumps

      • Two Spins

      • All five Program Component criteria

    • There is no elements assessment at the Gold level.

  • Dance

  • Artistic

    • High‑level choreography

    • Mature interpretation

    • Professional‑level performance

    • Full artistic program

    • See Demonstration Videos

How Testing Works

Testing in STAR 6–Gold is more formal than in STAR 1–5, but still designed to support skaters as they grow. Each test evaluates a specific discipline — Skills, Freeskate, Dance, or Artistic — and skaters move forward when they are technically ready, not on a fixed timeline.

Coach‑Led Readiness

Coaches determine when a skater is ready to attempt a test. Readiness is based on:

  • consistency

  • safety

  • technical quality

  • confidence

  • ability to perform the full test without major errors

There is no age requirement and no deadline for completing levels.

Assessment Format

STAR 6–Gold tests are completed in a quiet, controlled environment. Skaters perform:

  • a set list of required elements (Skills)

  • a full freeskate program with mandatory components

  • pattern dances with correct timing and edges

  • artistic programs at STAR 7, STAR 9, and Gold

Tests are evaluated by trained Skate Canada evaluators.

Pass Standard

Each test has a clear pass standard based on:

  • edge quality

  • power and flow

  • jump and spin technique

  • pattern accuracy (Dance)

  • musical interpretation (Artistic)

  • overall control and execution

Skaters must meet the standard across the full test to pass.

If a Skater Doesn’t Pass

It’s normal for skaters to repeat tests at the higher levels. If a test isn’t passed:

  • the evaluator provides feedback

  • the coach reviews areas to improve

  • the skater retests when ready

There is no penalty, no limit on attempts, and no required waiting period.

Progression

Skaters complete tests in order:

  • STAR 6 → STAR 7 → STAR 8 → STAR 9 → STAR 10 → Gold

  • Artistic tests only occur at STAR 7, STAR 9, and Gold

  • Dance tests include multiple dances at each level

  • Freeskate tests include full programs with required elements

Skaters may progress at different speeds in different disciplines.

Competitions

STAR 5–Gold skaters can choose to enter higher‑level competitions, including sectional, provincial, and invitational events. These events use full freeskate programs, advanced pattern dances, and artistic programs (at STAR 7, STAR 9, and Gold). Participation is completely optional — skaters compete only when they are confident, technically ready, and comfortable performing under pressure. Coaches guide families through which categories make sense for each skater and when they’re ready to step into the competitive stream.