In 2009, Nicole Bobek, who was once an ice skating star, became an alleged criminal, several elite American figure skating stars and champions changed coaches, and the first national solo ice dance championship took place...read more

_{2008 U.S. Ladies Figure Skating Champion Mirai Nagasu Made a Coaching Change in 2009 - Photo by Elsa/Getty Images}

Do you plan to go ice skating during the holiday season or in the next couple of months? I've put together a step-by-step beginning ice skating lesson to help make your time at the ice rink more fun.

Happy Holidays and Happy Skating!

_{Learning to Ice Skate - Photo by Gary Pearl/Getty Images}

Most ice arenas offer weekly group lessons that usually run from six to twelve weeks. These group lessons cover many figure skating basics. Skate rental is usually included in the cost of Learn-to-Skate classes, so it is not necessary to buy figure skates immediately. Sweatpants, a jacket or sweater, ordinary socks, and gloves are the only clothing required at first.

• How to Become a Figure Skater
• Register for Ice Skating Lessons
• Dress Like a Figure Skater
• Buy Skates

_{Figure Skaters - Photo Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris}

_{Ice Dancers From the Skating Club of Wilmington Enjoy Some Holiday Ice Skating - Photo Courtesy Don Thureau, Skating Club of Wilmington}

• What is Social Ice Dancing?
• Social Ice Dancing Photo Gallery
• Share Your Story: Successful Social Ice Dance Programs
• List of Social Ice Dance Programs in the USA - From IceDancers.com