skip to main content
Lee Valley Park logo
  • Memberships
  • Book an activity
  • Book lesson or course
  • Visit Lee Valley
    • Visit Lee Valley
    • Corporate Bookings
    • Venue Hire
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Visit Better
    • Clubs & Partners
    • Lee Valley White Water Centre
    • Lee Valley VeloPark
    • Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
    • Lee Valley Athletics Centre
    • Lee Valley Riding Centre
    • Lee Valley Ice Centre
    • Watersports and White Water
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • Tennis
    • Hockey
    • Horse Riding
    • Event Booking Enquiries
    • Corporate Functions and Events
    • Opportunities for Schools
    • Parties and Celebrations
    • Memberships
    • Book an activity
    • Book lesson or course
    • Visit Lee Valley
    • Visit Lee Valley
    • Corporate Bookings
    • Venue Hire
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Visit Better
    • Clubs & Partners
    • Lee Valley White Water Centre
    • Lee Valley VeloPark
    • Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
    • Lee Valley Athletics Centre
    • Lee Valley Riding Centre
    • Lee Valley Ice Centre
    • Watersports and White Water
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • Tennis
    • Hockey
    • Horse Riding
    • Event Booking Enquiries
    • Corporate Functions and Events
    • Opportunities for Schools
    • Parties and Celebrations

Why choose Better?

Watch Video >>>

Home:

  1. Leisure Centres Breadcrumb Separator
  2. Lee Valley Breadcrumb Separator
  3. Lee Valley Ice Centre Breadcrumb Separator
  4. Ice Skating Lessons
  • Overview
  • Timetable
  • Facilities
  • Activities
  • Prices
  • News & Events
  • Memberships
  • Clubs & Partners
  • Help Centre

Ice Skating Lessons

Learn to Skate

Learn to Skate is a programme designed to give you skills to become a better skater, whether you are new to it or already an advanced skater. These Ice Skating lessons are suitable for ages 5+ and will help you to develop through our nationally recognised British Ice Skating (BIS) programme. Join with the Learn to Skate membership for weekly classes with qualified instructors and become a skating pro with Better. Skate hire is included in the membership.

Lessons run weekly for 50 weeks a year, with a 2 weeks' break over the Christmas Holidays. Apart from those 2 weeks, lessons run through all half-terms, summer holidays and Bank holidays. Skaters can progress at their own pace and start the lessons at anytime since they are individually assessed during each lesson. You can track their progress via our online tool- HomePortal. 

Please note that our lessons are very popular. If no results appear after clicking the button below, this means that the programme is currently full. We aim to release spaces as often as possible so please regularly check the booking page for new available spaces.

Sign up now

Lessons and courses

What You'll Learn (BIS Skate UK Level Pass Criteria)

Once you become proficient on the ice, you can then progress on to our advanced academy. You could also try different activities on ice such as figure skating, speed skating, synchro and ice hockey. Speak to a member of staff for more details on how you can get involved.

Snow Tots Stage 1-2

This stage aims to get skaters under the age of five comfortable moving around the ice, in an environment that is both safe and fun. At the end of these stages, skaters should be able to sit and stand on the ice with help, march 10 steps forward, march around on the spot in both directions and march 10 steps forward and glide.

Snow Tots Stage 3+

These stages aim to give young skaters more confidence on the ice allowing them to become more independent. By the end of these stages' skaters should be able march forwards full width, changing direction from forwards to backwards using marching on the spot, marching steps into forward lemons and a two footed jump standing still.

  • Levels 1-3

The "discovering" skills phase. This embodies all of the necessary skills that are needed to progress onto higher levels. At the end of this stage, you will have good knowledge and confidence with forward, backward skating and forward and backwards stopping. You would also have a clear knowledge on the edges of the skates and how to utilise them.

  • Levels 4-6

The "developing" skill phase. Upon completion, skaters should have a working knowledge of forward, backward stroking and forward and backwards crossover. Skaters will also have an understanding of transitioning from forwards to backwards skating and vice versa.

BIS Levels 1-8

  • Level 1

You’ll learn to: move forwards, move forward (10 steps) & 2 foot glide (with dip), stand and sit independently, stationary snow plough stop, moving snow plough stop

  • Level 2

You’ll learn: moving forward (10 steps) & curve left/right, moving snowplough or T-stop, forward and backward lemons, two-foot turns on the spot (twisting action), moving backwards.

  • Level 3

You’ll learn: moving stroking (with correct push, glide, and free leg position), backward snowplough stop, forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle, forward moving one-foot glide on a circle (both directions), forward two-foot slalom.

  • Level 4

You’ll learn: forward open chasses, backward stroking, forward outside edges, forward inside edges, two-foot 3 turn.

  • Level 5

You’ll learn: forward crossovers, forward outside 3-turns, backward open chasses, stepping from backward inside to forward inside edge and backward two-foot slalom.

  • Level 6

You’ll learn: backward crossovers, backward outside edges, backward inside edges, forward inside 3-turn, stepping from backward outside to forward outside edge.

  • Level 7

You’ll learn: forward outside 3-turn with control, equal entry & exit edge plus backward crossover, forward outside continuous edges, forward inside continuous edges, forward inside Mohawk with control & equal entry & exit edge, bunnyhop & drag combo, or two-foot jump & drag combo (hockey).

  • Level 8

You’ll learn: backward outside or inside continuous curves, forward change of edge-outside to inside, forward inside Mohawk- backward crossover-step forward inside edge, forward crossover step wide & backwards crossover step wide, forward outside 3-turn, backward crossover with a sustained landing position.

 

BIS Levels 4 - 6

BIS Levels 4 - 6 are classed as the "developing" skill phase. Upon completion, skaters should have a working knowledge of forward, backward stroking and forward and backwards crossover. Skaters will also have an understanding of transitioning from forwards to backwards skating and vice versa.

Meet our Ice Skating coaches

Marika Humphreys-Baranova

Marika is a 2002 British Winter Olympian, and esteemed instructor with over two decades of coaching experience. Whether you are a beginner stepping onto the ice for the very first time or a seasoned skater looking to enhance your skills, Marika tailors every lesson to be your personalised Ice Mastery experience. Her passion lies in helping individuals of all ages find joy, confidence, and fulfilment through ice skating. From aspiring champions to those seeking fun, fitness, and a sense of well-being, Marika offers a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. Enjoy the ultimate convenience of secure online booking, making your ice-skating journey as seamless as possible.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 5

BSc Hons Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences

Contact Details

Mobile: 07871 923756

Book with Marika

Victoria Rogers

If you’re going to truly excel in your sport of choice, you’ll need a great Ice Skating Instructor. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to work with aspiring athletes to get them more focused, powerful, and technically proficient than they've ever been before. I believe in training to win and competing with sportsmanship. This, more than anything, is a direct reflection of my success as a Ice Skating Instructor. Having coached both adult and youth skaters who both competed and won medals nationally and internationally.

I also, offer lessons for beginners and people who are looking to skate for fun, loose weight, train for hockey basics and get all round more confident

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07854 089324

Book with Vicky

Tara Fehilly

Tara is an accomplished ice skating coach and an International Technical Specialist with 30 years of experience in figure skating. 

As a former competitive skater, Tara transitioned into coaching and technical officiating, gaining a reputation for having a keen eye for technique and dedication to athlete development. Certified by the International Skating Union (ISU) as an International Technical Specialist, Tara has officiated at numerous national and international competitions, ensuring accurate and fair technical assessments of elements and jumps.

With a coaching philosophy focused on fostering both the technical skills and mental resilience of skaters, Tara has helped guide athletes from beginner levels to elite competitions, all the while making the learning process fun for all her students, while still focusing on skill development. Tara also mentors fellow coaches, contributing to the growth of the sport at all levels.

Tara continually stay updated with the latest in rule changes, attending workshops and conferences to ensure her students have as much knowledge possible. 

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 3

Contact Details

Mobile: 07973 937320

Book with Tara

Mina Zdravkova

A former World Championship-Level competitor, Mina brings an intensity and commitment to her pupils that helps them excel and reach their maximum potential. She has coached pupils to ISU championship standard and guided students to national and international medals. She also works with skaters in their developmental stages, focusing on establishing strong fundamental basic skating skills to ensure an efficient progression. Mina believes that excellence and competency in skating can help to grant skaters a more uninhibited freedom to explore, create and express; improving one’s skills helps to unlock more fun! Mina is currently accepting inquiries for all ages and levels.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07752 270476

Book with Mina

Dannii Goldie

About Dannii

TBC

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 3

Contact Details

Mobile: 07849 174236

Book with Dannii

Christopher Martin Davis

Christopher is an international coach who competed at the World-Championship level. His pedagogy is based upon creating engaging training pathways for each individual skater based on their unique goals and abilities. His methodology prioritises technical progression alongside psychosocial development, well-being, fun, self-expression and love of sport. Christopher’s elite students have medaled at national championships, and qualified for ISU championships. Christopher welcomes lesson enquiries from people of all ages and levels, neurodiverse skaters and skaters with disabilities. Christopher looks forward to sharing the joy and thrill of skating with you, and helping guide you through your skating journey.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07547 287767

Book with Chris

Chrissy Richards

Chrissy Richards is a fully qualified and professional Ice Skating Coach with more than 20 years’ experience coaching the sport. In her time as a skater she has been a Synchronized Skating British Champion 18 times, and an International Champion 15 times. She has competed at World Level, and has taken part in many shows and exhibitions all over the UK and Europe. She is the coach for medal winning Adult Synchronised Skating Team ‘Orion’, who rank in the top 5 Adult Synchro teams in the UK. She currently coaches a wide range of ages and abilities and will welcome you whether your goal is to become a Figure Skater, an Ice Hockey player or a Synchro Skater.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07837 637148

Book with Chrissy

Irina Kuznetsova

Irina started skating at the age of 7, she was trained in Russia Sankt-Petersburg at the Olympic skating school. By 18 she had competed at a national level and moved onto her professional skating career, working at many famous Ice shows for 20 years such as, Russian Leningrad Ballet on Ice, Holiday on Ice and the Hot Ice show. Irina has been coaching for more than 15 years and loves coaching skaters of all ages, from complete beginners to skaters who compete at national and international levels and her students frequently win medals. She also runs off ice classes to improve jumps, spins, technique, stretching and flexibility.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07834 283805

Book with Irina

Nikolay Shashkov

Nikolay started skating at the age of 5 in Russia and was taught by famous coach Alexsei Mishin. By 21 Nikolay achieved Master of sport and had been competing nationally and internationally after which he moved onto his professional career in shows for more than 12 years for stage work world wide production of “Hot Ice Show”. Nikolay has been coaching for more than 15 years and loves coaching all levels and ages from beginners to national and international competitive levels, with his students frequently winning medals. He has also previously worked as a head coach in Reykjavik Iceland. Nikolay also runs off Ice classes to improve jumps, spins, technique, stretching and flexibility.

Qualifications

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07460 922252

Book with Nikolay

Stewart Feinstein

Stewart turned professional at 21 years old joining ice shows including Holiday On Ice, touring all over Europe. He has over 3 decades of coaching experience behind including coaching a complete beginner student who he spotted on a public skating session and coached him to National two time Medalist; International Gold Medalist; ranked number 1 in the UK; and finally was selected to represent GB at the World Championships in Italy. Stewart has coached at the World Arena, Colorado Springs in the USA consecutively for seven years working with Top World and Olympic Coach Kathy Casey, who he studied with for over 12 years and who taught him her World level jump and spin technique which Stewart now specialises in! Stewart coaches a student who he has coached from his very first steps onto the ice at 5 years old, who is now with a partner and they are Australian National Champions!

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07515 679079

Book with Stewart

Karen Solomon

With over 50 years’ experience in figure skating, (having begun her own skating journey at the age of 5) Karen took part in many tests and competitions as both a child and an adult.

Karen began coaching in 1987 at Israel’s first ever ice rink. She has been coaching in the UK since 2001. She believes that ice skating can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or abilities. She is convinced that good basic techniques are paramount for everyone and her teaching reflects this.

Karen enjoys working with all ages and levels and in particular with anyone who has any kind of challenges. She is passionate about helping her students to reach their goals, gain confidence and have fun along the way.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

07956 284762

Book with Karen

Rio Sully

Rio is a fully qualified BIS level 2 coach and a national championship level Technical Specialist in synchronized skating with over 10 years experience. 

As a skater she has been National synchronized skating champion 11 times ranging from Juvenile through to seniors where she also represented Great Britain internationally & at World Championships. 

Alongside Dannii Goldie she coaches Lee Valley’s senior B team Aura who are the current British champions and Phoenix Gold, the Pre Mixed Age / Intermediate team who are the current silver medalists in the British championships. 

She coaches skaters of all ages and abilities whether you just want to have fun and learn a new skill or progress on to competitive skating either solo or in a team.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact details

07772 107634

Book with Rio

Abbie Lebow

Abbie is a fully Qualified BIS Level 2 Ice skating coach who has been skating and remains skating at national and international level for over 17 years.

She has trained and competed in several BIS skating disciplines; singles skating, ice dance and synchronised skating.

She has achieved 8 national titles, represented Great Britain Internationally and currently remains British Champion in Synchronised Ice Skating in the Senior B category with our own Lee Valley Team Aura whom she captains.

Abbie has a great passion for Ice skating and teaching and has a wealth of experience working and teaching children and adults as well as those with additional learning  needs, disabilities or those with neurodiversity.

She is also currently completing a degree in advanced personal training, strength, conditioning and flexibility to enhance her coaching tool kit.

Abbie welcomes enquiries from people who wish to develop their existing skating skills or those who are just staring out on the ice and looks forward to sharing the joy she has for the sport with you.

BIS Coaching Qualification

Level 2

Contact Details

Mobile: 07516 299062

Book with Abbie

Alessandro Fadini

Alessandro Fadini, a former competitive skater and Italian National Team member for 12 years. I competed in the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series and qualified for the European and World Championships, gaining top level experience in technique, artistry, and performance.

Now a full time coach, I’m passionate about helping skaters of all levels improve their skills, build confidence, and reach their goals - whether it’s mastering jumps and spins or preparing for competitions. My coaching focuses on strong fundamentals, personal growth, and a love for the sport.

Let’s take your skating to the next level!

BIS Coaching Qualification:

Level 2

Contact Details:

Mobile: 07587178714

Book with Alessandro
Please add alt text

The development of Lee Valley Ice Centre was funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority with support from the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Working in partnership with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
The park offers hundreds of great days out, discover more about Lee Valley Regional Park.

Please add alt text

What We Offer

  • Leisure
  • Lessons and Courses
  • Libraries
  • Spa Experience
  • Venue Hire
  • Children's Centres

Contact & Support

  • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
  • Media Enquiries
  • Terms and Policies
  • Sitemap

About Us

  • Our Story
  • Being a Charitable Social Enterprise
  • News
  • Careers
  • GLL Corporate Website
  • GLL Sport Foundation

Download app

download google_play_badge

Let's get social

  • Facebook.com/better
  • Youtube
  • @better_uk

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

Certified Social Enterprise Certified Social Enterprise
Launch Recite Me assistive technology

Accessibility