Skate Lab Progressive Tango Artistic Intro Workshop w Ashley Holtkamp

One-night Skate Lab Artistic Skating Intro Workshop with Ashley Holtkamp – Wednesday June 17 5-7pm

Join us for a special one-night Skate Lab workshop experience with guest coach Ashley Holtkamp, who will introduce artistic skating concepts in a way that connects directly to the skills you already use.

In our previous workshop we learned the basics of the Glide Waltz, which we will review briefly. This workshop will introduce the Progressive Tango: steps, diagram, and music. Combining foundations into the full pattern sequence. You do not have to have taken the previous workshop to signup for this one.

This Skate Lab workshop is an opportunity to try a different lens, get curious, and experience how familiar movement can feel when approached with flow, posture, and intention.

PLEASE READ THE AGENDA ITEMS and FAQ BEFORE REGISTERING TO ENSURE YOU MEET OUR PARTICIPANT POLICY & BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS (scroll down). Thank you! Can't wait to skate with you!

Session Details
When: Wednesday, June 17, 5-7pm. Note this workshop is actually on a WEDNESDAY, this is not a typo, just outside our regular schedule.

What Is Artistic Skating?

If you’ve ever watched Olympic figure skating and thought about the smooth edges, control, and expressive movement—that’s the closest comparison. Artistic skating on roller skates emphasizes line, balance, and precision, offering a contrast to the derby or jam styles many of our skaters know.

Ashley will guide skaters through artistic fundamentals layered onto skills you already have:

• Artistic posture and body alignment
• Edge control (inside vs. outside edges)
• Dance foundations (forward chasses, forward progressive runs, forward swing rolls, forward crosses)
• Timing (Skating with music)
• Pattern Work (Mapping out lobes and baselines)
• Control and presentation

Think of it as adding tools, trying a new way of doing something already familiar, not learning a whole new language.

This is:

• A chance to experiment in a supportive environment
• A way to notice new sensations within familiar skills
• A low-pressure introduction to artistic skating concepts
• A fun reset that may change how your skating feels afterward

This is not:

• A formal artistic skating class series
• A test, performance, or evaluation
• A requirement to change your style or goals

Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

This night is designed for skaters who:

• You have skated with Skate Lab (or past itterations of it) before, are an experienced skater or who have skating experience through a derby league. (Email [email protected] before registratering if you have questions or have never skated with us before)
• Can stand, roll, and stop independently
• Are curious about exploring movement—not starting from scratch
• Want to deepen balance and control while trying something a little different

Who This Session Isn't for

• You haven’t skated with Skate Lab or past itterations of it before
• You’re still working on standing, rolling, or stopping independently

• You’re looking for a first-time-on-skates class or a learn-to-skate series. Check Happy Wheels for learn-to-skate classes.

Open skate and Warmup

Artistic Basics and Drills

Dance Foundations

Artistic Pattern & Dance

Wrap Up

Bring your usual gear, an open mind, and a willingness to try small adjustments. No prior artistic skating experience is needed. REQUIRED GEAR: Quad skates (derby or artistic), Helmet, Knee Pads, Wrist Guards. If you do not have protective gear we can likely lend you what you need, just let us know.

About Ashley:
Ashley Holtkamp is a Registered USA Roller Sports Coach, Judge, Referee, and Athlete, as well as a Certified Learn to Skate Instructor with the Roller Skating Association International. A competitive artistic roller skater since 1999, Ashley has qualified for 12 USA Roller Sports National Championships, consistently placing in the top 10 and earning three gold, four silver, and six bronze medals over the years.

Ashley holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Lasell University and brings a well-rounded approach to athlete development as a Certified Functional Strength Coach (Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning) and a Certified Level 1 Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition). She also holds a Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management certification through HRCI and is certified in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid, ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes she coaches while fostering an inclusive environment where all skaters can thrive.

Before moving to Maine in 2023, Ashley coached at Forrest Family Fun Center in Taunton, Massachusetts, where she helped skaters of all ages build skills and confidence on wheels.

Info: Workshop Focus: Artistic posture and body alignment, Edge control (inside vs. outside edges), Dance foundations (forward chasses, forward progressive runs, forward swing rolls, forward crosses), Timing (Skating with music)
Pattern Work (Mapping out lobes and baselines) Control and presentation

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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