Discover the Difference: U.S. Figure Skating vs. ISI - Which is BEST for YOU to Learn to Skate? 

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Never even heard of ISI before. Am just glad my Rink offers all the freestyle classes after basic 6

As a skater who started off as ISI, moved into USFS, went back to do both, and now just does USFS, I COMPLETELY agree that it depends on where you live and what your rink does. I currently prefer the USFS because the rink I'm at does USFS. However, both have their benefits/downfalls. For instance, I think USFS has a better public face. If I pass all of my tests for USFS, I become a gold medalist, something that can easily be understood by the public and be put on resumes. If I pass all the levels on ISI, it's FS10 or Dance 10, which requires more explanation at first glance. USFS also follows the ISU standards, which is good to explain to nonskaters, as ISI can look like a lot with the vast variety of choices. I also like LTSUSA/USFS just because I think the level breakdown is better- in ISI i feel as though there is a significantly wide range of skaters at each level that cant be captured by one term alone. For instance, in ISI, I'm FS5, but Im also a 3x Gold Medalist in MITF and Dance im USFS. I'm going to have better edges in a footwork program than other FS5 skaters who might not do any Dance. I think there's more to those levels for competition that ISI needs to consider. However, I will give ISI credit for A LOT. For one, ISI is a heck of a lot cheaper. It's easier to get involved and test with. I like the idea that you can do literally 20 events at a competition if you so choose. I think it's fun, and I think that ISI is great for smaller rinks to build a good team atmosphere. I will say that it is in my experience that a lot of ISI skaters tend to be more recreational while USFS are more competitive. A lot of showcase ISI programs can be really goofy and almost make skating less of a sport and more of a weird dance (we had someone do a spongebob program and it was the weirdest thing), but I've also seen some really strange things in the USFS bubbles. In reality, I think everyone should do both because it only makes you a well rounded skater and a better coach if you choose to do that. Also, it gives you multiple goals to work towards, which is great because it's very common in skating to plateau in freestyle for so many reasons and I hate seeing skaters become so frustrated with themselves!

I didn't realize learn to skate USA levels were not officially recorded. Thats interesting. Both my daughter and I started with ISI then moved to USFS. My daughter is 11 and currently does both. She is ISI FS8. She would love to get to 10 but now her focus is mainly USFS. I think thats common. At competitions the IJS scoring is SO much better than ISI that I think many talented skaters stop ISI after about FS5

As a parent, I find ISI is more inclusive entity for all skill levels and ages. It seems to have a more tolerant skill building environment. From my observation, U.S. Figure Skating is more competitive in a way that is not as enjoyable or fun in some cases.

It’s been a long time since I have been involved in Figure Skating, so please pardon my ignorance, is ISI the same as ISIA? When I skated there was only U.S.F.S.A and ISIA. I know names have changed. That’s how long I have been away. 😊

I skate ISI Special Skater 7, i pass 8 and 9 but that didn't send them in, my dream is Special Skater 10, i been told after i reach that i could do freestyle 1 but i'm not sure i want to. I try USFS but it treats it's skaters bad very bad. I love to have Aimee as my coach

Hi Amiee, could you please talk about the Solo dance discipline? My daughter is interested in this discipline and I have been reading about it but a lot is happening in this discipline and things are moving very fast. Could please shine more light on Solo dance? Is it now an international discipline under ISU? What are the tracks?

Why not both? It would give more opportunities.