6 Ways of the Spine™
core body movement curriculum for figure skating
Course Curriculum
6 Ways of the Spine™ is AIT’s trademarked core body movement philosophy, and this advanced, online AIT certification and college-level training course for figure skating coaches and choreographers as well as professional figure skaters. It offers comprehensive training in 3-dimensional movement exercises and cutting-edge teaching tools for expanded expertise in the field. With this certification, coaches & skaters will improve their teaching methods for skating skills combined with core body movement.
The 6 Ways of the Spine™ course curriculum was developed by AIT Co-Executive Directors, Garrett Kling & Kate McSwain and is taught by Jacqueline Benson and Jimmy Morgan. Concepts taught include:
- Comprehensive on- and off-ice training regimens tailored to accommodate skaters across all proficiency levels, encompassing basic, intermediate, and advanced skill sets.
- Implementation of sophisticated teaching methodologies, including precise cues and metaphors, strategically devised to facilitate skaters’ navigation through the 6 Ways.
- In-depth exploration of human anatomy and kinesthetic movement comprehension, providing participants with a profound understanding of bodily mechanics essential for mastering the 6 Ways.
- Integration of core body movement techniques derived from the history of dance styles like Graham and Horton, enhancing skaters’ versatility and fluidity in their bodies.
- Engaging participants in the creative process of designing new exercises and sequences, ensuring the practical application and incorporation of the 6 Ways of the Spine™ into skating classes and programs.
All graduates who receive a 95% or higher in the 6 Ways of the Spine™ course, will receive a teaching certification for Level I, and can thereafter identify themselves as AIT Level I Certified Choreographers. (If the choreographer has already achieved a Level I Certification from MCT, they will then move on to hold a Level II certification after passing this course).
All graduates who receive 80%-95% in the 6 Ways of the Spine™ course, will pass and receive a course completion.
6 Ways of the Spine™ is for coaches, choreographers and adult skaters interested in a better understanding of the integration of their core body movement and skating skills on the ice. The teaching certification is for coaches & choreographers who pass the course with 95% or higher. The document of course completion is for students who complete the course and pass with 80%-95%.
6 Ways of the Spine™ is a intellectual property that is owned and trademarked by American Ice Theatre. Skating coaches and choreographers are not permitted to teach this information without completing this certification course. 6 Ways of the Spine™ is also a requirement for all AIT Directors and faculty who teach this class for clubs, classes, and camps.
6 Ways of the Spine™ Course Details
Course Components
6 Ways of the Spine™ presents a dynamic 6-week course featuring 3 live Zoom sessions, accompanied by a detailed syllabus provided to students with an additional 2 weeks for review and preparatory work. Ideal for coaches, choreographers, and figure skaters worldwide, its self-paced, flexible schedule ensures accessibility from any location. This interactive class uses Zoom for real-time engagement, while empowering coaches and choreographers to refine their teaching abilities through the creation of instructional and movement videos for each of the 6 Ways. Blending online modules with live sessions, it mirrors the structure of an advanced college course, fostering comprehensive skill development. It’s structured like an upper level college course, incorporating:
- lecture videos,
- demonstration videos,
- reading assignments,
- anatomy quizzes,
- weekly homework teaching & exercise videos for students to prepare,
- working through body movement on yourself and/or students, and
- feedback, plus
- class discussion.
Instructors
The lecture videos and syllabus were created by AIT Co-Executive Directors Garrett Kling and Kate McSwain, both are AIT Level III Certified Choreographers and USFS Master-Rated Choreographers. Paula Jagozinska is the Teaching Assistant for this course, and she is also a Level III AIT-Certified Choreographer.
Class Size
To maximize learning and to facilitate lively but intimate conversations and dialogue, classes are limited to 12 students per session, so register early to secure your spot!
Course Frequency and Duration
6 Ways of the Spine™ course sessions last 6 weeks (but the syllabus and curriculum are distributed to all students with an additional 2 weeks to prepare in advance), and the sessions are offered several times per year.
Online group Zoom meetings are typically held on Wednesday nights Eastern Time – although this schedule can vary slightly depending on holidays, etc. The class meets 3 times total for a live Zoom with instructors, observations of the students’ videos, and class discussion.
On average, students dedicate 3-4 hours per week to fulfill course requirements. Weekly tasks encompass reading 2-3 chapters, watching lecture and supplementary videos, completing quizzes and critical thinking exercises, and producing teaching and exercise videos for each of the 6 Ways. Additionally, a mandatory 2-hour Zoom meeting is held 3 times during the course to review the topics. Culminating the course, students undergo a final exam and capstone project to demonstrate their mastery of the material.
Register Now for 6 Ways of the Spine™
Upcoming sessions
- Winter 2026: December-March 2026; 3 mandatory live Zoom class dates are January 18, and February 18, and March 18. Zoom classes are 4 weeks apart from each other. Syllabus and materials will be distributed by December 17.
Please fill out our interest form and select “6 Ways of the Spine™” and we will be in touch with you.
- Our next session of this course after Winter 2026 is TBD. We will update the semester here as soon as possible.
Please fill out our interest form and select “6 Ways of the Spine™” and we will be in touch with you.
Tuition
- Tuition: $500 // Initial Deposit: $50 to guarantee your spot
- Payment plans available: With an initial deposit of $50, there is an option to join our payment plan of $125/month for the 4 months of the course via PayPal or you can pay the full remaining balance of $450 as a one-time payment before the start of the class. For more information on our payment plans, please reach out directly to info@americanicetheatre.org.
Remember, only 12 students will be admitted to each 6 Ways of the Spine™ class, and slots fill up fast! Secure your spot now by completing our AIT Educational Courses – Interest Form, which is accepted year-round (see below).
Additionally, in order to guarantee your spot for the next available class, please make a $50 deposit using the button below, and you will be automatically registered for our next session with open space. If you want a detailed receipt, please let us know via email at info@americanicetheatre.org and we can send one to you.
Questions? Email us at info@americanicetheatre.org or subscribe to our mailing list for more information on AIT’s educational programs.
