But when Tinkelenberg moved to Northfield to attend Carleton College, she was surprised at the lack of an ice skating program here in town.

"I was really upset when I moved here and found out there was no program," she said.

To remedy the problem, Tinkelenberg has recently created the Northfield Skating School, a learn-to-skate school that offers classes for all ages and ability levels.

"It started out from scratch but so far it is going well," she said.

Although the program just started two weeks ago, Tinkelenberg said there was an obvious need for it in the community. So far 35 people have registered for lessons. "I am thrilled we have had this many people come out," she said.

The school follows the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) curriculum, which is used by programs nationwide. Everyone registered for lessons becomes a member of USFSA.

To ensure that students receive a quality learning experience Tinkelenberg has 11 coaches to keep classes small. Classes are kept at 10 students or less per coach. All of the coaches have prior skating experience ranging from recreational to national level skaters.

Tinkelenberg said the learn-to-skate program is for anybody interested.

"We have students from 4 to 66," she said.

Northfield Skating School coach Ann Leach teaches the 4-year-old class and the adult class.

"It has been really interesting teaching the little kids and then the adults," said Leach, who has been skating since she was a child. "The little kids are really fun and amazing to watch."

While the coaches get a thrill watching their students improve, so do the parents. Jennifer Hegseth, whose 4-year-old son Sam is taking lessons, said her son enjoys it.

While they have only attended a handful of lessons, Hegseth said her son has improved tremendously.

"He only falls a couple times during the lesson now," she quipped.

So far most of the students enrolled are beginners, but Tinkelenberg said the program has the ability to take on advanced skaters.

"Hopefully, we will have competitive skaters in the future," she said.

Each lesson is split into two parts, a half-hour of group lesson and a half-hour of supervised practice time. Tinkelenberg said the practice time allows students to perfect the skills they learned. Students are placed in classes by age and ability level.

Student Carolyn Pokorney started ice skating four years ago and said so far she really enjoys taking the lessons.

"The teachers are good," she added.

Lessons are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the Northfield Ice Arena. Tinkelenberg admitted the time and day for the lessons isn't ideal but she said she hopes to get more ice time and days in the future.

The school has extended its deadline to register for classes until Jan. 1.

-- Emily Zimmer can be reached at 645-1114 or ezimmer@northfieldnews.com.

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