Skating instructor Brittney Lusk hurries over to pick up one of her pupils at the Ashburn Ice House.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Sometimes skates seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to directions. Gabriela Gomez, 6, tries to gain control under the eye of her instructor, Brittany Lusk.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Skating instructor Brittney Lusk gives a ride to one of her students who took a "soft" fall on the ice.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

This skating student moves gingerly across the ice.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

A young skater takes a tumble at the Ashburn Ice House.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

For this skater, it seems balance is all in the fingers.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Instructor Brittney Lusk guides her students through a drill.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Young skating students hang onto the the wall while they listen to their instructor, Valeriy Spiridonov.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Brittney Lusk talks with a group of her skating students.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Marissa Sarakasetrin goes over her individual charts while testing her students to see what they've learned in her class.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Young skaters carry on an animated conversation before class at the Ashburn Ice House.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Marissa Sarakasetrin instructs her students at the Ashburn Ice House.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Younger ice skating students often need a friend or family member to help with the skates.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Mia Park talks with her friends and her mother while she changes into street shoes.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Mia Park, 8, has been skating less than one year. Here, she hangs onto the wall while she takes a break from trips around the rink.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

It's not unusual for a young hockey player to need a little help now and then.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Pedro Gomez, center, helps his daughter, Gabriela, with her skates after her lesson.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Gabriela Gomez, of Ashburn, sails slowly across the rink during her skating lesson.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Valeriy Spiridonov gives his students instructions at the Ashburn Ice House.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Instructor Chesney Oravec listens closely to one of her skaters.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com