Figure skating.. ice skating...skates question?

1) Assuming your sisters and you are taking lessons together as a small group, the instructor will first evaluate your skills, so yes, you'll all start by trying the basics. If there's a big disparity among you, she could divide up the time into three short private/semi-private lessons so no one is left out. If you're within a level or two of each other, the instructor can give the lower-level sisters one thing to do and you another, more advanced task. For example, while your sisters are doing forward swizzles across the ice, you can be doing proper stroking using one foot at a time. 2) Your own, sharp skates are always better than the hire skates. They'll make your lessons much better and you'll learn faster, which makes them worth the investment. Just make sure the blades are attached with screws to leather soles and the uppers can't be bent down easily.

You need to expect to fall and know how to fall correctly or you can get hurt! Yes, you will be tought differnet things if you are in differne t levels. If you buy skates, try using them not only at lessons but go to the rink to practice, too. I would buy skates, but you'll have to break them in. You should expect a few blisters the first few rounds in them. Good Luck!

1) Depends on your definition of "some basic skating". If you mean that you can stagger round the rink faster than they can, then yes, you will all be in the same class. If you can already do swizzles and edges, they'll probably move you up more quickly. You _will_ have to learn to do the basics _right_. 2) How do you know the skates you found are good? If you're just assuming it because they look shiny, don't bother. Wait until you've started the lessons and can ask the coach's opinion. With skates you pretty much get what you pay for - if they are cheap they are probably not much use. (The exception is if they are good skates which are being sold cheaply because they have lots of scuff marks and cosmetic-only damage. In that case - go for it.)