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Synchronized team skating is a large and fast-growing
recreational sport consisting of 8-20 athletes skating on ice at one
time moving as one flowing unit. This team sport combines elements of
pairs skating, ice dancing and ballet into an exciting on-ice
performance. Synchro has brought the team concept to a sport that has
been historically focused on singles and pairs. Recreational
synchronized programs encompass skaters at all ages and abilities.
For a synchronized team to flow in unison, individual
skaters must be familiar with basic skating skills. The team performs a
program set to music, with required formations including circles, lines,
blocks, wheels, and intersections.
The focus of Skatetown’s synchronized skating program,
which started in June 2003, is
fun and recreation.
Age requirements
Ages 6 to adult. Skatetown plans to field 3 teams during
the 2008-09 season: (1) junior youth, (2) youth/teen and (3) adult.
Skill prerequisite
Skaters must be at the Beta level or above. Some skaters
on current teams are in the Freestyle 1-5 classes. No synchro
experience is required.
Practice schedule
Youth teams: Saturdays from 9:00-9:30 am
Adults: Saturdays from 8:30-9:00 am
Competition
schedule
Teams will skate at the following ISI competitions:
Sweetheart Skate in February in San Jose, April Ambush in San Mateo,
District 14 Championships in June (location tbd), Octoberfest and Adult
Nationals in October (adult team only). In addition, teams will perform
exhibitions at the Be-A-Star competition in March, Evening of
Exhibitions in May and the Holiday on Ice Spectacular Show in December.
When Can I Join the Team?
Youth team
placements will be June 14 at 9:30am or 12:15 pm. This
is an informal, relaxed evaluation will allow us to put skaters in
groups based on age and skill level. The groups will perform basic synchro formations. There is no cost to attend this placement
evaluation, however, skaters must be currently in a Skating School class
or have a current ISI memberhship number. Attendance at the Synchro
Skills Clinic or the Beginner’s Workshop (see reverse side) will prepare
skaters for the placement evaluation.
All
skaters
will be placed on a team. Once placed on team, practices will start on
July 5. The season will end in June 2009.
Adult team
placement will be in December. Check this webpage in the
fall for dates and details. Practices will start on January 3, 2009.
If you are a Gamma-level skater or above and wish to join the adult team
now, contact Julia at 783.8550 ext. 113. There are currently 2 spots
open on the team.
Cost
$100 per month and includes—
¨ Weekly
ice time along with extra practice ice
¨ Instructor
costs including instructor’s travel expenses for competitions
¨ All
competition entry fees
This is not a Skating School class, so no public session
skating vouchers are included with the program fees.
Additional costs:
there is a one-time annual fee for one performance outfit and ISI
Membership
Coaching staff
Skatetown’s synchronized skating program is under the
leadership of Skating Director, Julia Beal. Coaches for this season
include Naomi Bahr, Amber Turner and Genna Dewyea.
Spring 2008 Synchro Workshop and Skills Class
The following workshop and classes for current and
prospective youth and adult team members and are designed to -
· Teach
basic synchro skills and formations
· Introduce
more advanced synchro skills
· Prepare
skaters for the team placement evaluation
· Give
skaters an opportunity to try synchro before signing up for a team
Beginner’s Workshop:
Saturdays from May 10th through June 14. 6 weeks, $75 and includes 8
vouchers. Skate with friends and learn basic precision team unison and
formations
Synchro Skills Classes:
Saturdays from May
10th through June 14th. 6 weeks, $75
and includes 8 vouchers. This skills session is for skaters currently
in synchro who want to improve their skills and learn more advanced
techniques and formations.
Visit the cashier’s window to enroll in the workshop or
skills class.
This is not a Skating School class, so no public session
skating vouchers are included with the program fees.
For additional information on
synchronized skating, please contact the Skating Director, Julia Beal, at
916.783.8550 ext. 113.
Schedule subject
to change based on enrollment. |
