Synchronized Skating, lovingly know as Synchro, is a team sport that allows figure skaters to sharpen their skills and learn valuable life lessons. Synchro is the newest of the five figure skating disciplines and is the only one to use teams of more than two skaters. It involves teams of 8-20 skaters working together to perform intricate steps and create shapes on the ice, while showcasing their musical timing, expression, and teamwork.
Synchro first began in 1956 in Michigan, known then as “Precision Skating.” At that point, programs were designed to look like The Rockettes, but on ice. As teams began to do more difficult and creative elements, they started to have competitions. In 1984, the first U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships were held. Other countries like Canada, Finland, and Sweden also began fielding teams. In 2000, the first ever World Synchronized Skating Championships were hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the past 20 years, synchro has seen a huge period of growth in both the skill level of teams and in the popularity of the event. At the most recent World Championships in 2022, teams from 19 countries came together to compete, with Canada, Finland, and the United States taking top 5 finishes. The synchro community is actively campaigning for our sport to become an Olympic event.
On a smaller scale, Synchro provides a much needed group environment in the sometimes individual feeling atmosphere of rinks. It also provides a way to participate in competitions without being alone on the ice. Being on a team teaches kids skills that they can use throughout their lives. Teamwork, friendship, confidence, respect, and dedication are all at the very core of Synchro.
Synchro programs are made up of both required elements and transitional steps. Blocks, Circles, Lines, Wheels, and Intersections are just some of the elements that make up a program. In higher levels, there are also No Holds which focus on skaters individual skating skills while still being in synch with teammates as well as Moves in the Field that test skaters flexibility and balance.
At the Cadettes, we strive for our skaters to learn as much from this beautiful sport as possible all while having fun and, most importantly, being safe.