I Don’t Get Synchronized Skating… Enlighten Me
As a skater I tried almost everything. I skated singles, pairs and dance (for a while). The only event I didn’t participate in was synchronized skating. In my time it was called precision team skating. I just didn’t get it. Sure, it was fun to get flung around the end of a pinwheel in skating carnival shows, but as a serious sport it seemed bizarre to me.
Clearly I missed out because synchronized skating is wildly popular. In fact, some skating federations claim it’s the sport’s fastest growing discipline. There are synchronized skating competitions for all levels, right up the World Synchronized Skating Championships, which will be held this month in Budapest, Hungary. Synchro skaters are pushing to be part of the Olympic Games.
Here’s my problem. Figure skating without jumps or spins, and only minor artistic achievement seems boring for both the skaters and the audience. What am I missing? Enlighten me.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Well, what I’ve heard from some parents is that, basically - and maybe only at the basic level - synchro is less expensive than the dollar input into solo competition. I don’t know to what extent that is true. But it’s what I’ve heard.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Which of course does not speak to its popularity or draw…to that, I’ll I can think of is “to each their own”? Not very profound of me, I know, lol.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
There are still jumps and spins in synchronized skating!
Its just as challenging as figure skating if not more! Not only do we have to learn the usual skating techniques figure skaters learn but also learn to skate in exact unison (which is alot harder then it looks.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:26 am
As someone who was a syncho skater for two years, I have to let you know that there is something almost magical about skating with 23 other girls. And in terms of watching it, the shapes on the ice, the blocks, the travelling circles etc. are what provide the entertainment and now they’ve introduced single moves with jumps and spins…that is an artistic achievement in and of itself. As an audience member I loved watching the movement and as a skater it is wonderful to help move a circle across the ice, or participate in a pinwheel. As a skater you also get the sense of being one part of a greater whole and while the competition is as fierce as the other disciplines it was a great thing for me personally while it lasted…and all in all it’s a wonderful extension to the sport and I wish that it was a part of the Olympic Games…maybe 2010…
March 20th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
To Jozet- even at the most basic Juvenille level of syncho skating one pays over $8000.00 a year and it just explodes from there as you go up the levels and get more than one routine and go farther for competitions etc…
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:50 am
I’m not going to speak to the skill, the cost, etc. All I know is that it’s fascinating to watch a bunch of people skate in unison.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I agree with your post, I don’t get syncro either. I realize that it is probably TONS of work to master, but I could never do it, for three reasons 1. I like to be in the spotlight
2. As a solo, competitive skater myself (pre-preliminary) jumps are my favoraite thing, my strong area. I could not live doing without them. 3. I just…couldn’t stand it! I love picking my own music and adding my own hand movements to my programs.
So I agree with you.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:33 am
I skated on synchro teams for 11 years, and have coached them for 15 years.
Let’s face it, figure skating is a very isolating and lonely sport. Some skaters enjoy that, enjoy being the center of attention. For other skaters, that is the worst part of skating.
Maybe I’ll send a few of the 63 skaters who have skated team with me this year to tell you why they adore it!
Something else to think about: What individual skater has ever gotten a scholarship to college for their individual skating? How many colleges have incredibly strong synchro programs that offer scholarships to skaters? Think about it!
June 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I’ve got two daughters. One is a jumper and spinner and the other is not. The one that is not loves skating more than the other and also loves the comraderie. It gives her an avenue to participate. At a world level, I dunno. But there is definitely a place for it.
June 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Great blog!! You know, you don’t see many books written about new ways for improving figure skating jump technique. Maybe figure skating should take lessons from other sports. Read more at http://www.jumpsareking.com