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Formally known as Precision skating, Synchronized Skating is one of the fastest growing ice sports in the world. It is a specialized branch of skating distinct from figures, free skating, ice dancing and pair skating. It involves teams of skaters (from twelve to twenty) performing a variety of types of footwork, group formations and skating maneuvers. Heads, legs, arms and bodies must be synchronized and in unison. Formations must be accurate; lines must be straight. Programs are judged for technical difficulty and presentation (artistic impression). Senior teams have a short program that lasts 2:40 minutes and a long program lasting 4:30 minutes. |
![]() Marigold Ice Unity, 2004 |
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The short program (also called the technical program) has 5 required elements, set by an International congress the previous year. For the 2005-2006 season, the required elements are an intersecting maneuver, wheel maneuver, serpentine moves in the field pattern, block and synchronized spin. Judges look for footwork, changing arm positions and holds, closeness, speed, straight lines and alignment. |
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The long program (also called the free program) must include three changes in rhythm and speed or tempo, but otherwise has no required elements. Innovative moves and creativity are very important in addition to the technical elements. A Senior Team consists of 12-20 skaters, all of whom must have reached fourteen years of age by July 1st preceding the competition. |
![]() Team Surprise, 2004 |
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| Milestones of synchro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Today, synchronized skating is the latest disipline recognised by th International Skating Union (ISU), but the sport has a long history. Group skating was recoginised by the ISU as early as 1909, but only as a competitive event in fours. Modern synchronized skating dates from 1954 when Dr Richard Potter of Ann Arbor, Michigan USA, organised a group of skaters with the express intent of forming a team (known as the Hockettes). This interest in team skating spread across the border to Canada in the early 1970s. The popularity of this form of skating grew dramatically. |
![]() The Hockettes 1954 |
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