Figure skaters are learning to be “in sync” with each other through a new club that focuses on working together.
“It’s a totally different experience for the girls,” coach Karen Allison said about the Cochrane Skating Club’s new synchronized skating team. “It makes them work toward a common goal.”
For the first time, synchronized skating has been added to the organization’s slate of programs and lessons. According to Skate Canada, synchronized skating (or synchroskate) is a specialized discipline that brings together between eight and 20 athletes for group manoeuvres, routines and competition.
The sport is gaining popularity across the skating world, with championships now held at the regional, national and international levels.
Cochrane’s newly formed team has eight girls – including 12-year-old Evelyn Archibald, who has been skating solo for about five years. The tween said being on the ice with a big group of people is teaching her a new set of skills, like to be respectful of those around her and to be more “open-minded.”
“(When you perform solo), you’re always focused on yourself,” said Archibald. “In synchro, you have to anticipate other people’s moves. There’s a lot more thinking of other people.”
The synchro class meets once a week to practise, in addition to the athletes’ regular lessons. Allison agreed the group environment offers a different kind of energy than skaters are typically used to.
“Figure skating is a very individual sport,” she said. “Synchro is all about working together.”
Last week, the synchro team kicked off a colourful evening of performances by the Cochrane Skating Club’s junior, intermediate and seniors STARSkaters as part of their bi-annual family showcase.
Club representative Sheila Bryant said the organization puts on a more elaborate production every two years – and in the opposite seasons, like this one, a more intimate presentation allows club members to see each other perform.
Skaters choose their own outfits and create their own routines to music, then show it all off to their family and friends.
“It was really nice to have the opportunity to showcase,” Bryant said.
The synchro group’s performance – an animated program set to the pop stylings of Katy Perry – was also a chance to practise in public for their debut competition. The team will face other synchro skaters at the Rose Bowl next month at Max Bell Centre in Calgary.
Archibald said she’s excited to take the show on the road for the first time.
“It’s very interesting looking at the different ways people work together,” she said. “We’re very new to synchro. We will do as well as we can.”
