Q: What is Synchronized Team Skating?

A: Synchronized skating or “synchro” is a competitive discipline of figure skating recognized by US Figure Skating. In synchronized skating, teams of 6-20 skaters skate on the ice as a team, moving as one flowing unit. For a synchronized team to flow in unison, individual skaters must work as a team and be competent at a variety of skating skills, including speed, footwork and ice presence. The team performs a routine set to music, with required formations including circles, lines, blocks, wheels, and intersections.

 

Q: What/who is Arctic Edge Unity?

A: Arctic Edge Unity (AEU), established in 2016, is a comprehensive synchronized skating program based out of the Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Canton, Michigan. AEU is made up of a committed group of skaters, dedicated parents/families as well as an experienced staff of coaches to accommodate skaters ages 4-60+ of all skill and experience levels.

 

Q: What is the Season Length for Synchronized Skating?

A: The regular fall/winter synchronized skating season runs from September thru the end of February. Dependent on the level, some teams may begin some training in May/June of each year and some teams may begin later in the fall (for example, House teams begin in October). Visit our TEAM LEVELS page for more information on our available team categories (House, Club, and Travel) and general schedules/expectations for each. Clinics and Team Placement Days (tryouts) are generally held in the Spring and Summer of each year for the following season, but follow-up tryout dates and private evaluations are offered throughout the spring and summer months for additional available positions.

 

Q: How often do the teams practice?

A: The frequency of on and off ice practices is dependent on skating level and team. For example an AEU House or Club team will generally practice once a week, while a Travel Team may practice 1-3 times per week. Also, there may be more practices on the ice the week before competition. On days where teams meet for ice time, skaters will also participate in some form of supplemental off-ice practice before and/or after practice (including, but not limited to, fitness training, off-ice dance classes, etc).

 

Q: Are team practice sessions mandatory?

A: Absolutely! Synchronized Skating is a team sport, so when even one skater is missing during regular season practices, it affects the entire team. Skaters get used to who they hold on to (height, weight, and idiosyncrasies to how they skate, step, etc.) who they intersect with, and whom they cross through when practicing their routine. 

 

Q: Once I am on a team, what is my skating commitment in addition to synchronized skating?

A: Synchronized Skating is not a replacement for regular individual or group skating lessons, rather it is an enriching and rewarding competitive and performance outlet for motivated and team-minded skaters. Though synchronized skating opens new avenues of competition and greatly develops each skater’s individual skills (especially speed, power, presentation and performance), AEU team skaters are expected and required to continue regular individual skill development either in their Learn-to-Skate classes or in a figure skating club with private instructor(s).

 

Q: When and where are practices for Arctic Edge Unity?

A: We train primarily at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Canton, Michigan. Your team level/category will generally determine how many practices you have during the week, but generally all AEU teams train during the regular season (Sept. thru February) on Sundays and some of our more advanced teams train on weekday evenings in the Spring/Summer months (we generally avoid weekend training during summer to allow for family summer weekends).

 

Q: Can a skater compete in other disciplines of skating while participating in synchronized skating?

A: Yes! it is definitely possible to compete in other skating disciplines besides synchronized skating. Synchronized skating involves all aspects of figure skating: skating skills, singles, dance, and even pair and group lifts! If your skater wants to compete in any other discipline, we encourage it. One thing to remember is that if you would like to compete in other disciplines, it is important that you discuss this schedule with your team coach as soon as possible. As a part of a team, your training commitment is not just between you and your coach anymore, but with your teammates as well. Missing a training session can have a negative effect on your teams' performance.

 

Q: How can I get involved with my skaters team?

A: Synchronized skating teams would not be able to operate without the incredible support and contributions of volunteers. Should you decide to join Arctic Edge Unity, we encourage you to get involved in any way you can. Do you have a special skill set that could be useful to the organization? An overall positive attitude? Always feel free to reach out to the program leadership and see how you can become a deeper part of the team!

For more information on Synchronized Skating at Arctic Edge, contact Program Director Erin directly at arcticsynchro@gmail.com.