Synchronized Team Skating



Above: The 2007 Team of Robert's Ringmasters

Above: The 2011 Robert Unger Stars Team at the Chicago ISI Championships

Above: The 2011 Robert Unger Sparklers

Above: The 2011 Robert Unger Shooting Stars

The 2003 Teams: Robert Unger Shooting Stars and Starlettes

Synchronized skating, the fastest growing component of figure skating, takes the grace of ballet, the elegance of ice dancing, and the beauty of pairs skating, and combines the elements into an amazing spectacle on ice.

Synchronized Skating
Saturdays, 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Advanced
Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Intermediate
(Recommended for Beta and up)
Fridays, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Beginner
(Tot 3 through Gamma or higher)

To be eligible, the team coach must be convinced that the skater can perform the required moves) and be able to execute certain maneuvers (see below). How well skaters perform the listed skills easily, with speed and power, will determine their team assignments. Ultimately, the team assignments will be determined by the skating school director and the team coaches. No one will be eliminated.

Beginner Moves:
Snowplow stop
March to music
Teapot and lunge
One-foot glide, blue line to blue line
Forward stroking & gliding
Arabesque (straight line)

Intermediate Moves:
All of the above maneuvers, plus...
T-stops and snowplow stops, both ways
Footwork to music
Lunges on both feet

Advanced Moves:
All of the above maneuvers, plus...
All stops, both feet, including tango
Backward lunges, both feet
Mohawks: inside & outside, forward & backward, open & closed
Backward outside three-turns



The 2001-2002 Robert Unger Synchronized Skating Team poses for posterity during the ISI World Championships in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

What is a synchronized team?
A synchronized team involves a group of skaters performing various skills in unison to music. Synchronized teams allow participants to strengthen their own individual skating skills while at the same time enjoying the atmosphere of a team sport.

What’s the difference between a Formation Team and a Skating Team?
A Synchro Formation Team performs forward skating, backward skating on two feet, and two-foot turns while executing various formations such as pinwheels, circles, lines, etc. A Synchro Skating Team performs forward and backward skating steps, along with maneuvers such as backward splicing, backward spoke wheels, and lines or circles with intricate footwork. Unison, cleanliness, and SPEED are expected.




Synchronized Brochure
(PDF format)

Price for Intermediate & Advanced Synchronized Skating
Freestyle skaters: Included in some packages and All You Can Skate. See the Freestyle information page for details.
Other skaters: $ 275.00 for Fall and Winter or four payments of $ 72.00 each.
Additional expenses will include competition entry fees, costume fees, and additional practice ice time.

Price for Beginner Synchronized Skating (Beginners: Aug. 12-Oct. 14; Holiday
School; and Jan. 13-March 24)
Included in Almost All You Can Skate
Other skaters: $ 199.00 for Fall and Winter or four payments of $ 52.50 each.
Additional expenses will include competition entry fees, costume fees, and additional practice ice time.

Synchronized Brochure
(PDF format)

Links:

ISI Synchronized Skating

Synchronized Skating Information & Teams

Synchronized Team Rules

Skaters are allowed no more than two absences per semester.

Skaters should notify a teacher if they will not be at practice.

Skaters will be expected to make up any missed practices.

A skater who misses three practices will be dismissed from the team. NO REFUNDS will be given.

A skater will be marked absent if he/she is late for a scheduled practice.

A skater cannot miss the final two practices before a competition in which he/she is to perform.

If there is a behavior problem that interferes with practice, the skater/skaters involved will be asked to leave the ice. This will be considered an absence.

Skaters who are sick or injured are asked to come and watch practice from the side if at all possible.

Practices should be high priority, and skaters need to be attentive and respectful to each other and the teachers during this valuable time.

Skaters should be dressed appropriately -- no jeans or baggy sweatshirts. Members will be expected to wear black fitted pants or tights and a black top with long sleeves.

Parents and skaters are both required to sign the release on the back stating that you have read and understand these rules. You will receive a copy of the rules to keep at home.