Workshops & Tryouts for 2010-11 Season to be held in May & June.
See information below.
What Is Synchronized Skating?
Synchronized skating is the fastest growing segment of figure skating. Best described as "Rockettes on Ice," it is the least expensive form of competitive figure skating. A synchronized skating team consists of 8 to 20 members skating in unison to a choreographed program set to music. Programs are performed in front of judges during competitions.
Synchronized skating is a fun and rewarding experience for skaters of all ages. It is the newest and fastest growing discipline in the sport of figure skating. Since team skating first appeared in the late 1950s at the University of Michigan, synchronized skating has now become an international sport. U.S. teams now compete with teams from around the world. Synchronized skating is slated to be an Olympic sport in future Winter Games.
Synchronized skating is all about teamwork. A synchronized skating team consists of 8 to 20 members, skating various formations and steps in unison to a choreographed program set to music. The objective is for the team to skate as one unit rather than as individuals. Programs are performed in front of judges during competitions and in ice show exhibitions.
Synchronized skating also benefits figure skaters in the development of their singles skating by enhancing on-ice performance and overall skating development.
Synchronized skating offers you the opportunity to participate in a group activity and make new friends, while sharing in the experience, energy and camaraderie of a team sport.
Why Join A Skating Team?
Team skating is not just for beginners. Many top U.S. athletes are also team skaters. Team skating provides conditioning along with additional skills not taught in normal figure skating sessions. Skaters become stronger while improving posture and style.
The Steel City Blades
The RMU Island Sports Center Steel City Blades are Greater Pittsburgh's first competitive synchronized skating teams. In addition to competitions, the teams skate in exhibitions and ice shows, and perform during intermission at hockey games and other events.
Spring Workshops & Tryouts - May & June 2010
Featuring World & National Synchronized Skating Coach: Vicki Korn!
The RMU Island Sports Center’s Synchronized Skating Academy will be hosting workshops in May & June 2010. The workshops are an informative and fun introduction to the sport of synchronized skating, with no obligation to join a team. If you fall in love with the sport like we have, you’ll want to join us for Steel City Blades tryouts on May 10.
Workshop Requirements
Skaters with little or no synchronized skating experience should be at least 7 years old and have passed the ISI Delta Level and/or USFS Pre-Preliminary Field Move Test and/or have permission from the synchronized skating director. Skaters will be placed in groups based on the listed prerequisites for the red, blue and white groups. Group placement will not determine or guarantee the team on which the skater will be placed following tryouts. It simply assists the coaches in evaluating skaters to determine the best team placement.
Steel City Blades Blue Workshop
Prerequisite:
• New Members: Ages 13–18 & Passed US FS Juvenile Moves or higher
• Current Member of the 2009-10 SCB Competitive Skating Team
Skaters should have strong forward and backward skating skills (spirals, lunges, hydroblades, ena bauers, spread eagles, one-foot spins) and be able to perform complicated footwork drills (double three turns, choctaws, twizzles).
Steel City Blades Red Workshop
Prerequisite:
• New Members: Ages 14 & Under & Passed US FS Preliminary Moves or higher
• Current Member of the 2009-10 SCB Junior Competitive Skating Team
Skaters should have strong forward and backward skating skills (spirals, lunges, hydroblades, bunny hops) and be able to perform various footwork drills (three turns, mohawks, chasses).
Steel City Blades White Workshop – General Session - May & Workshop & Tryout in June
Prerequisite:
• New Members: Ages 12 & Under & Passed ISI Delta Level
• Current Member of the 2009-10 RMU ISC Developmental Skating Team ~ Little Blades
Skaters should have strong forward and backward skating skills (spirals, lunges, bunny hops) and be able to perform various footwork drills (three turns, mohawks, chasses).
Note: Age and skill level requirements are set by the USFS; changes to these requirements are at the discretion of the synchronized skating director and/or skating director. Skaters who do not meet age and skill level requirements, please see Learn to Synchronized Skate brochure for information on our developmental team, the Little Blades.
Schedule and Fees
Steel City Blades Workshop & Tryout
GENERAL PRACTICE SESSION Sunday, May 2 • 3:30–4:50 PM: Red, Blue & White Group
General Practice Session will go over various skating skills and focus on individual skill development necessary for synchronized team skating
Workshops
Saturday, May 8 • 8–9:10 AM: Blue Group & 9:10–10:20 AM: Red Group
Sunday, May 9: 6–7 PM: Blue Group & 7–8 PM: Red Group
Workshops will focus on team development with synchronized skating elements, formations and footwork.
Tryout
Monday, May 10 with Vicki Korn
5:30–6:40 PM: Blue Group & 6:40–7:50 PM: Red Group
Teams for the 2010-11 Steel City Blades will be determined by the Coaching Staff along with the expertise of Vicki Korn.
Saturday, June 12: 10–11 AM: White Group
Workshop & Tryout Fees
• Blue & Red Groups: Fee: $85 on or before April 15; $99 after April 15
• White Group: Fee: $55 on or before April 15; $70 after April 15
Skaters must check in at the registration desk in the lobby of the RMU Island Sports Center main building. Fees include workshops and tryouts and must be paid in full before a skater can participate. All current and future team members must attend workshops prior to tryouts. There is no discount for skaters who do not attend all workshops or tryouts. Skaters who are unable to attend tryouts will have a make-up tryout scheduled and will pay the appropriate tryout fee for the make-up tryout.
The Steel City Blades seasonal booster fee will be required to be paid on or before the tryout date. SCB Booster application will be handed out at the SCB Parent meeting. The non-refundable fee is $50.00 and does not guarantee a full position on the SCB team.
For More Information contact Skating Director Beth Sutton at 412-397-4469 or sutton@rmuislandsports.org
2010-11 Workshop & Tryout Brochure
Skaters over age 25 who are interested in joining the Free Spirits adult synchronized skating team should contact the Director of Figure Skating for more information.