Matrix Synchronized Skating Academy
SynchroSkate
Synchronized skating, or “synchro”, is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of 8 to 16 skaters performing various group formations and individual freeskate and skating skills.
The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to music, while demonstrating edgework, freeskate element quality, skating power and flow. Skate Canada’s SynchroSkate program includes a number of Synchronized Skating categories which accommodate skaters at any age and skill level.
Synchronized skating has grown in popularity around the world and Canada is considered a world-leader in this discipline. The London Skating Club has been a proud supporter of the discipline of synchronized skating in Canada, supporting synchronized skating teams at all levels in the club, and in our surrounding area since its early inception in the 1970’s. The City of London was host to the first and second Canadian Championships back in 1983 and 1984, respectively, where the club’s Senior team "The Supremes", took home back-to-back gold medals. Since then, we have a proud history of national medals in all different categories including Novice, Intermediate, Open and Adult.
In 2000 the first ever World Synchronized Skating Championships were hosted in the United States. Canada’s Black Ice captured a silver medal at the inaugural event. In 2003, Skate Canada was proud to host the World Synchronized Skating Championships in Ottawa, Ontario. In 2009, Nexxice brought home Canada’s first gold medal in the discipline of Synchronized Skating from the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. Since then, several World Championships have since been held here in Canada, in London and Hamilton, Ontario, where Canadian teams have taken home hardware.
Specific technical requirements have been determined for each level based on skill development and age restrictions. There are no test prerequisites to participate on any level of Synchro team officially, however many clubs will have their own test requirements for their hosted teams.
Star 4 Teams
Skaters at this level should be working on their Star 1 – 2 dance and skills assessments or higher and are expected to complete crosscuts forwards and backwards with a knowledge of three-turns and c-steps
The Star 4 Synchro program is open to skaters at the Star 1-4 levels. Skaters will be introduced to the basics of synchronized skating, (e.g. lines, intersections, wheels, circles), in a fun and welcoming environment. Skaters will also have the opportunity to perform at local events in the Niagara area and compete at the Star 4 level. Skaters at the Star 1-4 level can also participate in Skate Canada synchronized skating assessments..
Star 6 Teams
Skaters at this level should be working on their Star 4 dance and skills tests or higher and are expected to execute strong crosscuts both forwards and backwards as well as difficult turns.
The Star 6 Synchro program is open to skaters at the Star 4-7 levels. Skaters will be introduced to more advanced transitions, elements and footwork, in a fun and welcoming environment. Skaters will also have the opportunity to perform at local events in the Niagara area and compete at the Star 6 level. Skaters at the Star 6 level can also participate in Skate Canada synchronized skating assessments. The Star 6 category also has the opportunity to compete at Provincials.
Adult 1 Teams
Skaters at this level should be working on their Star 6 dance and skills tests or higher and are expected to execute strong crosscuts both forwards and backwards as well as difficult turns.
The Adult 1 Synchro team is for skaters 18 years of age and older. This team performs advanced transitions, elements and footwork, while being in a fun, competitive and supportive environment. The Adult 1 team competes at several competitions throughout the season, as well as local events in Niagara. The Adult category also has the opportunity to compete at Adult Championships.
Adult 3 Teams
Skaters at this level should be working on their Star 4 dance and skills assessments or higher and are expected to execute strong crosscuts forwards and backwards with a knowledge of three-turns and c-steps
Skate Canada’s SynchroSkate program offers adult skaters the opportunity to participate in the discipline as well. With three adult categories, skaters of all skill levels and experience may join a team and compete at various competitions.
Since the discipline of Synchronized Skating is included in the Skate Canada Adult Figure Skating Championships, adult teams also have the opportunity to compete at the national level at this invitational event