Synchronized Skating

Synchronized skating, or "synchro" is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of twelve or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.

There are two event streams of Synchronized Skating in Canada – a recreational or Festival SynchroSkate and Competitive SynchroSkate. Both of these streams can lead a team to national level events. There is international and World Championship opportunity provided to those teams in the Competitive SynchroSkate (qualifying) event stream.

Festival SynchroSkate

Festival SynchroSkate provides recreational synchronized skating teams the opportunity to qualify for National level competition in a program specifically designed to meet the needs of this type of team and skater.

Festival SynchroSkate was introduced into Skate Canada programming in 2000, with the first National Festival SynchroSkate held in April 2001. Currently over 400 Festival teams participate at all levels in each of the 13 Skate Canada Sections. With smaller team numbers, no test pre-requisites, and more lenient age restrictions many Skate Canada clubs are finding it feasible to field one or more teams in the Festival stream. It also provides further competitive opportunity for athletes who choose not to be involved in the qualifying event stream of synchronized skating.

Regional Festival of Synchronized Skating

There is no qualification process to enter the Regional Festival of Synchronized Skating events, however, a qualification round may be held if the number of entries warrant it. Regional Festival events are held in February of each year.

Teams placing in the top 6 in Festival Novice, Festival Junior, Festival Open and Festival Adult qualify to compete at the National Festival of Synchronized Skating .

Festival teams may also compete at various interclub and invitational competitions throughout the year.

Competitive SynchroSkate

Synchronized skating has grown in popularity around the world and Canada is considered a world-leader in this discipline. 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. Then in 2003, Skate Canada was proud to host the World Synchronized Skating Championships in Ottawa. Teams compete to qualify for the BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals at Sectional championships. To be eligible to compete in the qualifying event stream of synchronized skating, athletes must attain a specific test level in the Skate Canada STARSkate Program as well as specific age requirements.

Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships are held in each Section if numbers of entries warrant it. The top 4 teams in Novice, Junior, Senior and Adult categories are named to compete at the BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals. If a qualified team chooses not to attend the championships, the subsequently placed team has the opportunity to participate.

It is at the BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals that teams are selected to represent Canada at the World Synchronized Skating Championships and various other international events. Also, following this national event, the Synchronized Skating National Team is selected.