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.

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 Little Blades 

The RMU Island Sports Center's Little Blades is a introductory level synchronized skating team. The Little Blades team skaters will learn the basics of synchronized skating that are skill appropriate for their level of skating.  The Little Blades attend competitions, the teams skate in exhibitions and ice shows during their season which is October through mid-April. 

Little Blades Prerequisites
In order to participate in the Synchronized Skating Developmental Program, skaters must be between the ages of 6 and 13, possess strong backward skating skills and be at the ISI Gamma level or higher. Skaters must be enrolled in the Learn to Skate Level 2 program and/or be receiving weekly private lessons while participating in the Synchronized Skating Developmental Program.

Little Blades Brochure

The RMU Island Sports Center's 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.

Skater who wish to join the Steel City Blades must meet the skating level prerequesites for tryouts and joining the team. 

Steel City Blades Skater's 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 and blue 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 Practice Schedule
The Steel City Blades practice at the RMU Island Sports Center on late Sunday afternoons, from September 2011 through March 2012. The Steel City Blades Competitive & Junior Competitive Teams practice two additional evening per month, plus one or two Saturday mornings per month when necessary.

Steel City Blades web site:    www.steelcityblades.org