These dates are invconvenient for me , even watching on the television. Why they have to spread it out over 10 days? It's not a festivitity , skaters need to prepare for international competitions too (Four Continents, World, it is important even for the top level atheletes).
You're forgetting (or you don't realize) that there are three levels of each discipline -- Novice, Junior and Senior. Unlike other countries, the U.S. puts all the levels within one competition. That's 12 different competitions each with a Short program (or dance) and a free program (or dance). That's 24 different segments.
The senior level competion (known as Championship) are over four days.
Oh, thank you. But when is the gala?
All top level skaters must attend the gala