Synchro???

[Longhornliz]

I just finished watching my tape from the synchro world championships that aired this morning. I might be alone in this, but I really cant get into this sport. Even the top two teams seemed unpolished to me, I know that it must be very challenging to keep straight lines on the ice.... but honestly most strong high school dance teams have better precision and unison than these squads demonstrated.

I'm not knocking the sport, or trying to take away from the winners... I was just wondering if this is because the sport is relatively new at this level of competition (I know its been around for ever, but this is only the 5 worlds I think). Or maybe there are some subtle attributes to the programs I'm not picking up on.

 

[BronzeisGolden]

You're not alone, Liz. I'm sure it is enormously difficult and there are some things I am missing, but I can't make myself love it either. It sort of gives me that same empty feeling I get from watching synchronized swimming. But, kudos to these athletes for working so hard and going so far....I could never do it.

 

[mzheng]

Too bad I missed it. I had intention to tape it then I totally forgot. From the clips they show on advertising I'd like to watch it.

 

[Longhornliz]

mzheng-

I have it recoreded on my DVR device (like tivo) If I can figure out how to transfer that onto my computer I can post some of the performances on my webspace.

Anyone know how to transfer media from a dvr onto a pc?

 

[Ladskater]

Longhornliz:

It's too bad you did not get a chance to see some really great teams. Synchro skating is very popular here in Canada and the skaters are awesome! I have watched a few competitions on tv and yes, it is different to watch than the usual single skaters or pairs disciplines. However these skaters have developed some interesting programs and its great to watch their precision and speed and ice coverae. These girls (and sometimes guys!) work very hard!

http://www.markhamskatingclub.com/synchro_pictures/2001 junior comp/musstcjpic01.jpg

"Elite Express"

 

[blurrysarah]

I wouldn't compare a dance (land) team with a synchro team. There is a huge gap between unison on land and unison on ice. Synchro is one of those sports you just don't understand the difficulty of until you've done it yourself, pretty much.

 

[megsk8z]

Synchro is a sport best watched live. Have any of you watched someone perform on television and thought, "So?" and then gone to see the skater skate live and said, "Oh!." Television doesn't do justice to the speed and the difficulty level of synchro skating. There are just too many of them to watch on the small screen (even if it's a big small screen). I got to go ice monitor at Mids this year and am a definite convert to the sport.

I also skate with a little synchro team comprised of older ladies and (sorry ladies) while we are truly terrible compared to most of the teams, these women are wonderful people and I am proud to get on the ice with them.

And, while I'm going on here, I think synchro is like ice dance; it's just that you have multiple partners.

 

[Longhornliz]

I agree that the speed these teams achieve is amazing... my main problem is with precision. I think its a stylistic preference, but I would prefer that they polished their movements (mostly on the upper body). I will definately continue to watch and try to pick up on the nuances(sp?) of the sport. Any one know if there are any opportunities to see it live in texas?

 

[sk8dc]

Wow Liz - are you in luck! The 2005 Midwestern Synchro Sectionals will be in Texas 1/26-30/2005. At the Dr Pepper Star Center in Frisco Texas (whereever that is). Sponsored by the Stars Figure Skating Club of Texas. http://www.lsfsc.org/_05_Mid_Synchro/_05_mid_synchro.html (I never put in a linckbefore, hope I did it right)

Be sure to go to the Seniors and Juniors competition. You won't get to see the Haydennettes, but you will get see my favorite team, Team Elan. And Miami U, and U Michigan, and all the midwest biggies. The best night if you can only see one, is senior long, probably Saturday night. Don't bother with the little kids and old ladies (like me) That's only for die-hards.

Have fun!

 

[Longhornliz]

Thanks!! I will try to check that out, I enjoyed team elan's program at nationals.