2008 Pacific Northwest Synchro Training Camp

PRESS RELEASE: 7/24/08

1st Annual Synchronized Skating Camp A Success

The Emerald Mystique Synchronized Skating Teams of Kirkland and Renton, WA hosted the 1st annual Pacific Northwest Synchro Training Camp on July 19th, 2008. The camp was open to skaters of all ages and skill levels regardless of any previous synchronized skating experience. This intense camp included guest coaches Kim Ryan (local premier spin specialist with over 30 years of coaching experience) and Paul Askham (4-time British Ice Dance Champion, 6-time World and European team member; 1988 Olympic Team member and 1991 World professional champion).

The camp offered on-ice sessions focused on moves and edge quality, step-sequencing, spins and ice dance. Campers also participated in off-ice seminars such as strength & conditioning, nutrition and collegiate synchronized skating programs. Preparing to enter her third year at the University of Delaware, Danielle Buckley spoke to the camp participants to share her experiences of skating with a competitive team while attending college full-time. (The University of Delaware Precisionaires are10-time East Coast Champions, and were recently awarded the silver medal at the US Synchronized Team Nationals). “It’s a great opportunity to skate with your friends, travel, and get an education all at the same time!” Danielle boasted.

At the end of the day, the participants performed “mini-programs” for their parents and guests to show off what they’d learned from the day’s activities. The younger skaters of the camp performed to “We Don’t Wanna Grow Up” from the movie Hook, while the older participants performed to “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. Jacquelyn Payne, the Director and Coach of Emerald Mystique’s teams, choreographed the programs. She also organized the training camp.

“My vision is simply to promote the continuous growth of synchronized team skating in the Pacific Northwest by introducing the sport to potential team members and to expose current synchronized team skaters to members of other teams from all levels within their same region. It is my hope that Washington State can become a premier training locale prompting skaters to associate the Pacific Northwest region with strong synchronized skating teams. I look forward to hosting more successful camps for years to come!”

Synchronized skating, or “Synchro,” is the fastest-growing division both within U.S. Figure Skating and around the world. While many people may not know of this discipline, it has been around for over 50 years. There are approximately 525 synchronized teams registered with U.S. Figure Skating, and nearly 5,000 athletes participate annually in the synchronized skating sectional championships.

Combining athleticism and artistry, Synchro involves a team of 8 – 20 skaters performing various complex fast-moving elements in unison, choreographed to music. A highly technical, as well as beautiful form of figure skating, Synchro is characterized by speed, accuracy, intricate formations and breathtaking transitions. Since its inception, Synchro has grown to include National and World Championships. Although it is not yet an Olympic Sport – the skaters certainly hope it will be one day.

Synchronized skating presents the opportunity for athletic conditioning, creative expression, lasting friendships, travel and personal growth in a skater’s individual skating goals. Synchro is a sport in which individual skater-athletes do not just shine, but blend in and support the group effort. Traveling as a team, training as a team, and competing as a team, are all part of the road to National and International success.

Synchronized team skating is one of the most exciting, challenging, memorable, and rewarding experiences of a skater’s career. The camaraderie, team work and dedication that goes into preparing for and participating in Synchro events provides an excellent opportunity for athletes to build life-long skills, memories, and most of all, friendships!

The Emerald Mystique teams, ranging in ages and skill levels from youth through adult, currently skate at the Kingsgate Ice Arena (Kirkland) and Castle Ice Arena (Renton). For more information on these teams and how you can join, visit their website at www.emeraldmystiquesynchro.freeservers.com. You can also contact Jacque Payne at emerald_mystiquesynchro@yahoo.com.