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What is synchronized skating – Introduction

Last updated on March 6, 2022

Below is an introduction article to give you a brief answer to: What is synchronized skating? It covers a little bit of the history, how it is skated, the rules, the equipment and how to get started.

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Quick Navigation
What is synchronized skating? Introduction
Brief history from precision skating
Skates and equipment for Synchro
Basic rules & technical elements
How to start
Levels & competitions in synchronized skating
Famous synchro teams

Back to all figure skating articles

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


What is synchronized skating? Introduction

Synchronized skating is a team sport where 8 to 20 figure skaters (depending on the level) perform a program together on a traditional rink. They must move as a flowing unit doing technical footwork while skating at high speed.
It is often simply called "synchro". 

example of synchronized skating

Luu / CC BY-SA

It is a great way to combine the pleasures of figure skating with the benefits of participating in a team sport.

This sport has grown in popularity very fast, especially in the United states. Team members come from both figure skating and ice dance.

The competitions use the same judging system as traditional figure skating disciplines: all teams perform a free skate with required elements, and junior- and senior-level teams also perform a short program.

It is one of the official ice skating disciplines from the ISU (International Skating Union)


Brief history from precision skating

From precision skating... to synchro

In 1956, according to Wikipedia, the first team was started by Dr. Richard Porter in Ann Harbor, Michigan. They were called the Hockettes and the sport was then called Precision skating. It is known as the official start of the Synchro sport. But the Oxford Skating Society in England mentions that skaters were participating in groups of up to twelve skaters in "combined figure skating" events as early as 1838.

In the 1970s the sport developed, and the team movements became more and more evolved. And with more speed.
The first competition took place in 1976 between Canadian and American teams.
The sport then became international and skills were increased and clarified: jumps, spins and lifts were authorized, technical skating skills developed, and speed increased.

In the 1980s, sanctioned championships started in Canada and then the USA. And the sport grew overseas.

In 1994, the ISU recognized Precision team skating as a discipline of figure skating and sanctioned the first international competitions (with 15 countries participating).

In 1998, the ISU officially used the internationally recognized term "synchronized skating".

In 2000, the first World synchronized skating championship were held in Minneapolis with 21 teams from 17 countries.

skills in synchronized skating 3

Elinagaile / CC BY-SA

Can it be an Olympic sport?

Today, synchronized skating has been reviewed for Olympic eligibility, but it is not an Olympic sport.

Although it is growing very fast, synchro may never be part of the Olympics because:

  • The teams are huge - 20 skaters each which means high accommodation costs
  • It is difficult to televise: you don't realize the speed and difficulty via a screen
  • It is not popular is many parts of the World which limits the potential audience
  • There are not enough countries with teams when the Olympics is a contest between all nations around the world - at senior level, only around 20 countries have teams today

Learn more about figure skating at the Olympics.


Skates and equipment for Synchro

No extra tools have been invested to be able to join synchronized skating.
What the skater needs is pretty classic

Figure skates

Ice skates for synchro are typical figure skates. There is no particular requirement.

Typical ice skating equipment for training

The skater also needs the classic skating equipment such as blade guards, absorbent towel, blade soakers, a skating bag...
Check out my complete article about the essential figure skating equipment.

Team costumes

Of course, for competitions, tests and shows the skater needs to wear the team costume as the plan is to project unison.
New costumes are required each year for new programs

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Synchronized skating towel arabesque blue
Synchronized skating Mug purple pink calligraphy
    BUY, personalize & show off your passion        

Or check out my article with 35+ synchronized skating gift ideas


Basic rules & technical elements

The rink

There is the same ice rink requirement for synchronized skating as for the other disciplines of figure skating.
The Olympic size figure skating rink is 60m by 30m (196ft 10 inches by 98 feet 5 inches).
But in many towns, the practice rinks are a little smaller (56m x 26m).

The goal

The goal of a synchro team is to perform routines with:

  • technical step sequences,
  • intricate formations (isolated or holding)
  • speed
  • unison 
skills in synchronized skating

Luu / CC BY-SA

Required elements (list varies based on level) include: 

  • No Hold Elements: footwork performed in unison when skaters are not connected. The block must remain aligned. Points increased for alignment stability and difficulty of the steps
  • Pairs Elements: technical elements when 2 skaters hold one another such as step sequences, spirals, lifts, spins 
  • Wheels: to perform a wheel every skater must rotate around a common center point. There are different shapes of wheel possible (number of arms for example) and points increase with the difficulty of the step sequence.
  • Blocks: step sequences performed in 3 to 5 parallel lines which should be straight and evenly spaced. Points increase for alignment, step difficulty, pivots, changes in direction or in configuration.  
  • Circles: any formation in the shape of circles (one or multiple, interlocked, disconnected...). Extra points are given when the circles are traveling while maintaining the shape.
  • Intersections: when skaters move towards each other in lines and intersect. Extra points for the difficulty of the intersections: angle, turns, whip
  • Lines: so many options here...
  • Moves in the Field: sequence of movements with at least 3 different free skating moves (spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers...) and linking steps

How to start

1. Learning to skate

First thing first.
Before trying to skate attached to other people, you need to learn to skate on your own.
Synchronized skaters normally start with figure skating or ice dancing classes.

2. Reaching technical minimums for the team

Not all clubs have synchro teams.
If there are synchro teams with different levels at the rink where you skater practices, he/she can join the team when minimum skating level is reached.

skills in synchronized skating 2

Rich Moffitt from Boston, USA / CC BY

3. Learning teamwork

Contrary to the other figure skating disciplines, synchronized skating adds another benefit to the sport of ice skating: learning team work, working together towards a common goal.

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Synchronized skating notebook line turquoise blue
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Synchro team water bottle arabesque purple pink
Synchronized skating towel arabesque blue
Synchronized skating Mug purple pink calligraphy
    BUY, personalize & show off your passion        

Levels & competitions in synchronized skating

Levels in the US

In the US, the synchronized skating teams can compete in 14 levels depending on age and skill level of the members:
Preliminary, Pre-juvenile, Open Juvenile, Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, Open Collegiate, Collegiate, Adult, Open Adult, Open Masters, and Masters.

The 2 main competitive levels (with short and free programs) are:

  • Junior - 12 to 16 skaters aged 12 to 18 - but check the applicable rules for the year / competition - 16 skaters may be required
  • Senior - 16 skaters who are at least 15 

How is synchro judged

For the competitive levels, the teams perform programs with required elements as listed earlier in this article (circles, intersections, no holds, blocks, wheels...). For Juniors and Seniors, the teams have to perform 2 programs (short program - 2min50 long and free skate 4min long for juniors and 4min30 long for seniors).

The judges will rate according to the International Skating Union system based on:

  • skating skills - technical difficulty in the steps
  • team skills - technical difficulty in the overall team movements including transitions
  • unison
  • speed
  • dance interpretation
Synchronized skating competition

Luu / CC BY-SA

Technical Element score - Points are added this way:

  • Each element has been assigned a difficulty level by a technical panel. It has a pre-determined base value.
  • For each performance, judges assign a grade of execution (GOE) from -3 to +3 to each of the elements
  • For each element, the highest and lowest GOE values are removed - the remaining GOEs are averaged and added to the base value.
  • The sum of those scores make the technical element score

Program component score. Point are added this way:

  • Each judge gives a mark between 0.00 and 10.00 (with 0.25 increments) for the following 5 components: skating skills, transitions, performance/execution, choreography, and interpretation
  • The highest and lowest are removed and the mean is calculated
  • Factors are applied
  • The scores are added to make the Program component scores

Both scores are added, and the team with the highest score wins.

Some competitions may still use the older rating system with a range from 0.0 to 6.0.


Famous synchro teams

The sport is dominated by 5 countries: Russia, Finland, Sweden, USA, and Canada.
Some of the most titled teams at Senior level are:

  • Team Paradise from Russia
  • Marigold IceUnity from Finland
  • The Rockettes from Finland
  • The Haydenettes from the USA
  • Nexxice from Canada
  • Team Surprise from Sweden
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More articles about figure skating:

  • The essential pieces of figure skating equipment you need - read article
  • Gift for figure skaters - 50 ideas - read article
  • Figure skating off-ice training routine - what to work on - read article
  • Best ice skating bags to carry your skates - read article
  • Best ice skate towels to dry out blades - read article
  • Best Figure Skating Protective Gear - read article
  • Figure skating training clothes - tips + 5 looks - read article
  • Best figure skating tights and leggings - read article
  • 9 Tips fo Figure skating moms and dads (competition level) - read article
  • Figure Skating Competition Checklist - read article
  • Figure skating coach gift ideas - read article

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Best figure skate guards (hard blade covers)

Last updated on April 24, 2021

Let's have a look at one of the essential figure skating equipment to have in your bag: how to choose the best figure skate guards to protect your blades and keep your skates in good condition. We will be covering all you need to know: technical systems, colors, sizes, maintenance, customization... 

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Table of Contents
What are skate guards and why do you need them?
2 systems - which are the best figure skate guards?
Other criteria - how to choose you ice skate blade cover?
Size - How to fit your Skate guard (spring system)?
How to personalize your ice skate guards?
Extra Tips

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


What are skate guards and why do you need them?

Blades are an essential and expensive part of your skate.
It is very important to know that ice skate blades can only touch 2 types of surface without being damaged:

  • ice
  • rubber flooring

And even on rubber flooring there can be dirt, stones or metal you don't see that can damage the blade.

Even a little dent on your blade can make ice skating very difficult. Chips in the blade edges mean less control on the ice. To fix it, you will need to sharpen a lot which reduces the life of your blades (see my article about sharpening figure skates).
Therefore, you should protect your blade as soon as you step off the ice. They are one of the essential equipment to have in your bag.

why use figure skate guards

example - figure skating blade guard

Blade guards are covers made of plastic that you place on your blade. They are designed to protect them.

As a general rule, the less you walk in skates off the ice, the better.

Just don't forget to remove them when entering the ice (I write from experience, it is painful).

Note: do not get confused with the blade soakers which are made of absorbent tissue and protect the blade inside the bag. Some people call them guard as well.

skate guards vs blade soakers

Skate hard vs blade soakers

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2 systems - which are the best figure skate guards?

There are mainly 2 types of guards for figure skates.

The Centipede / Latch system

This is often the preferred guards for beginners and young kids.
This is because you don't have to cut them. You just have to adjust the back fixation in the right hole for the size of your skate, which means it can grow with your kid's skates.

PROS:

  • Easy to set up
  • Can be kept if you change skates' size

CONS:

  • After a while, they can become loose and the fixing attachment dislodge as you are walking
  • For young kids with small fit, they are very long if you don't cut them

Get them on Amazon

The Universal / Spring system

All figure skaters from a certain level use those.
They are made of 2 pieces of plastics connected by springs which are screwed in the plastic.
You have to cut them to the size of your skates so that there is tension and a little bit of space between the plastic parts when set up on the blade.

PROS:

  • Very stable
  • Best protection of the whole blade

CONS:

  • More difficult to set up (but instructions are sent when them)

Get them on Amazon

Spring system made to order: Rockerz

If you want to remove the constraint of setting it up and still have the benefit of a spring system, check out the Rockerz blade guard. They are one of the most popular brands.
They are fully customizable based on:

  • skate brand
  • skate size
  • colors

So they make a great new figure skating gift (see all my suggestions)!

Get them on Amazon


Other criteria - how to choose you ice skate blade cover?

Reviews of quality

Make sure to check the reviews, as some brands use cheap springs. You want to buy something that can last.

Where they are made?

Some of you may be interested to know where they are made. You might prefer buying local.
Considering the low price of this type of product, they are often made in Asia.
Rockerz® are apparently made in USA

Color

Choose your colors. There are a lot of choices whatever product you select. You can express your personality!
Plus if you choose the spring universal system, you can buy 2 pairs in different colors and mix them! Same with the Rockerz, you can choose your colors.

Get them on Amazon

Recycling status

The Rockerz brand indicate that it is "Made with recycled materials. All parts 100% recyclable"

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Size - How to fit your Skate guard (spring system)?

Are there different sizes?

Most guards are 'one size fit all'. You have to cut them to the size of your skates
Just note that for the centipede, the shape at the front of the guard is different for hockey skates and figure sates. So, buy the figure skating version.

How to fit?

If you have chosen the spring system, you will have to cut them.

  1. Check the length of the 2 pieces against your blade. Determine if they need to be cut
  2. As needed cut one module by one module until it is just under the length of the blade - cut on both pieces to keep the attachment in the middle - use a saw or a strong box knife.
  3. butt the two cut ends together, mount the springs in the most appropriate holes to balance the spring over the 2 pieces. You may have a gap between the 2 halves. through which to mount the springs.
  4. One screw goes on each side; when it gets through to the other side, position the ring from the other spring and keep screwing it in so that it locks.
how to fit skate guards

It is normal to have a small gap between the pieces of plastic - you need tension!


How to personalize your ice skate guards?

Put Your Name On Them and / or decorate

There are not that many skate guard options out there, and it is frequent to have the same as other skaters which means finding your guards at the end of the session is annoying.

So you can write your initials, your name or fully decorate your guards to make them recognizable.

You need permanent markers that work for plastic.

Get them on Amazon

Or get the glitter pens

I don't recommend stickers. They won't stay stuck for long as you torture your guards on and off the blade.

Mix the colors

As I wrote earlier you can mix colors of guards to have something that you love.


Extra Tips

When not to use blade guards?

The guards are important to take care of your skates. But blade guards should only be used between the time you get off the ice and the moment you remove your feet from the skates (and the opposite).
Once you are out of them, you should remove the plastic guard, thoroughly dry the blade and the mounting places and place blade soakers on them.

The guards should NEVER be left on the blades once they are taken off, in the skating bag or outside the bag. The plastic will collect moisture and a long contact between water and the blades will cause rust to form.

Clean your equipment

Over time, a lot of dirt can be collected inside the guards. And remember, you are wearing them so that your blade doesn't get in contact with dirt and grit...
Therefore, you should clean your guards regularly to avoid all damage to your blades.

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You might also be interested in:

The 5 Figure Skating Olympic Events

Figure Skating Competition Checklist (to-do + packing)

Best synthetic ice for figure skating (+ is it a good idea?)

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9 Best ice skating bags in 2022 (figure skating) + how to choose

Last updated on June 1, 2022

Figure skates are expensive. Therefore, you want to protect and keep them in the best condition possible.
One of the main risks is during transportation. Having a good ice skating bag is essential to carry them safely with all your other necessary equipment.
Below are my tips to help you choose the best ice skating bag for you.

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Table of Contents
Best ice skating bag - short answer
Why do you need a bag?
Criteria to choose your figure skating bag
The various options - pros and cons
How to personalize your ice-skating bag
Ice skating essentials to have in the bag
FAQs

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


Best ice skating bag - short answer

If you don't want to read the whole article with my criteria to choose the best ice skating bag for you (and my tips to personalize it), below is my top pick for ice skating bag in each category, with some of the popular brands:

Simple first price

Pros:

  • Less expensive
  • Framing for support 
  • Attention kid size only!

Get it on Amazon (4 colors)

Ventilated bag

Pros:

  • Backpack
  • Aeration for the skates
  • Separate pockets

Get it on Amazon (various colors)

Bag on wheels - Zuca bags

Pros:

  • Popular because of all the designs
  • On wheels for easy transportation
  • Can be used as a seat to lace your skates

See the many designs on Amazon


Why do you need a bag?

There are a lot of pictures around the Internet with people carrying they skates around their neck or on the shoulder.
This is a really bad idea because:

  • The friction of the laces against your training clothes will damage them even faster
  • The hooks of the skates will get stuck and damage your clothes
  • You can bump your skate against something and damage it
  • And if it is like on the picture below, you can cut yourself with the blades!!!! Or damage the blade as well
  • After skating, the inside of your skate does not smell good. You don't want that close to your face! 

It is one of the 10 essential pieces of figure skating equipment - see my list and it is also a great figure skating gift idea!

ned for an ice skate bag

Do NOT carry your skates like that!!!!

An new bag is a great gift idea for a figure skater (see my list with 50+ ideas).

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Criteria to choose your figure skating bag

You need a bag to carry your skate safely.
Here are the different criteria you should consider

1. The shape of the bag

A lot of bags have the shape of a triangle to fit the ice skates. Is it a good idea?
Well, it is not a bad idea, but it is not necessary. You are carrying other things in your bag such as clothes, a water bottle, a towel... So, you want a bit more space than just for your skates.
Think about all you want to transport in your bag and choose one that can hold all.

2. How you will carry the bag - backpack, shoulder bag, wheels

The next question is about transport. Once you have everything inside the bag it can be a little heavy. Carrying it on one shoulder is not good for your back.
You will find backpack options as well as bags with wheels for easier transportation.

3. The framing for protection

Check out how the bag holds itself when empty - is there a good framing, is the material thick enough.
The better it stands on its own, the more it will protect your skates.

4. The ventilation

If your skates stay a long time inside the bag, then it is better to choose a bag with an aeration grid (mesh), so that the air flows inside and moisture does not stay.
However, it is always better to take them out of the bag as soon as possible so that they dry. Make sure you read my article about how to take care of your skates.


The various options - pros and cons

In this section, I am introducing the various options for you to choose from. And I share the pros and cons of each so that you can take an informed decision.

Top choices - Ventilated options

  • PROS - Special pockets for the skates + backpack + mesh for aeration + not too big 
  • CONS - if you are carrying in the rain, skates can get wet + limited space for other items

Get it on Amazon (various colors)

Get it on Amazon

Not a backpack - cheaper option
Get it on Amazon

Popular bags - Zuca Bags on wheels

  • PROS - Easy to roll + turns into a seat + inserts to configure inside as needed + popular thanks to many designs
  • CONS - Expensive + Not the best shape to carry when there are stairs
  • See the many designs on Amazon
  • Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Simple skate shaped bags

    • PROS - cheaper options
    • CONS - you cannot carry much else than your skates + no aeration 

    Get it on Amazon (4 colors)

    Get it on Amazon

    Backpack - Get it on Amazon

    General sport bags

    • PROS - you can carry a lot more than your skates + you can use the bag for other activities when needed
    • CONS - Finding something can become a treasure hunt + there is no framing to protect the skate on all its height
    • Don't pick something too big, you don't want your skates to travel inside the bag.

    Get it on Amazon (many sizes and colors)

    Get it on Amazon

    For competitions Rolling suitcase

    • For training it is a bit overkill, however for competition when you have to carry more (e.g. make up) this is a good option

    Get it on Amazon


    How to personalize your ice-skating bag

    If you don't want to have the same bag as everyone around you, you could personalize it to your taste.

    Easy personalization

    The easiest thing to do is to attach personalized elements to parts of the bag.
    You can add keychains or luggage tags where you have your name on.

    Ice skating keychain - Pink Purple Figure skater
    Ice skating keychain - Pink Purple Figure skater
    Ice skating keychain star figure skater purple
    Ice skating keychain star figure skater purple
    Ice skating keychain - Red stars Born to skate
    Ice skating keychain - Red stars Born to skate

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    • See all the ice skating keychains on Zazzle (that you can personalize!)
    • or see all the ice skate shaped keychains on Amazon
    Figure skater luggage tag star ice pink swirl
    Personalize this Figure skater luggage tag
    Luggage Tag Figure Skating girl rainbow
    Personalize this Luggage Tag Figure Skating girl
    Synchronized skating luggage tag - Red arabesques
    Personalize this Synchronized skating luggage tag

    Further personalization

    But if you want something truly unique you can paint on your bag. I did it on mine.
    For that you need special paint. Make sure you check the material of your bag first in order to choose a paint that will stick to it.
    And if you are not the best drawer, you can purchase a stencil to create beautiful designs.

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get special paint on Amazon


    Ice skating essentials to have in the bag

    Now let's what you should carry in that ice skating bag!
    More tips in my article about the essentials pieces of figure skating equipment to carry in your bag.

    To get ready to skate

    1. A good pair of ice skates with sharpened blades - it may sound obvious, but you need to choose the right ones for the size and the level of skating
    2. A good pair of socks (not too thick) - your feet won't be cold. If the socks are too thick the feet cannot move and feel the movement as well - they should be high enough. Don't wear socks that stop right at the limit of the skate, it will be painful due to friction.
    3. Appropriate clothing with gloves

    Get them on Amazon

    Get them on Amazon

    When you skate

    1. Blade guards to walk with your skates around the rink - the blades are made for the ice, not for other material. Trust me, you don't want to damage them! Learn more
    2. A water bottle full of water to stay hydrated
    3. Tissues - with the cold and the air, the nose has a tendency to run...

    Choose your color on Amazon

    Figure skating water bottle Star skater blue
    Personalize this ice skating water bottle
    Ice skater water bottle Axel in life frozen blue
    Personalize this figure skating water bottle

    See all my ice skating water bottles to personalize

    For after skating or in case

    1. An absorbent towel or a leather cloth to dry your blades at the end - this is essential to avoid rust forming of them
    2. Blade soakers - to finish drying your blades and protect them inside the bag
    3. Spare laces - Laces are being torn and twisted and frictioned all the time. At the end they break, and it is annoying. You should always carry a pair of spare laces in your bag for when that happens

    Check out my article on how to take care of your skates

    Figure skater Pink Purple star - ice skating towel
    Figure skater Pink Purple star - ice skating towel

    Choose your color on Amazon

    Get them on Amazon


    FAQs

    What do you carry your ice skates in?

    Skates should be carried in a bag with support frame so that they are protected. It is even better if the bag has aeration.
    Whatever the bag, the first thing when getting home is to get the the skates out of the bag from them to dry properly.

    How do you store ice-skates?

    During the off season, when the ice-rink is closed, you should properly store your ice skates.
    The most important is to protect them from potential animals and from humidity.
    Your ice skating bag with aeration, once the skates are dry can work. Or in a cupboard with a tissu around (such as a towel).
    Avoid plastic bins which trap the humidity.

    How do I protect my skates?

    The main actions to protect your skates on and off the ice are:

    • Carry your skates in a bag
    • Place a tissue or a tissu blade soakers on the blades when off the ice and off your feet
    • Use blade guards on your blades to walk to the ice
    • Wear boot cover to limit damage to your boots from the blades and friction

    More articles about figure skating:

    • The essential pieces of figure skating equipment you need - read article
    • Gift for figure skaters - 50 ideas - read article
    • Figure skating off-ice training routine - what to work on - read article
    • Best Figure Skating Protective Gear - read article
    • Figure skating training clothes - tips + 5 looks - read article
    • Best figure skating tights and leggings - read article
    • 9 Tips fo Figure skating moms and dads (competition level) - read article
    • Figure Skating Competition Checklist - read article
    • Figure skating coach gift ideas - read article
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    All you need to plan an ice skating birthday party (ideas + tips)

    Last updated on April 24, 2021

    Are you planning an ice skating birthday party? I have gathered all my suggestions and ideas in this article: invitation, supplies, decors, food & activities suggestions... for a party at the rink or with just the ice skating theme but off the ice. Have fun!

    Note this is for a figure skating party or ice dancing party - another article will be published for a hockey birthday.

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    Table of Contents
    1 - Location - where to have an ice skating theme party
    2 - Invitation - personalize your ice skating birthday party card
    3 - Decor - Figure skating party ideas
    3 - Supplies - Ice-skating birthday plates, napkins, glasses...
    5 - Food - Ice skating party ideas for food
    6 - Games and activities - let's have fun!
    7 - Favors - Thank you small gifts

    This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


    1 - Location - where to have an ice skating theme party

    You can have either:

    • an ice skating party at the rink
    • or an ice skating themed party on a lawn somewhere

    At the rink

    Many public ice skating rinks offer packages for birthday parties. Otherwise you can inquire about renting for a private party.
    Some of them will also give you access to a private room where you can serve food.
    If you choose this option, make sure you write on the invitation for kids to bring gloves and warm clothes. And make sure you have enough people good on their skates to manage the kids.

    Off ice

    But you can also have a great ice skating birthday without the ice. There is a lot of logistics to take care with all the kids at the rink. So, it might be easier off-ice.
    All the decors and activities can be related to ice skating. A lot of the kids will enjoy it more as they will be more confident on the ground. Interactions should be easier.
    This is the moment to be creative! And I am going to help you in this article.

    Ice show

    Another option is to take a few kids to an ice skating show and then enjoy a public session at the rink.


    Note: if you are looking for ice skating gift ideas, check out my 50+ idea list article!


    2 - Invitation - personalize your ice skating birthday party card

    Once you have the location booked for a special date, you can create the invitation.
    You can create it from scratch with a picture of your kid ice skating, or you can consider all these great pre-created templates where you can update the information with the name, age, date, location...
    A lot of people have had imagination to create cute or modern invitation. I have selected a few of them for you, so have a look:

    Ice skating party invitations for young girls at the rink

    Those invitations include the fact that kids will be skating.

    Girl Ice Skating Pink Birthday Invitation
    Girl Ice Skating Pink Birthday Invitation
    by kidsgalore
    Funky Girl Ice Skating Birthday Party Invitation
    Funky Girl Ice Skating Birthday Party Invitation
    by kat_parrella
    Blond Hair Girl Ice Skating Party Invitations
    Blond Hair Girl Ice Skating Party Invitations
    by kids_birthdays

    Ice skating party invitations for young girls that can happen off the ice

    In the following invitations, you can just change the location and it does not have to be on the ice.

    Ice Skating Birthday (Purple) Invitation
    Ice Skating Birthday (Purple) Invitation
    by graphicdesign
    Figure Skate Skate Party Invitations
    Figure Skate Skate Party Invitations
    by kids_birthdays
    Spinning Figure Skater with Purple Cheetah Print Invitation
    Spinning Figure Skater with Purple Cheetah Print Invitation
    by GollyGirls

    Figure skating party invitations for tween or teen

    If you are organizing a party for a girl a little older, here are some options that should be more appropriate. You can personalize them too.

    Figure Skater Party Invitation
    Figure Skater Party Invitation
    by CottonLamb
    Ice skating birthday party invitation (stars)
    Ice skating birthday party invitation (stars)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    Insert Custom HTML

    Ice skating party invitations for boys

    And let's not forget the boys. They can have ice skating parties too and they don't have to be hockey parties. Below are some options for them:

    Ice Skating party Invitation
    Ice Skating party Invitation
    by celebrationideas
    Boy Ice Skater Invitation
    Boy Ice Skater Invitation
    by heartfeltclub
    Boy's Ice Skate Extreme Birthday Invitation
    Boy's Ice Skate Extreme Birthday Invitation
    by tictactogs
    Ice skating birthday party invitation (boy)
    Ice skating birthday party invitation (boy)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    See all ice skating party invitations on Zazzle

    3 - Decor - Figure skating party ideas

    Now let's talk decoration. If it is at the rink, you will not be able to decorate much unless you have a private room as well.
    But if it is off the ice, this is when you can let your imagination run wild to decorate.

    Balloons, pillows

    And you will also have the supplies that we will see in the next step.

    Temporary decorations

    Let's start with balloons and other decorations that you can create specifically for the occasion, and that you can personalize:

    Balloons:

    Ice skating birthday party balloon (girl)
    Ice skating birthday party balloon (girl)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    Ice Skating Birthday Party Personalized Balloon
    Ice Skating Birthday Party Personalized Balloon
    by Baby_time
    Boy's Ice Skate Personalized Birthday Balloon
    Boy's Ice Skate Personalized Birthday Balloon
    by reflections06
    See all ice skating balloons on Zazzle

    Banners:

    Ice skating party banner (bunting)
    Ice skating party banner (bunting)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    Ice Skating Happy Birthday Personalized Banner
    Ice Skating Happy Birthday Personalized Banner
    by Baby_time
    Ice skating party bunting banner (boy)
    Ice skating party bunting banner (boy)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion

    Items you can reuse

    You can also add touches to the room or space with elements which are a little more expensive but that you can later use to decorate a room: posters, pillows, 3D lamp

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Ice Skating Pink with Snowflakes Reversible Throw Pillow
    Ice Skating Pink with Snowflakes Reversible Throw Pillow
    by JKLDesigns
    Insert Custom HTML
    See all ice skating pillows on Zazzle

    3 - Supplies - Ice-skating birthday plates, napkins, glasses...

    Packs already ready on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Get it on Amazon

    Personalized plates and napkins

    Ice Skating Rink Girls Birthday Party Supplies Paper Plate
    Ice Skating Rink Girls Birthday Party Supplies Paper Plate
    by RustyDoodle
    Ice Skating Personalized Birthday Paper Plate
    Ice Skating Personalized Birthday Paper Plate
    by Baby_time
    Ice skating birthday party plate (stars)
    Ice skating birthday party plate (stars)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    See all ice skating plates on Zazzle
    Ice Skating Rink Girls Birthday Party Supplies Paper Napkins
    Ice Skating Rink Girls Birthday Party Supplies Paper Napkins
    by RustyDoodle
    Ice Skating Personalizes Glitter Napkins
    Ice Skating Personalizes Glitter Napkins
    by Baby_time
    Ice skating birthday party napkin (stars)
    Ice skating birthday party napkin (stars)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    See all ice skating plates on Zazzle

    Options for a boy figure skater

    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Party Paper Plate
    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Party Paper Plate
    by reflections06
    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Paper Napkins
    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Paper Napkins
    by reflections06
    Insert Custom HTML

    5 - Food - Ice skating party ideas for food

    Whether you are at the rink or off the ice, you will have to provide food if you are hosting yourself.

    You don't have to be creative here. You can stay with typical food that children love.
    The cake is where you can bring the ice skating theme as a decor.
    Here are a few items you can use on your cake: 

    Ice skating cake topper (with skates)
    Ice skating cake topper (with skates)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion

    Get the edible ice skating cake topper on Amazon

    Ice skating cake topper (star shape)
    Ice skating cake topper (star shape)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion

    Or you can also decorate cookies or cupcakes with snowflakes or ice skates on them, or directly in the shape of a skate.

    Get the ice skate cookie cutter on Amazon

    Get the ice skating cupcake decorations on Amazon

    Get the ice skate chocolate mold on Amazon


    6 - Games and activities - let's have fun!

    Games on the ice

    If your party is at the rink, you can break the free skating time with a few games:

    • Freeze skate - the kids are skating with a music, and when the music stops, they must freeze (which is a lot harder when skating than on the ground). They are eliminated if they keep moving.
    • Ice skating races - individual or with a relay
    • Ice skating obstacle course - you can set up cones, hoops and bars where kids have to step over or turn around
    • Skate chain / Conga line - kids form a line with hands around the waist of the kid in front of them - the front skater will increasingly accelerate and take sharper turns.

    Ice skating games off the ice

    You can either find games with ice skating theme on them, on imagine ice-skating pretend games:

    • If you have a trampoline, they can practice jumps over 1 turn
    • Or you can also practice jumps just on a flat surface - try to turn as much as possible
    • Do some roller skating
    • Practice balance - by standing on one foot in different positions (increase the difficulty as the game progresses - flamingo, arabesque, sitting spin position...) - the first one to fall or put the foot down looses
    • Slide board - You can also purchase a practice equipment that your ice skater can later use: a slide board - kids can first have fun sliding from side to side 
    • or they can simply play cards or enjoy a puzzle with the ice skating theme. Below are some examples
    Ice skating playing cards - Born to ice skate
    Ice skating playing cards - Born to ice skate
    by Ice_Skating_Passion
    Ice skating puzzle (women figure skating)
    Ice skating puzzle (women figure skating)
    by Ice_Skating_Passion

    Get a slide board on Amazon


    7 - Favors - Thank you small gifts

    Here are some ideas for favors to give to your guests:

    • Pins
    • Stickers
    • Keychains
    • Ice skating coloring books
    • Entrance tickets to the ice rinks

    And for the ice skater invited to the party:

    • Gloves
    • Leg warmers
    • Skate charms
    • ...

    Get them on Amazon

    Get it

    Get it

    Get them it on Amazon

    Beginner Ice Skater Sticker
    Beginner Ice Skater Sticker
    by stick_figures
    Figure Skating (I Love) Pink/Purple Skater Rectangular Sticker
    Figure Skating (I Love) Pink/Purple Skater Rectangular Sticker
    by iceskatinggifts
    Skating Boots Keychain
    Skating Boots Keychain
    by HopscotchDesigns

    And you can place them in a favor box with the theme of your decoration:

    Ice Skating Birthday Party Favor Box
    Ice Skating Birthday Party Favor Box
    by Baby_time
    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Party Favor Box
    Boy's Ice Skate Birthday Party Favor Box
    by reflections06
    Insert Custom HTML
    See all ice skating favor boxes on Zazzle

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    ice skating party ideas Pin
    Ice skating theme party Pin3

    Ice dancing vs Figure skating – 7 differences

    Last updated on March 6, 2022

    Watching sports on TV and wondering what the differences are between ice dancing and figure skating?
    Or looking for a club for your kid and wondering what is better: ice dancing vs figure skating? 
    Jumps, dances, costumes, skates... below is the comparison between the 2 sports.

    differences ice dancing vs figure skating Pin

    Table of Contents
    Differences between ice dancing and figure skating - Summary
    1. At high level, ice dancers compete only as pairs
    2. Ice dancing vs figure skating - no jumps
    3. Balance between partners
    4. Differences in the competition events & use of themes
    5. Falls 
    6. Figure skates vs ice dancing skates
    7. The skating dresses have different shapes
    Which sport to choose for children - ice dancing or figure skating?

    This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


    Differences between ice dancing and figure skating - Summary

    While, ice dancing is officially a discipline within Figure skating, it is quite different.
    If you want to explain briefly the difference between the 2 sports:

    • Figure skating is gymnastics on ice - it is all about jumps, spins and dramatic lifts
    • Whilst ice dance is dance on ice - it is about musical interpretation, footwork and rhythm

    What you will notice the most is that there are no jumps in ice dancing.

    But I will go into more detailed differences in this article.

    Figure skating vs ice dancing

    Figure skating vs ice dancing

    What they have in common

    • Both disciplines are on ice - LOL
    • Overall shape of the skate is similar
    • Some technical elements with the footwork and spins are common
    • Both are Olympic sports - although figure skating has been part of it since the first official Winter Games in 1924, whilst ice dancing started only in 1976. Learn more about figure skating at the Olympics.

    Let's dive into the major differences.


    1. At high level, ice dancers compete only as pairs

    For traditional figure skating, you can see international competition for single women, single men and pairs.
    However at high level, ice dancers only compete in pairs, not as individuals.

    At National level, you can train and compete as a solo ice dancer. There are a few international meets, but nothing like World championships or the Olympics.


    2. Ice dancing vs figure skating - no jumps

    This second difference is the most obvious.

    In single-women, single-men and Pairs figure skating they keep doing jumps (axel, lutz...)
    Whereas the ice dancers don't jump.
    Ice dancing is far less acrobatic. Partners don't jump or toss the other one in the air or lift above the head.
    Jumps are not even allowed.

    So, if you see a pair on the ice, the way to recognize ice dancing is to see if they are jumping or being thrown.

    figure skating jump Canva
    Figure Skating gift banner
    Figure Skating gift banner Zazzle 3
    Sticker ice skates pair figure skating rainbow
    Figure skater notebook star on ice frozen blue
    Ice skating mirror figure skates red silver
    Personalize & Buy

    3. Balance between partners

    You may also notice that figure skating pairs do not look like ice dancing couples.

    Being more acrobatic, a figure skating pair is less balanced: the man is tall and large whilst the woman is tiny to fly in the air (most of the time).
    Whereas for ice dancing (like for ballroom dancing) harmony is essential and the size is way more balanced (normally not more than one head of height difference).


    4. Differences in the competition events & use of themes

    Ice dancing used to be even closer to ballroom dancing with mandatory dances. But it has evolved, to be more appealing to novice watchers.

    Here are the events for figure skating vs ice dancing (at senior level): 

    • Figure skating events
      It starts with a short program that lasts 2min40 - theme and music are free
      And there is a long program for 4 minutes - theme and music are free
      Mandatory elements include lifts, jumps and spins.
    • Ice dancing events
      The short dance last about 3 minutes. There is a mandatory theme each year such as Foxtrot, Tango or cha-cha. Each pair must interpret the theme.
      The free dance is for about 4 minutes. For this one, the choice of theme is free, but there must be a story being told by the dance.
      Mandatory elements include footwork such as twizzles, lifts and now also a few spins.
    • Below is a video of an example.
    • Similarly test and levels are slightly different. Learn more here

    5. Falls 

    Due to its acrobatic nature, figure skating includes a lot of falls during its events.
    However, in ice dance, falls are rare (and if they happen, they are disastrous for the final score). 

    And it is the same during practice.
    If your kid chooses figure skating, he/she will spend a lot of time falling on the ice. Whilst in ice dancing, once you know the basics, falls are not common.

    Figure Skating gift banner Zazzle 3
    ice skating accessory gift banner
    Tote bag Figure skating girl purple pink
    Figure skater t-shirt star on ice pink red swirl
    Necklace Figure skating girl red silver
    Personalize & Buy

    6. Figure skates vs ice dancing skates

    Non initiated viewers will not notice the difference.
    But there are actual differences between Figure skating skates and ice dancing skates, which is logical since the figures are different.

    • for ice dance, the blades are shorter at the end (the tail). It is no longer than the boot as opposed to figure skates - learn more about blades.
    • at high level, ice dancers often have special boots that are cut at the back to allow for better lines when pointing toes
    figure skates vs ice dancing skates

    7. The skating dresses have different shapes

    Finally, as a general rule, ice dancing dresses are often longer than figure skating.
    Here again it is logical since figure skaters need aerodynamic outfits to jump and spin. If the dress is too long, it will limit their movements.


    Which sport to choose for children - ice dancing or figure skating?

    That is an excellent question.

    First of all, as a beginner they can start in either club. The basic steps are the same. To learn to skate both sports are fine.
    You can switch later.

    In some counties, ice dancing is part of the figure skating clubs. In others you have separate ice dancing clubs.
    Check out what is available at the rink close to you.

    When it is time to decide:

    • if your kid is jumping everywhere, always climbing on furniture... then figure skating is the best choice
    • if your kid is always dancing when music is playing (like I was, even in the middle of a shop...) then ice dancing may be a better choice.
    beginner figure skating or ice dancing
    Figure Skating gift banner Zazzle 3
    ice skating accessory gift banner
    Figure skating notebook gift star ice pink
    Figure skating leggings gift born to skate
    Figure skating blade towel synchro blue arabesque gift
    Personalize & Buy

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