Synchronized skaters star at Training Festival by LESLIE GRAHAM
W
hile they didn’t have their popcorn and licorice ropes, more than 200 athletes enjoyed a movie-themed weekend, July 27–29, at the 2012 Synchronized Skating Training Festival at the University of Delaware in Newark.
Skaters were split into eight teams that featured the titles of hit movies:
Footloose, Shrek, Enchanted, Te Sound of Music, Toy Story, Across the Universe, Fame and Hercules. Dressed in different colored T-shirts that reflected their team’s movie, the
skaters worked with every Team USA coach. On-ice classes included step se- quences, stage presence, turns and features in elements, and developing turns and edges. Off-ice classes included performance execution, artistry in motion, team building and core, stretch and strength exercises. “It was a great experience to get to make new friends from different syn-
chro teams, and it was amazing to get to work with the best coaches in the country,” camper Kylie Saloma said. Kelley Ristau, chair of the Synchronized Skating Devel-
opment Subcommittee, served as the keynote speaker, wel- coming the athletes and encouraging them to have fun and challenge themselves throughout the weekend. DREAM program members Katilyn Peterson, Sennett
Cooke and Tessa Hedges also addressed the young skaters. From being an alternate to staying humble throughout the season, each skater spoke to challenges she faced while be- ing involved in synchronized skating and how she over- came those trials and tribulations.
Te camp concluded with each team performing a program that they worked on during camp. Te exhibi-
tion, which was also held on the last night of the camp, included the DREAM skaters performing a program to Dreamgirls. “I always enjoy coming to the Training Festival,” Miami University coach
Carla DeGirolamo said. “It is such a wonderful opportunity to work with skaters and coaches from all across the country who are united by the love of the sport. I hope the athletes enjoyed themselves as much as the coaches did and that they each learned something new to take home to their teammates.” Along with the athlete track, coaches participated in their own track,
which included observing on-ice classes, as well as group discussion regarding topics relevant to coaching in the sport. In addition, U.S. Figure Skating hosted a team manager track and parent education classes.
54 OCTOBER 2012
Coach Saga Krantz helps Team Hercules with their block formation.
Team Fame show their enthusiasm at the athlete welcome event.