insynch Getting creative Team USA excited about international schedule by LESLIE GRAHAM
The Skyliners perform on the “Today” Show.
E in 2013: CUP OF BERLIN Te international season begins with the
Cup of Berlin, January 18‒19. California Gold and the Hockettes will represent the United States.
California Gold, sixth at the 2012 U.S. Syn- 56 DECEMBER 2012
xcitement is in the air as the 12 junior and senior teams named to the U.S. Synchronized Skating Team wait for the international season to begin.
Te teams are riding a wave of momentum
from the 2012 campaign, in which they earned six medals at their international events, including a bronze medal by the Haydenettes at the World Synchronized Skating Championships. Changes in the rules this season should en- able teams to show more creativity in their ele- ments and transitions. Te introduction of the “Creative Element” has generated a lot of excite- ment and allows teams more latitude in the way they perform their routines. Here’s a look at where Team USA is headed
chronized Skating Championships, will be skat- ing their short program to “I Want to be Loved by You” by Sinead O’Connor and their free skate to music from Te Mummy, by Randy Edelman. Tis will be the third time California Gold has competed in Berlin. Tey placed fourth in 2011. Te Hockettes junior team last competed
overseas at the 2011 Spring Cup in Italy. Tey placed third and were a part of an all-American podium sweep. In Berlin, they will skate to “To- gether Again” by Janet Jackson for their short program and “We Will Rock You,” the muscial, for their free skate.
LEON LURJE TROPHY Te Crystallettes and Miami University will attend the Leon Lurje Trophy in Gothenburg, Sweden, January 26‒27. Tey will be joined by the Synchroettes junior team. After a gold-medal performance at the Neu-
chatel Trophy and a successful trip to the World Championships, the Crystallettes will look for continued success in Sweden. Te team will skate to “Tat Man” by Caro Emerald for their short
program and the music from the Van Helsing soundtrack for their free skate. Miami University finished fifth at the
French Cup last season. It hopes its “Danse Ma- cabre” short program and 1920s-inspired free skate will provide the momentum needed for a successful 2013 campaign. Led by Carla DeGi- rolamo, the RedHawks return with most of their skaters from last season. Te Synchroettes will make their inter- national debut in Sweden. Coached by Geri Lynch-Tomich, the team is skating to “Trashin’ the Camp” by Phil Collins for its short program and a Michael Jackson medley for its free skate.
FRENCH CUP Te French Cup is shaping up to be the most competitive event of the season. A strong U.S. contingent will head to Rouen, France, Feb- ruary 1‒2. Te Haydenettes, led by coach Saga Krantz, look to continue their success after a bronze- medal finish at the ISU World Synchronized Championships.