Synchronized Skating clinic

Synchronized skating is a fast-growing sport that gives figure skaters an opportunity to participate in a team activity while perfecting their basic skating skills.

Robert Crown Center in Evanston has hosted numerous synchronized skating teams since the1980s. After fielding three ISI teams for the last several years, the Jewels will launch the rink’s first USFS team for the 2011/2012 season.

United States Figure Skating (USFS) and Ice Skating Institute  (ISI) are the two governing bodies of United States skating. USFS is often seen as the more competitive league, fielding the US Olympic team, while ISI is focused on recreational skating. (Though that distinction has narrowed in recent years.)

The Jewels will still field two ISI teams. Christine Hathaway Geist will coach the Ruby team, while Kristen Tanakatsubo is the Sapphire Team coach.

Jana Reynolds will lead the USFS team. To try out, skaters must be 8-11 years old, passed Freestyle 1, have a private coach and prior synchronized skating experience.

The team will participate in three exhibitions and three competitions during the  season, including the USFS Midwestern Championships in February.

Skaters must have passed Freestyle 3 to try out for the Ruby Team, and Freestyle 1 to audition for the Sapphires. Prior synchronized skating experience is required for the Ruby team, but not Sapphire.

 The Rubies will skate in 4 competitions next season, while the Sapphires will compete in three events.

A clinic for all three teams will be held May 27 and June 1 at 6:00 pm at the Robert Crown Center. Tryouts will take place June 3 at 6:15 pm.