Neuchâtel Trophy

Synchronized skating was initiated in 1957 in the United States.  Teams began as exhibition skating and were similar to  majorettes on ice. Competitions began in the 60’s in California. In 1976 Canadian teams took part in the first international competition held in Ann Arbor (Michigan).  The Canadian teams were fast, their skating was very smooth and they included dance steps in their programmes.  The compulsory and free skating routines were introduced to the  programmes. In 1977 Canada and the United States got together to discuss the rules.

In 1995 Canada organised the first World Synchronized Skating Championships.

In 2001 the first Junior World Cup or World Challenge Cup for Juniors was organized in Neuchâtel as part of the Neuchâtel Trophy.

Synchronized skating is the latest within the skating disciplines where groups of 8 to 16 skaters combine to execute different figures or movements choreographed to music of their choice.  The skaters remain linked by different hand held movements.

The participants appreciate the team spirit and the competition offers an entertaining alternative to figure skating with teams made up of 10-20 skaters.  As in figure skating, a short and free, or long, programme is presented.

All the skaters keep together during the programme and separations are extremely rare. They are required to keep together in perfect harmony synchronized to go through the manoeuvres or formation and the five fundamental elements or figures: the line, circle, block, intersections and the wheel.  The judges give a technical  and artistic marks which are based on the synchronization, precision of the elements, the steps and the movements as well as the degree of difficulty and the speed of the team on the ice.

The accent is more about team values and team spirit which is different to individual skating.