MFSC is proud to support its synchronized skating program under the banners of Mississauga Motion(youth Synchronized Skating Teams) and Ice Precise(Adult Synchronized Skating Teams) For the past several years MFSC teams have competed very successfully in synchronized skating events both locally and internationally frequently winning, bronze, silver and gold medals in their respective categories.
Mississauga Motion will not be fielding any teams this season due to insufficient skater numbers. We hope to be back next season! Any enquiries, please email: synchro@mississaugsfsc.comor call Valerie Zellermeyer at 905-238-6591.
Ice Precise will be fielding 3 Adult teams for the 2011-2012 season . . . for more details, visit their website clickhere or contact Nita at nita.patel@live.com and/or Irene at 416-464-7019 or ireneg@iceprecise.ca.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SYNCHRONIZED SKATING
What is Synchronized skating? Synchronized skating is the fastest growing figure skating discipline in the world. It consists of 12-20 figure skaters on the ice at one time moving as one flowing unit while skating a choreographed program to music. Synchronized Skating combines the beauty, elegance and difficulty of singles/pairs skating with the advantages and excitement of a team sport.
What do you do in Synchronized skating? Skaters perform a variety of types of footwork, group formations and skating manoeuvres. Heads, legs, arms and bodies must move in synchronization and in unison and formations must be accurately presented. It is similar in nature to synchronized swimming.
Who can get involved in Synchronized skating? YOU CAN! Skaters of all ages and skating ability can become involved. Simply come to one of the sessions to see what the fun is about!
What type of skater are the Mississauga Teams looking for? We are always looking for skaters who wish to have fun and enjoy a team atmosphere where they can develop and utilize their skating skills. Those who enjoy skating with their friends would be a great fit!
What are the skating requirements to skate on the teams? You should be able to do forward and backward crossovers and you should be comfortable doing turns such as three turns and Mohawks. In addition to the technical requirements, being a positive team player, having commitment, desire and determination, enthusiasm and love of skating are all definitely an asset.
Is it just for select really good, experienced skaters? DEFINITELY NOT! Joining a synchronized skating team allows skaters of all levels to develop their skating skills in a positive and encouraging environment, with others who seek to do the same. The strategy of goal setting is developed and skaters learn how to utilize their strengths and develop areas needing improvement. Skating with others allows skaters to achieve success at a rapid rate. TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE.
Why should I join a Synchronized Skating team? Being part of a team that represents your club will create a sense of team spirit and loyalty among your club members. Wearing their team's colors and cheering for teammates is one of the most exciting parts of synchronized skating competitions! Skaters often get to travel to places all over the province (and sometimes even across the country) as they take part in Synchro competitions. They experience the joys of teamwork as they experience success as a result of their skating abilities. FUN and Friendships are the main reason skaters enjoy the sport of synchronized skating!
What is the time commitment involved? In addition to your current singles skating endeavours, Synchro teams have a set practice schedule that varies depending on what team you choose to skate on. Our teams usually skate together once or twice per week. How many skaters are on a team? Each team is made up of 12-24 skaters depending on the category.
What are the categories of Synchronized Skating?
Beginner I: No age limit/restrictions; Recommend skaters at CanSkate - stage 4 or higher
Beginner II
Elementary
Juvenile
PreNovice
Novice
Intermediate
Open
Junior
Senior
Adult I
Adult II
Adult III
BRIEF HISTORY OF SYNCHRONIZED SKATING AT MFSC
Ice Precise, proud member of the Mississauga Figure Skating Club was formed in1998 by Frances McLellan as she wanted to continue “precision skating” (as it was known then) with other adults. Managed by the Mississauga Junior team manager, coached by Angie Forestieri and consisting of only 14 skaters, the team entered one competition under the name “Magic Motion” and placed 2nd. Suddenly we were hooked! Over the next few years we named ourselves “Mississauga Ice Precise” and grew into a full team. Donna Sas and Irene Gryniewski, two skaters from the team took on the task of managing the team and remain the managers to this day. As synchro began to evolve, Mississauga Ice Precise hit some road blocks in their competition standings. It became clear that we had a diverse range of skill and needed to evolve with the sport. After much discussion and soul searching, in 2003 Ice Precise split into two and formed both an Adult Festival and a Masters team. Just prior to splitting into two teams we also had the great opportunity to hire a new coach; former black ice skater and National and World Champion, Nita Patel. It was like a new beginning. The Mississauga Ice Precise Masters Team (managed by Linda Klarner) in their first year went on to become the Ontario Regional Champions and have retained that title ever since (eight years straight!). They even went on to win the Aquitaine Cup in Bordeaux France in the spring of 2006 AND 2007. Meanwhile, the Adult team climbed their way to Ontario Regional Champions and Canadian National Adult Festival Champions in 2006 and retained both titles again in 2007 and remained on the podium until 2010! A few years ago, the technical requirements of Adult Synchro skating underwent a huge change. Both of the teams (then, Adult 1 and Adult 3) went on to win their respective national divisions at the Canadian Adult Figure Skating Championships in Ottawa in April, 2010 and both teams placed 4th in 2011. For the 2011-12 Season, the "little team that grew" is growing again! We are going from two Adult teams to three Adult teams. Ice Precise will have a team in each of the Adult 1, 2 and 3 categories. Now we have a place for all adult synchro skaters to skate! Skaters can flow from one team to another as their lives and priorities change. Today there are 2 members remaining from the original team of 14 skaters back in 1998. We are truly the little team that grew!
Mini Motion, skated at the Juvenile level. They were placed 6th in their Brantford competition which took place on March 20th, 2004; and 4th in the Thornhill Fun Competition which took place on April 18th, 2004
Mystic Motion (Novice category), whose members range from 10 to 16 years of age, originally skated at the Pre-Novice level. They have enjoyed a very successful season, winning 1st place in all but one competition during 2003 - 2004 season. The team skated at the Novice level under the Mississauga Motion umbrella through 2004-2005 season. They enjoyed a very successful season, placing in on the podium at each competition they attended, placing second at Central ”Regionals” and finished the season with a great performance at the BMO Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships in Sarnia becoming the CANADIAN FESTIVAL NOVICE CHAMPIONS. Continuing their great success National Championships, the team places second in 2006 (Hamilton, ON), earned a National Bronze Medal in 2007 (Chicoutimi, Quebec), a Silver medal in 2008 (Chilliwack, BC) became National Champions in 2009 (Oshawa, ON) and had a top ten placement at the 2011 event in Brampton, ON.
Ice E-Motion, whose members range from 13 to 22 years of age, skated at the Open level (the most advanced level in the Festival of synchronized skating until 2005). They achieved a two time 4th and two time 6th places in their four regional competitions. Having achieved a 4th place in the Regional Festival Championships, which took place at the Hershey Centre, the team became qualified to join the National Festival of Synchronized Skating Championships held in Brandon, Manitoba between March 4th and 8th of 2004, at which they achieved a 6th place.
Ice E-Motion Junior, this festival team was formed in 2005-6 following the restructuring of Synchronized skating in Canada. In their first season together, this team placed 2nd at the National Championships! The following two seasons, the team improved their standings by winning the GOLD medal at both the 2007 (Chicoutimi, QC) and 2008 National Championships (Chilliwack, BC)! With an amazing performance, the junior team narrowly missed top spot and finished 2nd at Nationals in 2009.
Skate Canada Synchronized skating underwent another massive restructuring in 2009-10 season. Ice E-Motion Junior team stayed strong throughout it all. With determination and perseverance, the team performed both short and long programs at the 2010 National Championships and placed a respectable 6th.
