Gotham Takes Boston
The Boston Synchronized Skating Classic in Marlborough, MA marked our competitive debut for the 2019-2020 season. We were eager to show off our programs for the first time.
The Friday before last, our skaters and coaches traveled to Massachusetts by plane and carpool. Adult and Masters had official practice on Friday evening - both teams executing clean double-runthroughs in front of the technical panel.
This season, Masters skates a dreamy, confident program called “Wake Up in Paris.” The competition dresses are provided by The Line Up - they are a soft pink color with a draped bodice, long flowing skirt, and a faux scarf tied in a bow. As the skaters turn and spin, the airy feel of the dresses help create the feeling of a daydream.
On Saturday morning, Masters spent time at the hotel perfecting their hair and makeup looks for the competition. The skaters wore their hair in deep side parts and low buns to go with the Parisian theme, while the makeup included pink sparkle eyeshadow to accent the dress.
The program starts with an energetic Pivoting Block, featuring over 180 degrees of pivot as well as two turns and a change of pivot point. This strong element covers over two-thirds of the ice. Another highlight of the program is the Whip Intersection, which builds suspense as the skaters form two tight curves skating backward towards each other, and releases tension when the skaters intersect at the height of the musical phrase. Most recently the team had been working to improve a transition from their Traveling Circle to the Artistic Block, which they executed cleanly in competition. They were awarded a score of 29.15 resulting in a second-place finish. They received high marks for their Artistic Wheel and the Composition of the program.
Meanwhile, the Adult team was cheering loudly in the stands. Then, they reconvened for team bonding and video review, so that they could reset from the exciting morning into “competition mode.” By each stating their favorite part of the program and what they are most proud of, the skaters transferred positive energy and confidence to each other. The prepared hair and makeup at the hotel before making their way to the rink, dresses in hand.
The Adult team was the first team to skate in its division. Set to the song “Skyfall” by Adele, the Adult team’s program is smooth yet strong. Their edgy dresses from The Line Up feature an asymmetrical skirt, strappy open back, and an elegant high neck. Black mesh is gathered on the bodice over shiny royal blue fabric creating a navy color with a subtle sheen.
The program opens with an Artistic Wheel featuring two configurations and impressive loop jumps. It also features interesting transitions that use spread eagles and lunges. Despite a quick fall in the first element they completed the rest of the program with commitment and intensity. The final score was 39.67 resulting in a fourth-place finish. The highest-scored element was the Line and the highest-scored components were Composition and Interpretation of the Music.
The Boston Synchro Classic offered the chance to watch all levels of skating, from beginners through Senior. It was a treat to be able to relax by watching the competitive Junior field and the breathtaking Haydenettes. On Sunday we made our way back to New York City ready to keep improving our programs.
Coming up, each team will have a bootcamp before performing in their respective holiday shows: Holiday on the Hudson at Sky Rink (Adult) and Snow Globe Winter Ice Show at City Ice Pavilion (Masters).