Twin Cities "synchro" skaters represent U.S. at world competitions
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A Twin Cities synchronized ice skating troupe is representing the U.S. on the world stage this week.
Why it matters: Minneapolis-based Northernettes Synchronized Skating club has trained some of the nation's most promising young "synchro" stars.
- A series of upcoming overseas competitions, including the Hevelius Cup that kicks off in Poland on Thursday, are basically their equivalent of the Olympic Games.
How it works: "Synchro" puts 16 skaters together on the ice to perform a coordinated, choreographed routine.
- "I describe it as dance team on ice," Alana Christie, the Northernettes' coach and founder, told Axios.
Zoom out: Northernettes, which Christie started nine years ago, operates nine teams for skaters ages 5 through 25.
- The junior team, made up of teenagers, has qualified to compete internationally under the U.S. National team banner for five consecutive years.
What we're hearing: Christie discovered the sport in her teens, after years competing as a solo figure skater. She went on to spend over half a decade skating on U.S. national teams on the international circuit.
- The joy, camaraderie and support that came with having teammates — which she called "the greatest thing ever" — inspired her to start her own club to train the next generation of synchro skaters.
What to expect: Christie described the more technical of the two routines the junior team will perform this week, set to a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's the "Sound of Silence," as powerful and "a little haunting."
- The longer freeform program, set to "The Long and Winding Road" by The Beatles, is "more lyrical and floaty."
What we're watching: Synchro supporters hope that the sport will eventually be added to the roster for a future Winter Games.
- A new format featuring fewer skaters debuted late last year as part of the push to qualify by the 2030 games.
- The sport will also be included in the program for the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
What's next: The junior team returns to the road next month, with another international competition in Finland.