SynchroNice / Third Edition / 2018

SYNCHRO NICE 65 WE’VE SEEN A LOTOF PROGRESS For the Synchronized Skating discipline, it was a strong but a beautiful, by invitation only competition. Only the 5 strongest countries where invited to participate in this Trophy. It wasn’t on our schedule at first, this Shanghai Trophy, although we always regret it very much not to be able to present pictures of such an important competition. However, the costs and the time we would spend on only 5 teams would be entirely out of proportion, so instead we chose to attend the Zagreb’s Snowflake Trophy the week after but, as we all heard recently, this competition was regrettably cancelled due to the lack of contestants. We regret this very much because we know, how hard some people have been working to make the Snowflakes Trophy happen in December. Nevertheless, it also left us short in new season photo’s. We do need photos of the new costumes and faces in teams for our next SynchroNice Magazine. So, in a last-minute brain short circuit, we applied for Chinese Visa, booked a hotel, got on a plane, and on our way to Shanghai we were. A well-organized competition is what you expect from the Chinese Hosts and we have to confirm, Hotel, Shuttle, Venue, etc. all was arranged very professionally and the service level was outstanding. Everything worked just like clock- work and everybody was very friendly and helpful. We saw Paradise, MIU and Surprise perform earlier this season, at the Fin- landia Trophy but, it became instantly clear when we visited first practice in Shanghai, all 3 teams have been using their time well since Finlandia Trophy. They definitely made a lot of progress. Very exciting also, to see this year’s Canadian an American answer to the Russian supremacy over the past few years. The Haydenettes showed 2 beautiful programs but the Trophy came perhaps a little early in the season. Although all Haydenettes skaters stepped onto the Ice with confidence and a lot of pride…. They still need to do some work before they can top Team Paradise. ‘‘ Another thing that always strikes us, is the fun and laughter within the Canadian team Les Supremes. It looks like they’re all the best of friends and just having a ball together. It’s one giant energy burst when they enter the ice rink and therefore a real joy to watch. Whether Paradise made more progress since their last en- counter, or Marigold IceUnity just didn’t skate their seasons best performance yet, who knows, the judges decided never- theless, that Paradise performed better, so they took home the gold and a nice addition to their treasure chest. 