Magazine
Dance with other synchro teams on Zoom this Saturday
Magazine
Dance with other synchro teams on Zoom this Saturday
The Trophy D'Ecosse Zoom Ceilidh will take place on Saturday 13th February 19:00 (GMT).
Even if the Trophy d'Ecosse has unfortunately been cancelled this year due to Covid-19, it will still be possible for synchro skaters to party. This Saturday, the traditionnal Ceilidh evening takes place... virtually!
As with many countries around the world, there are very strict lockdown restrictions in place in Scotland, limiting travel and any competitive events. This makes it impossible to hold Trophy d'Ecosse this year.
"There have been such severe restrictions in the UK on ice rinks being open - our teams have not had any ice to practice since we held Junior Worlds in Nottingham last year. So being able to hold any kind of event has been impossible," starts Christopher Buchanan, Trophy d'Ecosse technical delegate and also sometimes TC, Referee or even Data Input for the event.
"There have been such severe restrictions in the UK on ice rinks being open - our teams have not had any ice to practice since we held Junior Worlds in Nottingham last year. So being able to hold any kind of event has been impossible," starts Christopher Buchanan, Trophy d'Ecosse technical delegate and also sometimes TC, Referee or even Data Input for the event.
A usual Ceilidh evening at the Trophy d'Ecosse.
"Losing the event is such a blow to the skaters in the UK and those teams that have supported the event on a regular basis. The people of Dumfries are also very disappointed as they look forward to welcoming all of the teams to the town every year. It is always a very enthusiastic welcome for the visitors and teams in the rink and in the shops, hotels and restaurants in Dumfries. The local residents love when the teams hit the town - they treat the skaters like rock stars!" regrets Christopher Buchanan.
Held for the first time in 2011, the Trophy d’Ecosse was added to the ISU calendar of International Synchronized Skating events in 2012.
Dance the night awayHeld for the first time in 2011, the Trophy d’Ecosse was added to the ISU calendar of International Synchronized Skating events in 2012.
This is why the organizing committee had the original idea of organizing the Ceilidh evening also this year. Usually, this event is a very traditional Scottish experience with food, drinks and lots of music and dancing. It is also an opportunity to relax and mix with the people from the other teams and countries as the Scottish Dances are group dances designed to move you around the floor, changing groups of partners.
"We have a DJ that plays the music but also gives the instructions to the dancers about what they need to do. Very like American Barn dances with a caller," explains Christopher Buchanan. "The evening is a mix of Scottish dances and current pop music to make it fun for everyone. It has to be said that the skaters all seem to love the traditional dance as well and the dance floor is always packed," he adds.
"We have a DJ that plays the music but also gives the instructions to the dancers about what they need to do. Very like American Barn dances with a caller," explains Christopher Buchanan. "The evening is a mix of Scottish dances and current pop music to make it fun for everyone. It has to be said that the skaters all seem to love the traditional dance as well and the dance floor is always packed," he adds.
This year, the traditional Ceilidh host will be virtually on Zoom. The participants will have a mix of the fun Scottish Country Dances and the Flash Mob routines like the previous years.
"When teams or individuals register, they will be sent information and links that give easy to follow instructions for the Scottish Country Dances as well as the links to the Flash mob routines. We will also give instruction before each of the dances - very quick and very simple, just as we do at the live events. Being synchro skaters - they are used to picking up steps really quickly," says Christopher Buchanan.
Synchro teams have the opportunity to register by email (entries@iceskating.org.uk) for this virtual Ceilidh evening that will take place this Saturday. "For those teams that have taken part in the competition in previous years, they will know how much fun the competitors and supporters have at the Ceilidh," he concludes.
"When teams or individuals register, they will be sent information and links that give easy to follow instructions for the Scottish Country Dances as well as the links to the Flash mob routines. We will also give instruction before each of the dances - very quick and very simple, just as we do at the live events. Being synchro skaters - they are used to picking up steps really quickly," says Christopher Buchanan.
Synchro teams have the opportunity to register by email (entries@iceskating.org.uk) for this virtual Ceilidh evening that will take place this Saturday. "For those teams that have taken part in the competition in previous years, they will know how much fun the competitors and supporters have at the Ceilidh," he concludes.
