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The new Team Viola lived intenses auditions last weekend
Team Viola, the new British team, organized the first auditions last weekend. /Credits: Team Viola
Just over 1 month ago, Team Viola announced they would be building a new synchronized skating team. The kicker? The entire team is fully-funded by a corporate sponsor that wants to allow skaters to pursue their best in synchro, without worrying about the financial cost of it all. Based out of the United Kingdom, the team has been accepting audition videos from skaters all over the world. The best videos were selected to attend an intense audition weekend from Mar 18-19 at Ice Arena Wales.
So what’s it like to attend the auditions for a fully sponsored synchronized skating team? In a word: astonishing.
During auditions, skaters were put to the test over the course of two days, getting the chance to showcase their skills in physical fitness, ballet, dance, skating skills, synchro skills, and choreography.
Darcie Dixon, a member of the team selection committee, commented on the experience. “It was thorough and exhausting, but no talent was left unsung. The skaters brought their very best to the ice and the floor. Everyone shone under the bright lights of the beautiful new Ice Arena Wales.”
Team fitness trainer Rhodris Williams had a great weekend working with the coaches and potential skaters, remarking “I'm really excited for the season ahead and feel we can achieve something really special here for British synchro skating.”
The audition assessment team was joined by renowned choreographer Mark Naylor. Putting the skaters to the test with his world-famous choreography from the likes of none other than Holiday on Ice, he commented, “What a unique and very special synchronized skating audition to be a part of. I really appreciated the focus and brilliant organization of the entire day. I also loved the varied approach to the auditions: on ice with the various skating skills, off ice with ballet and physical tests. The schedule was carefully considered, and although the day was intense, there were enough breaks for the skaters to have some food and to mentally regroup.”
Team sponsor, Chris Hamilton, left the weekend feeling proud and inspired. “It's difficult to put into words how I felt watching the auditions these past two days. [I have so much] admiration for the skaters putting themselves through this ordeal, and I respect those who travelled so far to [attend these auditions]. I'm proud and honoured to be part of this team.”
The members of this team will be a part of something really special; a new, fresh, exciting turn for synchro in Great Britain.
Head coach Katrina Cotterrall noted the effort put out by the auditioning skaters who were all vying for a spot on the prestigious new Team Viola. She states, “The weekend was great. The members of this team will be a part of something really special; a new, fresh, exciting turn for synchro in Great Britain. We are so lucky as a Nation, to have this opportunity for athletes to train at a high level without the added financial pressure. While we had a fair number of applicants, the standard was very diverse. We have a call back system currently in place, but we haven't made the final cuts yet; there is still time reach out and get in touch with Team Viola if skaters have questions or would like to be considered for the team.”
Darcie Dixon added closing thoughts on the weekend. “Building an elite team takes time and commitment. Team Viola will have an intense training plan, and is looking to build a team of skilled skaters who demonstrate passion, dedication, and a commitment to constant improvement. The auditioning skaters showed qualities that aligned with these tenets, with not only a love for the sport but also a hunger to improve and be their very best. This is surely the start of something great.”
