Ice Steps - FIN (Credits: S.J. Photos - 2019)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season’s third edition of Cup of Dresden had to be cancelled. But the organizing committee decided to offer another opportunity for teams.

"For a few months now, nothing has been the same in many areas of life, especially in our beloved ice skating sport and synchronized skating discipline. In these times, we are all struggling with the effects of this unpredictable virus that has spread around the world. Many areas of public life have come to a standstill and are facing severe restrictions. This includes numerous sports clubs who are affected by this crisis: ice rinks are closed, practice sessions are severely restricted while at the same time events and competitions have to be cancelled one after another," regret the Cup of Dresden's organizing committee.

After the cancellation of the competition that normally takes place in Germany, not doing anything was really difficult for organizers. "For this reason, we have decided to make good use of this compulsory break by promoting the digital networking of the synchronized skating community."

That's how "Come TOGETHER ONCE" was born: a digital non-profit event of non-competitive nature expected to be broadcasted in mid-March 2021.

To participate, the organizers ask teams, coaches or officials to send a video clip. It can be a presentation video or a synchro free or short program (whether on ice or off ice).

Everybody who is involved in synchronized skating is invited to take part in this event. "We can show to the world that we don't stop fighting for the sport we all love! If the participants share their experiences and strategies, it may help other teams to develop new ways on how to solve some problems they are currently facing due to the restrictions. In a season lacking a specific goal, we want to bring something fun and joyful to the synchro community and create an event that teams can work towards," said Claudia Gallwitz and Susanne Schöne (organizers of the Cup of Dresden) and Lydia Paul (coach).

"Everyone is welcome! It doesn’t matter where the participants are from or what are their category. Apart from the various teams, we would like to invite officials, coaching staff, team leaders and everyone enthusiastic about synchronized skating to make a video contribution."

The event "Together Once“ it is not a competition. "Our goal is to offer all who are interested in an opportunity to gather around and meet virtually. Perhaps we might think about a little price for the most creative idea and presentation. The main purpose of the event is not to compare one another but to point out that we are all in the same boat right now and are all trying to make the best out of this situation," continued the organizing committee.

The participants will not have to pay an entry fee. The videos will be the contributions.

You mention that the program can also be presented off-ice. What are you thinking about? 

"We realize that many teams are still (or again) not allowed to meet and do their training sessions and can’t complete their programs. Together Once will be open to them as well, or particularly to them. Teams can introduce themselves, show their city's landmarks and explain how they deal with the current situation. If they can practice together in person, they may showcase their current programs or provide another wonderful performance off ice. If their practice sessions are severely restricted right now or up until the end of February, they are welcome to demonstrate that they are still active anyway. That can be a compilation of home-workout clips, recording of video call sessions or dance - there are no creative boundaries. We are curious about every story and how it will be told!"

The goal of the "Together Once" event is to bring the synchro community a bit closer in these difficult times by connecting teams who could have never seen or heard of each other.

The pre-registration date is on January 10th, and the videos should arrive at the end of February.