University of Michigan
Figure Skating Club

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I join the club or synchronized skating team?

To join the club, you can drop into any of our freestyle times (see the freestyle link for current schedule.) Skate on the session, talk to the skaters, and decide if the UM team is something you would enjoy. Another way to learn about UMFSC as a high school student is to come to one of our Wolverine Weekends (for more information see the Recruitment Page). We also have mass meetings at the beginning of the fall semester. For more details, email skateblue@umich.edu or one of our officers.

To join the synchronized skating team, you must attend the tryout sessions, either in the spring/summer or fall.  It is also highly recommended that all incoming freshman and returning skaters attend the summer training camp. For more information about synchro tryouts, please see the synchro page: http://www.umich.edu/~umsst

2. How much does it cost to join the club?

Since the UMFSC is considered a club sport by the University of Michigan, it supports itself through skaters' dues. Since the budget changes yearly based on ice costs, we cannot give an exact number. However, you may join the club either as a freestyle member or synchro member, and choose to skate all freestyle sessions or pay as you go. The club dues also include membership in UM Club Sports and US Figure Skating and club administrative costs.

3. Do I need to know how to skate?

You do not need to know how to skate in order to join the club. Freestyle ice is for individual practice and available to everyone. We like to have all levels of skating respresented in our club, so come out and give it a try!

Try-outs are held for the synchronized skating team, and a skating background is necessary. Some elements that are usually evaluated at try-outs are Novice, Junior, and Senior Moves in the Field, basic stroking, brackets, spirals, backward lunges, backward shoot the ducks, bauers, spread eagles, hydroplanes, single jumps up to an axel, spins, footwork sequences, elongated crossovers, and musical interpretation. 

4. Are there any classes for beginners to take?

At this time the club does not offer coaching or classes. However, Yost Ice Arena, the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, and Veterans Ice Arena all offer classes for beginners.

5. When and where can I see UM skaters perform?

UMFSC has two ice shows each year, one in December and one in April. Sometimes UMFSC also hosts an Intercollegiate competition and also competes in several other USFSA and Intercollegiate Conference Competitions each season. The synchronized teams also perform between periods at several varsity hockey games. Please check the schedule periodically for updates.

Other questions? Email skateblue@umich.edu

This page was last modified on August 22, 2004