BIRTH OF A NEW ERA

A new era is born : it’s   “The Era of Inline Figure Skating and Dance”.

Over the years Inline Figure Skating and Inline Dance have become separate sporting disciplines in their own right.

The latest Paris International Open was a resounding demonstration of this.

On this occasion we witnessed a significant evolution in the technical level of inline figure skating.

We also saw a major increase in the number of skaters and countries represented. This was the case, among others, in the “Benjamin” (aged 7-10) and “Novice” (aged 13-15) categories, where young Romanian, German, Spanish and French skaters achieved great success.

It is very probable that in the future there will be more and more competitors at higher and higher levels.

Some have already understood this, because they are organising their own Open competitions from now on, notably at Montpellier in France (25 ^th and 26 ^th April 2009) ; and also in the USA (1 ^st to 3 ^rd May 2009 in Chicago).

….But it is important to stress that all inline figure skating and dance competitions should be reserved for skaters with inline skates. In our opinion, inline skaters should not be authorised to compete in “quad” competitions, even if they are judged separately. This will, quite simply, “kill inline figure skating”.

In addition (and this is very important) we must admit that the technical constraints of inline figure skating are not identical to those of “quad” figure skating. The same goes for dance.

The rules of the competitions should therefore be adapted to this new discipline.

Because inline figure skates and ice skates have an identical structure, the technical elements and movements are the same. Consequently it is desirable that training be led by a figure skating or ice dance coach.

This is what several clubs in France and abroad are doing. Their skaters are trained both on the ice (several hours per week) and on inline skates.

……The era of Inline Figure Skating and Dance has just begun …. ..

The new sporting discipline is on its way. It has overcome many obstacles and will meet more in the future.....but we must persevere.....