For 10 days in November the essence of passion for Artistic Skating brought the globe together at the World Skate Artistic International Seminar and Camp. From November 22-December 1 the best coaches, skaters and officials from 22 countries gathered in Venice, Italy to raise the bar even further for the sport.
With a star studded line up of World renowned Coaches for both the Camp and Seminar, the nearly 600 participants were treated to lessons covering an array of topics. The Free Skating and Pairs segment included Sara Locandro, Francesca Genesin, Cristina Pelli, Manel Villaroya, Oscar Molins, Raffaello Melossi with the support of Andrea Aracu and Cristian Travaglia. For Dance the incredible technicians included Gaston Passini, Manuela Di Giacomantonio, Mario Lago and Marie Gaudy. Andrea Bassi, Pedro Romero and Sandro Guerra were the perfect trifecta of brilliant Choreographers with their expertise for the sport.
Bookending the Seminar was the Artistic International Camp. The setting of Pattinodromo Nuove Gemma in Spinea was filled with a magical energy. From off skates training to video analysis to dance classes and everything in between, it was clear the focus was on the whole skater. On the floor skaters learned from the deep technical knowledge of the Coaching staff. The explanations were clear, and each skater's talent was effectively utilized.
During the Choreography sessions on skates the athletes were led in exercises to strengthen and explore the important aspects of Components. Skaters were encouraged to be open and willing to focus on the art of the sport. It is these moments when skaters are led to not only open up their creativity to the audiences but to open up to themselves.
The Artistic International Seminar was a comprehensive look at regulations as well as specific lessons on training techniques in a classroom setting. Lessons covered many topics including the very important “How to Create a Pair Team” by Cristina Pelli and “How to Build a Champion” by the famed coach Sara Locandro. Design and Choreography lessons were offered as well. The World Skate Artistic Technical Committee led important updates on the 2025 Rules. Video training sessions offered feedback and analysis. These sessions not only enhanced the Officials knowledge but also gave everyone the opportunity to see how Judges and Technical Panels are managed.
For four days, it was a gathering of passionate individuals united in their ongoing quest to improve the sport of Artistic Skating. Every person in that packed room was not only there to improve their personal knowledge but dedicated to enhancing the overall sport as well.
More than 30 officials from several continents took the World Skate Officials Exams following the Seminar. These exams are an important piece of the puzzle. Officials must dedicate countless hours of studying and focusing of not only of the Rules themselves but the practical part of being able to officiate at the highest level when the pressure is on. Many congratulations to the newest World Skate Officials for their sacrifices and their unwavering commitment to our sport.
“I am so proud of the work of the officials, coaches and athletes during the World Skate Seminar and Camp. The Camp portion proved the deep focus on technique is creating better athletes for the sport. During the Seminar it was clear that the Coaches and Officials are coming together to recognize the importance of the sport and speaking the same language to allow for rules to be understood in the same way across the world.,” said World Skate Artistic Chairman Nicola Genchi.
The level of continuing education offered through World Skate, including the online World Skate Academy, has been a highlight in recent years. The education is leading the way in a cohesive effort among Coaches, Officials and Skaters.