Buenos Aires, Argentina opened its doors to Artistic Skating with the World Skate International Seminar and Camp. From December 1st through the 13th, more than 1,000 coaches, officials, and athletes from 17 countries around the world converged in Buenos Aires for this landmark event, a celebration of education, skill, and passion for the sport.
The event began with Free Skating camp led by an extraordinary lineup of coaches. Andrea Aracu, Raffaello Melossi, Manel Villaroya, Oscar Molins, and Walter Iglesias brought their deep expertise and forward-thinking approach and technical skill to the athletes. The Pairs discipline was guided by two of the sport’s most respected figures, Patrick Venerucci and Cristina Pelli, who shared invaluable insights into this extraordinary discipline as it regains strength across the globe.
Free Skating camp was followed by the Seminar where coaches and officials engaged in three full days of intense and highly interactive seminar sessions. Lessons covered an extensive range of topics, including the 2026 Rules update, many focused sessions on different disciplines, and modern exploration on Components.
Questions were asked, clarifications were made, and the passion in the room was unmistakable. Everyone present demonstrated a shared commitment to building a better, stronger sport through open dialogue and collective learning. These sessions provided essential insights into technique, training strategies, choreography, and the evolving direction of artistic skating.
Another remarkable moment of the seminar was the session designed for judges. Judges and Technical Specialists had a dedicated lesson that allowed them to speak freely, exchange ideas, and explore ways to elevate their knowledge.This type of specialized education is essential for the continued growth of Artistic Skating, ensuring that the sport is guided by highly trained officials who are deeply committed to its integrity and advancement.
Following the Seminar, many officials completed the World Skate exams, an important milestone in their development. Sincere appreciation is extended to those who devoted significant time and effort to preparation, demonstrating a high level of technical knowledge and the practical ability to perform under the demands and stress of top-level competition.Congratulations are offered to the newest World Skate Officials and thanks for their continued commitment to the sport.
The event culminated in the Dance Camp, guided by an exceptional group of technicians: Luis Perez, Gaston Pasini, Enrique Demata, Carlos Paiva, and Lorenza Residori. Their expertise brought this beautiful discipline to the forefront, giving athletes the opportunity to work on their skills under the guidance of the best in the world. Complementing the technical work, choreographers Pedro Romero and Andrea Bassi delivered extraordinary creative sessions that inspired athletes and coaches alike. Their ability to blend artistry, innovation, and emotional connection was a highlight of the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Athletes Camp was held at Micro Estudio, a facility designed specifically for artistic skating. This beautiful venue has become the heartbeat of artistic skating in South America. Throughout the 13 days, the atmosphere at Micro Estudio was electric, filled with excitement, dedication, and a shared love for the sport.
This event marked the sixth edition of the World Skate Artistic International Seminar in person. Each year, it continues to set a new benchmark for education in the sport, giving coaches and officials the tools to speak a unified language, enhance technique, and develop better athletes. Through these collaborative learning experiences, the seminar strengthens the global foundation of artistic skating, promoting excellence, creativity, and unity across the skating community.
After 13 days in Argentina, the impact of the Seminar and Camp was undeniable. Artistic Skating once again showed why it is considered one of the most beautiful and dynamic sports in the world!
