University of Toronto Athletics

Updated: September 2025

The University of Toronto Varsity Figure Skating Team competes within the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) structure. We hope to not only train our skaters to succeed within competition on the ice but also aim to help them achieve their individual university goals. The team participates in approximately 3 competitions a year, with the final competition of the season being the OUA provincial championship. We encourage skaters of all abilities and disciplines to try out, for there are a variety of events/event levels to be filled.
 
TRYOUTS
Team tryouts will begin on Monday, September 29th at Varsity Arena. Please arrive early to sign in and be properly warmed up before getting onto the ice. (Please note for Wednesday and Friday, the arena opens at 6:45 AM)
 
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS ONLINE PRIOR TO ATTENDING TRYOUTS!
 
The tryout schedule will be as follows: (event days subject to rotation)
Monday, Sept 29: Dance (all events) 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday, Oct 1: Freeskate Programs (all events) 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Friday, Oct 3: Synchro (no prior experience required) 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Sunday, Oct 5: Freeskate (all events) 1:00 – 4:45 PM
Monday, Oct 6: Makeup Tryouts/FINAL – Pairs/Fours/Partnered Dance 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday, Oct 8: First Practice
 
Competitive Events
 
FREESKATE
 

Intermediate Freeskate (W) • Star10 Freeskate • Couples Artistic (no jumps)	HAS NOT PASSED NOVICE FREESKATE/GOLD STARSKATE Jumps: Single axel, minimum of two doubles, double/single combo, working on double/double combos Spins: variations, flying spins, combinations (level 3) Other: Strong field movements required (minimum level 2)
High Freeskate (W) • Novice Short Program • Gold Freeskate • Senior Similar Pairs • Fours Freeskate • Gold Artistic (no jumps) (M/W)	HAS PASSED NOVICE FREESKATE/GOLD STARSKATE Jumps: Single axel, minimum of all doubles, double/double combos *triples/double axel are a bonus! Spins:  variations, flying spins, combinations (level 3) Other: Strong field movements required (minimum level 3)
Men’s Freeskate (M) • Mens Open Freeskate	Jumps: consistent axel, preferably consistent doubles, double/double combos *triples/double axel are a bonus! Spins: variations, flying spins, combinations (level 3) Other: Strong field movements required (minimum level 3)

 
DANCE
 

Intermediate Dance (M/W) • Star 8/9 Similar Dance	HAS NOT COMPLETED ALL GOLD DANCE TESTS Star 8/9 Similar: Harris Tango, Blues Other: showmanship, carriage, ability to count on tempo
High Dance (M/W) • Star 10 Similar Dance • Gold Solo Dance • Open Rhythm Dance • Dance Fours	HAS COMPLETED ALL GOLD DANCES Star 10 Similar: Quickstep, Argentine Tango Gold: Quickstep, Argentine Tango ORD: Quickstep – EVERYONE MUST AUDITION AND COME PREPARED W/ BOTH LEADER AND FOLLOWER STEPS Other: one foot sequence, pairs spins, partnering skills, showmanship, edge quality and extension

 
SYNCHRO
 

TEAM EVENT (M/W) • Program roster: 12-16 skaters   WATCH 2025 PERFORMANCE VIDEOS FOR TRYOUT ELEMENTS COME PREPARED!

Features: Split Jumps, Russian splits, stags, falling leaf Spins: basic spin positions and variations (min 8 rev), partnered spins Field Movements: ina bauer, spread eagles, spirals, bielmans, Y-scales, etc Other: double 3’s, brackets, rockers, counters, loops, Choctaws, twizzles, partnering skills and lifts, ability to take direction and adapt *POTENTIAL – ability to take direction and adapt

 
Team commitments:

• The ability to work as a team for one shared goal. Makes training and team activities a priority. Willingness to sacrifice own goals for team success. Respects others by always showing up on time.
• Committed to building relationships and collaborating with teammates, coaches and support staff to advance our team’s mission and purpose.
• Contributes to a culture of mutual respect and accountability
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with all team members and staff. Willing to work through and resolve conflicts that might interfere with team success.
  • Communicates effectively with coaches and teammates
  • Shows openness to feedback and willingness to learn
  • Demonstrates ability to address and resolve conflicts constructively
  • Communicates proactively about scheduling conflicts or issues

Individual commitments:

• Representing the university and the program in a positive and respectful manner in all spaces. Reflecting a winning attitude on and off the court.
• Ability to adjust to various situations, dealing with adversity and reacting in a way that values themselves and the team. Ability to be held accountable for actions all while maintaining a positive attitude towards themselves and everyone involved in the program.
• Having the ability to lead themselves and others while demonstrating the ability to be led.
• Outstanding work ethic on the ice and in the classrooms.

Personal Growth and Well-being:

• Demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and self-reflection
• Shows ability to balance academic, athletic, and personal responsibilities
• Exhibits resilience and adaptability in facing challenges
• Prioritizes mental and physical well-being, including proper rest and recovery

2025 – 2026 Tryout Format/Evaluation:
Dance - Monday September 29
*Arrive by 4:30 to get signed in and warmed up*
   SOLO Patterns

• Skating skills: turns/edges/stroking/posture/carriage
• Basic footwork
• Solo/shadow required dances

   PARTNERED Patterns

• Partnering skills: stroking/footwork/spins
• Required pattern dances w/partner

LOW/HIGH pattern dances COME PREPARED. Videos/patterns online
*QUICKSTEP FOR ORD- everyone needs to partner this dance and be prepared ahead of time – know both leader and follower steps/hold!
 
Freeskate Day 1 – Wednesday October 1

• Programs – details and starting order to follow day 1 of tryouts

Synchro – Friday October 3
*Previous experience not required but a willingness to learn!

• Skating skills/edges/turns/individual field moves
• Open block footwork/formation
• Pivoting block footwork/formation
• Circle (traveling)
• Field moves from program in lines/partners

Freeskate Day 2 – Sunday October 5
          1:20 – 1:40 TEAM WARM UP – led by Captains
          2:00 – 3:30 HIGH
          FLOOD
          3:45 – 4:45 LOW

• Basic skating skills/field moves/edges/turns/etc
• Jump/Spin Eval
• Partnering: stroking/spins/side by side elements

Final and Make up Tryouts – Invitation only, Monday October 6

• Working with coaches for event placements
• Including but not limited to synchro elements, pairing of partners and 4s groups etc

 
We will be using elements from last year’s synchro program so please refresh and watch videos. DM @UofTFigureSkating on Instagram or email me for full performance video.
 
Ability to take direction, come prepared, and work with new and returning members will be taken into account when constructing the final roster.
 
**YOU MUST ATTEND SYNCHRO AND DANCE DAYS** even if specific events are not your strong suit. We seek versatility and adaptability in our skaters to be able to cross over into multiple events/disciplines.