Updated August 2026
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.
PRACTICE/AVAILABILITY:
The current practice schedule is as follows:
Monday: 5:00 – 6:45 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Sunday: (off-ice)* 1:00 – 2:00 PM (on-ice) 2:00 – 4:45 PM
*Off-ice training consists of synchro and conditioning - schedule to be provided
COMPETITION DATES:
FALL INVITATIONAL - TBD
WINTER INVITATIONAL - TBD
OUA CHAMPIONSHIP - March 2-3 2027, hosted by TMU
TRYOUTS
Team tryouts will begin on Sunday, September 27th 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)
Sunday, Sept 27: Freeskate (all events) 1:00 – 4:45 PM
Monday, Sept 28: Freeskate Programs (all events) 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday, Sept 30: Dance (all events) 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Friday, Oct 2: Synchro (no prior experience required) 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Sunday, Oct 4: *Invite Only* Makeup Tryouts/FINAL – Pairs/Fours/Partnered Dance
Monday, Oct 5: First Practice
Competitive Events
FREESKATE
Intermediate Freeskate (W)
• Star10 Freeskate
• Couples Artistic (no jumps) |
HAS NOT PASSED NOVICE FREESKATE/GOLD STARSKATE (US Junior/Pre-Gold)
Jumps: Single axel, minimum of three doubles, double/single combo, working on/have 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 (US Junior/Pre-Gold)
Jumps: Single axel, minimum of all doubles, double/double combos *triples/double axel are a bonus!
Spins: variations, flying spins, combinations (level 3/4)
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 3/4)
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: TBD (Tryouts will perform Starlight Waltz - COME PREPARED W/ BOTH LEADER AND FOLLOWER STEPS)
Other: partnering skills, 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: TBD
Gold: TBD
ORD: Westminster Waltz – 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 2026 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 ice.
● 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
2026 Tryout Format/Evaluation:
Freeskate Day 1 – Sunday Sept 27
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
Freeskate Day 2 - Monday September 28
● Programs – details and starting order to follow day 1 of tryouts
Dance – Wednesday Sept 30
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
● Low Dance - Starlight Waltz
● High Dance - Westminster Waltz
Synchro – Friday October 2
*Previous experience not required but a willingness to learn!
● Skating skills/edges/turns/individual field moves
● Open block footwork/formation
● Twizzles from program in lines/blocks
● Field moves from program in lines/partners
Final and Make up Tryouts – Invitation only, Monday October 4
● 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 (k.mitchell@utoronto.ca) for 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.
