Sunday 8th May 2016 saw over 30 adult skaters compete at our biggest competition yet! For the first time, the Spring Skills Competition was held at Alexandra Palace. It was great to see a number of new members who were competing for the first time and lots of familiar faces. It was also lovely to have lots of supporters come along and cheer on not only their friends but all of the competitors.

First up were the pattern dance categories. Building on previous success in the dance categories, there were three solo pattern dance categories and a new couples dance category. Pattern Dance 1 (Rhythm Blues) was won by Melody Sharifi, who had lovely lines and graceful arms. Pattern Dance 2 (Canasta Tango) saw gold go to Helen Watson and Pattern Dance 3 (Golden Skaters Waltz) was won by Liberty Watts, who had previously won Pattern Dance 2 in the Late Summer Skills competition. Nadia Colbourne and Gordon Hamilton, who enthralled the audience with their beautiful synchronicity, took the gold in the Couples Pattern Dance (Swing Dance). We hope to have more couples compete in the next competition.

Next up, skaters took to the ice for the Spin Jump Spiral categories. It was wonderful to see these categories growing in popularity. There were a lot of good performances and a number of excellent skates. Taking gold in the Spin Jump Spiral 1 was Claire Corney; winning her second gold medal of the day was Nadia Colbourne, who won Spin Jump Spiral 2; also scooping a second gold medal was Liberty Watts, who won the hotly contested Spin Jump Spiral 3 category with a huge loop jump and a beautiful sit spin.

After a short break, the new exhibition category got underway. All of the competitors put in fantastic performances, with a wide variety of musical choices. Nadia Colbourne secured her third gold medal of the day with a solid skate to a piece of Russian music, complete with Russian dress. Taking silver was Jane Mackenzie skating to a piece from the Princess Bride and performing with a sword! Yes, you read that right, a real sword! Third place went to Peter Hambleton, who had a well executed skate to the Phantom of the Opera.

We are planning a field moves seminar and a Late Summer Skills competition over the coming months — further details to follow once ice availability has been confirmed! We also hope to host a gala later in the year, so if you are interested in performing or volunteering, please do let us know either through the Facebook page or via email.