Editing Synchronized skating (section)

== History ==
In 1956, the first synchronized skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synchronized Skating &#124; U.S. Figure Skating |url=https://www.usfigureskating.org/skate/skating-opportunities/synchronized-skating |website=www.usfigureskating.org}}</ref> The 'Hockettes' skated out of [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] and entertained spectators during intermissions of the [[Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey|University of Michigan Wolverines hockey team]]. In the early days, precision skating (as it was then called) resembled a [[drill team]] routine, or a precision dance company such as [[The Rockettes]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} In 1974, the ISU published the first judges' handbook for synchronized skating.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hines |first=James R. |title=Historical Dictionary of Figure Skating |date=2011 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6859-5 |location=Lanham, Maryland |page=xxv}}</ref>

During the 1970s, the interest for this new sport grew and developed. Teams developed more creative and innovative routines incorporating stronger basic skating skills, new maneuvers and more sophisticated transitions with greater speed, style and agility. Due to the increased interest in the sport in North America, the first official international competition was held between Canadian and American teams in Michigan in March 1976.  With the internationalization of the sport, it has evolved, with increasing emphasis on speed and skating skills, and "highlight" elements such as jumps, spirals, spins, and lifts that originally were not permitted in competition.