The Shades of Synchronized Skating: Avery Diary #3

by Avery Clark

They call it the ‘January blues’, and this couldn’t be more of an accurate statement right now in my mind. I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult to keep that smile going during these times. They say, “stay positive”, my reply is “yes, yes of course” and a silent “I’m trying” that they can’t hear. Here in Canada, Ontario specifically, we have been off the ice entirely since before the holidays and in a lockdown state with “stay at home orders”. Other than a few sole, outdoor skating adventures (still with many restrictions), I am anxiously awaiting our arenas opening back up so I can skate and be with my team again. It’s great to be able to see them online, however for me it’s just not the same. For now, we continue to “try” staying positive, support each other and keep healthy!

There has been little opportunity for me to wear my Aurora tights and this is not ideal for what we are trying to accomplish here. Please understand though that it hasn’t lessened the time I’ve spent thinking about the effects this project can have on our skating community and is having on me. Every single time I sit and dedicate time to this project, I am learning. This pandemic may have stopped some of us from skating, but it will not stop the conversations that we are meant to have and a big thanks to Get It Called and Aurora Tights for providing a platform for that.  

I recently talked to a long-time figure skating coach who has also coached many synchro teams. We discussed all things skating and specifically tight colour as it relates to skater complexion. With sincerity she said to me “we certainly could have been better in years past, as it has only been the last few years that mesh, and tight tones have been considered”. I wanted to respond, “umm really? just recently? but why?”. However, maybe she never had to consider tight colour before with few people of colour in the sport or maybe with limited shades available, it just wasn’t thought of. Whatever the reason, the most important part was that it is NOW a part of her consideration. The conversation left me feeling an incredible sense of accomplishment. 

I can’t help but notice that my Aurora Tights are becoming much more to me than just a pair of skating tights. For me through this project, they are starting to symbolize something bigger and are representing many firsts. A first for me to focus on a part of my life that I have never really focused on before. A first for every girl of every colour who wants to skate, be given a fair chance with no racial or social boundaries. A first for a company like Aurora Tights to take the lead on an issue that although may seem so unimportant to some, is of the most importance to others. And lastly, a first for the skating community to focus on what we can do to make our sport more inclusive and inviting. 

As we progress through 2021, my hope is that you take a moment to consider what your ‘tights’ mean to you. Your tights could be your hairpiece or even your skating dress, it doesn’t matter really. After you’ve gathered your thoughts, now think of what they could mean to a little girl who is of a different race or skin colour than you. For just a moment, lets ‘skate a mile in their skates’.

Thank you for reading and cheers to skating and being with each other in person real soon.

~Avery