Getting to know the ice

 

Marching

Level: Beginners

Figure 1 Marching forward

Standing up on the ice

Level: Beginners

Figure 2 Standing up on the ice

Stops on the ice

Snowplow stop

Level: Beginners

Figure 3 Snowplow stop

Moving snowplow stop

Level: Beginners

Figure 4 Moving Snowplow stop

Backward Stop

Figure 5 Hockey Stop Two Feet, Backward Stop Two-Feet

Backward snowplow stop

Figure 6 Backward Snowplow Stop

Hockey Stop

Figure 7 Hockey Stop Two Feet, Backward Stop Two-Feet

T-Stop

Figure 8 T-Stop

Gliding

Forward-two-foot-glide

Level: Beginners

Figure 9 Forward-two-foot-glide

Forward-one-foot-glide

Level: Beginners

Figure 10 Forward-one-foot-glide

Backward-two-foot-glide

Level: Beginners

Figure 11 Backward-two-foot-glide

Backward-one-foot-glide

Figure 12 Backward-one-foot-glide

Dip

Figure 13 Dip

 

Edges RFI,RFO,RBO,RBI,….

Figure 14 LFO – RFO Edges

Figure 15 Skiing, Inside Edges and outside edges

Figure 16 Skiing, Inside Edges and outside edges

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot.

It may consist of an edge, change of edge, a turn such as a three or counter, or a flat which is usually not acceptable.

Edge – the visible tracing on the ice produced by a Skater skating on one foot that is on a distinct curve.

EDGES:

A blade has two edges: inside and outside. Edges are curves which may be half circles or parts of a circle. Because the skater leans into the curve, only one edge of the blade touches the ice.

INSIDE EDGE [RFI, LFI; RBI, LBI]

A curve performed using the inside edge of the blade. Because of lean into the curve, only the inside edge of the blade touches the ice. Inside edges may be performed forwards and backwards, starting on the left or right foot (LFI, RFI, LBI, RBI).

OUTSIDE EDGE [LFO, RFO, LBO, RBO]

Figure 17 Exercise: Outside edge forward, (half circle)

A curve performed on the outside edge of the blade. Because of lean into the curve, only the outside edge of the blade touches the ice. Outside edges may be performed forwards or backwards, starting on the left or right foot.

CHANGE OF EDGE [LFOI, RFOI, LFIO, RFIO, LBOI, RBOI, LBIO, RBIO]

In a change of edge the skater intentionally changes from one edge to the opposite edge by changing the body lean, at the intersection of the long and short axes. The change should be as short as possible and should not be “S” shaped. A change of edge can be from outside-to-inside or from inside-to-outside and can be performed forwards or backwards, starting on the left or right foot.

Change of Edge – the visible tracing on the ice that changes from one distinct curve to another distinct curve with no change of foot.

Power edges

Figure 18 Power edges

Flat

 – the visible double tracing on the ice that is straight (imprinted by the Skater skating on one foot on both edges of the blade).

Pre-Preliminary 2

Basic Consecutive Edges

·         Forward outside edges

·         Forward inside edges

·         Backward outside edges

·         Backward inside edges

Starting from a standing position the skater will perform four to six half circles, alternating feet, using an axis line such as a hockey line. The skater may start each set on either foot, but they must be skated in the order listed.

Focus: Edge quality

Wiggles

Forward Wiggles on two-feet

Figure 19 Backward Wiggles

Wiggles forward and backward on one-foot

Figure 20 Wiggles on one foot forward and backward

Swizzles [Sw]

Forward Swizzles

Level: Basic skills

Figure 21 Forward swizzles

Figure 22 Forward alternating half swizzle pumps

Figure 23 Forward half swizzles on a circle

Backward Swizzles

Figure 24 Backward Swizzles

Figure 25 Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle

Rocking Horse

Figure 26Rocking Horse

 

Hops

Bunny hop

Figure 27 Bunny Hop

Two-foot hop in place

Figure 28 Two-foot hop in place

Side Toe Hop

Figure 29 Side Toe Hop

Mazurka

Figure 30 Mazurka

Stroking

OPEN STROKE

Figure 31 Perimeter Stroking, Forward (Hand-in-hand hold; Kilian hold)

A step started close beside the skating foot without crossing in front or behind. It should be noted that on all forward edges the free leg is held behind before coming to the skating foot for the next step. On all backward edges the free leg is held forward before returning to the skating foot for the next step.

Pre-Preliminary 1

Forward Perimeter Stroking

The skater will perform four to eight straight strokes depending on the length of the ice and the strength of the skater, with crossovers around the ends, using the full ice surface and for one full lap of the rink (in both directions). Introductory steps are optional.

Focus: Power and extensionCROSS STROKE [XS]

Figure 32 Cross Stroke Video explanation

A step started with the feet crossed so that the impetus or power is gained from the outside edge of the foot that is becoming the free foot. (Note - legs cross above the knees.)

 

Cross Overs

Figure 33 Forward and Backward alternating Crossovers

Forward Crossovers

Figure 34 Forward Crossovers

Backward Crossovers

Also Back-Cut-Back

Figure 35 Backward Crossovers

Skating skills | Intermediate

PROGRESSIVE or RUN [Pr]

Figure 36 Cross cut, Cross overs, Progressive, Run

A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot.

Crossed Step (X)

CROSSED STEP FORWARD [XF]

Figure 37 Explained: CROSSED STEP FORWARD

A step in which the free foot is placed on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg crossed in front of the skating leg. (Note - legs cross below the knees.)

CROSSED STEP BEHIND [XB]

Figure 38 CROSSED STEP BEHIND [XB]

A step in which the free foot is placed on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg crossed behind the skating leg. (Note - the legs cross below the knees.)

 

Cross Cut [Xcut]

Figure 39 Cross cut, Cross overs, Progressive, Run

 

CHASSÉ [Ch]

Figure 40 Foward Chasses

Figure 41 Chasse

SIMPLE CHASSÉ

A series of two edges (usually outside, inside) in which on the second edge the free foot is placed on the ice beside the skating foot, but not ahead of it, and the free foot is lifted with the blade parallel to the ice.

CROSSED CHASSÉ

The same except that on the second step the free foot crosses the skating foot (crossed behind the skating foot when skating forward or crossed in front when skating backward).

SLIDE CHASSÉ [slCh]

The same except that on the second step the free foot slides off the ice in front when the skater is skating forward and behind when the skater is skating backward (e.g. The man’s step 32 in the Starlight Waltz).

SLIP STEP

A step skated in a straight line with the blades of both skates being held flat on the ice. The weight is over the skating leg that may be well bent or straight while the free foot slides forward on the ice to full extension.

TOE STEP

A step where the skater steps from one toe to the other without jumping.

 

FIELD MOVEMENTS – Gliding moves

Figure 42 Spiral, Spread Eagle, Bauer, Chinese Spiral

CROUCH

a two foot movement in which a skater travels along the ice with both legs bent at an angle (with at least 90 degrees between the thigh and shin of the skating legs).

INA BAUER [InBa]

Figure 43 Ina Bauer

Figure 44 Ina Bauer II

a two-footed movement in which the skater travels along the ice with one foot on a forward edge/tracing and the other on a matching backward edge on a different but parallel edge/tracing.

Ina Bauer (figure skater)
Ina Bauer, married name Szenes, (31 January 1941 – 13 December 2014) was a German competitive figure skater.She won three consecutive West German national titles (1957–59) and invented the skating element which bears her name.

LUNGE [Lu]

Figure 45 Forward Lunge

a movement in which a skater travels along the ice with one leg bent (with at least 90 degrees between the thigh and shin of the skating leg) and the other leg directed behind with the boot/blade touching the ice

LUNGE: A lunge is performed with both feet on the ice. The solid line of the diagram indicates where the body weight is (bent knee). The dotted line indicates that the skating foot of the preceding step does not come off of the ice. It is held in complete extension through the next step, resulting in a lunge.

PIVOT [Pvt]

Figure 46 Forward inside Pivot

Figure 47 Pivot in both directions

a two footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point.

SHOOT THE DUCK

Figure 48 Shoot the duck

 a one foot movement in which a skater travels along the ice with one leg in a strongly bent position and the other leg directed forward parallel to the ice.

SPREAD EAGLE

a curving, two-footed movement in which the skater skates with one foot on a forward edge and the other on a matching backward edge on the same curve (eg. outside and outside).

SPIRAL

A gliding position executed on one foot with free leg extended (including knee and foot) above hip level.

SPIRAL SEQUENCE:

A collection of at least two spirals executed on different feet, separated by no more than four steps not including the step taken into the skating foot of the second spiral. (A step in this case applies to any time a change of foot takes place, e.g. Mohawk = 2 steps, 3-turn = 1 step, crosscut = 2 steps)

Backward outside Death Spiral

BoDs

    Backward outside death spiral.

ROLL [R]

A short or long, forward or backward edge.

Figure 49Explanation: Roll, Cross Roll, Swing Roll

CROSS ROLL [CR]

Figure 50: Forward Cross Rolls

Figure 51 Backward Cross Rolls

A roll started with the action of the free foot approaching the skating foot from the side so as to strike the ice almost at right-angles to the skating foot, started forward with the feet crossed in front or backward with the feet crossed behind. The impetus is gained from the outside edge of the skating foot as it becomes the new skating foot. In this case, the change of lean to the curve in the opposite direction creates a “rolling movement”.

SWING ROLL [SwR]

Figure 52 Outside Swing Rolls

A roll held for several beats of music during which, when skating backward, the free leg lifts and then first swings forward, then backward past the skating foot, then back beside to skate the next step. When skating forward, the free leg first swings backward, then forward and then back beside to skate the next step. The swing of the leg gives the sense of a “rolling movement”.

 

TURNS

Figure 53 Learn to Turn

A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward.

Loop

Figure 54 3-turn, Bracket, Loop

LOOP: A loop is a forward or backward rotational movement skated on a small circle approximately equal to the height of the skater. A “cross-roll” transition into forward outside loops and a “cross behind” start for back outside loops are permissible. The loops included in the Skating Skills exercises are more of a “rotational movement”, more round than tear shaped. Outside loops can be skated forwards or backwards, starting on the left or right foot (LFO, RFO, LBO, RBO). Inside loops can be skated forwards or backwards, starting on the left or right foot (LFI, RFI, LBI, RBI).   

 

Toe Loop

Figure 55 Toe Loop

Two-Foot-Turn / Bum Twister

Figure 56 Two-foot-turn

Figure 57 Bum Twister

THREE Turn [3]

Figure 58 LFO3

Figure 59 Inside Outside 3 Turns LFO3, RFI3

Figure 60 RFO3

Figure 61 FO3-BI3 Forward Outside/Back Inside Three-Turns

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the curve.

A three turn is a turn on a curve from forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward on the same foot with the point of the turn facing into the curve. If the edge entering the three turn is an outside edge, the exit edge of the turn will be an inside and vice versa. The exit edge of the turn continues on the same curve as the entry edge. It is called a “three” turn because the tracing on the ice resembles the number “3”. Three turns can be from outside-to-inside or from inside-to-outside and can be performed forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward, starting on the left or right foot. (LFO-LBI, RFO-RBI, LFI-LBO, RFI-RBO, LBO-LFI, RBO-RFI, LBI-LFO, RBI-RFO)

Special Three Turns in Ice Dancing

TOUCHDOWN THREE TURN:

A three turn in which the weight is almost immediately transferred to the free foot as it becomes the skating foot for the next step. The turn is made from a forward outside three to the backward outside edge of the opposite foot without full weight transfer, then the skater immediately steps forward onto the original foot (example Austrian Waltz steps 1-2). Such a sequence may be skated with the forward or backward, inside or outside three turns. May be skated alone or as a couple side by side.

AMERICAN WALTZ TYPE THREE TURN:

A three turn from an outside edge in which the free leg is extended and the toe and hip are well turned out and held over the tracing. The instep of the free foot is drawn close to the heel of the skating foot as the turn is made. After the turn onto an inside edge, the free foot is extended back of the tracing before being brought back beside the skating foot in time for the next step.

EUROPEAN WALTZ TYPE THREE TURN:

A three turn which begins as in (3). After the turn the back inside edge is held for one beat before the weight is transferred to the free foot as it becomes the skating foot.

RAVENSBERGER WALTZ TYPE THREE TURN:

An inside three turn that begins as in (3) and (4) with the free leg extended over the tracing and left behind during the turn, and swings through after its completion in front of the tracing before being brought back beside the skating foot in time for the next step. (Example: Man’s step 1, in Ravensberger Waltz).

WALK-AROUND-THREES:

Threes turned by a Couple at the same time around the common axis. The partners skate these turns in Waltz hold (example Austrian Waltz step 31, Ravensberger Waltz steps 39-40) or offset Tango hold (Golden Waltz steps 1-5).

 

BRACKET [Br]

Figure 62 Bracket

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the curve.

BRACKET: A bracket is a turn on a curve from forward-to-backward or backward to forward-on-the same foot with the point of the turn facing outside the curve. If the edge entering the bracket is an inside edge, the exit edge of the turn will be outside and vice versa. The exit edge of the turn continues on the same curve as the entry edge. Brackets can be from outside-to-inside or from inside-to-outside and can be performed forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward starting on the left or right foot. (LFO-LBI, RFO-RBI, LFI-LBO, RFI-RBO, LBO-LFI, RBO-RFI, LBI-LFO, RBI-RFO)

ROCKER [Rk]

Figure 63 Counter, Rocker, Twizzles

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve.

ROCKER: A rocker is a turn from forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward, on the same foot, with the point of the turn facing into the circle. The skater changes to a new curve at the top of the turn (long axis). If the edge entering the rocker is an outside edge, the exit edge of the turn will also be outside. Rockers can be from outside-to-outside or inside-to-inside and can be performed forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward, starting on the left or right foot. (LFO-LBO, RFO-RBO, LFI-LBI, RFI-RBI, LBO-LFO, RBO-RFO, LBI-LFI, RBI-RFI)          

 

COUNTER [Ct]

Figure 64 Counter, Rocker, Twizzles

Figure 65 Counters

A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lobe from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite to the entry curve (i.e. in the direction of the exit curve).

COUNTER: A counter is a turn from forward-to-backward or backward-to-forward on the same foot, with the point of the turn facing outside the curve. The skater changes to a new curve at the top of the turn (long axis). If the edge entering the counter is an inside edge, the exit edge of the turn will also be inside and vice versa. Counters can be from outside-to-outside or inside-to-inside and can be performed forward-to-backward or backward-to- forward, starting on the left or right foot. (LFO-LBO, RFO-RBO, LFI-LBI, RFI-RBI, LBO-LFO, RBO-RFO, LBI-LFI, RBI-RFI)

 

SWING ROCKER [SwRk]

Figure 66 Counter, Rocker, Twizzles

A type of rocker or counter in which the free foot swings smoothly past close to the skating foot before the turn and after the turn is either moved past the skating foot and held behind over the tracing or allowed to swing forward.

 

Skating skills | Advanced

LEG AND FOOT POSITIONS

COUPEE:

A movement in which the free foot is held up in contact with the skating leg from an open hip position so that the free foot is at a right angles to the leg of the skating foot.

PASSE:

A movement in which the free foot is held up to the side of the skating leg from a closed hip position so that the free foot is parallel to the leg of the skating foot.

ATTITUDE:

The free leg is bent, and brought up out and behind at a ninety degree angle to the leg of the skating foot.

TWIZZLE [Tw]

Figure 67 Twizzles and Chasses in Waltz Hold

Figure 68 Counter, Rocker, Twizzles

TWIZZLE: A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous, uninterrupted action. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot in any position during the turn then placed beside the skating foot to skate the next step. A series of checked three turns is not acceptable as this does not constitute a single action. If the traveling action stops during the execution, the Twizzle, it becomes a Solo Spin (Pirouette);

The four (4) different types of entry edges for Twizzles are as follows:

Forward Inside (FI)

Figure 69 Forward Inside Twizzles

Forward Outside (FO)

Backward Inside (BI)

Backward Outside (BO)

Figure 70 Backward Outside Twizzles

Twizzles in Ice Dancing

SYNCHRONIZED AND SEQUENTIAL TWIZZLES:

SERIES OF SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES: At least two twizzles for each partner with up to three (3) small steps between twizzles. 

SERIES OF SEQUENTIAL TWIZZLES: At least two twizzles for each partner with up to one (1) step between twizzles.

·         side by side in the same direction (matching)

·         side by side in opposite direction (mirror)

·         following one another (one skating forward and/or backward and the other skating forward and/or backward)

A TWIZZLE LIKE MOTION [“Tw”]

While the body performs one full continuous rotation the skating foot technically executes less than a full turn followed by a step forward.

 

CHOCTAWS [Cho]

Figure 71 Basic Choctaw Explained

Figure 72 Basic Choctaw Supplemental

Figure 73 Regular Choctaws, Blues Chactaws

Figure 74 Choctaw, Open, Closed, Swing

A turn from one foot to the other in which the curve of the exit edge is in the opposite direction to that of the entry edge. The change of foot is from outside edge to inside edge or inside edge to outside edge. Unless otherwise specified in the dance description, the free foot is placed on the ice close to the skating foot. The entry and exit edge are of equal depth.

OPEN CHOCTAW

A choctaw in which the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot.

CLOSED CHOCTAW

A choctaw in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot (e.g. steps 12 and 13 of the Blues).

SWING CHOCTAW

An open or closed choctaw in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn (e.g. steps 5 and 6 [first part] of the Quickstep).

CROSSED OPEN CHOCTAW:

A choctaw in which the outside of the free foot is held in front of and at right angles to the skating foot. The hip is open after the turn. It may be wide-stepped (e.g. Steps 11-12 of the Rhumba).

 

MOHAWKS [Mo]

Figure 75 Inside Open and Closed Mohwaks

Figure 76 Outside Mohawks in Figure Eight Pattern

Figure 77 Back Crossovers with Inside Mohawks

A turn from one foot to the other in which the entry and exit curves are continuous and of equal depth. The change of foot is from an outside edge to an outside edge or from and inside edge to an inside edge.

Inside Mohawk

RFI-LFI or LFI-RFI

Outside Mohawk

RFO-LFO or LFO to RFO

OPEN MOHAWK

A mohawk in which the heel of the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot, the angle between the two feet being optional. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot (e.g. the man's steps 8 and 9 and the lady's steps 12 and 13 in the Fourteenstep).

CLOSED MOHAWK

A mohawk in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot (e.g. steps 11 and 12 of the Rocker Foxtrot).

SWING MOHAWK

An open or closed mohawk in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg, and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn (e.g. steps 20 and 21 of the Harris Tango).

Power Techniques

Figure 78 Power Techniques

Figure Eights

Abbildung 1 Figure Eights

Figure 79 Figure 8: Forward outside edges

Figure 80 Figure 8: Backward Outside Edges

 

SPINS

Two foot spins

Figure 81 Two foot spin

One foot spins

Figure 82 One FOOT SPIN

Figure 83 One foot spin

Combination Spin, Back Camel, Crow

Figure 84 Combination Spin

Figure 85 Camel Spin

ICE Dancing SPINS

SOLO SPIN/PIROUETTE:

A spinning movement performed on one foot on the spot by one partner alone (with or without the assistance of the other partner) or by both partners simultaneously (around separate centers).

DANCE SPINS:

SPIN:

A spin skated by the couple together in any hold. It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot by each partner simultaneously. 

COMBO SPIN:

A spin performed as above after which one change of foot is made by both partners simultaneously and further rotations occur.

BASIC POSITIONS IN THE DANCE SPINS: 

·         Upright position - performed on one foot with skating leg straight or slightly bent and upper body upright (on a nearly vertical axis, arched back or bent to side

·         Sit position – performed on one foot with skating leg bent in a one-legged crouch position and free leg forward, to the side or back

·         Camel position – performed on one foot with skating leg straight or slightly bent and body bent forward and free leg extended or bent upward on a horizontal line or higher

 

Figure Skating Jumps

Figure 86 Six Basic Jumps: Salchow, Toe-Loop, Loop Jump, Foot Jump, Lutz Jump, Axel Jump

Figure 87 Jumps

Figure 88 Waltz Jump, Toe Loop, Loop Jump, Flip

Beginners Jumps

Butterfly jump

A flying spin with a two-foot takeoff. The body goes almost parallel to the ice in the air, with a scissoring leg motion.

Ballet jump

Figure 89 Ballet jump

 

Waltz Jump

Figure 90 Waltz Jump

Salchow [S]

Figure 91 Salchow

Figure 92 Single Salchow

Loop Jump [Lo]

Figure 93 Loop Jump

Figure 94 Loop Jump

German: Rittberger

Lutz Jump [Lz]

Flip Jump [F]

Abbildung 2 Flip Jump

Toe-Loop [T]

Abbildung 3 Toe Loop

Axel Jump [A]

Abbildung 4 Axel Jump

DANCE JUMPS

JUMP: A jump of not more than one (1) revolution, which may be executed by only one (1) partner at a time. This jump may be performed either holding hand(s) or separated, but the distance between partners must not be more than two (2) arms-lengths apart.

DANCE JUMP: A small jump not more than 1/2 revolution used to change foot or direction. Such jumps must be executed in dance position or at not more than two (2) arms-lengths apart. Both partners may jump at the same time.

HOPS: Small jumps without revolution.

 

Ice Dancing

DANCE HOLDS

HAND IN HAND HOLD:

Facing the same direction –

The partners face in the same direction and are skating side by side or one behind the other with their arms extended and their hands clasped. Use of this position in the Original Dance and/or Free Dance is not encouraged. A variation of this is the arm-in-arm side by side position which is acceptable.

Facing in opposite directions –

The partners usually face each other while one skates backward and the other skates forward with the arms extended to the side but sometimes the position can be skated back to back (e.g. Cha Cha Congelado). Use of this position in the Original Dance and/or Free Dance with arms fully extended toward each other is usually not permitted.

CLOSED OR WALTZ HOLD:

The partners are directly opposite each other. One partner faces forward while the other partner faces backward. The man's right hand is placed firmly on his partner's back at the shoulder blade with the elbow raised and the arm bent sufficiently to hold the lady close to him. The left hand of the lady is placed on the shoulder of the man so that her arm rests comfortably, elbow to elbow, on his upper arm. The left arm of the man and the right arm of the lady are extended comfortably at shoulder height. Their shoulders remain parallel.

OPEN OR FOXTROT HOLD:

The hand and arm positions are similar to those of the closed or waltz position. The partners simply turn slightly away from each other so that they both skate in the same direction.

CROSSED FOXTROT HOLD:

The partners are in the same position as above except that the man’s right arm passes behind the lady and his right hand is on her right hip, and the lady’s left arm passes behind the man and her left hand is on his left hip.

OUTSIDE OR TANGO HOLD:

The partners face in opposite directions - one partner skating forward; the other partner backward. However, unlike the closed position, the partners are offset with the man to the right or left of the lady so that the front of his hip is in line with the front of her corresponding hip. Tight hip to hip position is undesirable since it impedes flow.

KILIAN HOLD:

The partners face in the same direction with the lady to the right of the man and his right shoulder behind her left. The left arm of the lady is extended across the front of the man's body to hold his left hand. His right arm crosses behind the lady's back to clasp her right hand. Both right hands rest over her hip bone.

REVERSED KILIAN HOLD:

SHADOW DANCE:

The partners face in the same direction and are skating side by side with no more than one arm’s length distance between them.

DANCE LIFTS

PATTERN

The pattern of a dance is the design of the dance on the ice. The diagram of a dance includes all the information needed to execute one complete pattern of the dance.

SET PATTERN DANCE

A dance for which the location, direction and curvature of all edges to be skated are designated in the diagram. This diagram must be followed as closely as possible.

OPTIONAL PATTERN DANCE

A dance for which the pattern may be altered by a couple provided that the original step sequences, positions and timing are maintained. Each repetition of the altered pattern must be executed in the same manner and the restart must be commenced from the same place.

RIM/EDGE/BORDER DANCE

 a dance with a step sequence that requires a shorter or longer distance than is available in one circuit of the rink. The second sequence, therefore, will not begin at the original starting point of the dance.

LOBE

Any sequence of steps on one side of the continuous axis that is approximately semi-circular in shape.

CIRCUIT

One full round of the ice surface.

 

AXES

LONG AXIS

A straight line that divides the ice surface into two halves lengthwise (midline).

SHORT AXIS:

A straight line that divides the ice surface into two halves crosswise.

CONTINUOUS AXIS:

An imaginary line running around the ice surface that serves as the basis for the dance pattern. Usually the continuous axis consists of two lines running parallel to the long axis of the ice surface, approximately halfway between the long axis and the sides. These lines are joined at each end of the ice surface by a semi-circle. These semi-circles are flattened in some dances so that they run almost parallel to the ends of the ice surface. In circular dances, such as the Kilian, the continuous axis approximates a circle. The continuous axis of the Paso Doble is an oval.

TRANSVERSE AXIS:

An imaginary line intersecting the continuous axis of a dance at right angles.

 

START

INTRODUCTORY STEPS: All dances may be started with optional introductory steps. They shall not exceed the introductory phrasing.

START: The first step after the introductory steps. The referee may announce the approximate location at which the dances must be started.

SEQUENCE OF STEPS: The prescribed order of the steps that compose one pattern of a Pattern Dance or any portion thereof, or a series of prescribed or un-prescribed steps, turns and movements in an Original and Free Dance.

There are the following types of Step Sequences for Original and Free Dances and which may be skated either in hold or not-touching as is specified for the season.
Step Sequences in hold must be skated in any known dance hold or variation thereof (unless otherwise specified). Any separation to change a hold must not exceed one measure of music.
Not Touching Step Sequence must incorporate mirror and/or matching footwork. Both partners may cross each other’s tracing(s) and may switch from matching footwork to mirror or vice versa. The partners should remain as close together as possible, but they must not touch. The distance between the skaters should generally not be more than 2 arms length apart, except for short distances when the saters are performing required edges and turns in opposite directions.
All Step Sequences are divided into two (2) following groups A and B:

GROUP A. STRAIGHT LINE STEP SEQUENCE:

a) Midline: skated along the full length of the center (long) axis of the ice surface.

b) Diagonal: skated from one corner of the ice rink to the diagonally opposite other corner (as fully as possible from corner to corner).

GROUP B. CURVED STEP SEQUENCES (may be skated in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction):

c) Circular: one complete circle utilizing the full width of the ice surface (on the short axis of the rink).

d) Serpentine: commences at the center (long) axis at one end of the rink and progresses in three bold curves or in two bold curves (S-shaped) and ends at the centre (long) axis of the opposite end of the rink; (pattern utilizing the full width of the ice surface).

MUSIC

 

Contemporary Music for Pattern Dances

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxqrI2KKF957mPuz6jjSAHftE08H8dZeY

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Dutch Waltz = Could I have this dance
2. Canasta Tango = Tango Mayo
3. Rhythm Blues = Riverboat Blues
4. Swing Dance =            

2.       A Chorus Line “one” – Keats Tango

3.       Santa Maria – Canasta Tango

 

PATTERN DANCES

PATTERN DANCE DESCRIPTION AND DIAGRAMS:

·         RELATIONSHIP OF MUSIC TO THE STEPS: The steps of the dances are numbered on the diagrams for easy reference. The relationship of the music to the steps of the dances is shown by the numbers placed beside each step. The diagrams show the rhythm patterns by numbers 1-4 for four-beat rhythms such as foxtrots and marches, and 1-6 for the six-beat and 1-3 for the three-beat rhythm patterns of the waltzes. A notation such as RFOI 4+2 beats means that the right forward outside edge is held for four beats, and the right forward inside edge for two beats. Similarly, LFO3 3+3, means that the left forward outside edge is held for three beats, then a three is turned on the count of four.

·         STEPS: All steps are open strokes unless specifically stated otherwise. Refer to the chart of abbreviations in para d).

·         SEQUENCE OF STEPS: The sequence of the steps, their relation to the music and their relation to the continuous and transverse axes are shown in the dance diagrams.

 

 

Compulsory dance

    Formerly the first of the three programs in ice dance. All teams perform the same dance to the standard music. In 2010, the ISU eliminated the compulsory and original dances and merged them into what is now the short dance. The compulsory portion is now officially known as the pattern dance.

 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED IN ICE DANCING DIAGRAMS AND CHARTS OF STEPS:

. . .          - music retard

“and”    - between beats

“Tw”      -“twizzle-like” motion

1 & 1     - one and one

3             - three turn

B             Backward

BK          Bend Knee

Br           - bracket

CE           Change of Edge

Ch          Chassé

Cho        - choctaw

Cl            - closed

ClCho    -closed choctaw

clMo      closed Mohawk

CR          - cross roll

CR3        Cross Roll - Three

Ct           - count

Ctr          - counter

dr3         dropped 3 Turn

F             - forward

I              - inside edge

InBa       - Ina Bauer

L              - left foot

Lff          - left foot forward

Lff          Slip Step

LFOI       Left-Forward-Outside-Inward (change of edges)

Lu           - lunge *

Mo         - mohawk

O            Outside

o3           open Three

Op          - open

OpCho  -open choctaw

opMo   Open Mohawk

Pr           - progressive (run)

Pvt         - pivot

Qcs        - quick cross-over slip

Qlb         - quick lift backward

Qlf          - quick lift forward

R             - right foot

RBOI      Right-Backward-Outward-Inward (change of edges)

Rff          - right foot forward

Rff          Slip Step

Rk           - rocker

Sc           - slight change

SlCh       - slide Chassé

slTD       Slight Touchdown

Spr E      - spread eagle

Sw          - swing

Sw3       - swing three

Sw3       Swing Three Turn

SwCho  - swing choctaw

SwClMo               Swing closed Mohawk

SwCtr    - swing counter

 SwMo  - swing mohawk

SwR       - swing roll

SwRk     - swing rocker

SwTw    - swing twizzle

Td           - touchdown

TD          Touchdown

Tw          - twizzle

Wd         -wide step (or “*”)- wide step

WS         Wide Step

X             Cross

XB          -cross step behind

Xcut       -cross cut

XF-         -cross in front

XF           -cross step in front

XFt 3      -cross foot three

XFtTw   -cross foot twizzle

XS           Cross Stroke

 

 

Additional Notes re Revised Pattern Dance Descriptions, Charts and Diagrams:

·         Some turns formerly called twizzles are now described as “Twizzle-like motions (“Tw”) which means that while the body performs one full continuous rotation, the skating foot technically executes less than a full turn followed by a step forward (e.g. Austrian Waltz -lady’s step 13b; Argentine Tango - lady’s step 23; Tango Romantica -man’s step 5.) Other twizzles remain unchanged.

·         The shapes of manyu of the diagrams have been modified to correspond with patterns being currently skated.

·         All diagrams show the side to start the dance as indicated by a box showing the location of the judge’s stand. 

·         “Counts” refer to the “measure” of the music; “beats” refer to the musical count of the “step”.

·         A hyphen (-) between steps on two feet (e.g. RBO-LBI) indicates “skated on two feet” or “both feet on ice”.

·         A “slash” (/) between steps means “followed by another on the same step” (e.g. RFO3/RBI3)

 

Vocabulary

 

Preliminary – Vorprüfung / Vorrunde

 

 

Some German Terms

 

Auswärts - Mit dem Standbein auf der Außenkante nach außen gelaufener Bogen oder Schritt

Bogen: Kurvenlauf auf einem Bein; dabei gibt es acht Möglichkeiten: links (L) – rechts (R); rückwärts (r) – vorwärts (v); auswärts (a) – einwärts (e); Beispiel Rve: rechts vorwärts einwärts

Choctaw Fußwechsel mit Kantenwechsel, also z. B. vw EK auf rw AK. Dabei wechselt der Kreis. Innenkreis- Außenkreis

Cross roll Schrittfolge mit wechselseitigem Übersetzen, vorwärts oder rückwärts. Immer Außenkante, Außenkante.

Dreier Wechsel der Laufrichtung auf einem Bein von vorwärts nach rückwärts (über die Schlittschuhspitze) oder von rückwärts nach vorwärts (über die Ferse) mit Kantenwechsel und Drehung mit Rotation im Sinne des Einlaufbogens.

Gegendreier Wechsel der Laufrichtung auf einem Bein von vorwärts nach rückwärts (über die Schlittschuhspitze) oder von rückwärts nach vorwärts (über die Ferse) mit Kantenwechsel und gegen die Rotation des Einlauf- bzw. Auslaufbogens

Gegenwende ein Drehschritt, bei dem auf einem Bein die Laufrichtung gewechselt wird ohne Kantenwechsel, gegen die Drehrichtung des Einlaufbogens, früher als Pflichtfigur zusammenhängend auf 3 Kreisen gelaufen

Kante die Auswärts- oder Einwärtskante der Schlittschuhkufe als linke oder rechte Begrenzung des Hohlschliffs

Mohawk Schritt mit halber Drehung, ohne Kantenwechsel, also von Innenkante auf Innenkante oder von Außenkante auf Außenkante

Schlangenbogen Pflichtfigur bzw. Schrittfolge mit Kantenwechsel, dadurch gleitender Übergang von einem Kreisbogen zum anderen

Twizzle Drehung auf der Stelle um 360° beim Eistanz

Wende ein Drehschritt, bei dem auf einem Bein die Laufrichtung gewechselt wird ohne Kantenwechsel, in der Drehrichtung des Einlaufbogens, gegen die Drehrichtung des Auslaufbogens, früher als Pflichtfigur zusammenhängend auf 3 Kreisen gelaufen

 

 

Weblinks

http://skatedancediagrams.weebly.com

https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca

http://www.iceskatingresources.org/

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pair-skating-and-ice-dance/isu-judging-system/ice-dance

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5jQb8DdB3SKAEtiJOFGTig

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC9CB25602F809B35

http://www.ncassociates.com/icednce/DiskE.htm

https://sites.google.com/site/modernicedancemusic1/

http://www.IceSkatingForEveryone.com