Contents
Profile
Ice dance
- Sport
- Figure skating
- Olympic since
- 1976
- Participants
- Couple
- Programs
- Rhythm dance + free dance
- Not allowed
- Multi-rotation jumps, throws
Dancing on ice
Ice dance is the discipline of figure skating that comes closest to ballroom dancing. A couple skates in close contact almost the entire time and interprets music with precise steps, edge changes and dance holds. What matters is rhythm, synchronisation and musicality, not jump height.
Rhythm dance and free dance
A competition has two segments:
- Rhythm dance: for each season, the ISU sets a theme or dance rhythms, such as Latin American rhythms or music from a particular era. It includes prescribed pattern steps ("pattern dance") and other required elements.
- Free dance: more freedom in music and choreography, with a set number of elements such as lifts, twizzles, step sequences and dance spins.
Typical elements
- Twizzles: fast, travelling turns on one foot that both partners must perform in sync.
- Dance lifts: unlike in pair skating, the man may not lift his partner above his head. Lifts are limited in duration.
- Step sequences: in hold or side by side, across the whole ice.
- Dance spins: joint spins in a dance hold.
Multi-rotation jumps and throw jumps are not allowed. Partners may also only separate briefly.
Scoring
Like all disciplines, ice dance is scored according to the ISU judging system. Elements receive levels and GOE, and the couple also receives program components. Because small inaccuracies in synchronisation are visible, tiny point margins are often decisive in ice dance.
History
Ice dance developed from ballroom dancing on ice, especially in Great Britain. World championships have been held since the 1950s, and ice dance has been Olympic since 1976 in Innsbruck. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's Boléro free dance at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo is unforgettable – it received top marks for artistic impression from every judge.
Getting started
Many ice dancers come from singles skating. Finding a suitable partner is the biggest hurdle when switching. You can find clubs with ice dance groups via teams & clubs.
Music and themes
In ice dance, music plays an even bigger role than in other disciplines. Music with vocals was allowed in ice dance earlier; since the 2014/15 season it has been permitted in all disciplines. For the rhythm dance, the ISU sets a theme every year. The couple must interpret the prescribed rhythms so that steps and music fit together exactly. Judges check whether the steps are placed on the beat.
Ice dance vs. pair skating: quick overview
| Ice dance | Pair skating | |
|---|---|---|
| Jumps | no multi-rotation jumps | yes |
| Lifts | dance lifts, not overhead | overhead lifts |
| Throws | no | yes |
| Focus | steps, rhythm, synchronisation | athleticism, elements |
Frequently asked questions
+What is the difference between ice dance and pair skating?
In pair skating, jumps, throw jumps, overhead lifts and death spirals are part of the program. In ice dance, steps, rhythm and partnering take centre stage; big jumps and throws are not allowed.
+What are twizzles?
Fast, continuous turns on one foot that travel across the ice. In ice dance, both partners must perform them in sync.
+Since when has ice dance been Olympic?
Since the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
Sources & further links
Editorially researched and checked against association and rulebook information. Found a mistake? Write to us via the Contact page.
Read more in the encyclopedia
Discipline
Pair skating
Pair skating is an Olympic figure skating discipline for one woman and one man. Typical are spectacular elements such as overhead lifts, throw jumps, twist lifts and the death spiral, plus single jumps performed in sync.
Term
Figure skating judging system (IJS, GOE, PCS)
Since 2004, figure skating has been scored under the ISU Judging System (IJS). The total score is made up of the technical score (base value of the elements plus the GOE execution score) and the program components, minus any deductions, for example for falls.
Sport
Figure skating
Figure skating combines athleticism and expression: skaters perform jumps, spins and step sequences to music, which a judging panel scores under the ISU judging system. Olympic disciplines are singles, pair skating, ice dance and the team event.
Discipline
Synchronized skating
Synchronized skating is a team discipline of figure skating: 16 skaters perform precisely synchronised formations such as block, circle, line and wheel to music. The ISU has held world championships since 2000; the discipline is not yet Olympic.