What is Ice Dance?

Introduction

As mentioned before, ice dancing is best described as ballroom dancing on ice. The styles of dance are very similar - there are Foxtrots, Tangos, Quicksteps and Waltzes, just to name a few.

The sections of an ice dance competition are quite different from freeskating and pairs. Freeskaters and pairs choreograph a short program and a long program to music of their choice (though there may be restrictions such as no vocals allowed). Each program must be within the required time bracket and contain the required jumps, spins and other elements.

Dancers, however, must perform two Compulsory Dances, an Original Dance and a Free Dance.

Compulsory Dance

Compulsory Dances are dances with set steps, music and 'pattern' (i.e. direction of movements on the ice). There are Compulsories for dancers of any level, from Preliminary to Senior (see Testing for details on skating levels).

Marks are gained by doing the correct steps well. There is no room for interpretation of the steps, although arm movements can be altered to a certain degree in order to enhance the expression of the couple. Projecting the 'feel' of a dance is important. For example, a waltz should be soft and flowing, while a tango is more abrupt and almost angry.

Timing is also important. Steps must be performed on the correct beat and the couple must be skating in time with each other to emphasise union between them.

Original Dance

The Original Dance is choreographed by the dancers (or their coaches and/or choreographers). The music is chosen by the dancers but must be of a particular style - March, Polka - and of a certain speed. There are also time restrictions, from 1 minute 30 seconds for Primary to 4 minutes(?) for Senior.

The Original Dance has required elements which must be performed. Spins and at least one step sequence (diagonal, straight line or circular) are required in all National levels (Primary and above). Higher levels require dance lifts and a step sequence where the partners skate separately. Dance lifts differ from pairs lifts in that the man is not allowed to lift his partner above his head. This means that some of the lifts seen in higher level competition are very inventive!

Original Dance is judged on a number of components. First there is the composition, which means the variety and complexity of the steps. Higher marks are given for lots of different and tricky steps. You have to be careful though - if you choose steps that are too hard and don't do them correctly, marks will be deducted!

A large proportion of the marks come from the required elements. These spins, step sequences and lifts must be performed, and preferably to a high standard! Omitting an element can result in a deduction of 0.5 marks, which is a lot when a 6.0 is a perfect score.

Once again timing is important, so it pays not to choose music that is extremely fast! Marks may also be deducted if the music is not clearly the specified type, or is too fast or too slow.

Free Dance

The Free Dance is the most crowd pleasing section of the ice dance competition. Each couple chooses their own music to fit time restrictions and choreographs a program that (hopefully) interprets the music. Many high level skaters tell a story with their Free Dance - for example, French champions Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat told the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet in one of their early free dances.

As there are no restrictions on the type of music that is used in the Free Dance, there is a lot of variety in the programs. Some couples choose classical music and opt for the dramatic, while others choose more modern music and lean towards dances that are fun or have an element of comedy in them.

As with the Original Dance, there are required elements. These are generally the same as the Original Dance, although the required number of lifts or spins may differ, or the direction of a step sequence might be specified.

Free Dance is judged in a similar manner to the Original Dance, with marks deducted for poor composition, noncompletion or unsatisfactory performance of the required elements and bad timing. However, more emphasis is placed on the interpretation of the music than with the Original Dance. It's a good idea to choose a piece of music that inspires you in some way!