Compulsory Dance

The “compulsory dance” replicates the dances of the ballrom such as the Foxtrot, Quickstep and the Waltz on ice. Unlike the ballroom dance though it is a dance in which the precise sequence of steps, which are continually repeated, the duration of each step, rythym and tempo of music and postures are prescribed for each dance. The precise tracing or pattern on the ice is also prescribed as in “The Blues”

Compulsory ice dances are primarily intended to be danced with a partner and there are a variety of holds and positions to be adopted with a partner. However compulsory dances can be skated with or without a partner. Frequently serious ice dancers call compulsory ice dances “compulsories.”

Most “compulsory ice dances” include certain basic and standard ice dance steps which include strokes, progressives, chassés, slide chassés, swing rolls, cross steps, mohawks and three turns.

Compulsory ice dances can be done at a competitive, social, or recreational level. Most adult figure skaters especially enjoy “compulsory ice dances” as no jumping and spinning is involved. High level compulsory ice dances are very technical and difficult.

International competitions used to feature two “compulsory dances” but these have recently been reduced  to only one dance. This follows on from the deletion of compulsory figures in the figure skating section.

Original Set Pattern Dance

The “original set pattern dance” of Torville & Deans day such as the famous Paso Doble has been replaced recently by the “original dance”.

The “original set pattern dance” composed of a short free dance covering one circuit of the ice rink to a prescribed dance repeated three times. Costumes were usually tightly themed with the music selection. A major feature of the dance was to see how closely the patterns of the three circuits tracked each other.

The introduction of the “original dance” completely changed the nature of the original section. No ballroom dances are allowed. There must be at least two different dances included, sometimes three, sometimes of different styles and props and vocals can be used. Costumes are anything goes  and extended stops allowed.

Free Dance

Originally the “free dance” was literally that – free within rules governing obvious crucial aspects such as time, rythym and lifts. In free dance, the skaters choose their own rhythms, program themes, and music. Creativity was encouraged.

Problems with the Olympic Committee over definitions of sport induced a change to the “free dance” to include elements of physical sport. Certain elements are now required that include step sequences, lifts, dance spins, and multi-rotation turns called twizzles making a “free dance” closer to pair skating than in previous times. The differnces now between

Definition: In free dance, the skaters choose their own rhythms, program themes, and music. Creativity is encouraged.  Several hand holds and positions are expected.