Solo Free Dance

Certain elements are included in solo free dance programs:

• Short Edge Elements
• Long Edge Elements
• Twizzles or Twizzle Series
• Step Sequences
• Dance Spins

Short Edge Elements:

A short edge element is a figure skating move where an ice dancer holds a sustained edge in a selected position. The skater may change a position while doing the element, and the position must be held for at least three seconds, but should not be held for more than six seconds. Turns are not allowed during the actual element, but can be done as the skater enters or exits of the short edge element.

The short edge element is judged with the primary focus being the quality of the edge; the secondary focus is on the position attained.

Some Short Edge Solo Free Dance Elements:

• Attitudes
• Shoot the Ducks
• Spirals (done in a variety of positions)
• Spread Eagles
• Ina Bauers
• Biellmanns
• Hydroblading positions
• Full Split One Foot Glides (Charlotte)

Long Edge Elements:

Long edge elements are two or more short edge elements done in a row in a serpentine, "S" shaped, pattern. There should be a change in direction in each short edge element that is done in the "S" pattern. Each short edge element in the serpentine pattern should be held for at least three seconds, but the entire long edge element can be no longer than 12 seconds. Skaters may change positions while performing long edge elements.

Connecting turns cannot be more than one-half revolution and skaters may change feet between each short edge element, and also do turns as they enter and exit a long edge element move. Like the short edge elements, judges will judge the quality of edge first and then judge a skater's positions.

Twizzles or Twizzle Series:

Twizzles are multirotational one-foot turns that, unlike spins, move down the ice. Just one twizzle is required at the Juvenile solo free dance level, but the higher solo free dance test and competition levels require twizzles to be done in a row in a series and on different feet. Usually skaters turn for at least four revolutions in each twizzle. Up to three connecting steps are allowed between twizzles when they are done as a twizzle series.

Step Sequences:

Circular, midline, diagonal or serpentine patterns are done in solo free dance step sequences. Depending on the solo free dance level, step sequences include various steps and turns that may include edge change pulls, mohawks and choctaws, rockers, brackets, counters, three turns, and twizzles. Jumps and spins and loops are not allowed in solo free dance step sequences.

Dance Spins:

The dance spins done in solo free dances look very similar to the spins done in freestyle programs, but may appear to be more creative. Depending on the level, standard one foot spins or combination spins with a change of foot are performed. Skaters are required to complete at least three revolutions on each foot.