Those new to ice skating may think ice dancing is difficult because swing rolls and progressives are required to do the Dutch Waltz, the first dance that most figure skaters learn, from US Figure Skating's Preliminary ice dance test (the most beginning ice dances in figure skating).
In contrast, figure skaters of all ages and levels will find the Glide Waltz simple to do and easy to master. The Glide Waltz is so simple and easy, in fact, that social ice dancers should be encouraged to learn the steps and pattern of the dance so they show skaters of all levels how fun ice dancing can be.
No backward skating or turns are required. The dance consists of only forward chasse steps (an ice dance step where a skater first strokes and extends, and then brings the feet together and lifts the other skate slightly off the ice). Then, after the chasse, skaters do forward strokes. The dance can be skated slowly to waltz music.
Glide Waltz Steps and Instructions:
The steps of the Glide Waltz are very simple and are listed below.Note: These instructions have been modified slightly for ice skaters.
- Start at either end of the rink and do four introductory steps (three beats each): (left, right, left, right) that cover the width of the arena.
- Next do a left forward chasse, followed by a three beat left outside stroke, down the the length of the arena.
- Then do a right forward chasse, followed by a three beat right forward outside stroke, that curves slightly first towards the center of the rink and then back towards the rink's boards, as you continue skating down the length of the arena.
- Now do another left forward chasse, followed by a three beat right forward outside stroke that continues moving down the length of the rink.
- After that chasse and stroke, skate towards the rink corner and do a right inside stroke. Hold the stroke for three beats.
- Now do a very straight chasse, followed by a somewhat straight forward outside stroke, along the width of the arena.
- Now, do a three beat forward inside edge towards the barrier.
- Repeat the entire dance again, without the four introductory steps. Each pattern should begin with the first left forward outside chasse.
Note: All the steps in the Glide Waltz should be held for three beats with the exception of the chasses. The timing for the chasses should as follows: Two beats for the first extended forward outside edge and one beat when the foot is lifted up. Then, the extended outside edge after the chasse should be held for three beats.
