Ice Dance

1. Ice Dance NCCP Intermediate STARSkate Provincial Coach (ISPC) Program

2. Today’s Agenda • Ice Dance and the CPC • Elements of Ice Dance • Review and Analyze Senior Bronze and Junior Silver Dances • Music and Choreography • Juvenile Free Dance • Costuming and Total Package • STARSkate Test Standards • ISPC Evaluation - achieving a certification in Ice Dance!

3. CPC Free Dance Definition Free dance is the skating by a couple of a creative program with dance steps and movements expressing the character of the music chosen by the couple. Developing a story or theme is optional. Required Elements are listed in the official WBP document and any "specified" lifts and spins to be included will be announced annually by the ISU

4. Free Dance Content • Dance Lifts • Dance Spins • Dance Step Sequences • Synchronized Twizzles

5. Dance Lifts

6. Short Dance Lifts The duration of the Lift should not exceed six (6) seconds: • Stationary Lift is a lift that is executed on the spot (stationary location) by the lifting partner who may or may not be rotating. • Straight Line Lift is a lift in which the lifting partner travels in a straight line in any position on one foot or two feet. • Curve Lift is a lift in which the lifting partner travels on one curve (lobe) in any position on one foot or two feet. • Rotational Lift is a lift in which the lifting partner rotates in one (clockwise or anticlockwise) direction while traveling across the ice.

7. Long Dance Lifts The duration of the Lift should not exceed twelve (12) seconds: • Reverse Rotational Lift is a lift in which the lifting partner rotates in one direction and then in another direction while traveling across the ice. • Serpentine Lift is a lift in which the lifting partner travels on two different curves of approximately similar curvature and duration. The change of direction of the pattern may incorporate a turn of not more than ½ rotation. The pattern must be serpentine shaped (“S”). After the completion of the 2 curves the Couple may skate additional curves or rotate (less than 1 rotation) but this will not be counted. • Combination Lift is a lift combining two of the above types of lifts; a), b), c) or d).

11. The following movements and/or poses during the lift are not allowed and will be called Illegal: • lifting hand(s) of the lifting partner higher than his head • lying or sitting on the partner’s head • sitting or standing on the partner’s shoulder, back • lifted partner in upside down split pose (with angle between thighs more than 45 degrees) • lifting partner swinging the lifted partner around by holding the skate(s)/boot(s) or leg(s) only and/or by holding the hand(s) with full arm extension by both partners.

12. Dance Spins Spin A spin skated by the couple together in any hold. It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot by each partner simultaneously. Both partners must complete at least 3 full continuous rotations on one foot. Combo Spin A spin performed as above after which one change of foot is made by both partners simultaneously and further rotations occur. Both partners must complete at least 3 rotations on one foot, followed by a change to the other foot for both simultaneously and 3 further rotations on the other foot with no more than ½ rotations on 2 feet during the “change of feet.

13. Dance Step Sequences Straight Line Step Sequences a) Midline: skated along the full length of the centre (long) axis of the ice surface b) Diagonal: skated as fully corner to corner as possible)

14. Dance Step Sequences Curved Step Sequences c) Circular: utilizing the full width of the ice surface on the short axis of the rink d) Serpentine: commences in either direction at the centre (long) axis at one end of the rink and progresses in three bold curves or in two bold curves (S-Shaped) and ends at the centre (long) axis of the opposite end of the rink (pattern utilizing the full width of the ice surface).

15. Synchronized Twizzles All sets of twizzles are comprised of two twizzles. • Each twizzle shall be at least one full rotation on one foot performed simultaneously by both partners. • Both partners must skate the same number of rotations for each twizzle. • No stops are permitted before the first or second twizzles. • More twizzles may be added but the first two twizzles only will be considered for the Level.

16. Juvenile Free Dance WBP One free dance to music of 2.0 minutes (+ or – 10 sec) A well balanced Juvenile free dance must meet the following requirements: • A maximum of one dance lift (Six second - stationary, curve or straight Line) • A maximum of one dance spin (Simple spin type, not combination type, it will be called to a maximum Level 2) • A maximum of one series of synchronized twizzles • A maximum of one footwork sequence (Any shape, no required holds, may not be midline not touching)

17. Pre-Novice Free Dance One free dance to music of 2.5 minutes (+ or – 10 sec) A well-balanced Pre-Novice free dance must meet the following requirements: • A maximum of two different dance lifts (six second - stationary, curve, straight line or rotational) • A maximum of one dance spin (simple spin type, not combination type) • A maximum of one series of synchronized twizzles • A maximum of one footwork sequence (any shape, no required holds, may not be midline not touching)

18. Level of Difficulty In ice dance as in singles and pairs, lifts, spins and step sequences are assessed a level of difficulty. Information about the features and rules regarding the levels of difficulty are available on the ISU and Skate Canada web sites with yearly changes well documented.

19. Working & Training with CPC • Consider the risk/reward quotient • Assess your athletes carefully – maximize within their ability & the WBP • Build the best programs • Strategy is key!

20. Basic Principle of Calculation • Every section of a Compulsory Dance and required element of Original and Free Dance has a certain value indicated in the “Scale of Value (SOV) chart” • Combination lifts are evaluated as one unit by adding the base values of the two first executed types of lifts, multiplying the result by 0.7 and after that applying the GOE with the numerical value of the most difficult type of lift

21. To arrive at a GOE, each phase of an element is assessed GOE Assessment

22. Determination of GOE • The judge watches an element and assesses the various phases • The judge evaluates the quality of an element compared to the criteria for Base Value • The judge identifies any positive features that would increase the Base Value of the element • The judge then applies reductions for specific errors and arrives at a final GOE

23. Program Components • Skating Skills - Quality of skating, edge control, & flow from the ice up • Transitions / Linking Footwork & Movements - Variety of footwork & movements that link elements together • Performance / Execution - Total involvement, sincerity & movement quality / precision in delivery • Choreography / Composition - Intent & arrangement of elements and transitions • Interpretation / Timing – Use of finesse to express character, rhythm and nuances of music

24. 10 – Outstanding 9 – Superior 8 – Very Good 7 – Good 6 – Above Average 5 – Average 4 – Fair 3 – Weak 2 – Poor 1 – Very Poor Program Component Ranges

25. An important part of the development of good skating skills • Every trained coach should be able to teach this criteria ISPC Dance…

26. Holds and the art of partnering Stroking techniques Tracking Basic dance positions Music rhythms Dance terminology Elements of Ice Dance

27. Holds – the art of partnering!

28. Hand-in-hand

29. Kilian

30. Reverse Kilian

31. Closed (Waltz)

32. Open (Foxtrot)

33. Outside (Tango)

34. Stroking Techniques For power & flow: Foot placement Angled (V) stroke

35. Tuck Stroke Open Stroke

36. Stroking Techniques For power & flow: • Knee action – rarely straight, never locked, rises for musical expression similar to throwing a ball in the air

37. Fundamental Aspect of Tracking “the spatial relationship of one partner to the other” • Hand-in-hand position (i.e. when performing introductory steps) person closer to the centre of lobe skates a smaller circle. • Dance patch – excellent way to improve positions and knowledge of tracking.

38. Tracking… Closed Position • Swing rolls, all progressives and chassé steps traveling on the same curve start between the other partner’s feet.

39. Tracking… Kilian Position • To achieve correct lobe size and depth, the skater closer to the centre of lobe skates a smaller circle than the other skater

40. Tracking… Tango (Outside) • When partners are in Tango position, the partner skating forward skates to the inside of the circle

41. Basic Dance Positions • First skill to learn - forwards and backwards • Head, chin and eyes are up • Shoulders – relaxed and down • Straight back • Hand & arms – held in a natural extended position just below shoulder level • Pelvis & hips are tilted upward – over the skating foot

42. Basic Dance Position • Skating knee over skating toe • Free leg always straight and turned out from the hip – well extended by use of skating knee and thigh • Free foot is turned out – parallel to the ice with pointed toes

43. Basic Dance Position Forward Backward

44. Waltz – partners holds each other in a close embrace March – strong pulsating beats performed in a distinctively sharp manner Foxtrot – easy going dance skated smoothly with good pace and strong edges Tango – movements are deliberate and convey an atmosphere of pride Music Rhythms

46. Dance Terminology Patterns Set Pattern Dance A dance for which the location, direction and curvature of all edges to be skated are designated in the diagram. This diagram must be followed as closely as possible. Optional Pattern Dance A dance for which the pattern may be altered by a couple provided that the original step sequences, positions and timing are maintained. Each repetition of the altered pattern must be executed in the same manner.

47. Axis • Longitudinal • Transverse • continuous • Short

48. Dance Terminology Lobe Sequence of steps on one side of the continuous axis approximately semi-circular in shape Transition Change of weight from one side of body to other by turning or by changing feet, edge or lobe Turns Rotational movement from FWD to BWD or BWD to FWD

49. Dance Terminology Turns • Three • Dropped Three • Quick Dropped Three • Waltz Three • Swing Rocker • Pivot • Mohawk (Open, Closed & Swing Mohawk) • Choctaw (Open, Closed & Swing Choctaw)

50. Dance Terminology Turns • Progressive • Cross Roll • Swing Roll • Cross Step (Forward & Behind) • Chassé (Crossed & Slide) We will be doing all of these turns later on the ice!