1997/98 Original Dance: The Jive

In the original dance all the couples skate a dance 2 minutes in duration. The rhythm of the dance is specified in advance of the start of each competition season along with the range of tempo permitted. Each couple can choose its own music, but it must conform to the rhythm and tempos specified. If it does not it will be crucified by deductions in the mark for presentation. The dance must have the character of a ballroom dance translated to the ice by flow and use of edges.

The dance may include all steps, turns, rotations, and changes of position that are appropriate to the designated rhythm and the music chosen by the couple. The more difficult, original, and intricate the footwork the better. Toe steps and small toe jumps are permitted for some rhythms, but may not be used to excess. Repetition of any steps or step sequences is permitted but not required. Skating on two feet and kneeling on two knees is forbidden, except that up to two highlights on two feet are permitted with a maximum duration of 5 seconds.

The dance pattern must proceed in generally one direction, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. It must not cross the long axis of the rink (the mid-line oriented along the long direction of the rink) except at the ends of the rink, or in the case of one diagonal sequence oriented from one corner of the rink to the opposite corner. A small number of stops (one or two) are permitted, with the number depending on the rhythm being skated.

Separations are limited to no more than one measure of music to change dance hold, and up to 5 seconds at the beginning and/or end of the dance. For certain rhythms additional separations are sometimes allowed.

The teams may incorporate any dance holds, arm movements, handclaps, etc. that are interpretive of the music, however, hand-in-hand positions with extended arms are not permitted. Holding, pulling and pushing a partner's leg is also prohibited. To avoid questions of interpretation of what constitutes holding, pulling, or pushing, the simple touching of the partner's leg will result in a deduction.

The criteria for judging an original dance is similar to that used in the compulsory dances. However, since the couples choose their own music and choreography there are other factors to consider also. In the mark for composition the difficulty, originality, and variety of the steps is also taken into account, and the shape of the pattern, the way it is laid out on the ice, and the utilization of the ice surface are considered. In the presentation mark, the correct choice of music and the harmonious composition of the program as a whole are additional factors considered in the judging of an original dance, but not considered in judging a compulsory dance. Interpretation also plays a bigger role, since more freedom is allowed body positions and movements in the original dance than in the compulsory dances.

Original dances are subject to deductions for violations of the music requirements, violations of the costume requirements, and violations of the technical restrictions. Violations of the technical restrictions are only taken from the mark for composition. The other deductions are taken from the second mark for presentation. The deduction for a fall is left to the individual discretion of the judges depending on how serious it is in terms of length of interruption to the program. The deduction for a fall is taken in the mark for composition, and may also be taken in the mark for presentation if the fall affects the further presentation of the program.

General requirements for The Jive

For the 1997-98 competition season the original dance rhythm is the Jive - 160 to 200 beats per minute, 40 to 50 measures of 4 beats per minute, 2/2 cut time or 4/4 time. The dance should exhibit great energy and excitement. The dance should not exhibit reserve or static stances and poses. There should be great fluidity of the edges with quick edges and steps. Sustained edges should be kept to a minimum. The Jive falls within the general category of "Swing" music and movements from the Lindy, Lindy Hop, Double and Triple Swing, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, Rock ‘n Roll, and Twist may also be used.

2. The dance must proceed in a generally constant direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. The dance must not cross the long axis except once at each end of the rink (within no more than 20 meters of the barrier). Loops is either direction are permitted.

3. All step, turns, rotations, and positions, even if skated separately, are permitted provided they are appropriate to the designated rhythm and the music chosen, and provided that the unison of the couple is maintained throughout. Deep edges and intricate footwork displaying skill, difficulty and originality must be included and performed by both partners rather than posing and skating on two feet. At least one skate of each partner must remain on the ice at all times with the exception of the lifts permitted in item (4), and for hops, jumps, and assisted jumps (not above waist level) of no more than one half rotation.

4. One dance lift is permitted, as well as a dance lift at the beginning and/or end of the routine consistent with the dance lift definition.