The original dance is a dance routine consisting of several dance rhythms skated to music
of the couple's choice. Vocal music is permitted. For the 2001/2002 season the
original dance is a medley of Spanish rhythms. The dance may consist of two or three
rhythms skated in a Spanish style chosen from the following: Flamenco, Tango, Paso
Doble, or Waltz.
The dance has a number of required elements and the trend in recent years has been for it to take on some of the look of a short program, particularly for the required step sequences and spins. Because the elements do not push the skaters to attempt the most difficult movements possible, there are few deductions in the original dance and hence not a great deal of movement in the places as is the case in the singles and pairs short programs where one error can drop a top skater several places in the standings.
Lifts
Two lifts are required. These are dance lifts which means the man cannot raise his hands above the top of his head.
Dance Spin
One dance spin is required. This spin must be executed in a tradition dance hold (waltz, foxtrot, tango, killian, etc.). There must be a minimum of three rotations on one foot for each partner after which changes of foot or position and additional rotations are optional. The positions are similar to those used by pair teams, but the dance versions are generally executed much more slowly and without the complexity seen in pair skating.
Diagonal Step Sequence
The pattern must go corner-to-corner utilizing the full ice surface. The couple must skate in waltz, foxtrot or tango positions. The required step sequences have taken away some of the continuity of the dance since the couples currently tend to pause at the start of the step sequences, and sometimes pose, as is frequently the case in singles and pairs routines.
Straight Line Step Sequence
The pattern must go end-to-end utilizing the full ice surface. This
is a side-by-side step sequence in which the skaters must skate within two arm lengths of
each other, but may not touch. At least one series of synchronized twizzles must be
included in the sequence. This sequence currently tends to look very similar to a
side-by-side pairs step sequence.
Copyright 2002 by George S. Rossano