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The Short Dance is the first of the two Ice Dancing event segments. It consists of five elements and must be 2 minutes and 50 seconds +/- 10 seconds in duration. There is a time deduction of 1.0 points for every 5 seconds or part thereof over the maximum or under the minimum. If a program is more than 30 seconds under minimum the couple gets no score and is withdrawn from the competition. There is also a 2.0 point deduction for any extra elements beyond those permitted, with one exception noted below. The rhythm of the dance is prescribed by the Ice Dance Technical Committee each season, and for some rhythms the committee can specify a different time length for the dance.
The Short Dance was created in 2010 as a combination of a pattern dance and the Original Dance which formerly made up the first two dances in the Ice Dance event. Over many years and changes in rules the Original Dance evolved from an original set pattern dance into a mini free dance. In 2010, to reduce the number of dances in the Ice Dance event, the Original Dance became the Short Dance, with two sections of a pattern dance made a part of the short dance. The dance is choreographed to a prescribed rhythm and subject matter that is published by the ISU prior to the start of each season. The detailed requirements of the dance are contained in an ISU Communications that is released typically in June or July each year.
In addition to the required elements the couples may include one spinning movement which is not considered an element and is not called by the Technical Panel. The judges take this movement into account in their marks for program components. It will not appear on the protocol of marks.
Conforming to the required rhythm and/or character of the dance is extremely important in the Short Dance, more so than for Singles and Pairs Short Programs. The Short Dance rhythm for the 2017/18 season is any of several specified Latin American rhythms (Cha Cha, Rhumba, Samba, Mambo, Meringue, Salsa, Bachata and any closely related Latin American rhythms).
The five elements in the Short Dance consist of the following:
For the 2017/18 season the senior couples must execute one set of steps from the Rhumba pattern dance: Section 1 of the Rhumba, Steps 1-16 and Steps 1-4. In each of these there are three "key points" that are evaluated by the Technical panel. These are specific steps that the man or lady (or both) must execute correctly. The couples receive one level for each key point that the Technical Panel confirms correctly executed. In Dance, a section with no key points achieved is Level 1, and then each of the three key points when achieved increases the level up through Level 4. The timing of the step must also be correct for the couple to achieve the key point.
Dance lifts differ from Pairs lifts in that the man does not raise the woman over his head with fully extended arms. In dance the woman cannot be raised above the man's head. Pairs lifts are categorized by the hold used for the takeoff of the lift, while in Dance they are categorized by the pattern on the ice. In the Short Dance, the lift cannot exceed seven seconds in duration. When scores posted in the arena show a deduction and there has not been a fall it is often due to either an "extended lift" (a lift longer than the permitted time) or a time deduction.
The lift in the Short Dance can be one of four allowed types: stationary (the skaters are not in motion over the ice); straight line (the lift moves across the ice in a straight line; curve (the lift rotates as it moves across the ice). These are designated "short lifts" and cannot be more than 7 seconds in duration.
Dance lifts can have fairly complex positions with the lady draped over the man's body, legs, etc. in various intricate designs. Look for twisting, complex entries of the lady into and out of the lift to add difficulty to the lift. As in pairs, look for a secure lift of the woman by the man, and pay attention to his feet to see that he move securely and cleanly across the ice with steady feet. Changes in position in the air should be neat and under control.
Watch the exit from the lift to see that is is clean and under control. When the woman is retuned to the ice, both skaters should flow out of the lift smoothly. and immediately into connecting steps as they continue the program.
This element is very similar to a pairs step sequence, as the skaters are not holding onto each other as is usually the case in a Pairs step sequence. Both skaters will execute the same steps, edges and movements in unison as they move down the ice, except for brief highlights within the step sequence. The distance between the skaters should be no more than two arms lengths (finger tips barely touching if both their arms were outstretched). The skaters should remain more or less abreast and one skater should not get too far ahead of the other in the sequence.
As in all step sequences, look for clean steps and edge, good positions under control, and a smooth flow through the element. This element is scored using the principle of least common denominator. The worse of the two skaters is what determine the level and quality of the element.
This is a good element for evaluating the skating skills of the skaters, so pay attention to the difficulty of the steps and edges, the ability of the skaters to skate on all edges, and to turn clockwise or counter clockwise as they move across the ice. This element is also a good element to develop the Interpretation component of the program, so pay attention to how the step sequence actually relates to the music and how it fits into the overall choreography of the program.
Prior to the Original Dance, Ice Dance competition included a pattern dance of the couples' own creation set to a designated rhythm. This was known as the Original Set Pattern Dance. After this dance segment was dropped from competition the couples were no longer expected to create pattern dances of their own design. The clock has turned full circle, and now the Short Dance includes an element which is an original pattern dance sequence of the couple's choice.
The pattern can be up to one full circuit of the ice surface and must start on beat one of a musical measure. Since the elements of all dances are connected by many combinations of steps (more so than in singles and pairs), there are rules the skaters must follow so it is clear to the officials when this element begins and ends.
You will know the sequence is about to begin: (1) when the couple comes to a full stop, after which the couple takes the first step in a foxtrot hold indicating the first step of the pattern dance type step sequence; or (2) when they performing a skidding movement within one measure of music after the last step of the required pattern dance element. The first step after a skidding movement will indicate the starting point of the pattern dance type step sequence and must be performed in foxtrot hold.
You will know when the sequence ends when the couple: (1) come to a full stop; (2) execute a skidding movement not exceeding one measure of music; or (3) execute a choreographic spinning movement
As in all step sequences, look for clean steps and edge, good positions under control, and a smooth flow through the element. This element is scored using the principle of least common denominator. The worse of the two skaters is what determine the level and quality of the element.
This is also a good element for evaluating the skating skills of the skaters, so pay attention to the difficulty of the steps and edges, the ability of the skaters to skate on all edges, and to turn clockwise or counter clockwise as they move across the ice. This element is also a good element to develop the Interpretation component of the program, so pay attention to how the step sequence actually relates to the music and how it fits into the overall choreography of the program.
A twizzle is a type of turn that looks like a traveling spin. It is executed on one foot and rotates several times as the skater moves across the ice. Sequential refers to the requirement that the skater must do at least two of these rotating in opposite directions. Skaters who do not have facility with this turn might execute traveling three turns instead. This is not correct and a serious error. A maximum of one step is allowed between the twizzles connecting them together in sequence.
Skilled skaters will execute this element with high speed and arm and body positions that add to the difficulty. Look for clean edges and precise control without the skaters throwing up snow, scrapping edges, wobbling the free leg, or worst of all, putting down the free foot. The best skaters will execute these in a blur of speed, while lesser teams will struggle trough on the verge of disaster.
Copyright 2018 by George S. Rossano