ICE DANCE TERM DICTIONARY
     
SPOTLIGHT DEFINITION

Rule 504.14a

Twizzle - A travelling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly executed. The turn may rotate in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot close beside it ready to skate the exit edge which is stepped closely beside the skating foot. This turn is skated separately by one or both partners. A series of three turns is not acceptable as this does not constitute a single action.

  

Twizzles and brackets and rockers.. Oh MY! - What does it all mean?

RULE 501 - AXIS

1. Long Axis - A straight line that divides the ice surface into two halves lengthwise (midline).
2. Short Axis - A straight line that divides the ice surface into two halves crosswise.
3. Continuous Axis - An imaginary line running around the ice surface that serves as the basis for the dance pattern. Usually the continuous axis consists of two lines running parallel to the long axis of the ice surface, approximately halfway between the long axis and the sides. These lines are joined at each end of the ice surface by a semi-circle. These semi-circles are flattened in some dances so that they run parallel to the ends of the ice surface. In circular dances, such as the Kilian, the continuous axis approximates a circle. The continuous axis of the Paso Doble is an oval.
4. Transverse Axis - An imaginary line intersecting the continuous axis of a dance at right angles.

RULE 502 - PATTERNS

The pattern of a dance is the design of the dance on the ice. The diagram of a dance includes all the information needed to execute one complete pattern of the dance.

1. 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.
2. 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 and the restart must be commenced from the same place.
3. Rim/Edge/Border Dance - A dance whose step sequence requires a shorter or longer distance than is available in one circuit of the rink. The second sequence, therefore, will not begin at the original starting point of the dance.
4. Lobe - Any sequence of steps on one side of the continuous axis that is approximately semi-circular in shape.

RULE 503 - INTRODUCTORY STEPS

1. Introductory Steps - All Compulsory dances may be started with optional introductory steps. They shall not exceed the introductory phrasing.
2. Start - The first step after the introductory steps. The referee may announce the approximate location at which the dances must be started.
3. Step Sequence - The prescribed order of the steps that compose one pattern of a Compulsory Dance or any portion thereof, or a series of steps prescribed or unprescribed in an Original/Free/Interpretive Dance.

RULE 504 - DEFINITIONS

1. Step - The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. It may consist of an edge or a turn such as a three or counter.

2. Open Stroke - A step started close behind the skating foot without crossing in front of behind. It should be noted that on all forward edges the free leg is held behind before coming to the skating foot for the next step. On all backward edges the free leg is held forward before returning to the skating foot for the next step.

3. Cross Stroke - A step started with the feet crossed so that the impetus or power is gained from the outside edge of the foot that is becoming the free foot. Note - the legs cross above the knees.

4. Crossed Step Forward - A step in which the free foot is placed on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg crossed in front of the skating leg. Note - the legs cross below the knees.

5. Crossed Step behind - A step in which the free foot is place on the ice on the outer edge side of the skating foot with the free leg crossed behind the skating leg. Note - the legs cross below the knees.

6. Chasse - A step combination during which the free foot is placed beside the skating foot, but not ahead of it, with the new free foot leaving the ice beside the new skating foot.

  1. Crossed Chasse - A chasse in which the free foot is placed on the ice crossed behind the skating foot when skating forward or crossed in front when skating backward.
  2. Slide Chasse - A chasse in which the free foot slides off the ice in front when the skater is skating forward and behind when the skater is skating backward

7. Progressive (Run) - A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before it is place on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot.

8. Roll - A short or long, forward or backward edge, which curves in the opposite direction to the preceding edge thus creating the rolling movement that gives the step its name.

  1. Swing Roll - A roll held for several beats of music during which , when skating backward, the free leg first swings forward, then backward to the skating foot to be placed on the ice beside the skating foot. (When skating forward, the free leg first swings backward, then forward.)
  2. Cross Roll - A roll started forward with the feet crossed in front or backward with the feet crossed behind. The impetus is gained form the outside edge of the skating foot as it become the free foot.

9. Slip Step - A step skated in a straight line with the blades of both skates being held flat on the ice. The weight is over the skating leg which has a well bend knee while the free foot slides forward on the ice to full extension.

10. Toe Step - A step where the skater steps from one to the other without jumping.

11. Turn - A rotational movement in which the skater moves from forward to backward or backward to forward

  1. Three - A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the curve.
  2. Dropped Three - A three turn in which the weight is almost immediately transferred ("dropped") to the free foot as it becomes the skating foot for the next step.
  3. Quick Dropped Three - A rotational movement performed so rapidly that it takes place almost on the same spot or within one beat of music. The Turn is made from a forward outside three to the backward outside edge of the opposite foot, then the skater immediately steps forward onto the original foot. Such a sequence may be skated with forward or backward, inside or outside three turns.
  4. Waltz Three - A three turn skated with the free leg extended close to the ice, and the tow and hip well turned out and held over the tracing. The instep of the free foot is then drawn close to the heel of the skating foot as the turn is made. After the turn the free foot is extended and held ahead of the tracing before being brought back beside the skating foot in time for the next step.
  5. Bracket - A turn executed on one foot from an outside edge to an inside edge or an inside edge to an outside edge, with the exit curve continuing on the same lobe as the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction opposite the curve.
  6. Rocker - A turn executed on one foot form an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lob from the entry curve. The skater turns in the direction of the entry curve.
  7. Counter - A turn executed on one foot form an outside edge to an outside edge or an inside edge to an inside edge, with the exit curve on a different lob from the entry curve. The skater turns in the opposite direction of the entry curve (i.e. in the direction of the exit curve).
  8. Swing Rocker or Counter - A type of rocker or counter in which the free foot swings smoothly past close to the skating foot before the turn and after the turn is either moved past the skating foot and held behind over the tracing or allowed to swing forward.

12. Mohawk - A turn from one foot to the other in which the entry and exit curves are continuous and of equal depth. The change of foot is from an outside edge to an outside edge or from an inside edge to an inside edge.

  1. Open Mohawk - A mohawk in which the heel of the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot, the angle between the two feet behind optional. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot.
  2. Closed Mohawk - A mohawk in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer, the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot.
  3. Swing Mohawk - An open or closed mohawk in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn.

13. Choctaw - A turn form one foot to the other in which the curve of the exit edge is opposite to that of the entry edge. The change of foot is from outside edge to inside edge or inside edge to outside edge. Unless otherwise specified in the dance description, the free foot is placed on the ice close to the skating foot. The entry and exit edge are of equal depth.

  1. Open Choctaw - A choctaw in which the free foot is placed on the ice at the inner side of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is behind the heel of the new skating foot.
  2. Closed Choctaw - A choctaw in which the instep of the free foot is held at the heel of the skating foot until the free foot is placed on the ice behind the heel of the skating foot. Following the weight transfer the immediate position of the new free foot is in front of the new skating foot.
  3. Swing Choctaw - An open or closed choctaw in which the free leg swings forward closely past the skating leg and then back to the skating foot to execute the turn.
  4. Cross Open Choctaw - A choctaw in which the outside of the free foot is held in front of and at right angles to the skating foot. This hip is open after the turn. It may be wide-stepped.

14. Rotational Movements

  1. Twizzle - A travelling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly executed. The turn may rotate in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The weight remains on the skating foot with the free foot close beside it ready to skate the exit edge which is stepped closely beside the skating foot. This turn is skated separately by one or both partners. A series of three turns is not acceptable as this does not constitute a single action.
  2. Series of Synchronized Twizzles - at least two twizzles for each partner with up to 3 small steps between. Each twizzle shall be at least one rotation on one foot performed simultaneously by both partners. Examples:
    - side by side in the same direction (matching)
    - side by side in opposite direction (mirror)
    - following one another (one skating forward and/or backward and the other skating forward and/or backward)
  3. Pirouette - A spinning movement performed on one foot on the spot by one or both partners, with or without the assistance of the other partner.
  4. Dance Spin - A spin skated by the couple together in known dance hold or variation thereof (except hand in hand). It should be performed on the spot around a common axis with only one foot of each partner remaining on the ice throughout. Change(s) of foot for both partners may be permitted.

15. Leg and Foot Positions

  1. Coupee - A movement in which the free foot is held up in contact with the skating leg from an open hip position so that the free foot is at a right angle to the leg of the skating foot.
  2. Passe - A movement in which the free foot is held up to the side of the skating leg from a closed hip position so that the free foot is parallel to the leg of the skating foot.
  3. Attitude - The free leg is bend and brought up out and behind at a ninety degree angle to the leg of the skating foot.

16. Dance Lifts

  1. a) Dance Lift - An action in which the partner is elevated to any height and set down. During the action, the lifting partner must not raise the hands higher than the head. Any rotations and/or positions and changes of the same during the lift are permitted except sitting or lying on the partner's shoulder or back. Lifts should enhance the music chosen and express its character, but not be a display of acrobatics. Acrobatic lifts are defined as moves in which the partner is held by the blade(s), foot (feet), leg(s) or arm(s) and swung around. These or other such actions which display sheer feats of strength are not permitted.
  2. Rotational Lift - A lift in which the lifting partner rotates (the lifted partner may be stationary or mobile during this rotation).
  3. Non Rotational Lift with Curves - A lift in which the lifting partner skates on at least two different curves of approximately similar curvature and duration. The lifting partner may be: on one or two feet, skating forward or backward or both (if the partner skates a turn between the curves/lobes). The change of direction may incorporate a three turn, rocker, mohawk, or similar turn (of not more than 1/2 rotation), but a turn is optional.

17. Dance Jumps

  1. Jump - One partner at a time may execute a jump of not more than one revolution either holding hands or separated. Such jumps must not be thrown or lifted.
  2. Dance Jump - A small jump not more than 1/2 revolution used to change foot or direction. Such jumps must be executed in dance position or at not more than 2 arms-length apart. Both partners may jump at the same time.
  3. Hops - A small jump without revolution.

Rule 505 - Dance Positions

1. Hand-in-Hand Position - The partners face in the same direction and are side by side with their arms comfortably extended and their hands clasped. The lady is on the right side if not otherwise indicated in the dance description.

2. Closed or Waltz Position - The partners are directly opposite each other. One partner faces forward while the other partner faces backward. The man's right hand is placed firmly on his partner's back at the shoulder blade with the elbow raised and the arm bent sufficiently to hold the lady close to him. The left hand of the lady is placed on the shoulder of the man so that her arm rests comfortably, elbow to elbow, on his upper arm. The left arm of the man and the right arm of the lady are extended comfortably at shoulder height. Their shoulders should remain parallel.

3. Open or Foxtrot Position - The hand-and-arm positions are similar to those of the closed or waltz position. The partners imply turn slightly away form each other so that they both face the same direction.

4. Outside or Tango Position - The partners face in opposite directions - one partner skating forward; the other partner skating backward. However, unlike the closed position, the partners are offset with the man to the right or left of the lady so that the font of his hip is in line with the front of her corresponding hip. Tight hip-to-hip position is undesirable since it impedes flow.

5. Kilian Position - The partners face in the same direction with the lady to the right of the man and his right shoulder behind her left. The left arm of the lady is extended across the front of the man's body to hold his left hand. His right arm crosses behind the lady's back to clasp her right hand. Both hands rest over the hip bone.

  1. Reversed Kilian Position - This position is similar to the Kilian position but with the lady at the man's left.
  2. Open Kilian Position - The man's left hand holds the lady's left hand, with his right hand resting over the lady's left hip or behind her back. The lady's right arm is extended. This position may also be reversed.
  3. Crossed Kilian Position - The lady's left arm is extended across the front of the man's body to his left hand, while his right arm is extended across in front of her body with both partners' right hands resting clasped over her hip. This position may also be reversed.

6. Definition - Leading Hand - The leading hand of the man is the right hand except in the case of "reversed" position when it is the left hand.

RULE 506 - MUSICAL DEFINITIONS

1. Beat - A note defining the regular recurring divisions of a piece of music.
2. Tempo - The speed of music in beats or measures per minute.
3. Rhythm - The regularly repeated pattern of accented and unaccented beat which give the music its character.
4. Measure (Bar) - A unit of music which is defined by the periodic recurrence of the accent. Such units are equal duration.
5. While it may be technically correct to skate to the minor accent (weak beat), the resulting interpretation and expression of the character of the dance is not correct and must be penalized by the judges.