Free Dance – General Information

Question 1

Duration

Answer 1

Pre-Novice 2 minutes 30 seconds (+/- 10 seconds)
Novice 3 minutes (+/- 10 seconds)
Solo Novice 2 minutes 20 seconds (+/- 10 seconds)
Junior 3 minutes 30 seconds (+/- 10 seconds)
Solo Junior 3 minutes (+/- 10 seconds)
Senior 4 minutes (+/- 10 seconds)
Solo Senior 3 minutes 30 seconds (+/- 10 seconds)

Question 2

Music

Answer 2

• May be vocal and must be suitable for ice dance as a sport discipline and must have the following characteristics:
• Must have an audible rhythmic beat and melody, or audible rhythmic beat alone, but not melody alone.
• May be without an audible rhythmic beat for up to 10 seconds at the beginning or end of the program.
• May be without an audible rhythmic beat for up to 10 seconds during the program.
• Must have at least one change of tempo/rhythm and expression; this change may be gradual or immediate.
• All music, including classical music, must be cut/edited, orchestrated, or arranged in a way that it creates an interesting, colourful, entertaining dance program with different dance moods or a building effect

Question 3

Stops

Answer 3

After the clock is started with the first movement, the skater(s) must not remain in one place for more than 10 seconds.
* During the program, unlimited full stops of up to 5 seconds are allowed.

Question 4

Separations

Answer 4

The number of separations to execute transitional footwork or moves is unrestricted.
* Distance allowed is maximum 2 arm’s length apart during separations
* Duration of each separation (excluding Required Elements) can be no more than 5 seconds.
* Separations at the beginning and/or end of the program are permitted up to 10 seconds, no restrictions on the distance of separation.

Question 5

Touching ice with
hand(s)

Answer 5

Not permitted (except during Choreographic Sliding Movement and Choreographic Character Step Sequence)

Question 6

Costume and Prop *

Answer 6

Must be modest, dignified and not give the effect of excessive nudity; must be appropriate for athletic competition – not garish or theatrical in design – yet may reflect the character of the chosen music.
* For domestic competition, clothing requirements are gender neutral. There are no restrictions on skaters choosing to wear skirts, dresses, pants or tights. Note that competitors competing internationally should refer to ISU Clothing Rule 501.
* Accessories & props are not permitted; no part of the costume may be used as any support in a lift.