How to Choreograph a Free Dance
Plan an Ice Dancing Routine
Sep 20, 2007 Jo Ann Schneider Farris
What is Free Dance?
Free dance looks very much like pair skating. A man and a woman skate as a couple on the ice. Lifts and spins are performed in sequence and dancing is done on the ice. Free dance is fun.
Preparation
It takes quite a bit of time and preparation to be able to do free dance, so before attempting to choreograph a free dance program, master some figure skating and ice dancing basics. In fact, U.S. Figure Skating now requires that skaters pass the Preliminary Ice Dance test before taking the first free dance test. It is also recommended that ice dancers master freeskating skills before attempting free dance.
Theme and Music
The music used for free dance can be instrumental or can be vocal. Music from musicals or stage shows always work well. The music can have both slow and fast sections. The finished music must be put on an individual CD and must be a certain length. For example, the music for a Juvenile level free dance should be two minutes and fifteen seconds long.
Costumes
Once the theme and music for the free dance is determined, begin to think about the costumes that will be worn by the skaters performing the free dance. The costumes worn should show off the skaters. Ice dancing dresses are longer than most ice skating dresses. Many of the costumes worn by ice dancers are elaborate.
Lifts
A beginning free dance must contain two lifts. One lift can rotate, which means the man will rotate and turn on the ice while lifting the lady. Another lift can be done in a straight line or on a curve with no rotation. Stationary lifts that don't move at all are also permitted. The lifts done in free dance are not overhead lifts, which means that the man cannot lift the lady high above his head. Long lifts are not allowed at the beginning free dance level.
Synchronized Twizzles
Ice dancers do side by side rotational turns called twizzles. Twizzles look a bit like spins, but the turns move down the ice and do not stay in one spot. A beginning free dance should have at least one set of twizzles and if possible, each twizzle should rotate for at least four revolutions on one foot.
Dance Spins
The spins ice dancers do together are very similar to the spins pair skaters do. The dance spin the couple does should rotate around a common axis. The lady might be in one position while the man is in another position. Ice dance teams can be creative with dance spins.
Steps, Turns, Footwork
All free dances must include a circular, straight line, or diagonal step sequence. The connecting steps in the entire free dance program should include ice dancing steps, ice dancing partner positions, and one foot turns. The partners should not separate for long periods and should skate in unison.
Arm and Facial Movements
It is important that a free dance include various arm movements. The lady can create some drama by using her arms and hands in creative ways. Both members of the team can be creative with facial expressions. The man can also be creative with his hands and arms. Drama and entertainment should be shown on the ice.
Practice Make Perfect
Free dance programs can be fun to do. In order to perform the free dance in public, an ice dancing team should practice their free dance program as much as possible. Practice will help an ice dancing team to skate in unison and as time passes, the free dance will improve.
Free Dance is Fun
Remember, free dance is hard, but is fun. Ice dance teams must remember to smile and be happy as they create a free dance together. Happy Ice Dancing!
Free Dance Lift
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Young Skaters Doing Free Dance
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Ice Dance Spin
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Free Dance Starting Pose
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