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On My Own- Les Misérables (Michelle Kwan)
Summer Nights- Grease (Nancy Kerrigan)
Tomorrow- Annie (Nancy Kerrigan)
Introduction to Figure Skating
What IS ice skating?
Ice skating is a sport in which people slide over a smooth ice surface on steel-bladed skates. Millions of people skate in those parts of the world where the winters are cold enough. Although most people ice-skate for recreation and exercise, skating for form and speed is a highly competitive international sport. Ice-skating skills are also an important part of the game of ice hockey. Ice-skating shows, such as the Ice Follies and the Ice Capades, have entertained millions of spectators. These shows also provide a means for skaters to exploit their talents commercially. The increasing number of indoor rinks has made year-round ice skating possible.
Perhaps ice skating athletes are better known than the others because of their long participation in the Olympic Games and the intense media coverage the sport receives as a result. But the sports figures who participate in roller skating and skateboarding contribute as much in capability, physical courage and artistic achievements. Perhaps the day is coming soon when individuals in these events will be as well recognized as those in ice skating.
Um, I see.... What about Competitive Ice Skating???
Figure skating is primarily a sport of amateurs. Competitions are held for men's and women's singles, pairs, and ice dancing. For years the singles competitors were judged on compulsory figures and two free skating programs. The compulsory-figures category required each skater to perform repetitions of 3 figures drawn from a possible 41 patterns, which were judged according to a skater's precision, balance, control, and gracefulness in retracing the figure. In 1990 the International Skating Union eliminated the compulsory figures from singles competition. Both men and women skaters must perform a shorter technical program with specific required moves, and a longer, more creative free skate. The skaters are judged on their ability to perform jumps, spins, spirals, and to skate a program coordinated with music. There has been a trend toward more athleticism in free-skating events, adding more complicated and daring jumps.
Pairs competitions are similar to singles, in that they are judged on shorter technical and longer free-skating performances. In pairs skating, the same jumps, spins, and twirls as in the singles events are used, along with lifts and partner-assisted jumps. The partners must remain in unison as they perform their routines. Ice dancing differs from pairs skating in that lifts are prohibited and specific movements required. Ice dancers must perform two compulsory dances and an original dance, all to predetermined music or rhythms. The longer free dance uses more interpretive steps, as well as creative moves.