Definition: There are two phases of junior and senior level ice dancing competitions. The first phase is the Short Dance (a combination of a compulsory dance and some free dance elements) and then the Free Dance. The Short Dance includes steps from a compulsory dance, but also includes creative free dance elements. Each ice dance team skates to a different piece of music. The Short Dance program's duration is 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

 

• 2010-11 Short Dance Requirements

 

Examples: For the 2010--11 figure skating competition season, Junior level ice dance teams include two patterns of the Viennese Waltz in their short dance; Senior level ice dance teams include one pattern of the Golden Waltz in their program. In addition, the team performs three required free dance elements: a non-touching straight line step sequence that covers the length of the ice and is skated down the center of the rink, synchronized twizzles, and a lift that is a duration of 6 seconds or under. Skaters skate to any music that is waltz tempo. Costumes should be appropriate for a waltz theme.