Spiral (figure skating)
Encyclopedia
A spiral is an element in figure skating
where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level. It is akin to the arabesque
in ballet
.
Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (left or right), edge (outside or inside), direction the skater is traveling (forward or backward), and the position of the free leg (backward, forward, sideways).
Spirals are a required element in ladies' singles
and pair skating
. Currently, spirals are infrequently performed by men at the Olympic level because it is not a required element nor can men receive points for spiral sequences in the element score of the ISU Judging System
. In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such as Toller Cranston
, Paul Wylie
, and Shawn Sawyer
.
Spirals can be performed on four edges: forward or backward, and on the inside or outside edge. Spirals performed on a "flat" (no lean) are generally not counted as "true" spirals. The basic spiral is performed with the free leg stretched and extended to the rear above hip level. Many skaters try to lift the leg as high as possible, but more important than the height of the free leg is that it be fully stretched and that the tension of the position be maintained in the upper body as well.
Judges look at the depth, stability, and control of the skating edge, speed and ice coverage, extension, and other factors. Some skaters are able to change edges during a spiral, ie. from inside to outside edge.
, the skater must hold each spiral position for at least 3 seconds to receive credit for it.
A spiral sequence often includes a change of edge spiral. The same position is held, but the skater changes the edge he or she is skating on. The most common is forward inside edge to forward outside edge.
An arabesque
spiral is the basic spiral position. The free leg is extended behind the body above hip height (at least a 90 degree angle). Some skaters are able to achieve vertical (180 degrees) with this position, but it is not required.
A catch-foot spiral does not refer to any single position, but generally refers to any spiral with the skate of the free leg being held in one or both hands. Catchfoot spirals include:
A Charlotte spiral is a variation in which the torso is dropped down forward toward the skating leg and the free leg is lifted behind in a near-split position. It can be done backwards or forwards, with the latter being the harder version.
A Kerrigan spiral is a high-leg outside spiral performed with one hand supporting the knee of the free leg. This position is named after Nancy Kerrigan
.
A skid spiral (also known as a slide spiral) is a 180-degree turn on the ice performed in a spiral position, using a skidden three turn to change directions. It was invented by Robin Cousins
.
A fan spiral is a back outside edge spiral held with the free leg held unsupported to the skater's front or side. Ideally, this position should be held with both legs straight, although less flexible skaters attempt to compensate for a lack of strength or flexibility by not fully extending the free leg or bending the skating leg.
An inverted spiral is a variation performed with the free leg held in front with the skater leaning backward over the edge of the skating foot so that the skater's upper body is held almost parallel to the ice. The position attained in this spiral is similar to that of a layover camel.
Figure skating
Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...
where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level. It is akin to the arabesque
Arabesque (ballet position)
In classical ballet, the term arabesque In classical ballet, the term arabesque In classical ballet, the term arabesque (aa-rah-besk; literally, "in Arabic fashion". Specifically, "arabesque" references an architectural design term that describes and is a spiral...
in ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
.
Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (left or right), edge (outside or inside), direction the skater is traveling (forward or backward), and the position of the free leg (backward, forward, sideways).
Spirals are a required element in ladies' singles
Single skating
Single skating is a discipline of figure skating, wherein a single person skates alone. Men's singles and ladies' singles are both Olympic disciplines and are both governed by the International Skating Union. The other Olympic figure skating events are pair skating and ice dancing...
and pair skating
Pair skating
Pair skating is a figure skating discipline. International Skating Union regulations describe pair teams as consisting of "one lady and one man." The sport is distinguished from ice dancing and single skating by elements unique to pair skating, including overhead lifts, twist lifts, death spirals,...
. Currently, spirals are infrequently performed by men at the Olympic level because it is not a required element nor can men receive points for spiral sequences in the element score of the ISU Judging System
ISU Judging System
The ISU Judging System , is the scoring system on the event and on the level of competition. At the senior international level, single and pairs short programs contain eight technical elements. The actual eight elements are detailed for single skaters in ISU rule 310...
. In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such as Toller Cranston
Toller Cranston
Toller Shalitoe Montague Cranston, CM is a Canadian figure skater and painter. He is the 1971-1976 Canadian national champion, the 1974 World bronze medalist, and the 1976 Olympic bronze medalist....
, Paul Wylie
Paul Wylie
Paul Stanton Wylie is an American figure skater and 1992 Olympic silver medalist.-Biography:Born in Dallas, Texas, Wylie began skating at the age of three. At age eleven, his family moved to Denver, Colorado, where he began to train with Carlo Fassi...
, and Shawn Sawyer
Shawn Sawyer
Shawn Sawyer is a Canadian figure skater. He is the 2011 Canadian national silver medalist and a three-time Canadian national bronze medalist. He represented Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy finishing 12th overall...
.
Edging and technique
The name "spiral" is indicative of the skating edge. This move is generally (but not exclusively) demonstrated on a deep inside or outside edge. As the skater moves, he or she glides slightly to the left or right (depending on the edge used), and continues in a spiral pattern around the ice if held long enough.Spirals can be performed on four edges: forward or backward, and on the inside or outside edge. Spirals performed on a "flat" (no lean) are generally not counted as "true" spirals. The basic spiral is performed with the free leg stretched and extended to the rear above hip level. Many skaters try to lift the leg as high as possible, but more important than the height of the free leg is that it be fully stretched and that the tension of the position be maintained in the upper body as well.
Judges look at the depth, stability, and control of the skating edge, speed and ice coverage, extension, and other factors. Some skaters are able to change edges during a spiral, ie. from inside to outside edge.
Spiral sequence
A "spiral sequence" is a series of spiral moves performed together. The spiral sequence is a required element for ladies and pairs in international competition; under the rules for the ISU Judging SystemISU Judging System
The ISU Judging System , is the scoring system on the event and on the level of competition. At the senior international level, single and pairs short programs contain eight technical elements. The actual eight elements are detailed for single skaters in ISU rule 310...
, the skater must hold each spiral position for at least 3 seconds to receive credit for it.
A spiral sequence often includes a change of edge spiral. The same position is held, but the skater changes the edge he or she is skating on. The most common is forward inside edge to forward outside edge.
Variations
Spirals can also be performed in other positions, such as with the free leg extended forward or to the side, with a bent knee, or with the leg, knee, or skate supported with one or both hands. There are many variations and some names, while not necessarily official, have come into common use.An arabesque
Arabesque (ballet position)
In classical ballet, the term arabesque In classical ballet, the term arabesque In classical ballet, the term arabesque (aa-rah-besk; literally, "in Arabic fashion". Specifically, "arabesque" references an architectural design term that describes and is a spiral...
spiral is the basic spiral position. The free leg is extended behind the body above hip height (at least a 90 degree angle). Some skaters are able to achieve vertical (180 degrees) with this position, but it is not required.
A catch-foot spiral does not refer to any single position, but generally refers to any spiral with the skate of the free leg being held in one or both hands. Catchfoot spirals include:
- The Biellmann spiral is performed with the free leg grasped from behind and pulled overhead in the Biellmann position. This spiral may be performed on any of the spiral edges.
- A cross-grab spiral is a catch-foot spiral with the skate of the free leg grasped from behind by the opposite hand (e.g. right skate held by the left hand, left skate held by the right hand)
- A Y-spiral also known as a 180 because your legs are at a 180 degree angle is performed with the skate of the free leg held out to the side. This is usually performed as a catch-foot spiral, although some skaters have increased the difficulty of this position by releasing the foot and holding the leg position unsupported.
A Charlotte spiral is a variation in which the torso is dropped down forward toward the skating leg and the free leg is lifted behind in a near-split position. It can be done backwards or forwards, with the latter being the harder version.
A Kerrigan spiral is a high-leg outside spiral performed with one hand supporting the knee of the free leg. This position is named after Nancy Kerrigan
Nancy Kerrigan
Nancy Ann Kerrigan is a two-time American Olympic figure skating medalist and 1993 U.S. champion.-Early life and skating career:...
.
A skid spiral (also known as a slide spiral) is a 180-degree turn on the ice performed in a spiral position, using a skidden three turn to change directions. It was invented by Robin Cousins
Robin Cousins
Robert "Robin" Cousins is a British retired competitive figure skater. He is the 1980 Olympic Champion, the 1980 European champion, a three-time World medalist and four-time British national champion. He later starred in ice shows and also produced his own...
.
A fan spiral is a back outside edge spiral held with the free leg held unsupported to the skater's front or side. Ideally, this position should be held with both legs straight, although less flexible skaters attempt to compensate for a lack of strength or flexibility by not fully extending the free leg or bending the skating leg.
An inverted spiral is a variation performed with the free leg held in front with the skater leaning backward over the edge of the skating foot so that the skater's upper body is held almost parallel to the ice. The position attained in this spiral is similar to that of a layover camel.