Communication No. 2314
ICE DANCE
Requirements for Technical Rules season 2020/21
It is a requirement for certain Technical Rules to be announced annually by the Ice Dance Technical Committee and allother rules are published in Special Regulations & Technical Rules:-

Requirements defined in the Technical Rules to be announce annually:
Rhythms or themes, Required Elements (including Key Points and Key Point Features for Pattern Dance
Elements) and guidelines for Rhythm Dance – Junior/Senior,▪ Required Elements for Free Dance – Junior/Senior▪

-

All requirements related to Novice categories are published in the updated for season 2020/21 ISU
Communication ICE DANCE - GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL NOVICE COMPETITIONS-

Updates to the current ongoing requirements, valid as of July 1st, 2020, will be published in a subsequentCommunication.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many Skaters will not be able to prepare properly for the next season and it will
be very difficult for them to learn new programs. Bearing this in mind, the three Technical Committees (SPTC,
IDTC, SySTC) proposed, and the Council decided, to maintain the basic requirements of the season 2019/20
for the season 2020/21.
-

Ice Dance: the Pattern Dances for all Novice categories and the Rhythm Dance for Juniors and Seniors
will not be changed.

Tubbergen,
April 20, 2020
Lausanne,

Jan Dijkema, President
Fredi Schmid, Director General

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1.

REQUIREMENTS FOR RHYTHM DANCE SEASON 2020/21

1.1.

Rhythms
Rule 709, paragraph 1.a) provides that rhythm(s) and/or theme(s) are selected by the Ice Dance Technical Committee annually for the season. For the season
2020/21, the following Rhythms were selected.
Junior and Senior: Music from Musicals and/or Operettas: ALL selected music should be recognized as from one of the following Rhythms: Quickstep,Blues, March, Polka, Foxtrot, Swing, Charleston, Waltz. The number of rhythms is not restricted. The selected music may be from the same or different
Musicals and/or Operettas.
Note:- Musical and/or Operetta - Can be a play (on the stage) or film in which music, singing and/or dancing play an essential part "to tell the story". Juke Box
Musicals are allowed (Examples - Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys)- Music from movie soundtracks which are not movie musicals such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, A Star is Born or soundtrack music from Star Wars, James
Bond are “compilations of music/songs/tracks" and not a "musical".
Note:- When submitting the Music Information, couples must include the title(s) of the Musical/Operetta and the Rhythms selected for the Rhythm Dance.
Junior: The Pattern Dance Element, Tea Time Foxtrot, must be skated to a Foxtrot Rhythm and in the style of the Foxtrot. The Tempo of the music throughout
the Pattern Dance Element must be constant and in accordance with the required Tempo of the Pattern Dance: 27 four-beat measures per minute 108 beats per
minute+/-2 beats.
Note: For the Tea-Time Foxtrot and the required Foxtrot rhythm/tempo (108 bpm), Ballroom music selections in the style of Foxtrot are allowed even when notfrom a musical and/or operetta. This also includes Quickstep music performed in the style of Quickstep which may or may not be from a musical and/or operetta.
Senior: The Pattern Dance Element, Finnstep, must be skated to the Quickstep, Charleston or Swing Rhythm, in the style of the chosen rhythm. The Tempoof the music throughout the Pattern Dance Element must be constant and in accordance with the required Tempo: 52 two-beat measures per minute, 104 beats
per minute +/- 2 beats.
The Pattern Dance Type Step Sequence (PSt) must be skated to the same Rhythm selected for the Pattern Dance Element (Finnstep). The chosen
tune may be the same as for Finnstep or different but must have the same tempo, The Tempo of the music throughout Finnstep and PSt must be constant and inaccordance with the required Tempo.
Note: If a Swing Rhythm is used for the Finnstep/PSt, a different Swing Rhythm may be used for the Step Sequence.
Specifications:▪ The description, chart and diagram of the Pattern Dance Tea-Time Foxtrot are included in Communication 2241
▪ The description, chart and diagram of the Pattern Dance Finnstep are included in ISU Communication 1497 .

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1.2 RHYTHM DANCE – Required Elements 2020/21 – Junior/Senior
Rule 709, paragraph 1.a) provides that rhythm(s) and/or theme(s) are selected by the Ice Dance Technical Committee annually for the season. For the season 2020/21, the following Rhythms were selected.

•

Junior Rhythm Dance
Pattern Dance
Elements

Senior Rhythm Dance
Pattern Dance
Elements
andPattern Dance Type
Step Sequence (PSt)•

Dance Lift
Step Sequence

ELEMENTS
Two (2) Sections of the Tea-Time Foxtrot (108 beats per minute+/-2 beats) and skated to a Foxtrot or Quickstep Rhythm

1TTF: Section 1 steps #1-31
2TTF: Section 2 steps #32-54(Section 1 followed by Section 2 with step #1 skated in front of the Judges on the side of the Judges)
Notes: Variation of Foxtrot Hold is permitted
Prescribed Holds in Twizzles may be different as long as hold/contact/touch between partners is maintained. Partners must remain in hold/contact/touchat all times, even during changes of Holds and during Twizzles.
•
One (1) Section of Finnstep and skated to one of the following Rhythms: Quickstep, Charleston or Swing
1FS : Section 1 steps # 1-33 (104 beats per minute +/- 2 beats).
•
One (1) Pattern Dance Type Step Sequence (PSt), (Style C):
Rhythm : skated to the same Rhythm chosen for the Finnstep. The chosen tune may be the same as for Finnstep or different but must havethe same tempo, The Tempo of the music throughout Finnstep and PSt must be constant and in accordance with the required Tempo.
Duration: any exact number of musical phrases
Pattern: starting immediately following the Slide and Stop on step 33 of the Finnstep, concluding at the Short Axis (middle of therink) on the Judges’ side.
Stops – after the completion of step 33, a Stop can be up to 5 seconds and is not counted as one of the permitted Stops. No additional stops areallowed during the PSt- Holds: Hand-in-Hand Hold with fully extended arms cannot be established and partners must remain in contact at all times, even during changesof Holds and during Twizzles;
Not permitted:- Stops (except at the beginning of PSt)
Separations
Retrogressions and Loops
Hand in hand hold – NOT permitted with fully extended arms
PSt is evaluated as one unit by adding the Base Values of the Lady PSt Level and the Man PSt Level and then applying the GOE• Maximum One (1) Short Lift. Up to 7 seconds.
• One (1) Step Sequence in Hold or Not Touching or Combination of both (Style B)
Specifications to Style B, Rhythm Dance 2020/21:- Must be skated to a different Rhythm (even within Swing Rhythms) than the one chosen for the Pattern Dance Element (Junior & Senior) andPattern Dance Type Step Sequence (Senior).
- Chosen pattern may ONLY be Midline or Diagonal- Retrogression – NOT permitted- Separations permitted, no more than 2 arms length- Loops NOT permitted- Hand in hand hold – NOT permitted with fully extended arms
- Stops – up to one (1) permitted for up to 5 seconds

Sequential Twizzles•-

One (1) Set of Sequential Twizzles
At least two Twizzles for each partner
Up to 1 step between Twizzles (Each push and/or transfer of weight while on two feet between Twizzles is considered as a step)
Must NOT be in contact between Twizzles

Set of Sequential Twizzles is evaluated as one unit by adding the Base Values of the Lady Set of Twizzles Level and Man Set of Twizzles Level and then applying the GOE3

1.3 RHYTHM DANCE – Specifications/Restrictions

Duration

Senior/Junior:

Music

-

Specifications/Restrictions
2 minutes 50 seconds +/- 10 seconds

Music for Rhythm Dance may be vocal and must be suitable for Ice Dance as a sport discipline.
The music must be selected in accordance with the designated rhythm(s) and/or theme(s), and with thespecified tempo when applicable.
Only dance music with an audible rhythmic beat may be used. The music may be without an audible
rhythmic beat for up to ten (10) seconds at the beginning of the program."

Violations
Program time:
Referee deduction- 1.0 up to every 5 seconds
lacking or in excess
Music Requirements:
Referee + Judges deduction- 2.0 per program - incorrect
rhythm, lack of audible beat.
Referee deduction -1.0 per
program – violation of tempo
specification

Pattern
Stops
Separations
Touching ice
with hands

Choreography restrictions:(Pattern/ Stops/
Separations/Touching ice withhands)
Referee + Judges deduction- 1.0 per program

Touching the ice with the hand(s) is not permitted.
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Costume andprop

For season 2020/21 the pattern must proceed in a generally constant direction and must cross the Long
Axis of the ice surface once at each end of the rink within no more than 30 meters (Short Axis) of the barrier.
In addition, the couple may also cross the Long Axis at the entry and/or exit to the Style B Step Sequence
and at the entry to Pattern Dance Element.
Loops are permitted provided they do not cross the long axis
After clock started, couple must not remain in one place for more than 10 seconds at the beginning
and/or end of the program.
During program: 2 full stops of up to 5 seconds or 1 full stop of up to 10 seconds permitted
A Dance Spin or Choreographic spinning movement that does not travel will be considered as a Stop
Partners must not separate except to change Hold or to perform Required Elements requiring aseparation.
Distance allowed is maximum 2 arms lengths during such separations
Change of hold and Turns as transitional elements must not exceed the duration of one measure ofmusic.
Separations at the beginning and/or end of the program may be up to 10 seconds in duration without
restrictions on the distance of the separation-

Must be modest, dignified, not give the effect of excessive nudity and appropriate for athletic competition– not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing however may reflect the character of the chosen music.
Man must wear full length trousers
Lady is allowed to wear trousers
Accessories and props are not permitted

4

Costume and prop:
Referee + Judges deduction-1.0 per program

1.4

KEY POINTS AND KEY POINTS FEATURES FOR PATTERN DANCE ELEMENTS SEASON 2020/21

TEA-TIME FOXTROT: Key Points
Pattern Dance Element Key Point 1(1TTF) Steps # 1-31
Lady Steps 1, 9-11
(RFI3-RBO), (XF (crossover)
RBIO WdCho, LFI, RFI-Tw2)
Key Point Features
1. Correct Edges
2. Correct Turn

Key Point 2
Man Steps 1, 9-10
(RFI3-RBO), (XF (crossover)
RBIO WdCho, LFI)
1. Correct Edges
2. Correct Turn

Key Point 3
Lady Step 27(CR-RFO*-SwRk)

Key Point 4
Man Step 27(CR-RFO*-SwRk)
1. Correct Edges**
2. Correct Turn
3. Correct Cross Roll*
Key Point 4
Man Steps 44-46(RFO-Br, LBO, XF (crossover)RBIO-Tw2)
1. Correct Edges
2. Correct TurnPattern Dance Element(2TTF) Steps # 32-54

Key Point 1
Lady Steps 40-41(RFI-Pr3-ClMo, LFO)

Key Point 2
Man Steps 40-41(RFI-Pr3-ClMo, LFO)

1. Correct Edges**
2. Correct Turn
3. Correct Cross Roll*
Key Point 3
Lady Steps 44(RFO-Br)Key Point Features

1. Correct Edges
2. Correct Turn

1. Correct Edges
2. Correct Turn

1. Correct Edges
2. Correct Turn

Note: 1TTF, Key Point 1 & 2 - Foot placement during the WdCho must be at least one blade length apart.
* Cross Roll (Forward/Backward) - Requirement/description: Rolling action of the free leg passing continuously the skating foot to the next outside curve. At the same time, the body weighttransfers from one outside curve to the new outside curve to create a rolling movement.
**For Cross Rolls, the free foot passes the skating blade/foot and is placed on the ice in front/back of the skating blade/foot. There is no requirement for the new skating blade to be on an
outside edge when it is placed on the ice.

FINNSTEP
Pattern Dance Element(1FS) Steps # 1-33

Key Point 1
Lady Steps 20-21(XB-LBO, XF-RBI/RBI
Tw1½/RFO)

Key Point 2
Man Steps 20-21(XB-LFI, RFO-Sw3/RBI
Tw1/RBI)Key Point 3
Lady Steps 32 & 33
(LFO Sw-ClCho, RBI/RBO/RBO
Tw1½/RFI slide into stop)

Key Point 4
Man Steps 32 to 33c(LFO Sw-ClCho, RBI OpMo,
LFI, RFI/RFI Tw1/RFI slide intostop)

Key Point Features

1. Correct Edges
2. Tw1½ : correct Turn
3. XB-LBO: free leg crossed
behind the skating leg
below the knee
4. XF-RBI: free leg crossed in
front of the skating leg
below the knee

1. Correct Edges
2. Sw3, Tw1: correct Turns
3. XB-LFI: free leg crossed
behind the skating leg
below the knee
4. Sw3/RBI: correct swing
movement of the free leg

1. Correct Edges
2. Sw-ClCho, Tw1½: correct
Turns
3. Sw-ClCho: correct placementof the free foot
4. Sw-ClCho: correct swing
movement of the free leg

1. Correct Edges
2. Sw-ClCho, Tw1: correct
Turns
3. Sw-ClCho: correct
placement of the free foot
4. Sw-ClCho: correct swing
movement of the free leg

GENERAL NOTE: The first step of the dance begins on beat one of a musical phrase. This is applicable for the Tea-Time Foxtrot as well as the Finnstep.

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2.

FREE DANCE REQUIREMENTS

2.1

FREE DANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL NOVICE COMPETITONSFor season 2020/21, all Required Elements per ISU Novice Communication.

2.2

FREE DANCE – Required Elements 2020/21 for Junior/Senior

Rule 710, paragraph 2 provides that the list of Required Elements to be included in a Well Balanced Free Dance Program and the specific requirements for these elements are announced
annually from the list of options provided in this Rule. For the season 2020/21 the Ice Dance Technical Committee have adopted the following specific Required Elements to be included in a
Well Balanced Free Dance Program

ELEMENTS
Dance Lift - Not
more than

JUNIOR
Two (2) Different Type Short LiftOr
One (1) Combination Lift

SENIOR
Three (3) Different Type Short LiftOr
One (1) Short Lift and One (1) Combination Lift
(Short Lift must be a different type than in the Combination Lift)•

Dance spin

One (1) Dance Spin (Spin or Combination Spin)
Specifications for Season 2020/21• 1 Step Sequence in Hold (Style B)
Specifications to Style B, Free Dance 2020/21:

Step
Sequence:
Types: Straightline or Curve

Retrogression - one (1) permitted –must not exceed two measures of music
Not permitted:
Stops
Loops
Hand in hand hold with fully extended arms cannot be established
Separations of more than 2 arms length and/or exceeding 5 seconds

The pattern of the Step Sequence (Style B) must maintain the integrity or basic shape of the chosen pattern.
•
Synchronized
Twizzles• One (1) One Foot Step Sequence, Not-Touching
Turns performed on one foot by each partner and must be started with the first turn at the same time

One Foot Step Sequence is evaluated as one unit by adding the Base Values of the Lady One Foot Step Sequence and Man One Foot Step Sequence and thenapplying the GOE.
• One (1) Set of Synchronized Twizzles (FD variation)

Specifications for Season 2020/21
At least two Twizzles for each partner, with a minimum 2 steps and up to 4 steps between 1st and 2nd Twizzles. (Each push and/or transfer of weight whileon two feet between Twizzles is considered as a step)- Partners must be in contact at some point between the 1st and 2nd Twizzles
Set of Synchronized Twizzles is evaluated as one unit by adding the Base Values of the Lady Set of Twizzles and Man Set of Twizzles and then applying the GOE.

-

Choreographic
element

Two (2) Different Choreographic Elements chosen from:Three (3) Different Choreographic Elements chosen from:

Choreographic Lift
Choreographic Spinning Movement
Choreographic Twizzling Movement
Choreographic Sliding Movement
Choreographic Character Step Sequence

Choreographic Lift
Choreographic Spinning Movement
Choreographic Twizzling Movement
Choreographic Sliding Movement
Choreographic Character Step Sequence6

Definition of Choreographic Elements:•

Choreographic Lift: Dance Lift of minimum 3 seconds and up to ten (10) seconds
The following requirements apply
performed after all the other required Dance Lifts•

Choreographic Spinning Movement: spinning movement performed anywhere in the program, during which both partners perform at least 2
continuous rotations in any hold,
The following requirements apply- on one foot or two feet or one partner being elevated for less than 2 rotations, or a combination of the three,- on a common axis which may be moving.

•

Choreographic Twizzling Movement: twizzling movement performed after the required Set of Twizzles, composed of 2 parts.
The following requirements apply:-•

for both parts: on one foot or two feet or a combination of both,for the first part: at least 2 continuous rotations performed simultaneously and both partners must travel (cannot be on the spot)
for the second part: at least one of the partners has to perform at least 2 continuous rotations and one or both partners can be on the spot or traveling or a combinationof both.

Choreographic Sliding Movement: performed anywhere in the program, during which both partners perform controlled sliding movements on
the ice.
The following requirements apply:- Sliding movement by both partners at the same time on any part of the body for at least 2 seconds. The start and ending of the Choreographic Sliding Movement does
not have to be performed simultaneously.
- May be in hold or not touching, or a combination of both and may also rotate.
- Sliding on 2 knees or any part of the body will not be considered as a Fall/Illegal Element by the Technical Panel during this element.
- Sliding Movement which finishes as a stop on 2 knees or sitting/lying on the ice is identified as a Choreographic Sliding Movement and a deduction for Fall/Illegal
Element is applied.
Performing basic lunge movement by both partners at the same time will NOT be considered as a Choreographic Sliding Movement.

•

Choreographic Character Step Sequence
The following requirements apply:- Performed anywhere in the program- Must be placed around the Short Axis (within 10 meters on either side of the Short Axis) and must proceed from barrier to barrier. The requirement from barrier to barrier
is fulfilled when at least one of the partners is not more than 2 meters from each barrier.
- May be in hold or not touching- Touching the ice with hand(s) is allowed- Distance between partners is permitted as a maximum of 4 arms lengths apart (4 meters)

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2.3 FREE DANCE – Specifications/Restrictions
Duration

Music

Stops
Separations

Touching ice
with hands
Costume andprop

Senior:Junior:Specifications/Restrictions
4 minutes +/- 10 seconds
3 ½ minutes +/- 10 seconds

Violations
Program time:
Referee deduction -1.0 up to every 5
seconds lacking or in excess- Music including classical music must be cut/edited, orchestrated or arranged in a way that it
creates an interesting, colorful, entertaining dance program with different dance moods or abuilding effect- Music must have at least one obvious change of tempo/rhythm and expression. This change may
be gradual or immediate, but in either case it must be obvious.
- Music must be suitable for the Couple's skating skills and technical ability.
- Music for Free Dance may be vocal and must be suitable for Ice Dance as a sport discipline.
- Music must have an audible rhythmic beat and melody, or audible rhythmic beat alone, but not
melody alone, and may be vocal.
- Music may be without audible rhythmic beat up to 10 seconds at beginning or end of program- Music may be without audible rhythmic beat up to 10 seconds during the program- After clock started, couple must not remain on one place for more than 10 seconds- During program: unlimited full stops of 5 seconds max. are allowed- Number of separations to execute transitional footwork or moves is not restricted;- Distance allowed is maximum 2 arms length during separations (except during Choreographic
Character Step Sequence);- Duration of each separation (excluding Required Elements) is 5 seconds max;
- Separations at beginning and/or end of program are permitted up to 10 seconds, no restrictions on
distance of separation.
Touching the ice with the hand(s) is not allowed (except Choreographic Sliding Movement andChoreographic Character Step Sequence.).
- Must be modest, dignified, not give the effect of excessive nudity and appropriate for athleticcompetition – not garish or theatrical in design. Clothing however may reflect the character of thechosen music- Man must wear full length trousers- Lady must wear a skirt- Accessories and props are not permitted

8Music Requirements:
Referee + Judges deduction -2.0 per
programChoreography restrictions:(Stops/ Separations/Touching ice withhands)
Referee + Judges deduction 1.0 per
programCostume and prop:
Referee + Judges deduction -1.0 per
program