What Are The Different Disciplines Of Ice Skating?

Posted on - 27th June 2023

Did you know there are other types, or disciplines as they are more commonly known, of ice skating? And before you ask, we are not talking about ice hockey, curling, or speed skating. While they are great winter sports to play on ice, we will instead be discussing the basic understanding of the more elegant disciplines of ice skating.

If you happen to be performing one of these elegant disciplines already, what’s stopping you from trying a new discipline? Or perhaps, you are new to the world of ice skating and you want to learn as much as you can. Either way, you will want to get your ice skates on for the following disciplines!

Figure Skating

Figure skating is defined as a sport in which ice skaters, singly or in pairs, perform freestyle movements of jumps, spins, lifts, and footwork in a balletic manner. It is divided into two discipline championships - singles and pairs. In the singles discipline, an individual skater performs a program that includes a series of jumps, spins and choreographic work, all of which must show grace, skill and athleticism. The program is set to music and the skater’s performance is scored by a judging panel. Examples of common deductions include failure to perform certain elements of the program, violations in timing, music, poor presentation and falls during the performance.

On the other hand, the pairs discipline of figure skating involves two ice skaters of mixed gender performing in perfect harmony with each other. Similar to singles figure ice skating, the pair performs a program set to music. However, a pairs program typically consists of duo moves such as lifts, throw jumps, spins to name a few. This discipline requires high levels of communication, coordination and trust. Again, skaters are scored as a pair by a panel of judges for violations. An easy way to distinguish pairs figure skating from other disciplines of ice skating is to think of the popular British TV series, Dancing On Ice!

Ice Dancing

Like pairs figure skating, ice dancing also involves two skaters performing together. However, it doesn't consist of the very skilled jumps, over-head lifts or spins that would often be seen in pairs figure skating. Instead, ice dancing focuses more on how both skaters move to the rhythm of the music. Ice dancers perform moves low to the ice, such as pull-throughs, drapes, spins and step sequences to demonstrate elegance and skill. In fact, it is the only ice skating discipline in which skaters can use vocal music. For many reasons, ice dancing can be described as ballroom dancing on ice!

Synchronized Skating

Synchronized skating, also called precision skating or “synchro” for short, involves a team of between 8 and 18 ice skaters performing side by side in perfect harmony. It can be described as a combination of figure skating and ice dancing. They move as one flowing unit at high speeds on ice, while performing required elements of a program. The program will consist of intricate choreography, formations, lifts and so on to show grace, talent and athleticism. Like other disciplines, the program also is accompanied by music and a judging panel will score the team’s performance accordingly.

This is a highly coordinated discipline that requires a high level of teamwork, accuracy and synchronisation between all team members. Whilst synchronised skating is not yet an Olympic sport like figure skating and ice dancing, requests have been made for it to be part of the Winter Olympic Games in the future.

Dazzling Skating Dresses From Olympique

Have any of these disciplines caught your eye? If you happen to be a figure skater, an ice dancer or part of a synchronised skating team, you must wear the appropriate attire in order to get top scores in your performances. If you are on the search for a new skating dress for an upcoming competition, or perhaps you are just getting started with ice skating, Olympique has a stylish range of skating dresses for girls and ladies of all ages. Our skating dresses are made from breathable and stunning materials such as lycra, crush velvet and lace from long-sleeves to sleeveless options in a choice of vibrant colours and sequins to match your requirements. You will be sure to dazzle judges and audiences as you perform your magic in an Olympique skating dress!

Our team can also custom design and manufacture garments and dresses for skating teams. We can also arrange to have your team or club logo printed on your design if you wish. For quotations and enquiries, please call us on 0161 727 8789, or email your desired design to sales@olympique.com.