Ice dancing facts for kids
Ice dancing is a super cool sport on ice! It's a type of figure skating that looks a lot like ballroom dancing. Imagine dancers gliding gracefully on ice, moving together as a team.
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What is Ice Dancing?
Ice dancing is a fun sport where two skaters, a man and a woman, perform together on ice. They move in a way that looks like dancing. It's all about rhythm, grace, and working as a team.
When Did Ice Dancing Start?
The first big competition for ice dancing was in 1952. This was at the World Figure Skating Championships. But it took a bit longer to become an Olympic sport. Ice dancing became a medal sport at the Winter Olympic Games in 1976.
How is Ice Dancing Different from Pair Skating?
Ice dancing is a lot like pair skating because two people skate together. However, there are some big differences:
- In ice dancing, skaters must stay very close to each other.
- They are not allowed to do big jumps like in pair skating.
- The moves they do must look like real dance steps.
- Lifts are allowed, but they can only go up to shoulder level.
Music and Moves
Ice dancing is special because it's the only type of figure skating that allows music with singing (vocal music) in official competitions. This makes the performances even more exciting!
There are different parts to an ice dance competition:
- Set Dances: In these, skaters perform specific dance steps. They must show the right style for that type of dance.
- Free Dance: This part allows skaters to be more creative. They can choose their own music and moves, including lifts up to shoulder level.
Images for kids
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Paso doble on ice: Luca Lanotte & Anna Cappellini. Notice the style
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A lift in ice dancing (Free Dance section). Notice the body shaping
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Jackson Haines, the "father of figure skating"
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Eva Romanová and Pavel Roman in 1965
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Torvill and Dean performing in 2011
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Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history.
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Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, 2018
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Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali perform their compulsory dance at the 2009 Cup of China.
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Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson perform a Curve dance lift.
See also
In Spanish: Danza sobre hielo para niños
