Ina Bauer facts for kids
An Ina Bauer is a cool move in figure skating. It's named after a German skater called Ina Bauer, who first created this special position on the ice.
What is an Ina Bauer?
This move involves placing your feet in a unique way, similar to a ballet position. One leg is bent forward at the knee. The other leg stretches out straight behind the skater.
Skaters can perform the Ina Bauer on different parts of their skate blades. They can use an "inside edge" or an "outside edge." An outside edge Ina Bauer is usually harder to do. As the skater glides, they move in a gentle curve across the ice.
The Famous Back Bend
While doing the Ina Bauer, skaters can also bend their back far backward. This isn't a must-do part of the move, but it makes it look even more amazing! It adds a lot of style and grace to the element.
Why is the Ina Bauer Famous?
The Ina Bauer became very famous in Japan thanks to skater Shizuka Arakawa. She performed this move during her long program at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Shizuka Arakawa won the gold medal at those Olympics!
Her incredible back bend during the Ina Bauer was so memorable. Because of her, the term "Ina Bauer" in Japanese now sometimes means anything that involves bending far backward.
