Figure skating is an Olympic sport that combines athleticism and artistry. Highly choreographed programs set to music and colorful custom costumes increase the level of drama. Singles skaters perform jumps and spins in a short and long program. Pairs perform high lifts and throw jumps. Dancers stay on the surface of the ice more and use speed combined with rhythmic and intricate footwork in programs.
Basics
All pairs, singles and dance figure skates differ from hockey skates because figure skaters rely on flowing lines and clean jumps rather than fast turns, starts and stops. Figure skating boots have stiff ankle support to allow performers to skate on the edges of the blades. Skating on an inside or outside edge is a basic skill all figure skaters must learn. Skating on edges allows you to move in smooth curves and perform forward and backward footwork.
Freestyle Blades/Boots
Figure blades have a slight convex curve and a pronounced toe "pick" at the front. The large teeth allow skaters to propel themselves in jumps such as flips and lutzes. The metal blades attach to skating boots by metal plates that screw into the soles. Boots have thick supportive padding around the ankle area. Competitive skaters pay a premium for customized boots from specialty manufacturers such as Reidell and Harlick. Some craftsmen still make the boots by hand.
Dance Blades/Boots
Dancers' skates are shorter and more curved than those worn by singles or pairs skaters. The shorter profile helps dance partners avoid stepping on their retrospective blades. Dancers get higher marks in competition when they keep in close contact with one another, so safety is an issue. The shorter and curvier blade makes the skates less stable, though, so dance skates are not ideal for casual skaters or beginners. The convex curves allow skaters to carve extreme inside and outside edges during dance moves. Dance skate blades have a smaller toe pick than pairs or singles-style skates. Dancers do not need the large picks to launch into the air, and the large teeth could trip them during complex footwork. Dance skate boots have a deeper curve cut at the top edge to allow for the deep knee bends that dancers use in their routines. The lace area of the boot tends to be more flexible for the same reason.
Competition
Dance competitions consist of three different parts. First, competitors skate a compulsory dance. The compulsory dance follows a standard pattern with exact moves required. All skaters use the same music and perform the same routine. Next, skaters perform an original dance based on a dance style chosen for the entire group of competitors. The final section is the free dance in which competitors make up their own program. Singles and pairs performers compete in both a short and a long free program. Skaters must complete specific elements in the short or compulsory routines, but they use original music and choreography in both events.
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