Ice dancing, also known as figure skating, is a graceful and precise sport that requires years of rigorous training to become good enough for the pros or Olympians. While a lot of figure skating revolves around presentation and flare, the equipment used by figure skaters also has a significant importance in the skater's overall performance.
Boots
The boots used by the figure skater are specifically designed to provide ample support on the ankles and feet. The stiff leather interior of the boot allow for extra ankle support, which is crucial when supporting the skater during jumps and spins. The tongue of the boot is especially wide and covered in rubber padding. This padding allows for flexibility without hindering support. On the Olympic level, boots are custom made for each foot to ensure maximum comfort and stability.
Heel
Figure skating boots were first constructed using regular street boots, and as such the heel of the boot has remained as part of the design. The boot is used not just for an aesthetic appeal, but also practicality. Higher heels are often used by ice dancers as it pushes much of the skater's weight onto the balls of their feet. This gives the skater a deeper edge in the ice and allows them to better control their movements and directional changes.
The Blade
The blades on the bottom of the figure skate are specifically designed to support the skater during their performance. The blade is slightly curved with a radius of around 180 to 220 cm and is sharpened to produce a flattened cross section, although it can also be concave. The blade's bottom quarter inch is made of time-tempered steel, which helps keep the edge sharp. The middle of the blade has a hollow slit that allows provides better speed and control, and the front of the blade has notched spikes called toe picks, which allow the skater to push off for jumps and pivot on during spins.
The Outfit
While worn almost exclusively for appearance purposes, the outfit worn by figure skaters is a crucial aspect of the sport. While the musical piece chosen by the skater often dictates the style and tone of the performance, the costume worn usually complements the piece and provides the visual stimulation that the musical accompaniment cannot provide. Female skaters will often wear revealing costumes to heighten the sexuality of the performance, and skin-colored tights are usually worn to provide warmth.
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