Figure Skating: a Combination of Skating and Dance

Figure skating combines skating skills with dance movements. Featuring beautiful music, graceful movements and powerful strength, figure skating is one of the most popular winter sports.

Since athletes are not allowed to use props or lighting effects in competition, the music and the costumes athletes wear have become integral parts of the performance. The technical elements include jumps, spins, steps, lifts, twizzles, throw jumps, spirals, etc. The five elements making up the programme component score are skating skills, transitions, performance, composition and interpretation of the music. In figure skating, athletes are scored by a panel of judges. The final score is calculated by adding up the total element score and programme component score then deducting all penalty points. The competitor with the highest score wins.

For the team event, each team must participate in at least three of the four events (men’s single skating/women’s single skating/pair skating/ice dance). Athletes in the each event must qualify to become eligible to compete in the Olympic Games.

As with classical concerts, performances that are popular with the spectators receive a standing ovation. Figure skating has a tradition of spectators throwing small gifts to the rink after a performance. Stuffed toys are the preferred choice, and bouquets and other gifts can also be good options. These gifts must be tightly packed with cellophane paper before being thrown to the rink to prevent any residual materials from reaching the ice surface.

Copyright: the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow, translated by Xing Yutang