The 2015-2016 Free Dance- Breaking Down the Updates to the IJS

The required elements of the free dance for 2015/2016 are:

1. One short lift and one combination lift (the short lift must be different from the short lifts making up the combination lift) or three different types of short lifts

2. One dance spin (spin or combination spin)

3. Two step sequences in hold

One straight line step sequence (midline or diagonal) and one curved step sequence (curved or serpentine)

4. One set of synchronized twizzles

5. One choreographic element

One choreographic spinning movement: meaning a dance lift performed after all the others of up to ten seconds

Or one choreographic dance lift: a spinning movement performed after the dance spin, requiring each partner to perform two revolutions, in any hold, on one foot or two feet or with one partner elevated without being sustained or any combination of the three, on a common axis that may be moving

Or one choreographic twizzling movement: a twizzling movement performed after the required twizzles and done in two parts. For both parts, skaters must perform the movement on one foot, two feet, or a combination of the two. For the first part, skaters must both complete two continuous revolutions, and both skaters must travel. In the second part, at least one skater must complete at least two continuous revolutions, and one or both partners can be on the spot, travelling, or a combination of the two.

In the free dance, the first step sequence is considered a category A and the second is considered B. The following restrictions apply to them:

 Required elements may be skated anywhere in the program, except for during the step sequences.