The short dance (SD) is a segment of an ice dancing competition. It was approved by the June 2010 International Skating Union congress and instituted beginning in the 2010–2011 figure skating season. It merges the original dance (OD) and compulsory dance (CD), which were both discontinued.
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The short dance merges the set pattern of a compulsory dance (renamed at the same time of this ruling to the pattern dance), and the previous rules of the original dance, i.e. requiring a set rhythm but allowing choreographic freedom within the constraints of required elements. In addition to skating two patterns, dancers also must include a step sequence, a set of twizzles, and a lift. Competitors are allowed to choose their own music, so long as it fits the required rhythm/theme.
With this change, ice dancing was shortened to two segments per competition: the short dance and the free dance. This mirrored the short program and free skating segments of single skating and pair skating.
Limited spectator interest in compulsory dances, as well as the other three skating disciplines being composed of only two segments, resulted in pressure from the IOC to eliminate the compulsories.[1] However, many in the ice dancing community were opposed to completely eliminating them, seeing them as an essential technical basis and point of comparison, so the short dance was created as a compromise.[1]
The first short dance in international competition was skated by American junior ice dancers Anastasia Cannuscio and Colin McManus, at the 2010 Junior Grand Prix Courchevel.[2]
As of May 2011, Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir have received the highest score for a short dance, earning 74.29 at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships.
| Season | Required pattern dance | Rhythms |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | Golden Waltz | One or two of: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, or Tango |
| 2011–2012 | Rhumba | One to three of: Cha Cha, Rhumba, Samba, Mambo, Merengue |
| Season | Required pattern dance | Rhythms |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | Viennese Waltz | Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, or Tango |
| 2011–2012 | Cha Cha Congelado | Cha Cha or Cha Cha + one of Rhumba, Samba, Mambo, Merengue |
In April 2011, the ISU published the rules for the 2011–2012 season.[3]
Senior-level ice dancers will skate two sequences of the Rhumba. They can be placed anywhere in the program and do not need to be skated one after another. Skaters are allowed to choose one to three rhythms from: Cha Cha, Rhumba, Samba, Mambo, Merengue. The range of tempo is 43 to 45 measures of four beats per minute (172-180 beats per minute) and must be constant.[3]
Junior-level skaters will perform two sequences of the Cha Cha Congelado. They may be skated anywhere in the program but must be one after the other. The pattern dance must be skated on the Cha Cha rhythm, with the range of tempo from 28 to 30 measures of four beats per minute (112-120 beats per minute). The tempo must be constant.[3]
Sequences must be performed in strict time to the music and step #1 of each sequence must be on a different side of the ice surface. Required elements include:
One transitional dance lift (up to 6 seconds) and a dance spin are permitted as part of choreography but not required. The ISU stated: "The concept and choreography must produce the feeling of a unified dance." Dancers are allowed a maximum of two full stops, not exceeding 5 seconds each, or one full stop, not exceeding 10 seconds. A separation may not be more than two arms length apart.[3]
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