Step sequence

A run of turns and steps skated as one element across the ice, to the character of the music.

Also called StSq or footwork sequence. Other names.

Not checked yet. The mechanics on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.

A step sequence is a run of turns and steps skated as one element across the ice, to the character of the music. British Ice Skating sorts what goes into it. The simple turn is the three turn and the simple steps are chassés, mohawks, changes of edge and cross rolls; the difficult turns are twizzles, brackets, loops, counters and rockers, and the difficult step is the choctaw. U.S. Figure Skating’s list matches it under its own names, C steps and S steps for mohawks and choctaws, and adds toe steps.

Both want the pattern clear and the ice used: a line, a serpentine, a circle or an oval. The turns are judged on clean edges, and the technical panel gives a level from basic up to 4 for features such as difficult turns on both feet. British Ice Skating’s free skating tests first ask for one at National 3.

Build on

• Left forward outside three turnLFO to LBI: half a turn into the circle, changing edge and staying on the same lobe.
• Left forward inside mohawkLFI to RBI: a step onto the other foot, holding the edge and staying on the same lobe. No cusp.
• Left forward outside bracketLFO to LBI: half a turn against the circle, changing edge and staying on the same lobe.
• Left forward outside rockerLFO to LBO: half a turn into the circle, holding the edge and leaving on a new one.
• Left forward outside counterLFO to LBO: half a turn against the circle, holding the edge and leaving on a new one.
• Left forward outside loopLFO to LFO: a small circle traced on the same edge, still travelling forwards, and the lobe continues.
• Left forward outside twizzleLFO to LFO: 1 rotation on one foot, travelling, one curl and no cusp.
• Left forward inside choctawLFI to RBO: a step onto the other foot, changing edge and reversing onto a new one. No cusp.

Off the ice

• Core and carriageA trunk that holds its shape while the shoulders and hips move separately.
• StaminaEnough endurance that the last third of a programme is skated as well as the first.

Appears in