| Figure skating element | |
|---|---|
 Mao Asada performs a Kerrigan spiral. | |
| Element name | Spiral Sequence |
| Scoring abbreviation | SpSq |
Aspiral is an element infigure skating where the skater glides on one foot while raising thefree leg above hip level. It is akin to thearabesque inballet.
Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (left or right), edge (outside or inside), direction the skater is traveling (forward or backward), and the position of the free leg (backward, forward, sideways).[1]
In the 1920s and 30s, spirals were performed by both women and men with similar technique. By the 1960s, however it was seen as a feminine element that was unusual for men to perform;John Curry recalled feeling judged by coaches when he practiced them.[2] In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such asToller Cranston,[3]Paul Wylie,[4] andShawn Sawyer.[5]
The spiral sequence was introduced to the women's short program in 1983.[2] During coverage of the1992 Winter Olympics, a Canadian judge, Jean Senft, explained that it was introduced because of a perceived lack of femininity in women's programs:
As women’s skating moved from the traditional graceful approach to concentration on sheer athleticism, we began to lose something in the transition. A few years ago, women began trying many triple jumps with out much success, falling too often and destroying the beauty of their pro grams. The spiral sequence was brought in to help restore the grace and beauty of women’s skating.[2]
Spirals were a required element inwomen's singles andpair skating until the2012–13 season.[6]
The name "spiral" is indicative of theskating edge. This move is generally (but not exclusively) demonstrated on a deep inside or outside edge, either forward or backward. As the skater moves, they glide slightly to the left or right (depending on the edge used), and continues in a spiral pattern around the ice if held long enough.
The basic spiral is performed with the free leg stretched and extended to the rear above hip level. Many skaters try to lift the leg as high as possible, but more important than the height of the free leg is that it be fully stretched and that the tension of the position be maintained in the upper body as well.
Judges look at the depth, stability, and control of the skating edge, speed and ice coverage, extension, and other factors. Some skaters are able to change edges during a spiral.Michelle Kwan was known for her change-of-edge spiral, in which she maintained a fixed arabesque position while changing from an inside to outside edge.
A "spiral sequence" is a series of spiral moves performed together. The spiral sequence was a required element for women's and pairs' skating in international competition prior to the2012–13 season; under the rules for theISU Judging System, the skater needed to hold each spiral position for at least 3 seconds to have received credit for it.[1]
A spiral sequence often included achange of edge spiral. The same spiral position was held, but the skater changed the edge he or she was skating on. The most common was forward inside edge to forward outside edge.[7]
From the 2012–13 season and onward, the spiral sequence was replaced by thechoreographic sequence.[6] The choreographic sequence is required for men's, women's and pairs' free skating. The choreographic sequence consists ofmoves in the field, unlisted jumps, spinning movements, etc.[8][9]
Spirals can also be performed in other positions, such as with the free leg extended forward or to the side, with a bent knee, or with the leg, knee, or skate supported with one or both hands. There are many variations and some names, while not necessarily official, have come into common use.
Anarabesque spiral is the basic spiral position. The free leg is extended behind the body above hip height (at least a 90-degree angle). Some skaters are able to achieve vertical (180 degrees) with this position, but it is not required.[10]
Acatch-foot spiral does not refer to any single position, but generally refers to any spiral with the skate of the free leg being held in one or both hands.[10] Catchfoot spirals include:
ACharlotte spiral is a variation in which the torso is dropped down forward toward the skating leg and the free leg is lifted behind in a near-split position.[7]
AKerrigan spiral is a high-leg outside spiral performed with one hand supporting the knee of the free leg. This position is named afterNancy Kerrigan.[10]
Askid spiral (also known as a slide spiral) is a difficult 180-degree turn on the ice performed in a spiral position, using a skiddenthree turn to change directions.[7] It was invented byRobin Cousins[citation needed], and was notably performed bySasha Cohen andEvgenia Medvedeva.
Afan spiral is a back outside edge spiral held with the free leg held unsupported to the skater's front or side. Ideally, this position should be held with both legs straight, although less flexible skaters attempt to compensate for a lack of strength or flexibility by not fully extending the free leg or bending the skating leg.[10]
Aninverted spiral is a variation performed with the free leg held in front with the skater leaning backward over the edge of the skating foot so that the skater's upper body is held almost parallel to the ice. The position attained in this spiral is similar to that of a layover camel.[10]
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