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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Breaking Down the Elements: Ice Dance Twizzles and Step Sequences Levels of Difficulty

Definition and Requirements:
A traveling turn on one foot with one or more rotations which is quickly rotated with a continuous (uninterrupted) action (for definition of Twizzles see Rule 604 paragraph 14 a), b).  The 4 different types of entry edges on Twizzles are:
FI - Forward Inside
FO - Forward Outside
BI - Backward Inside
BO - Backward Outside
(There are 8 different edges if you include right and left feet, but only 4 general entry edges as above)
1. A Set of twizzles is comprised of 2 twizzles on one foot for both partners that travel across the ice. (If the action stops they become spin(s). Only the first two Twizzles in a set of Twizzles will be considered by the Technical Panel to determine its Level of Difficulty.
2. No stops are permitted before the first and/or second Twizzle.
3. For Free Dance – Set of “Synchronized Twizzles” – no more than 3 steps between twizzles are permitted.

Basic Requirement for calling a Set of Twizzles (Sequential or Synchronized Twizzles) Level 1 is that both partners completes at least one full rotation for both twizzles.
The Technical Panel determines the level of Twizzles according to the present criteria. If any part of the Twizzle becomes a spin or checked three turns it affects the level. If 1 or 2 of the 4 Twizzles are spins or
checked three turns, the Twizzles are downgraded by one level. If 3 or 4 Twizzles are spins or checked three turns, the Twizzles are downgraded by two levels.  A set of Synchronized Twizzles will be identified but given no level when both partners skate only 1 Twizzle each.

Calling Specifications for Set of Twizzles:
1. If one or both partners touch(es) the free leg/foot and/or hand(s) down during the execution of the Twizzle, the level will be assessed in accordance with the number of clean rotations before the touchdown.  If both partners touch the free leg/foot and/or hand(s) down at the first or second Twizzle before one (1) full rotation is completed, the Set of Synchronized Twizzles will be identified and called “Twizzles– No Level”
2. If skaters perform a three turn, check rotation and then start a Twizzle, the entry edge and number of rotation of that Twizzle will be counted after the three turn from the starting edge of the proper Twizzle.
3. If there is a full stop before or between Twizzles the level of the Twizzles will be reduced by one Level per stop.
4. If there is more than 1 step between Twizzles in the Set of Sequential Twizzles or more than 3 steps in the Set of Synchronized Twizzles performed by one partner the level of Twizzles will be reduced by one Level. If this mistake was made by both partners the level of Twizzles will be reduced by two Levels.
5. For Option 2 only: If there are more than 2 movement/turns between Twizzles performed by one partner the level of Twizzles will be reduced by one Level. If this mistake was made by both partners the
level of Twizzles will be reduced by two Levels.
6. For Twizzles Levels 2, 3 & 4, Option 1 and Option 2 if the features from groups A and B are used: The ‘additional feature” must be held for the number of rotations required for the level, but up to 1/2 a
rotation is permitted before the feature is fully achieved. If the rotational requirements are met but the feature(s) are not held for the required number of rotations, the level will be reduced by one for each
rotation for which the feature is not held (e.g. if Twizzles are otherwise level 4 but the feature (s) is only held for 3 rotations by either partner, they will be given a level 3).
7. The Third Twizzle to be considered as an “additional feature” must be performed correctly. If any part of the Third Twizzle becomes a spin or checked three turns or it is started with incorrect entry edge it
will be ignored by the Technical Panel and it will not be considered for the Level.
8. For Twizzles Level 4 Option 1: If two “additional features” are skated in the same Twizzle (in the first or second), both features must be done at the same time.
9. For Twizzles Level 2, 3 & 4, Option 2 only: If a couple during the movement/turn touches down with the free foot or adds a push with the free foot, the set of Twizzles will be considered as an Option 1
type which requires Option 1 additional features to attain the same level.

Level 1: Twizzles that do not meet Level 2, 3, or 4 requirements but meet Basic Requirements and Calling Specifications for Twizzles.  Both partners complete at least one full rotation in each of two twizzles.

Level 2: Different entry edge, Different direction of rotation.  AND OPTION 1: Both Twizzles at least 2 rotations with change of foot, or step(s) between Twizzles AND *2 different additional features in total for both partners chosen from the list below (could be from the same Group).
OPTION 2****Both Twizzles at least 2 rotations on one foot without change of foot.  AND 1 additional feature in total for both partners chosen from the list below.

Level 3: Different entry edge, Different direction of rotation.  AND OPTION 1: Both Twizzles at least 3 rotations with change of foot, or step(s) between Twizzles.  AND ** 2 different additional features in total for both partners chosen from the list below (must be from 2 different Groups)
OPTION 2****Both Twizzles at least 3 rotations on one foot without change of foot AND * 2 different additional features in total for both partners chosen from the list below (could be from the same Group)

Level 4:  Different entry edge,  Different direction of rotation AND OPTION 1: Both Twizzles at least 4 rotations with change of foot, or step(s) between Twizzles.  AND *** 3 different additional features in total, for both partners chosen from the list below (3 must be from 3 different Groups)
OPTION 2****Both Twizzles at least 4 rotations on one foot without change of foot.  AND ** 2 different additional features in total for both partners chosen from the list below (must be from different Groups)

Additional Features: (To be executed simultaneously by both partners. Each Additional Feature must be done in such way as to be easily recognized by the Technical Panel).
Examples of Additional Features:
Group A - Upper body and hands
Elbow(s) at least level with or higher than the shoulder (hand(s) could be above the head, at the same level as the head, or lower than the head).
Significant continuous motion of arms during required number of rotations.
  Core of body is shifted off of vertical axis.
•  Hands clasped behind back & extended away from the body .
•  Straight arms clasped in front & extended away from the body (between the waist and chest level and lower that the level of shoulder)
Executing twizzles with the head bent all the back with the face to the ceiling

Group B - Skating leg and free leg
Free leg crossed behind above the knee.
Free leg extended to the side or backward at least 45 degree angle from the vertical.
Sit position (at least 90 degrees between the thigh and shin of the skating leg).
Changing the level of the skating leg (knee) during rotations with a continuous motion.
Coupee in front or behind with free foot at least at the top of the calf and hip in fully open position.
Attitude front, behind or to the side in at least 45 degrees, with free leg bent or extended.
Holding the blade or boot of the free foot.

Group C
• Both partners perform a Third Twizzle of at least 3 rotations started with different entry edge than the first two Twizzles (number of steps between all 3 twizzles must be equal and it depends on the type of Set of Twizzles performed – Sequential, Synchronized or without change of foot).
Clear change of side - both partners cross pattern at least once during the rotation. 
• Set of Twizzles performed side by side in opposite direction (mirror). 
Set of Twizzles performed following one another face to face  
• Set of Twizzles performed following one another back to back
Entrance to the first Twizzle from the Jump of ½ rotation (the entry edge for the Twizzle will be determined by the landing edge of the jump)

* For Level 2 OPTION 1 and for Level 3 OPTION 2 – Two (2) different additional feature (could be from the same Group) may be done by both partners in the same Twizzle (in the first or second), or one (1) additional feature may be done by both partners in the first Twizzle and one additional feature (different from the first one but could be from the same Group) may be done by both partners in the second Twizzle.

** For Level 3 OPTION 1 and for Level 4 OPTION 2 - Two (2) different additional features (must be from different Groups) may be done by both partners in one Twizzle (in the first or second), or one (1) additional feature may be done by both partners in the first Twizzle and one (1) additional feature (different from the first one below and must be from different Groups) may be done by both partners in the second Twizzle.

*** For Level 4 OPTION 1 – Three (3) different additional features (3 must be from the 3 different groups) 2 from different groups may be done by both partners in one Twizzle and 1 different from the other two in the second Twizzle.

****The Set of Twizzles “without change of foot” must be skated on one foot with up to two of the following movements/turns between Twizzles: change of edge, rocker, counter, three turn, bracket. These movements / turns may be used in order to change entry edge and direction of rotation.

The Set of Synchronized Twizzles (Option 1 and Option 2) performed without additional feature(s) will be called Level 1, provided that one rotation in each of two Twizzles is done both partners. There’s only up to 1 step in the Sequential Twizzles and only up to 3 steps in total permitted between twizzles in the Synchronized Twizzles, but there is no limit on turns (e.g. brackets, rockers, counters) or movements (e.g. change of edge) performed on one foot between twizzles in the Set of Twizzles Option 1(with change of foot).



STEP SEQUENCES
General Requirements:  Steps and turns must be distributed evenly throughout the sequence and they must be skated with distinct edges, and to the rhythm(s) pattern of the music
For Free Dance –Two (2) different Step Sequences in Hold – ONE selected from group A) and ONE selected from group B) as listed below.
Group A) Straight Line Step Sequences - All Step sequences in this Group have the same base value
a) Midline: skated along the full length of the center (long) axis of the ice surface.
b) Diagonal:  skated as fully corner to corner as possible.
Group B) Curved Step Sequence (anticlockwise or clockwise) - All Step sequences in this Group have the same base value.
c) Circular: utilizing the full width of the ice surface on the short axis of the rink.
d) Serpentine: commences in either direction at the center (long) axis at one end of the rink and progresses in three bold curves or in two bold curves (S-Shaped) and ends at the center (long) axis of the opposite end of the rink; pattern utilizing the full width of the ice surface. 
Either Step Sequence (except Not Touching) must be skated in dance holds or variations thereof except Hand-in Hand hold in the sustained position with fully extended arms. Any separation to change a hold must not exceed one measure of music.


Extra Feature: Up to two (2) different Extra Features as Double Threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation” may be included (as specified for each type of Step Sequence) and will be counted among those steps/turns that will be considered for required 75 % of distribution of the chosen pattern. Double Threes are not permitted in the Midline Non touching Step Sequence. If Double Threes are included in other Step Sequences, they must be skated simultaneously in dance hold. Only two Extra Features may be performed by each partner and (with the exception of the Double Threes) they do not have to be performed simultaneously, except in the Midline Not Touching Step Sequence, where the Extra Features could be different for each skater but must be performed simultaneously”. The duration of each “Extra feature” must not exceed one (1) measure of music.


Calling Specifications for Step Sequences:
Basic Requirement for calling a Step Sequence level 1 is that at least 50% of the footwork sequence must be completed by both partners and at least requirements for Level 1 are fulfilled
1. All steps and turns must be skated on distinct, recognizable edges, otherwise there is a risk that the Technical Panel will not consider this turn among those required for the level of difficulty (types of turns will be identified only when they are executed with correct distinct edges and these turns are in accordance with the description in Rule 604).
2. All steps need to be included for a level to be called and the footwork must be distributed at over 75% (3/4) of the chosen pattern. Otherwise, the level will be reduced accordingly by one Level (e.g. if the technical content of Step Sequence meets requirements Level 4, but it is distributed over 50-75% of the chosen pattern only, there will be Level 3; if the technical content of Step Sequence meets requirements Level 3, but it is distributed over 50-75% of the chosen pattern only, there will be Level 2, etc.)
3. A Step Sequence that deserves an assessment of a higher level for one partner and a lower level for the other partner shall be assessed at the level of the lower partner.
4. The change of Hold must be distinct (e.g. from Waltz hold to Foxtrot or from Waltz to Kilian) or Foxtrot to Tango, but NOT from Waltz to Tango or from Waltz to Hand-to-Hand – facing each other), otherwise the change will not be counted. In order to demonstrate a dance hold, it must be held long enough to be clearly recognized, and should not be just a transitional movement between other holds.
5. Only the first two “Extra Features” of each of the partners will be counted among those steps/turns that will be considered for required 75 % of distribution of the chosen pattern. If there is more than two permitted “Extra Features” for each skater included in the Step Sequence, the Technical Panel will consider this additional “Extra Feature” among “simple steps” which will decrease the percentage of difficult steps/turns thereby affecting the level of difficulty of the Step Sequence.
6. If the duration of the permitted “Extra Feature” exceeds one measure of music (one measure of Waltz is up to 6 counts and for all other rhythms up to 4 counts), the Technical panel will consider this “feature” among “simple steps“ which will decrease the percentage of difficult steps/turns thereby affecting the level of difficulty of the Step Sequence.
7. If the illegal element is included in either step sequence (e.g. jump of more than one rotation, lying on the ice) the Technical Panel will call the “illegal element” and the entire step sequence “No Level.”

CIRCULAR/ SERPENTINE/ S-SHAPE/STRAIGHTLINE IN HOLD
Level 1
A Step Sequence In Hold  that does not meet Level 2, 3 or 4 requirements but meet Basic Requirements and Calling Specifications for Step Sequence:.AND Varied Footwork as follows: At least 2 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Twizzle.  AND  Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Double threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Step, Jump of up to ½ rotation

Level 2: Varied Footwork as follows: At least 3 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Twizzle (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND A one foot Section incorporating at least 2 of the following 4 types of turns for each (could be different turn for each partner, not necessarily skated at the same time): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle. AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Double threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation.  AND At least one (1) change of hold and must include 2 of the following 3 dance holds: Kilian (or Kilian Variation), Waltz (or Tango) and Foxtrot. In order to demonstrate a dance hold, it must be held long enough to be clearly recognized. AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern.

Level 3:  Varied Footwork as follows: At least 4 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Double Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Double Twizzle (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND Turns: multidirectional.  AND A one foot Section incorporating at least 3 of the following 4 types of turns for each (could be different turn for each partner, not necessarily skated at the same time): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle.  AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Double threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation.  AND At least two (2) change of hold and must include 2 of the following 3 dance holds: Kilian (or Kilian Variation), Waltz (or Tango) and Foxtrot. In order to demonstrate a dance hold, it must be held long enough to be clearly recognized.  AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern

Level 4:  Varied Footwork as follows: At least 5 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Double Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Double Twizzle (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND Turns: multidirectional AND A one foot Section incorporating 4 of the following types of turns for each partner (not necessarily skated at the same time): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle.  AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater):Double threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation.  AND At least three (3) change of hold and must include all 3 of the following dance holds: Kilian (or Kilian Variation), Waltz (or Tango) and Foxtrot. In order to demonstrate a dance hold, it must be held long enough to be clearly recognized.  AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern.  

Note: 100% of steps/turns required for level 4 must be done clearly on correct edges. All other steps/turns must be clean.

STRAIGHT LINE NOT-TOUCHING WITH MATCHING AND/OR MIRROR FOOTWORK (WITHOUT SEQUENTIAL TWIZZLES)
Level 1:
A Not-Touching Step section of steps that does not meet level 2, 3 or 4 requirements but meets the Basic Requirements & Calling Specifications for pattern described above AND Varied Footwork as follows: At least 2 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Twizzle.  AND
Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Double threes, Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Step, Jump of up to ½ rotation.


Level 2: Varied Footwork as follows: At least 3 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Twizzle, (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND Section of steps on one foot (simultaneously skated) incorporating at least 2 of the following 4 types of turns for each: Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle.  AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation.  AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern

Level 3: Varied Footwork as follows: At least 4 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Double Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Double Twizzle (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND Turns: multidirectional.  AND Section of steps on one foot (simultaneously skated) incorporating at least 3 of the following 4 types of turns for each: Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle.  AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation. AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern.

Level 4: Varied Footwork as follows: At least 5 different types from the following 6 types of turns for each partner (one of which must be a Double Twizzle): Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Choctaw, Outside Mohawk, Double Twizzle (if included in one foot section, it is not necessary to repeat such turns elsewhere in the pattern).  AND Turns: multidirectional AND Section of steps on one foot (simultaneously skated) incorporating 4 of the following types of turns for each partner: Bracket, Rocker, Counter, Twizzle.  AND Up to two (2) extra features for each partner may be included (could be different for each skater): Spread Eagle, Drag, Shoot the Duck, Ina Bauer, Toe Steps, Jump of up to ½ rotation.  AND The content mentioned above must be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern.

Note: 100% of steps/turns required for level 4 must be done clearly on correct edges. All other steps/turns must be clean

Single Twizzle will be counted by the Technical Panel among the “difficult” steps to be distributed over at least 75% of the chosen pattern.


Basic principals of ISU Judging System:
1. The Technical Specialists will call what they see and what was completed despite what is listed on the sheet e.g. If the sheet says it is to be a Reverse Rotational Lift, but only the first part is completed (perhaps due to a fall or interruption), it will be classified as a Rotational Lift or if the sheet says it is to be a Serpentine Lift and only the first curve is completed, it will be classified as a Curve Lift.
2. Elements exceeding the prescribed number of permitted elements will receive a deduction of 1.0 per additional element as authorized by Technical Controller.
3. If a fall occurs after an element has commenced and it does not meet the Basic requirements for Level 1 for the element, it shall be classified as No Level and shall occupy a box without value.
4. If a fall occurs after an element has commenced and it meets the Basic requirements for Level 1 for the element only, it shall be classified as Level 1 and shall occupy a box to enable the judges to apply a GOE
5. If a fall occurs after an element has commenced, and its Level has been identified, it shall be given that Level and the judges shall apply a reduction to the GOE.

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