Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Free Dance

The Novice Free Dance consists of elements in 4 categories completed in 3:00 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 3
• One may be a long lift (maximum 12 seconds)
• Short lifts are a maximum or 6 seconds
• No part of the costume may be used as any support in a lift which is considered for level. If this occurs the lift will get a level according to calling specifications and a 1 point deduction by the referee and judging panel will be applied.

Dance Spins

• 1
• Spin is a minimum of 3 revolutions on 1 foot by both partners OR a combination apin with a minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot by both partners

 Step Sequences

• Maximum of 1
• Midline, diagonal, circular or serpentine in hold.  Must use full ice surface.  Non touching midline sequence not permitted.
• Skated in dance holds or variations thereof except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms.  Any separation to change a hold must not exceed 1 measure of music.
• Lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regression and loops are not to be included in step sequences.

 Twizzles

• 1 set of synchronized twizzles

Additional Information

• Combined dance spin and lift are permitted but are to be counted as separate elements: i.e. as 1 of the permitted lifts and 1 dance spin.
• Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees and/or sitting on the ice are not permitted.  It will be considered as a fall and the appropraite deduction will be applied by the Technical Panel.
• Other illegal elements
• Jumps of more than one revolution or jumps of one revolution skated at the same time by both partners
• Lying on the ice

The main differences between novice and junior is that the novice program is 30 seconds shorter, there are no options for the number of lifts, no additional lifts, spins or twizzles may be performed for choreography points, and there is only one step sequence