Ice dance is a discipline of figure skating that historically draws from ballroom dancing. It joined the World Figure Skating Championships in 1952, and became a Winter Olympic Games medal sport in 1976. 

The Ice Den solo dance team will participate in the United States figure skating solo dance series. The series consists of 3 regions, Pacific, Midwest, and East Coast. Each region has its own set of competitions that host the solo dance events. Competitors can compete outside of their region but must compete in 1 competition to be able to qualify for solo dance nationals, which is held each September. 

New this season- Solo dance series will be going International, and skaters may qualify to represent Team USA.

The goal for this program is to create a fun, competitive program for solo dancers that will allow them to expand their competitive opportunities, be a part of a team atmosphere and have a chance to qualify for a national event. We will increase the awareness of ice dancing at both Ice Den’s.

Solo ice dance is a mirrored event to partnered ice dance. We do the same pattern dances and free dance events as the partnered events do.  Ice dancing is a discipline of figure skating that draws from ballroom dancing. In ice dancing, dancers must always skate to music with a definite beat or rhythm.

Dance emphasizes the techniques of edge work, flow, and motion. Ice dancing has two focus areas:

Pattern Dance:

Skaters are given a very specific pattern to follow. This pattern is shown in the form of a drawing which specifies the skater’s moves right down to which foot is doing what step during every single beat of music. Dancers are marked on their ability to skate the required pattern with demonstrated musical feeling.

Free Dance:

Skaters get to use their own music and choreography, usually given to you by the coach/choreographer you are working with. These programs must include specific required elements and steps assigned to your level and must be performed in a musical way. No jumps are allowed.

The competition levels and test structure for Ice Dance in compulsory dances and free dances are as follows:

1. Team members must be a registered United States Figure Skating individual member, or a member of a registered USFS club. Such as Coyotes Skating Club of Arizona at the Ice Den Scottsdale or Desert Ice Skating Club of Arizona at the Ice Den Chandler.
2. All team members interested in participating in the 2024 solo dance competition series are required to complete the online series registration form on USFSA website. The registration fee of $53.00 covers all the events. Forms must be completed and submitted by April 1, 2024. (this is separate the the Ice Den Solo Dance Team fee).
3.  A travel consent form signed by a parent/guardian is required for a team member to travel to competition with a team designated chaperone.
4. A team jacket is required for all team members.  More information on how to order a jacket will be provided at a later time.

1.    Compete at two competitions in any region.  
2.    Skaters will qualify for the final (Nationals) and be ranked by section based on their highest IJS score.
3.    The number of skaters qualifying for the national event may increase if conditions allow.
 

National Solo Ice Dance Team:
Team members will travel to different competitions (only two are required) trying to accomplish their highest IJS score and to qualify for the solo dance national final.

$99 Team Member Fee includes:

• 4 Master on-ice classes (Summer 2024)
• An exhibition and critique

Click Here to Read the Ice Dance.com article featuring Ice Den Solo Ice Dance Director Naomi Lang Strong:

• 2002 Olympian
• Five-Time Ice dance National Champion
• Two-Time Four Continents Champion
• 1999 Skate America Bronze Medalist
• Five-Time World Competitor
• International Coach
• Professional Figure Skater