Figure skating and ballet

I've been religiously watching all the figure skating competitions for the Olympics this past week and every time, it thrills me. As a dancer, I am already amazed at these athletes' incredible dance ability, but putting it on ice makes it seem so much more majestic.

(Trankov and Volosozhar of Russia)

In between performances during the figure skating competition, NBC did a little short story on Russian figure skaters and how they attribute their artistry and skill to training in ballet. Ballet has an important history in Russia and has just as much significance as figure skating. Russian figure skaters who are serious about their art often train with some of the best ballet schools; some even dance with the prestigious Mariinksy Theatre.

Why is it nescessary for skaters to have ballet training?

For figure skaters, off-ice training is just as important as on-ice. Ballet teaches dance technique and control of the body. Skaters must learn how to use their legs, arms, and head, which ballet covers in its classes.

(Savchenko and Szolkowy of Germany)

(Pang and Zhang of China)

Figure skating also uses a lot of the same terminology as ballet. Knowing these words and how to do them properly can be really helpful. Double and triple loop jumps that skaters perform are similar to ballet pirorettes. Arabesques and attitude positions are also very popular in figure skating. All the proper positioning and strength are learned in ballet.

Next time you watch an ice-skating program, pay close attention and see if you can recognize some ballet moves in there!

Happy dancing!

 

 

Miss Tess

tessc@balletpetite.com