Pairs Skating

Pairs Figure Skating is performed by partners’ functioning as a unit, who execute lifts, jumps, throw- jumps, spirals and spins. The key to pairs skating is exact timing and simultaneous movement. Pairs skating, like the individual, consist of a short program and free skating.

Short program

The short program must include eight elements: a hand-to-hand lift, a twist lift (both double and triple), a partner assisted jump (both double and triple), an individual jump, individual pirouettes, pair spins, death spirals, spiral step sequences. The pairs choose a piece of instrumental music and they must perform the compulsory movements in any order and within the maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds. The score obtained determines the partial standings. These points are then added to the score obtained in the free skating to calculate the total scores and the final results.

Free Skating

The free skating must be no longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds (with a margin of 10 seconds more or less), and, as for the individual events, there are no compulsory elements. However, guidelines are provided for the construction of a suitable program. The pairs choose their own instrumental music and the choreography, which includes technical and artistic movements intended to demonstrate both individual strength and the ability to work as a team.