STEP 3:
Counts: One way to really make a program pop is to set all the choreography to counts (for example, “5, 6, 7, 8”). In a class setting, it’s best to come up with a dance combination on the floor. Choose music that is current and has a great beat! If the kids are jumping up and down over the song you chose, you’ve done a good job! If you’re not familiar with current, popular dance moves, check out YouTube. You can find fun pop song videos to watch to learn the dance moves and teach them to your skaters.
All steps should be taught to counts.
When steps match the music, the choreography can really speak to the audience. Plus, your skaters learn rhythm, syncopation, counting and so much more. You may even see the kids dancing to and
from the ice with their friends after your class; this exercise creates friendships and camaraderie. Don’t forget, you should be counting their freestyle program music, all choreography should have phrasing and movement should match the nuances of the music.
“Tah-Dah” & Innovative Moves: Every skater should have a dash of “tah-dah” that really spices up their program. A few of those “tah-dah” moves are toe steps, chainee turns, illusions, fan kicks, hitch kicks, a Charlotte spiral, a “Y” Spiral, a Biellman spiral, a spider lunge, a turning lunge with both legs bent, the check mark lunge, star kicks before a camel spin, spread eagles, bauers, heel spins, toe stands and a tango stop before a hitch kick — the possibilities are endless!
Amanda Truax, figure skating professional, choreographer and owner of River Blades Skating School in Hastings, Minn., led a choreography session
at the ISI/MIAMA Ice Arena Conference & Trade Show in the spring. She skated professionally with Disney on Ice for eight years and worked closely with the industry’s top choreographers, producers and performance directors. She mentors coaches and skating directors on how to run a successful skating business. She is available for mentoring via phone or live chat. For more information, visit
RiverBladesSkating.com/pro or call 763-232-5195.
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