How to Choreograph a Figure Skating Routine

Choreographing a figure skating routine takes a lot of preparation and time to complete. Not only must you know the rules of your competition, you must also be creative in imagining an appropriate and beautiful routine. A few tips can help you successfully choreograph a figure skating routine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Understand the rules and requirements if your routine is for a competition. Most figure skating routines must adhere to a specific time limit of one to two minutes for technical routines and up to four minutes for an artistic program. Be sure to include required movements as indicated by the rules of the competition.
2. Choose a piece of music. Classical music is the most traditional and accepted choice for most figure skating routines. However, if you choreograph a routine for an exhibition, you might have more flexibility. Pick a piece of music that suits the routine and the skater's personality.
3. Pick a starting position and then move into the routine. The starting position can captivate an audience from the first moments on the ice, and the subsequent moves are what keep the momentum going. Consider including crossovers, large arm movements and dance elements in the routine for a stunning effect.
4. Add jumps and other technical elements to the routine. Jumps are the flashiest and most important elements of a scored routine. Other elements like footwork, turns and spirals can also get more points while leaving an impression on the audience.
5. Move across the entirety of the ice. If a skater simply skates over the same area repeatedly, the routine can be boring and repetitive. By taking advantage of the entire rink, you will keep the audience and judges involved and allow more space for jumps and other technical movements.
6. End strong and in time with the music. When you choreograph a skating routine, remember that the action should build as the routine progresses. Plan the routine in a way that the skater can pace herself and end strong, in a memorable position, and at the same moment that the music ends.