Law 1: The ice and the pattern: axes, lobes, sequences

The long axis is the midline: a straight line that splits the ice surface into two halves along its length. The one across is the short axis.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rules 701.1-701.2 · recall

It is an imaginary line running around the ice surface and serving as the basis of the dance pattern; it is not marked on the ice.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.3 · recall

The usual continuous axis joins its two straight lines with a semicircle at each end. In some dances these semicircles are flattened so that they follow the ends of the rink.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.3 · recall

The rules single out the Paso Doble: its continuous axis is an oval, unlike the usual straight lines joined by semicircles.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.3 · recall

A transverse axis is an imaginary line that intersects the continuous axis of a dance at 90 degrees.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.4 · recall

A lobe is any sequence of steps that stays on one side of the continuous axis and is approximately semicircular.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 702.3 · recall

For a Set Pattern Dance the diagram designates the location, direction and curvature of all edges, and the couple follows it as closely as possible.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 702.1 · recall

The short axis runs across (30 m), the long axis along (60 m), the diagonal is about 67 m, and the continuous axis goes all the way round the ice, so it is far the longest.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701; Rule 342 (rink size) · applied

The straight parts of the continuous axis usually run parallel to the long axis, about halfway between it and the sides of the ice.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.3 · applied

The Kilian is a circular dance: its continuous axis comes close to a circle. A is the usual two lines with semicircles, C has flattened ends, D is the Paso Doble's oval.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 701.3 · applied

An Optional Pattern Dance may have its pattern altered, provided the original step sequences, positions and timing are kept. Each repetition of the altered pattern is then skated the same way and restarts from the same place.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 702.2 · applied

Pattern Dances may open with optional introductory steps; the start of the dance is the first step after them. Pattern Dance Elements in the Rhythm Dance have no introductory steps.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rules 703.1-703.2 · applied

A Sequence is the set order of steps and turns that makes one full pattern; a Section is a part of such a Sequence.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rules 703.3, 703.5 · recall

A Pattern Dance Element is a sequence or a section of a Pattern Dance listed in Rule 707, or a combination of steps and turns from those dances.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.6 · recall

A Step Sequence in Hold is skated in a Dance Hold or a variation of one; a separation to change hold may not last more than one measure.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.4.a.i · applied

The partners must not touch but should stay as close as possible, generally no more than two arm lengths apart, except briefly when their edges and turns go in opposite directions. They skate mirror or matching footwork.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.4.a.ii · recall

A circular Step Sequence, in Group B with the serpentine, may go either way round but must use the full width of the ice on the short axis.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.4.b.ii · applied

A Pattern Dance is skated in several sequences, each a full pattern; a section is a part of a sequence, and a step is one tracing on one foot.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rules 703.3, 703.5, 704.1 · applied

A serpentine starts at the long axis at one end, runs in two (S-shaped) or three bold curves over the full width, and ends at the long axis at the opposite end.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.4.b.ii · applied

Group A holds the straight line sequences: midline (A, along the long axis) and diagonal (C, corner to corner). B is a circular and D a serpentine sequence, both Group B.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 703.4.b · applied