Law 6: The Rhythm Dance

The couple create the dance, but to music with the rhythm(s) or theme(s) the Ice Dance Technical Committee selects each season and publishes, with the guidelines and elements, in an ISU Communication.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.a · recall

Couples must skate primarily to the rhythmic beat; the dance must also reflect the character of the music and fit its phrasing.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.a · recall

The couple provide the music, including any specified Pattern Dance music; it may be vocal and must be suitable for ice dance as a sport discipline.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.c · recall

There are no restrictions on Dance Holds, but Hand-in-Hand with fully extended arms is allowed only in the character of the rhythm and must not be used excessively.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.f · applied

The music must have a constant tempo matching any specified tempo, be chosen to the designated rhythm or theme, and be dance music with an audible beat; music that misses these is penalised.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.c · recall

The name or title of the music and the rhythm(s) or theme(s) of the program are submitted with the music, for the information of the Referee and Judges.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.c · recall

The Required Elements are announced every year and may include Dance Lifts, Dance Spins, Turn Sequences, Step Sequences, Pattern Dance Elements and Choreographic Elements. Death spirals and throws belong to pair skating, and a jump of over one revolution is illegal.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.2 · applied

The Ice Dance Technical Committee publishes the season's rhythm or theme; the couple pick music accordingly and register it with its title and rhythm, which is passed to the Referee and Judges.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.a, c · applied

A Step Sequence is valued as one unit: the woman and the man each have a separate level, giving a combined value, and the GOE is applied to that total.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 353.1.i.ii · applied

Only dance music with an audible beat may be used, except for up to 10 seconds at the beginning. C runs 20 seconds without a beat; A has one throughout, B and D only a short beatless opening.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.c.i · applied

The pattern runs in a generally constant direction and may cross the long axis only once at each end of the rink, no more than 30 metres from the barrier, unless an ISU Communication says otherwise.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.d · recall

Loops in either direction are permitted provided they do not cross the long axis, unless the Ice Dance Technical Committee announces otherwise.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.d · applied

Separations at the beginning and end may last up to 10 seconds with no limit on the distance. During the program partners separate only for set reasons and keep within two arm lengths.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.g · applied

The program is developed through skating skill and quality rather than actions such as sliding on one knee; toe steps should only reflect the character of the dance and the music.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.i · recall

In the interest of the public, programs should be choreographed to all sides of the arena, not only to the judges' side.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.i · recall

Kneeling or sliding on two knees, or sitting on the ice, is not allowed and is treated by the Technical Panel as a Fall, unless an ISU Communication says otherwise.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.k · applied

Touching the ice with the hand or hands is not permitted unless the Ice Dance Technical Committee allows it in a Communication.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.j · recall

Once the clock starts with the first movement, the couple may not remain in one place for more than 10 seconds at the beginning or at the end of the program.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.h · applied

A lap like this meets the axis twice, one crossing near each end, each no more than 30 metres from the barrier, and never turns back the way it came.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.d · applied

Besides the stops a Required Element demands, up to two full stops of at most 5 seconds each are allowed. B has three; A, C and D keep within two stops of 5 seconds or less.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 709.1.h · applied