Law 7: The Free Dance

The Free Dance is a creative program expressing the character and rhythms of dance music the couple choose; the Rhythm Dance follows the rhythm or theme set for the season.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.a · recall

The Free Dance must not have the concept of a pair program or a show program; changes of mood and pace are expected.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.a · recall

The program must utilise the whole ice surface, and should be choreographed to all sides of the arena.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.a, d · recall

The music needs a rhythmic beat and/or melody, or a beat alone, but may be without a beat for up to 10 seconds at the beginning or the end and up to 10 seconds during the program.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.c.i · applied

All music, classical included, must be cut, edited, orchestrated or arranged to make an interesting, colourful dance program with different moods or a building effect.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.c.iii · applied

All steps and turns are permitted, and deep edges and intricate footwork of skill, difficulty, variety and originality must be included and performed by both partners.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.d · recall

All elements and movements are permitted if they suit the character of the music and a well-balanced program and follow the definitions of Rule 704, which also sets what is illegal.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.e · applied

Up to 10 seconds without a beat are allowed at the start, and the music must hold at least one change of tempo or rhythm and expression, which may be gradual or immediate.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.c · applied

The Required Elements of a well-balanced Free Dance for novice, junior and senior couples, with their requirements, are announced every year in an ISU Communication.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.2 · applied

Free Dance music must hold at least one change of tempo or rhythm, gradual or immediate. A keeps one tempo all through; B changes gradually, C at once, D twice.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.c.ii · applied

The number of separations for transitional footwork or moves is not restricted, but each one outside the Required Elements lasts no more than 5 seconds, partners within two arm lengths.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.f · recall

The choreography reflects the character, accents and nuances of the music and shows a close relationship between the partners, with obvious changes of mood and pace and variations in speed and tempo.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.a · recall

All changes of hold are permitted; many and varied holds increase the difficulty of the program and should therefore be included.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.g · recall

Full stops of up to 5 seconds, in which the couple stay still while moving, twisting or posing, are permitted in addition to those in Required Elements; unlike the Rhythm Dance, no count is set unless a Communication says so.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.h · applied

The options for a well-balanced Free Dance include Step Sequences of Groups A and B, straight line and curved, together with lifts, spins, Turn Sequences and Choreographic Elements.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.2 · recall

The Free Dance options are Dance Lifts, Dance Spins, Step Sequences, Turn Sequences and Choreographic Elements; the Pattern Dance Element belongs to the Rhythm Dance.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rules 709.2, 710.2 · applied

Each year's announcement covers three categories of Free Dance: novice, junior and senior.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.2 · recall

A separation is short and close: the partners are back together within five seconds and are never more than two arm lengths apart.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.f · applied

The Ice Dance Technical Committee decides the requirements each year; technical Communications are published before 1 June, and the requirements apply at all ISU Events and international competitions from 1 July to 30 June.

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 711.2-711.3 · applied

Skating face to face (C) is considered more difficult than skating side by side (A), one after the other (B), or apart hand in hand (D).

Source: ISU Sports Rules S&P/ID 2026, Rule 710.1.g · applied