Figure skating spirals

{{Short description|Element in figure skating}} {{About|spirals executed with the spiraling skater's center of gravity close to the axis of rotation|the four types of far-off-balance spirals|Death spiral (figure skating)}} {{Infobox Figure Skating Element |image= Trophée Eric Bompard Mao ASADA 09 FP.jpg |imagesize= 200px |caption= Mao Asada performs a Kerrigan spiral. |element name= Spiral Sequence |alt name= |scoring abbrev= SpSq |element type= |edges= |take off edge= |landing edge= |inventor= |named for= |disciplines= }} A '''spiral''' is an element in figure skating where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level. It is akin to the arabesque in ballet.

Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (left or right), edge (outside or inside), direction the skater is traveling (forward or backward), and the position of the free leg (backward, forward, sideways).<ref name="isu1445">{{cite web |url=http://www.isu.org/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,4844-183415-200633-121139-0-file,00.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Communication No. 1445 |publisher=International Skating Union |date=7 May 2007 |last1=Cinquanta |first1=Ottavio |last2=Schmid |first2=Fredi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707032658/http://www.isu.org/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,4844-183415-200633-121139-0-file,00.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2007}}</ref>

== History == In the 1920s and 30s, spirals were performed by both women and men with similar technique. By the 1960s, however it was seen as a feminine element that was unusual for men to perform; John Curry recalled feeling judged by coaches when he practiced them.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Adams |first=Mary Louise |title=Artistic impressions: figure skating, masculinity, and the limits of sport |date= |publisher=University of Toronto Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4426-4318-5 |location=Toronto ; Buffalo |pages=218-226}}</ref> In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such as Toller Cranston,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Deidre |date=2015-02-01 |title=Beyond great, Toller Cranston was revolutionary in men’s skating |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/beyond-great-toller-cranston-was-revolutionary-in-mens-skating/article22739695/ |access-date=2026-01-06 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> Paul Wylie,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kim |first=Lorrie |date=Spring 2001 |title=Beyond Spirals with Jeff Nolt |url=https://www.plover.com/rainbowice/noltarticle.html |access-date=2026-01-06 |magazine=6.0 Skate}}</ref> and Shawn Sawyer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Beverly |date=2006-01-15 |title=Buttle wins second consecutive Canadian title |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2386480622/7AAF97934E304196PQ/2 |access-date=2023-01-06 |work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref>

The spiral sequence was introduced to the women's short program in 1983.<ref name=":0" /> During coverage of the 1992 Winter Olympics, a Canadian judge, Jean Senft, explained that it was introduced because of a perceived lack of femininity in women's programs:<blockquote>As women’s skating moved from the traditional graceful approach to concentration on sheer athleticism, we began to lose something in the transition. A few years ago, women began trying many triple jumps with out much success, falling too often and destroying the beauty of their pro grams. The spiral sequence was brought in to help restore the grace and beauty of women’s skating.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Spirals were a required element in women's singles and pair skating until the 2012–13 season.<ref name=":1" />

==Edges and technique== The name "spiral" is indicative of the ''skating edge''. This move is generally (but not exclusively) demonstrated on a deep inside or outside edge, either forward or backward. As the skater moves, they glide slightly to the left or right (depending on the edge used), and continues in a spiral pattern around the ice if held long enough.

The basic spiral is performed with the free leg stretched and extended to the rear above hip level. Many skaters try to lift the leg as high as possible, but more important than the height of the free leg is that it be fully stretched and that the tension of the position be maintained in the upper body as well.

Judges look at the depth, stability, and control of the skating edge, speed and ice coverage, extension, and other factors. Some skaters are able to change edges during a spiral. Michelle Kwan was known for her change-of-edge spiral, in which she maintained a fixed arabesque position while changing from an inside to outside edge.

==Spiral sequence== A "spiral sequence" is a series of spiral moves performed together. The spiral sequence was a required element for women's and pairs' skating in international competition prior to the 2012–13 season; under the rules for the ISU Judging System, the skater needed to hold each spiral position for at least 3 seconds to have received credit for it.<ref name="isu1445" />

A spiral sequence often included a ''change of edge'' spiral. The same spiral position was held, but the skater changed the edge he or she was skating on. The most common was forward inside edge to forward outside edge.<ref name="figure skating glossary">{{cite web |url= http://www.skatejournal.com/turnglide.html |title=Turns and Glides|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719174955/http://www.skatejournal.com/turnglide.html |archive-date=19 July 2011 |work=Figure Skating Journal}}</ref>

From the 2012–13 season and onward, the spiral sequence was replaced by the '''choreographic sequence.'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/TN%20103%20Singles%20Choreographic%20Sequence%206%2021%2012.pdf |title=Technical Notification 103 |publisher=U.S. Figure Skating |access-date=2018-11-26 |archive-date=2012-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030175053/http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/TN%20103%20Singles%20Choreographic%20Sequence%206%2021%2012.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The choreographic sequence is required for men's, women's and pairs' free skating. The choreographic sequence consists of moves in the field, unlisted jumps, spinning movements, etc.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isu.org/inside-single-pair-skating-ice-dance/isu-judging-system-fs/isu-handbooks-faq-sandp-skating-2/17595-tp-handbook-pair-skating-2018-19/file |title=Technical Panel Handbook: Pair Skating 2018/2019 |publisher=International Skating Union |date=19 July 2018 |page=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725203752/https://www.isu.org/inside-single-pair-skating-ice-dance/isu-judging-system-fs/isu-handbooks-faq-sandp-skating-2/17595-tp-handbook-pair-skating-2018-19/file |archive-date=25 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isu.org/inside-single-pair-skating-ice-dance/isu-judging-system-fs/isu-handbooks-faq-sandp-skating-2/17594-tp-handbook-singles-2018-19/file |title=Technical Panel Handbook: Pair Skating 2018/2019 |publisher=International Skating Union |date=19 July 2018 |page=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725203739/https://www.isu.org/inside-single-pair-skating-ice-dance/isu-judging-system-fs/isu-handbooks-faq-sandp-skating-2/17594-tp-handbook-singles-2018-19/file |archive-date=25 July 2018}}</ref>

==Variations== Spirals can also be performed in other positions, such as with the free leg extended forward or to the side, with a bent knee, or with the leg, knee, or skate supported with one or both hands. There are many variations and some names, while not necessarily official, have come into common use.

An '''arabesque spiral''' is the basic spiral position. The free leg is extended behind the body above hip height (at least a 90-degree angle). Some skaters are able to achieve vertical (180 degrees) with this position, but it is not required.<ref name="gofs-spirals">{{cite web |title=Figure Skating Spirals |url=http://gofigureskating.com/skills/spirals/spirals.html |website=gofigureskating.com |access-date=12 March 2023 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926062251/http://gofigureskating.com/skills/spirals/spirals.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A '''catch-foot spiral''' does not refer to any single position, but generally refers to any spiral with the skate of the free leg being held in one or both hands.<ref name="gofs-spirals" /> Catchfoot spirals include:

:* The '''Biellmann spiral''' is performed with the free leg grasped from behind and pulled overhead in the Biellmann position. This spiral may be performed on any of the spiral edges.<ref name="gofs-spirals" />

:* A '''cross-grab spiral''' is a catch-foot spiral with the skate of the free leg grasped from behind by the opposite hand (e.g. right skate held by the left hand, left skate held by the right hand)<ref name="gofs-spirals" />

:* A '''Y-spiral''' is performed with the skate of the free leg held out to the side. This is usually performed as a catch-foot spiral, although some skaters have increased the difficulty of this position by releasing the foot and holding the leg position unsupported.

A '''Charlotte spiral''' is a variation in which the torso is dropped down forward toward the skating leg and the free leg is lifted behind in a near-split position.<ref name="figure skating glossary" />

A '''Kerrigan spiral''' is a high-leg outside spiral performed with one hand supporting the knee of the free leg. This position is named after Nancy Kerrigan.<ref name="gofs-spirals" />

A '''skid spiral''' (also known as a slide spiral) is a difficult 180-degree turn on the ice performed in a spiral position, using a skidden three turn to change directions.<ref name="figure skating glossary" /> It was invented by Robin Cousins{{Citation needed|date=October 2007}}, and was notably performed by Sasha Cohen and Evgenia Medvedeva.

A '''fan spiral''' is a back outside edge spiral held with the free leg held unsupported to the skater's front or side. Ideally, this position should be held with both legs straight, although less flexible skaters attempt to compensate for a lack of strength or flexibility by not fully extending the free leg or bending the skating leg.<ref name="gofs-spirals" />

An '''inverted spiral''' is a variation performed with the free leg held in front with the skater leaning backward over the edge of the skating foot so that the skater's upper body is held almost parallel to the ice. The position attained in this spiral is similar to that of a layover camel.<ref name="gofs-spirals" />

==Photo gallery==

=== Single skating ===

==== Assisted spiral positions ==== <gallery> Image:Mirai Nagasu 2010 Trophée Eric Bompard.JPG|{{center|Two-handed Biellmann spiral (Side view) (Mirai Nagasu)}} Image:Kim 2009 Skate America FS Spiral.jpg|{{center|One-handed Biellmann spiral (Front view) (Yuna Kim)}} Image:WC2008 SPLadies Asada JPN 1.jpg|{{center|Cross-grab one-hand Biellmann spiral (Mao Asada)}} Image:Carolina Kostner at 2009 World Championships.jpg|{{center|Catch-foot spiral (Side view) (Carolina Kostner)}} Image:Kostner 2008GPF by Carmichael.jpg|{{center|Cross-grab catch-foot spiral (Front view) (Carolina Kostner)}} Image:Kwak 2009.jpg|{{center|135 leg lift/spiral (Kwak Min-jeong)}} Image:2011 WFSC 6d 075 Elene Gedevanishvili.JPG|{{center|One-handed I-position spiral (Elene Gedevanishvili)}} Image:Mao Asada 2009 World Championships Spiral.jpg|{{center|Kerrigan spiral (Front view) (Mao Asada)}} Image:Joannie Rochette Spiral - 2006 Skate Canada.jpg|{{center|Kerrigan spiral (Side view) (Joannie Rochette)}} Image:Jia SHIN of South Korea at the 2026 Winter Olympics by YantsImages 06 (cropped).jpg|{{center|Kerrigan spiral (Shin Ji-a)}} Image:Annette DYTRT NHK Trophy 2009 FP.jpg|{{center|Catch-foot spiral (Annette Dytrt)}} </gallery>

==== Unassisted spiral positions ==== <gallery> File:Mao Asada Spiral Grand Prix Final 2008.jpg|{{center|Fan spiral (side view) (Mao Asada)}} File:Elyce Lin-Gracey – Women’s free – 2026 Nationals 02.jpg|{{center|Fan spiral (side view) (Elyce Lin-Gracey)}} File:Kiira Korpi at the Grand Prix Final 2012 08.jpg|{{center|Arabesque spiral (front view) (Kiira Korpi)}} File:Starr Andrews – Women’s free – 2026 Nationals 02.jpg|{{center|Arabesque spiral (front view) (Starr Andrews)}} File:Shawn Sawyer Spiral 2008 Skate Canada.jpg|{{center|A male skater performing an arabesque spiral (Front view) (Shawn Sawyer)}} File:Sasha Cohen charlotte spiral.jpg|{{center|Charlotte spiral (Sasha Cohen)}} </gallery>

===Pair skating=== <gallery> Image:SawtschenkoSzolkowy 1.jpg|{{center|Catchfoot and arabesque (Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy)}} Image:Marcoux buntin.jpg|{{center|Pair arabesque spiral (Valerie Marcoux & Craig Buntin)}} Image:Sofiia Nesterova, Artem Darenskyi - 2018 Junior Worlds - 2.jpg|{{center| Pair arabesque spiral (Sofiia Nesterova & Artem Darenskyi)}} Image:Lubov ILIUSHECHKINA Nodari MAISURADZE Skate Canada 2010.jpg|{{center|Pair fan spirals (Lubov Iliushechkina & Nodari Maisuradze }} Image:Maria Mukhortova & Maxim Trankov - 2006 Skate America.jpg|{{center|Pair Biellmann spirals (Maria Mukhortova & Maxim Trankov)}} Image:AljonaSavchenko RobinSzolkowy GER FP NH2007 3.JPG|{{center|Pair Y-spirals (Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy)}} File:Lubov ILIUSHECHKINA Nodari MAISURADZE EC 2009.jpg|{{center|Y and catch-foot (Lubov Iliushechkina & Nodari Maisuradze) }} File:Keauna McLaughlin & Rockne Brubaker Spiral 2009 4CC.jpg|Pair catch-foot (Keauna McLaughlin & Rockne Brubaker) </gallery>

=== Synchronized skating === <gallery> File:2025-12-12 Deutsche Meisterschaften im Eiskunstlaufen 2026 in Oberstdorf by Sandro Halank–284.jpg|{{Center|(Team United Angels)}} File:2025-12-12 Deutsche Meisterschaften im Eiskunstlaufen 2026 in Oberstdorf by Sandro Halank–269.jpg|{{Center|(Team Skating Graces Senior)}} File:Team Skyliners of the USA free skate program at the 2026 ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships 03.jpg|{{Center|(Team Skyliners)}} </gallery>

==References== {{Commons category|Figure skating spirals}} <references/>

Category:Figure skating elements