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Articles by Claire

Introduction to the ice skating sports (and their disciplines)

Last updated on December 6, 2020

Which of the ice skating sports is right for you? The best-known ice sports are ice hockey and figure skating. But there are many others... Here is an introduction to the different sports activities you can do in an ice rink, on skates or shoes, or on an ice track. What will you choose?

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Quick Navigation
The different types of ice skating sports
The figure skating sports
Ice Hockey
Speed skating disciplines
The new extreme ice skating sports
Adaptive sports on ice
Other ice sports without skates
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The different types of ice skating sports

The main types are:

  • Figure skating - for people looking for a more artistic sport
  • Ice Hockey - for a team sport
  • Speed skating - for those looking to push their physical performance

They have various disciplines you can practice, and I will introduce them in this article.

Despite happening in the same ice rink, these sports are radically different, even in their equipment:

Types of ice skates

Types of ice skates

Other sports on ice also exist where you don't need to wear skates: Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton, Curling


The figure skating sports

Is figure skating a sport?

I am so sad to start this section with this subject, but the question is still often being asked.
Yes, figure skating is a sport. It is even an Olympic sport.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a sport is : "a game, competition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job:"

  • Well figure skating needs physical effort for sure - the simple act of propelling yourself on the ice and controlling the trajectory requires strong muscles
  • Skill - well, just try doing a single turn on the ice without the skill - this should be fun
  • Rules - figures are imposed for example - actually, the International skating union (one of the oldest sports organization still existing) started codifying in 1892.

Now let's move one and discover the different disciplines of figure skating.

Figure skating - single (Men & Women)

Single figure skating
  • Introduction -
    Skaters perform 2 programs to music which combine complex footwork, spirals (sustained one-foot slides on a single edge), spins and jumps. The tricks are performed along the length of the ice or in a circle. They demonstrate agility, dexterity and speed. 
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Ice skates with the 'artistic style' blade which is longer than the dance blade at the back.
    In competition, you also need a costume that does not block artistic movements and acrobatic figures.
  • Origin - 
    After being a mean of transportation and then a leisure activity on ponds, dance movements were added in 1863 by Jackson Haines who tried to spread this new style of skating.
    In 1892, the Vienna School established the International Skating Union, one of the oldest sports associations still in existence.
  • Olympic history - 
    The first Olympic figure skating events were held in 1908 in London. It was the first winter sport to be added to the Olympics.
  • Famous sportsperson from the US -
    Women - Michelle Kwan, Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamagucchi, Peggy Flemming, Janet Lynn, Sasha Cohen...
    Men - Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano, Dick Button, Paul Wylie...
    See this article ranking the US figure skaters

Figure skating - pairs

Figure skating - pairs

Marcus Cyron, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 / CC BY-SA

  • Introduction -
    Similar to Single figure skating - skaters do side by side jumps and pirouettes but also combined elements with spirals, above the head lifts and figures where the man throws the woman into a jump.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Same as single
  • Origin - 
    The history of pair figure skating developed with the single sport.
  • Olympic history - 
    Joined the Olympics at the same time
  • Famous sportsperson from the US -
    Kitty and Peter Carruthers, Vivian and Ronald Joseph, Nancy and Ronald Ludington

Ice Dance

Ice dancing
  • Introduction -
    Although being part of figure skating, ice dancing is a different sport. It has no jumps or lifts above the head. Technical footstep and artistic interpretation play a bigger role in the the programs.
    You can see the difference with pair figure skating in this article.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Ice dancing skates (shorter blade) and costumes for competition.
  • Origin - 
    Haynes arrived in Europe from the US with his ballroom moves and ice dancing became popular by the early 1900s. But it remained recreational.
    The first national competitions occurred in the 1930s.
    In 1952, ice dancing was added to the World Championships.
  • Olympic history - 
     Ice dance first appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1968 Winter Olympics and it was fully added at the 1976 Olympics.
  • Famous sportsperson from the US -
    Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, Collen O'Connor and James Millns
  • Learn more on my introduction to ice dance article

Synchronized skating

Synchronized skating

Rich Moffitt from Boston, USA / CC BY

  • Introduction -
    In this sport, eight to sixteen figure skaters perform together as one or several units. They perform skilled footwork and figures in unison.
    In the USA, it was first called precision skating.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Same as the rest of figure skating - skates and costumes
  • Origin - 
    Although group skating may have started in the 19th century, the sport as it is currently known started in 1954 with the first precision skating team in Michigan.
    The first international competition happened in 1976 between the US and Canada.
    It has grown rapidly in the 20th century and the US alone has now over 600 teams.
  • Olympic history - 
    It is being reviewed for Olympic eligibility.
  • Famous teams from the US -
    The Haydenettes, Miami University, the Skyliners
  • Learn more on my introduction to synchronized skating.

Theater on ice

  • Introduction -
    Know as ballet on ice in Europe, it consists in 8 to 30 skaters telling a story together. It combines figure skating, theater and dance.
    2 programs are being performed: the free skate and the choreographic exercise
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Skates and costumes for each program
  • Origin - 
    I have not found how it has developed. But it has been quite recent, maybe from the beginning of the 21st century.
    Some countries have formal championships but there are no regulated international competitions yet.
  • Olympic history - 
    This is not an Olympic sport

Find great gifts for yourself and your ice skating friends!

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Ice Hockey

  • Introduction -
    Ice hockey is a contact team sport played on the ice. The skater use sticks to shoot the puck into to the opponent's net. The objective is to score goals.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Ice hockey skates (different from figure skates), a helmet, gloves and a stick
  • Origin - 
    Mentions of games with sticks and some sort of puck date back to the 18th century and developed during the 19th century.
    The contemporary organized sport of ice hockey originated in Montreal, Canada. In 1875 a game was played between 2 teams of 9 players.
    Professional hockey developed from the beginning of the 20th century.
    NHL is the league.
  • Olympic history - 
    Ice hockey (men teams) was introduced during the 1920 Olympic Games. The Women tournaments only started in 1998.
  • Famous teams from the US -
    Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers
  • Learn more on my introduction to Ice hockey

Find great gifts for yourself or your hockey friends!

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Ice Hockey Notebook (red skate with hockey words)
Get this Ice Hockey Notebook
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Speed skating disciplines

Here are a few facts about speed skating and short track  - you can learn more on my introduction article.

Long Track speed skating (often called speed skating)

  • Introduction -
    Speed skating is a race over a certain distance on skates. What is commonly known as speed skating is the long track speed skating.
    It takes place on 400-meter ovals. And various distances are raced.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Special speed skates, helmet
  • Origin - 
    It seems that the first official race took place in 1763 in England.
    It started developing in North America during the second half of the 19th century.
    The federation was founded in 1892.
  • Olympic history - 
    It was supposed to make its Olympic debut in 1916 but because of the war it was pushed back to 1924.
  • Famous sportsperson from the US -
    Men - Chad Hedrick (1000m - 1500m-5000m - 10000m), Derek Parra (5000m - 1500m), Shani Davis (1000m-1500m), Joey Cheek (500m - 1000m), Eric Heiden
    Women - Beth Heiden (3000m), Dianne Holum (1500m - 3000m), Jennifer Rodriguez (1000m-1500m), Christine Witty (1000m - 1500m), Bonnie Blair (500m - 1000m)

Short-Track speed skating

Short-Track

Johann Conus / CC BY-SA

  • Introduction -
    Short track skaters race just over one-quarter of the 400m oval (111.12m).
    The goal is not necessarily to manage the best  time.The goal is to finish in the top two of each heat to progress to the next round.
  • What is needed to practice - 
    Special speed skates, helmet
  • Origin - 
    Some European and Japanese leaders expressed the wish of mass-start races. They started in 1967 with international competitions from 1976.
  • Olympic history - 
    First appearing on the Olympic scene at Calgary in 1988, short track skating competition quickly integrated the core group of medal event from 1992. 
  • Famous sportsperson from the US -
    Men - Apolo Anton Ohno, Rusty Smith, John Henry Krueger, J.R. Celski
    Women - Cathy turner, Amy Peterson, Katherine Reutter

Find great gifts for yourself and your speed skating friends!

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The new extreme ice skating sports

Ice Cross downhill

Ice Cross downhill

Red Bull Canada at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA

In recent years, a new extreme sport has developed: competitive downhill skating on a walled track featuring sharp turns and high vertical drops.
The world tour is called Crashed Ice. 
A men world championship has been established since 2010 and a women version since 2015.

Freestyle ice skating

Since around 2010, Freestyle ice skating is developing as a new phenomenon, using hockey skates.
It is an extreme sport where you try to create the craziest figures with long jumps, ramps and other pieces of equipment.


Adaptive sports on ice

Recreational skating

Programs have been established in many rinks to empower people with disabilities to enjoy ice skating.
In 1976, the Sabah organization started the movement. 

It is accessible to people with blindness, mental challenges as well as physical ones.
Devices have been created to help people feel the joy of gliding on the ice: the support walker, orthotic inserts, wheelchair runners...

Sled hockey - Ice sledding

Sled hockey - Ice sledding

Randykwapis / Public domain

Seated equivalent of ice skating. The skater is seated on an oval ice sled and propels himself with picking sticks or shortened ski poles.
It started in Norway back in the 1960s and arrived in the US around 1989.

Adaptive figure skating

Skaters with mental disabilities can take part in the US figure skating special Olympics program and other competitions.

Wheelchair curling

Wheelchair curling

popejon2 / CC BY

Wheelchair curling is an adaptation of curling for athletes with a disability affecting their lower limbs or gait. It is played with the same rocks as regular curling, but they are thrown from a stationary wheelchair and there is no sweeping. 

Ice skating at the Paralympics

Only 2 ice skating sports are currently present at the Paralympics: male sled hockey and wheelchair curling. 


Other ice sports without skates

We have seen an overview of the ice sports performed with skates. 
But there are a few other "ice sports" which happen on ice but without skates, some in the rink others on a track.
Below is a brief introduction to them.

Bobsleigh (or Bobsled)

It is a timed run down a narrow and twisting ice track inside a gravity-powered sleigh.
A 4-person team pushes and maneuvers the sleigh to get the best aggregated time over several runs.

It has been featured in the Olympics since the 1924 games.

Luge

Luge is a race down a narrow and twisting ice track by a single person without protection. The feet are stretched in from of them and speed can reach 140km/h.
There are also pair events.
It made its debut at the Olympic games in 1964. Since 1976 it is on the same track as bobsleigh.

Skeleton

Skeleton

Angy84ita / CC BY-SA

Skeleton is also a single race down a narrow and twisting ice track without protection. But in this case, the racer goes down head first.
It became an Olympic event at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Curling

Curling is a team sport played on the rink but without skates. Two teams of 4 players play 16 shots each to bring the stone curls to a target by preparing the ice with a broom.
Curling appeared at the 1924 Olympics, came back as a demonstration sport in 1932 but become a regular medal event from 1998.


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35+ Best Ice Skating Movies (figure skating)

Last updated on April 24, 2021

Looking for ideas for your next movie night? Below you will find a detailed list of ice skating movies about figure skating movies. Plus, some TV shows and documentaries about famous figure skaters, important ice skating moments and ice skating shows. Enjoy!

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Table of Contents
About this list best ice skating movies
Best Figure Skating Movies
Ice Skating Cartoon shows for kids
General ice skating movie
Ice skating documentaries (figure skaters)
Ice skating TV shows

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).
Some of the movies may not be available on Amazon Prime in some countries, or during certain periods. I have no control.


About this list best ice skating movies

Below is a list as complete as I can about movies, TV shows and documentaries about ice skating (figure skating).
If you have other suggestions, please let me know.

Note: in most movies the actors are not ice-skaters - don't be disappointed by the obviousness of their beginner level, even if producers try hiding it.

Note2: if you are looking for hockey movies and documentaries, head to this other article with 35 suggestions!


Best Figure Skating Movies

Let's start with the movies. All would make great gifts for figure skaters.

Ice Princess

Sport:
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary:
Disney movie - a teenage girl learns ice skating to back up her physics paper to win a Harvard scholarship. In the process, her love for the sport grows and she becomes a champion.

Actress playing the skater: Michelle Trachtenberg

Note: Michel Kwan and Brian Boitano appear in the movie

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

Go figure (2005)

Sport:
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary:
Disney movie - a teenage figure skater gets accepted to train with the best coach at a private boarding school but under a hockey scholarship. She learns teamwork and friendship but will have a difficult decision to make.

Actress playing the skater: Jordan Hinson

You can watch it on Amazon prime

Ice Castles (version 1978)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
A teen from Iowa is discovered by a top skating coach and goes to Colorado to be trained. She gets injured and becomes blind shortly after becoming successful at skating but returns against all odds.

Actress playing the skater: Lynn-Holly Johnson

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or Get it on DVD

Ice Castles (version 2010)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
Remake of the 1978 Oscar-nominated movie of the same name - same story

Actress playing the skater: Taylor Firth

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

I, Tonya (2017)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
The movie retraces the career of figure skater Toney Harding from age 4. The film won an Oscar for Best Performance by an actress in a Supporting Role

Actress playing the skater: Margot Robbie

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

The Cutting Edge 1 (1992)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
This is a classic. During the 1988 Winter Olympics a hockey player's career is cut short by an accident. He is recruited to train in pair figure skating with a difficult rich figure skater. It is the story of their partnership for the Olympics.

Actors playing the skaters: Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

The Cutting Edge 2 - Going for the gold (2006)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
The main character is the daughter of the original movie's pair. She cannot progress in her career as a single figure skater after an injury which limits her triple jumps capability. She looks for a partner to switch to a pair skating career.

Actors playing the skaters: Christy Carlson Romano & Ross Thomas

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

The Cutting Edge 3 - Chasing the dream (2008)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
The star of the second movie has become a coach and is recruiting a woman hockey player to pair up with a boy figure skater. She trains them to the top.

Actors playing the skaters: Francia Raisa and Matt Lanter

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

The Cutting Edge 4 - Fire & Ice (2010)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary:
The skater from the 3rd movie turns to teaching after her partner is injured. But she finally decides to team up with a rebellious speed-skater to get back on the ice as a pair in figure skating.

Actors playing the skaters: Francia Raisa and Brendan Fehr

You can watch it on Amazon prime

Blades of Glory (2007)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
Two rival Olympic skaters lose their gold medals and are banned from men's single events. They find a loophole and qualify as a pair.

Actors playing the skaters: Job Heder and Will Ferrell

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

Ice Girls (2016)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
At 15 years of age, an aspiring figure skater tries a comeback after suffering from a serious injury.

Actors playing the skaters: Michaela du Toit

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

Ice Dreams (2010)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
Hallmark Channel original television movie about a former champion skater and Olympic contender who returns to coach a talented teenage girl.

You can watch it on Amazon prime

Ice: The movie (2018)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
Story of two figure skaters competing at high level, and the life that surrounds this career - with pressure, conflicts and some difficult decisions for the parents.

Actress playing the main skater: Maddison Bullock

You can watch it on Amazon prime

A promise kept – the Oksana Baiul story (1995)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
The dramatized biography of the famous skater Oksana Baiul - a Russian orphan who became a gold medalist. There is not much skating in the movie.

Actors playing the skaters: Moica Keena (and a performance by Oksana Baiul at the end)

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

Skating through it (2012)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Adults

Summary: 
2 adult figure skaters prepare for the adult national competition while battling personal issues (health and family)

Watch it on Amazon prime

Champions : a love story (1979)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
A hockey player trains with a figure skater to skate as a pair and they fall in love - until a traffic accident happens, after which she has to persevere to succeed in single skating.

Actors playing the skaters: Joy Leduc and Jimmy Mc Nicol

Get it on DVD

Ice (2018)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Pairs

Summary: 
A champion figure skater, how she started, her success with the top Russian figure skater, her accident... and how a hockey player brought her back to the ice.

Actors playing the skaters: Mariya Aronova, Viel Babichev and Maskim Belborodov

Get it on DVD

Ice 2 (2020)

Sport:
Figure Skating  - Pairs

Summary:
Sequel to be in theater in Russia in February 2020.

The Petrichor (2020)

The_Petrichor

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Solo woman

Summary: 
Maya sopped ice skating because of a personal tragedy.
But at the age of 20 she decides to return to the ice and enter the competitive world.
Canadian Movie

Actors playing the skaters: Olga Korsak

Figure skating show - Holiday on ice: Under the desert sky (2006)

Hosted by Nancy Kerrigan

Watch it on Amazon Prime

Blades of courage (1988)

Sport: 
Figure Skating - Woman

Summary: 
A young Canadian skater succeeds at the National Championship and is drafted for the World Event. She starts training with a strict top coach, but he ruins her. She returns home defeated but finds the courage to start again.

Actors playing the skaters: Christianne Hirt

Kiss & Cry

Note on Kiss & Cry - the main character is a figure skater, but this movie is more about singing.

Want to see more figure skating videos (even without a story)? Check out my article about some of the best figure skating Instagram account to follow.

Also check out my list of figure skating books worth reading.

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Ice Skating Cartoon shows for kids

Angelina Ballerina: Dancing on ice (2011)

Summary: 
When her skates go missing, will she be able to perform her solo?

Watch it on Amazon

Dora Ice Skating Spectacular

Summary: 
Dora and Boots need help to rescue the Snow prince when an ice witch takes everyone's ice skates.

Watch it on Amazon


General ice skating movie

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates (1958)

Sport: 
Ice skating

Summary: 
Old movie set in Holland. 15-year-old Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel want to participate in the great ice skating race on the canal.

Watch it on Amazon


Ice skating documentaries (figure skaters)

Below are some documentaries about:

  • famous figure skaters and their story
  • history of ice skating
  • historical figure skating moments

The Ice King

Summary:
The story of legend figure skater Jogn Curry who won the 1976 Olympics and made a deep impact in the world of sport in general.

You can watch it on Amazon prime
or get it on DVD

The Fabulous Ice Age (2014)

Summary:

Documentary about the American touring ice shows and how they used to dominate the family entertainment segment.

Watch it on Amazon prime

or Get it on DVD

The price of Gold (2014)

Summary:

30 for 30 documentary about the Kerrigan - Harding incident

Watch it on Amazon prime

Sharp Edges (2018)

Summary:

The early years for Tonya Hardings' career.

Watch it on Amazon prime

Torvill and Dean (2018)

Documentary about the most significant moments of the carrier of Torvill and Dean, the legendary British ice dancers (who won Gold at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics).

If looking on YouTube, you may find it.

Legend lives on : Katarina Witt (2018)

Summary:

Interview and footage to retrace the career of Katarina Witt

Watch it on YouTube on the Olympic Channel

The Haydenettes: A hidden Dynasty (2017) - Synchronized skating documentary

Summary:

Thesis project about the history of synchronized skating and one of its top team: The Haydenettes.

Watch it on YouTube on the Natalie Wadia's Channel

Michelle Kwan (2014) 

Summary:

ESPN Classic Sports Century documentary on Michelle Kwan

Watch it on YouTube 

Reflections on ice: A Diary of Ladies Figure skating (1998) 

Summary:

Interviews and archive footage to learn more about the development of lady figure skating.

Watch it on YouTube 

Chasing Ice - the story of Fen Ice Skating (2017)

Summary:
It retraces the story of Fen Ice skating and the folklore surrounding it. From Victorian times, to the fields of Fen to modern skaters.

Watch it on Amazon prime

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Ice skating TV shows

Spinning out

spinning out

TV show following a figure skating pair in the US.
The series is more about mental illness than figure skating, but it does include skating storylines.

You can watch it on Netflix.

Zero Chill (2021 - )

zero chill tv show netflix

TV show following twins - one is a figure skater, the other one is a hockey player

You can watch it on Netflix.

Tessa and Scott (2004)

Summary:

The lives of Canadian ice dancer pair, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Watch it on Amazon prime

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Best figure skating books (stories, biographies, history…)

50+ Ice Skating Gift ideas (for figure skaters)

25+ Figure skating coach gift ideas (Personalized or not)

Figure skate sharpening (how, when, where…)

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Ice dancing vs Figure skating – 7 differences

Last updated on March 6, 2022

Watching sports on TV and wondering what the differences are between ice dancing and figure skating?
Or looking for a club for your kid and wondering what is better: ice dancing vs figure skating? 
Jumps, dances, costumes, skates... below is the comparison between the 2 sports.

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Table of Contents
Differences between ice dancing and figure skating - Summary
1. At high level, ice dancers compete only as pairs
2. Ice dancing vs figure skating - no jumps
3. Balance between partners
4. Differences in the competition events & use of themes
5. Falls 
6. Figure skates vs ice dancing skates
7. The skating dresses have different shapes
Which sport to choose for children - ice dancing or figure skating?

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).


Differences between ice dancing and figure skating - Summary

While, ice dancing is officially a discipline within Figure skating, it is quite different.
If you want to explain briefly the difference between the 2 sports:

  • Figure skating is gymnastics on ice - it is all about jumps, spins and dramatic lifts
  • Whilst ice dance is dance on ice - it is about musical interpretation, footwork and rhythm

What you will notice the most is that there are no jumps in ice dancing.

But I will go into more detailed differences in this article.

Figure skating vs ice dancing

Figure skating vs ice dancing

What they have in common

  • Both disciplines are on ice - LOL
  • Overall shape of the skate is similar
  • Some technical elements with the footwork and spins are common
  • Both are Olympic sports - although figure skating has been part of it since the first official Winter Games in 1924, whilst ice dancing started only in 1976. Learn more about figure skating at the Olympics.

Let's dive into the major differences.


1. At high level, ice dancers compete only as pairs

For traditional figure skating, you can see international competition for single women, single men and pairs.
However at high level, ice dancers only compete in pairs, not as individuals.

At National level, you can train and compete as a solo ice dancer. There are a few international meets, but nothing like World championships or the Olympics.


2. Ice dancing vs figure skating - no jumps

This second difference is the most obvious.

In single-women, single-men and Pairs figure skating they keep doing jumps (axel, lutz...)
Whereas the ice dancers don't jump.
Ice dancing is far less acrobatic. Partners don't jump or toss the other one in the air or lift above the head.
Jumps are not even allowed.

So, if you see a pair on the ice, the way to recognize ice dancing is to see if they are jumping or being thrown.

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3. Balance between partners

You may also notice that figure skating pairs do not look like ice dancing couples.

Being more acrobatic, a figure skating pair is less balanced: the man is tall and large whilst the woman is tiny to fly in the air (most of the time).
Whereas for ice dancing (like for ballroom dancing) harmony is essential and the size is way more balanced (normally not more than one head of height difference).


4. Differences in the competition events & use of themes

Ice dancing used to be even closer to ballroom dancing with mandatory dances. But it has evolved, to be more appealing to novice watchers.

Here are the events for figure skating vs ice dancing (at senior level): 

  • Figure skating events
    It starts with a short program that lasts 2min40 - theme and music are free
    And there is a long program for 4 minutes - theme and music are free
    Mandatory elements include lifts, jumps and spins.
  • Ice dancing events
    The short dance last about 3 minutes. There is a mandatory theme each year such as Foxtrot, Tango or cha-cha. Each pair must interpret the theme.
    The free dance is for about 4 minutes. For this one, the choice of theme is free, but there must be a story being told by the dance.
    Mandatory elements include footwork such as twizzles, lifts and now also a few spins.
  • Below is a video of an example.
  • Similarly test and levels are slightly different. Learn more here

5. Falls 

Due to its acrobatic nature, figure skating includes a lot of falls during its events.
However, in ice dance, falls are rare (and if they happen, they are disastrous for the final score). 

And it is the same during practice.
If your kid chooses figure skating, he/she will spend a lot of time falling on the ice. Whilst in ice dancing, once you know the basics, falls are not common.

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6. Figure skates vs ice dancing skates

Non initiated viewers will not notice the difference.
But there are actual differences between Figure skating skates and ice dancing skates, which is logical since the figures are different.

  • for ice dance, the blades are shorter at the end (the tail). It is no longer than the boot as opposed to figure skates - learn more about blades.
  • at high level, ice dancers often have special boots that are cut at the back to allow for better lines when pointing toes
figure skates vs ice dancing skates

7. The skating dresses have different shapes

Finally, as a general rule, ice dancing dresses are often longer than figure skating.
Here again it is logical since figure skaters need aerodynamic outfits to jump and spin. If the dress is too long, it will limit their movements.


Which sport to choose for children - ice dancing or figure skating?

That is an excellent question.

First of all, as a beginner they can start in either club. The basic steps are the same. To learn to skate both sports are fine.
You can switch later.

In some counties, ice dancing is part of the figure skating clubs. In others you have separate ice dancing clubs.
Check out what is available at the rink close to you.

When it is time to decide:

  • if your kid is jumping everywhere, always climbing on furniture... then figure skating is the best choice
  • if your kid is always dancing when music is playing (like I was, even in the middle of a shop...) then ice dancing may be a better choice.
beginner figure skating or ice dancing
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10 steps to take care of your ice skates

Last updated on February 24, 2021

Taking care of your ice skates before and after skating is essential to your performance and safety. Plus, it will lengthen the life of your skates. Below are my tips to properly care for your blades as well as your boots, whatever the type of skates you are using (figure, speed or hockey).

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Quick Navigation
Parts of the skate to take care of
Essentials tips for ice skate care - everyday for all skates
Extra tasks to take care of your figure skates
Care of your hockey skates
Care of Speed Skates
When to change skates
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This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Parts of the skate to take care of

There are 3 main types of ice skates (even though you can find subtypes under each category with slightly different shapes):

Types of ice skates

The figure skate

  • It has a high boot, toe picks and a blade slightly longer than the boot
  • The boot is in leather 
  • The heel and sole are made by gluing square stacks of leather or water-repellent fiberboard on top of each other
  • Blades are normally made of tempered steel and coated with chrome
  • Closed with laces

The hockey skate

  • The boot is low at the front, higher at the back with a tendon guard. The blade is the same length as the boot, flat in the middle and curved at each end
  • The leather boot is reinforced with plastic caps and extra layer of leather or nylon to create a toe box and protect from cuts
  • Blades are normally made of tempered steel and coated with chrome
  • The holder which houses the blade and attach to the boot is made of plastics or composites
  • Closed with laces

The speed skate

  • It has a low boot. The blade is flat, thin and longer than the boot
  • The boots are made of leather and fiber - different technologies are used depending on your level. 
  • The blades are made of 2 parts; the runners that touch the ice - they are made of steel - and the tubes that connect to the boot, that are made of aluminium or steel
  • Closure system is lace for beginner and zipper for higher level end products.

Essentials tips for ice skate care - each day for all skates

Let's start with habits you must implement at each practice to take care of your blades and boots. This is essential to make your equipment last longer, whatever the brand.
Skates can be an expensive investment (especially as you progress) and good habits must be taken from the beginning.
The following points are applicable to all types of skates.

#1 Wear skate guards when walking with your skates outside the ice

protect ice skate blade with skate guard

Your blades are the most important part of your skates. Even a small dent can put you off balance.
Therefore anytime you are off the ice, they should be protected. All surfaces made of rocks, metal, wood, cement would be damaging.
Around the rink, the floor is normally made with blade-friendly material. However, it is a good habit to automatically add skate guards (a.k.a. blade protector) as soon as you step off the ice.

There are different shapes of guards and they can be adapted to the size of your blade. They will shield them.

However, don't forget to remove them before getting on the ice. Otherwise they will slide from under you and you will fall. I talk from experience. Once I was excited to show something to my coach, forgot them, crashed and hurt my knee just 2 weeks before the national cup. I could not take part that year...

Check out my article to help you choose the best skate guards for you

#2 Check the status of your blades

Ice skate's blade sharpening

Another essential element of performance and safety is the sharpening of the blade. This should be done by someone experienced.
Don't worry it does not have to be done every day. However, I do recommend a visual check of your blade each time before training.

If you start to slip on an edge, it’s time to have your blades sharpened. But I recommend also to visually inspect your blade to make sure there is no dent, and I also use my thumb nail to make sure both edges are still sharp (a slight movement against the blade should slightly shave the nail. (of course, those who can't live without a manicure will not be able to do that...).

Learn more on my article about figure skate sharpening (why, when, how often, how...)

#3 After skating, dry your blade religiously

Drying ice skates

It is essential to keep your skate dry. Moisture is your worst enemy.

Once you have removed your skate, do NOT leave the guards on. They are great to protect while walking but they can be damaging if left on.

Take time to wipe your blade. Use an absorbent towel or a leather cloth to dry a first time. Then leave them a few minutes to get to room temperature (condensation may form) and dry again.

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See my collection of absorbant blade towels for figure skaters

Or the collection for hockey blade towels

#4 Always carry your skates in a bag

Do not carry them over your shoulder you will damage them and the laces (and probably your clothes too).
Always carry your skates in a bag.
You can find my tips for choosing the best ice skating bag for you in this article (for figure skates).

#5 In your skating bag, protect with blade cover

Protecting the blade

To protect the blades in your bag and to continue absorbing moisture, you should use blade cover a.k.a. skater soakers.
They come in various textiles and colors. 
Remember that speed blades are longer, so you need a special version.

#6 Once at home, remove your skates from your bag to let them dry

Opening and drying ice skates

And last, this is something young kids often forget to do but is essential.
A lot of moisture builds up in the boots during skating. It is important to take your boots out of your bag, open the tongue as much as possible and have them sit outside until the next skating session. They will dry at room temperature.
If you can, take the inside sole out of the boot to dry it separately.

However, do not leave them near a hot radiator or in the sun. Leather is susceptible to heat, and the form can change.

#7 - During Summer

During Summer, most rinks are closed.
If you are not using your skates for a long period of time, make sure that:

  • you do not store them in a closed bag or a closed box
  • do not leave them in a very hot room
  • do store them without touching each other (as the leather contact in the heat can damage it)
  • store them on the side so that no weight is left on the blade
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Extra tasks to take care of your figure skates

Figure skates care

#8 - Figure - Check the status of your laces

I recommend purchasing high quality laces. They can last longer as you will apply a lot of friction on them.
Every couple of months, check that they are not getting thin in places.
And always have a spare pair in your bag as they can break unexpectedly.

#9 - Figure - Check the screws

The blades are attached to the booths with screws. I recommend checking monthly that they are still tightly screwed.

#10 - Figure - Check your heels

First, we checked that the screws were Ok so that the blade does not fall off the boot. But you should also check the status of the heel. It is one of the most fragile part of the skate and it can take a lot of cuts and hits. I once had layers starting to separate. So, a visual check every 3 months should do it.

#11 - Figure - Polish your boots

If you don't wear skate covers, then the white or black of your skate will be damaged by hits and cuts.
Every 6 months, you may want to polish and protect them again and use special products to cover the cuts.
But wearing figure skate boot covers during training is also very effective. Learn more about them.


Care of your hockey skates

#8 - Hockey - Check the status of your laces

I recommend purchasing high quality laces. They can last longer as you will apply a lot of friction on them.
Every couple of months, check that they are not getting thin in places.
And always have a spare pair in your bag as they can break unexpectedly.
Learn more about the best hockey laces.

#9 - Hockey - Check the screws

The blade holders are attached to the boots with screws. I recommend checking monthly that they are still tightly screwed.

#10 - Hockey - Polish your boots

The boots are made of leather. Like for shoes, you want to keep them in good condition.
Polish and protect them with leather preservative once or twice a year.
If they are made of composite materials, oiling is not necessary.

Beware, if you are using your hockey skates on synthetic ice, they may require more frequent sharpening.


Care of Speed Skates

#8 - Speed - Check the status of your laces (if applicable)

If your skates have laces, check every couple of months that they are not getting thin in places.
Always have a spare pair in your bag as they can break unexpectedly.

#9 - Speed - Check the bolts

Monthly, check that your blades are still on tight. Try to move them – if they shift tighten the bolts. Do not over-tighten the bolts or you will strip them.

#10 - Speed - Protect your boots

The boots are made of leather. Like for shoes, you want to keep them in good condition.
Yearly, you should treat with leather preservative. When you are leaning, the side of the boot may be worn out, use a piece of special tape to protect the area.


When to change skates

The first reason to changes skates, especially for kids, is when they become too small.

The second reason can be if your skill level is improving and you need better performing skates.

Otherwise, if you are not changing size or technicity, the signs that you should change your skates are:

  • Weak ankle - the boots are not holding much anymore at ankle level
  • The inside of the boot is all damaged - there is no more protection
  • The blade has been sharpened too many times and there is nothing left
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