Level 4 in Ice Dance step sequences | Golden Skate

Level 4 in Ice Dance step sequences

FSGMT

Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Recently, we talked about how difficult it is at the moment for an Ice Dance couple to receive a level 4 for a step sequence.
For example, in 2010, at both the Olympics and Worlds, V/M and D/V used to receive level 4 for almost all of their step sequences, now it's difficult even for them to receive one. So, these are the requirements for a level 4 not-touching Ice Dance step sequence (NtMiSt or NtCiSt):
Footwork includes at least 5 different Types of Difficult Turns (one of which being a Double Twizzle)
AND
Turns are multidirectional
AND
A one foot section includes the 4 different Types of One Foot Section Turns
AND
Difficult Turns, Twizzles and, if any, the first performed 2 Extra Features cover at least 75% of the chosen pattern
AND
100% of Difficult Turns are performed clearly on correct Edges and all other Steps/Turns are clean
No Senior nor Junior couple received a level 4 for a step sequence in the SD so far this season! :eek:
Now, these are the requirements for a level 4 Step Sequence in Hold (so, CiSt, DiSt or MiSt):
Footwork includes at least 5 different Types of Difficult Turns (one of which being a Double Twizzle)
AND
Turns are multidirectional
AND
A one foot section includes the 4 different Types of One Foot Section Turns
AND
Difficult Turns, Twizzles and, if any, the first performed 2 Extra Features cover at least 75% of the chosen pattern
AND
100% of Difficult Turns are performed clearly on correct Edges and all other Steps/Turns are clean
AND
At least 3 Changes of Hold are included
AND
At least 3 different Dance Holds are included
These are the Step Sequences that received a level 4 in the FD so far this season:
Anna Cappellini-Luca Lanotte 2012 GPF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFO-tTUgb1I

So, just one couple received a level 4 in an Ice Dance Step Sequence so far this season (and with a not-so-high GOE: +1.14)!
What do you think: are the requirements too difficult to fulfill or are the technical panels too harsh?
 

noidont

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
How is it even possible for the technical panel to look for all these things in such a short timespan?
 

gkelly

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
How is it even possible for the technical panel to look for all these things in such a short timespan?

There are three members of the tech panel and they divide up the responsibilities.

They're also chosen on the basis of their ability to recognize different turns etc. in real time -- the requirements for becoming a tech panel member are stricter than those for becoming a judge.
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
Which since the requirements are the same as they have been for more than just this season, argues that panels are harsher this season than in previous seasons.

This is not a new phenomenon with tech panels-we had COP a while before lips were being called as edge problems as well as flutzes.

Also UR's were not called as frequently or as harshly when they were first specifically called out.

In fact, I would be surprised in the callers are doing most of the calling on step sequences these days by using replay after the performance.
 
Top