Debi Thomas: The Comeback

[moonvine]

Basically, school figures or compulsory figures were the 41 standard patterns that were used as the compulsory part of ISU singles competition from 1897 to 1990. Also in domestic competitions and tests in various ISU member federations.

They all had two or three circles in a 8 or ooo pattern.

These figures all consisted of simple edges or one three turn or bracket or loop at the top of the circle, or two three turns at the 1/3 and 2/3 points of the circle.

There could also be a change of edge at a change of circle in figures where the skater made 1 1/2 or 2 full circles on one foot.

Counters and rockers were performed on three-circle figures with a counter or rocker turn at the change of circle, but no other turns.

There was never more than one kind of turn in the same figure.

The changes of edge could be combined with threes, brackets, double threes, and loops to make more advanced figures called, e.g., "change double three" (half circle, change of edge, full circle with two three turns) or "paragraph bracket" (two full circles on one foot with a bracket at the halfway point on each circle) .




Creative figures (or fancy figures or special figures) are more elaborate patterns that combine any or all of the above skills into a single pattern and might add additional skills on the pattern as well.

These were never part of standard ISU competitions, but they were popular in the late 19th/early 20th centuries and they were included in the 1908 Olympics. Here are drawings of the patterns performed at that event: https://web.archive.org/web/2008082...p_3d/s04_london/s04_figure/s04_figure_msp.htm

The World Figure Sport organization that was created about 10 years ago to revive the art of tracing on ice also offers events for skaters to perform historical and newer elaborate patterns and to make up their own.


If you're interested, I can make a longer post in a separate thread with more detailed explanations or links to videos and diagrams, etc.

I would love that!! Thank you!!!

 

[gkelly]

I would love that!! Thank you!!!

OK, I'll start a new thread and add to it as I have time.

 

[moonvine]

OK, I'll start a new thread and add to it as I have time.

Thank you!