For those familiar with the world of ice dance only via Dancing On Ice it may come as something of a surprise to learn that much of that which makes the show so magical would not only be frowned on in competitive skating but incur major deductions. Indeed such are the often baffling rules enforced by the International Skating Union (ISU), Torvill and Dean’s iconic Bolero far from achieving a perfect score would breach so many laws as to risk compete disqualification today.
For the celebrity contestants, being allowed to attempt the ‘head banger’ is a milestone moment guaranteed to elicit a positive response from audience and judges alike, this classic of acrobatic skating falls foul of pairs skating instructions that skaters must only hold hands, arms, upper legs or body never foot, ankle or blade. The Detroiter also being dismissed on the grounds that legs must be held with two hands and heaven help you if you let go of your partner mid-lift, stand on their shoulders or sit on their head! All of which are deemed too dangerous for competitive skating (but seemingly not for soap stars and magicians).
Many a DOI routine, such as Lisa’s Bet Lynch inspired routine in week 5 has begun with the reveal of a previously hidden outfit or Dan Whiston and Cheryl Baker recreating Bucks Fizz’s skirt-ripping Eurovision highlight. Whilst at first sight the ISU rule against detachable costume parts lest you incur a one-point deduction, doesn’t seem that tricky to avoid, such is the exacting implementation of this rule, that should a stray sequin fall off your costume, or a whisper of your skirt caress the ice – bang goes that deduction! In addition, if a lady thinks they can avoid the issue altogether by popping on a pair of trousers or shortening their dress, forget it! Until 2003, women were permitted only to wear skirts (which mustn’t be overly revealing but fully cover their hips and posterior – The Katarina Witt rule). You may pop on a bodysuit, but all costumes must be modest, dignified, and appropriate for athletic competition. In week five, the DOI costume and make-up department pulled out all the stops for fairy tale week, turning Peri into a gargoyle, Ben into the white rabbit. Yet whilst competitive skaters are permitted to reflect the nature of the music in their costumes, doing so risks judges accusing you of being too theatrical or garish. In addition, whilst many a DOI skater has donned a pair of daisy dukes, “There has to be a visible connection of costume between top and bottom” (Johnny Weir, NBC Commentator and former USA figure skater). No two pieces. Hence, all those fleshy coloured mesh panels.
One week which many DOI competitors loathe (and viewers love) is ‘props week’. From Hayley Tammadon flying through the air via aerial silks, Daniella Westbrook’s use of a swivel chair to Kevin Kilbane gaining a sense of comfort bringing his soccer ball to the ice, props have made and changed many a routine. This is one rule, for which the ISU seems to have a decent excuse. Regardless of what they may add to a performance, they also provide a trip hazard, a consequence, which in terms of DOI only adds to the adventure.
Each series of DOI culminates in the final two pairs exhibiting their interpretation of the iconic Bolero, the only stipulation being they must start on their knees and build to that dramatic moment where the two doomed lovers, fall to the ice. Such was the invention, artistry, perfection, spellbinding effect of those 4 (and a bit) minutes in Sarajevo 1984, so many ice dancers began opting to begin or end on the ground, the ISU became fatigued. If you’re lying down, you’re not skating! Bang – one point deduction!
For Jayne and Chris, famously the start and end of their routine evolved for completely practical reasons. Despite employing the best in the business, editing Ravel’s masterpiece to less than 4 minutes 18 seconds was just not possible. Yet, with the clock not beginning until blade hit the ice, the skating part of the routine was the perfect length. If you think, you can find another creative way to lengthen the clock, forget it! Again, the rules now stipulate that the time starts when the music plays. And don’t think a few seconds here or there won’t make a difference, a point being deducted for every five seconds you exceed or lack. The same penalty as falling over!
For those skaters who’ve nailed the judges challenge in the last couple of weeks, don’t get too carried away. Heaven help a female skater who thinks they can get away with performing more than 3 spins or 7 jumps. And if like Perri you’re particularly acrobatic, don’t going showing off your backflip skills, a two point deduction is not really worth impressing the audience for!
I adore Dancing On Ice and show-skating and while I’m fascinated by the world of competitive skating at times it baffles me with it’s seeming determination to stifle artistic flair and acrobatic performance preventing routines akin to the perfect, judged perfect (!) Bolero!
White Skates 