In this article i’m going to explain the answer to the question, what is free skating. This can mean different things in different contexts. The most common context is free skating within figure skating, but there are other forms of free skating, or ‘free skate’ which I will share with you below. Let’s get straight into it!
What is free skating – in figure skating
In figure skating, free skating consists of the final portion of a figure skating competition. It is the longer part of the program. This part of the program is highly creative and the skaters dance to music. It normally consists of a number of jumps and spins – these are technical moves which are set by the competition managers. It allows the skaters to be more creative and passionate with their connection to the music when compared to the short program.
The free skating in figure skating can be either in pairs or for single skaters. It lasts approximately 4 mintes.
Although the name of this part of the relevant competitions implies that the skater has a lot of freedom in the choice of how they skate, there are some required, strictly chosen elements.
The skater’s score is split into two parts – the technical skills and how they are executed and performed, and the progam score where points are awarded for artistic impression, skating skills and choreography as well as musical interpretation.
What about other types of free skates?
There is another type of free skate which is being referred to on social media more recently and this is the type of skating where a skater skates around the streets, quite briskly, performing tricks on sidewalks, off benches etc. For example, take a look at this well known Youtuber, Nicola Torelli:
(185) freeskate london – YouTube
Here’s another one o f my favourite YouTube videos, filmed in Barcelona:
These skaters are the ones who inspired me to get back into skating as an adult. I love to watch their videos.
Obviously, this type of street skating is not assessed – it’s completely free to the skater but it’s so enjoyable to watch and do!
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