Archives: Glossary Terms

Background Music

A musical rendition played for a free skating/pairs program in which the skating is not related to the music.

Backward

The tracing foot moving in the direction of its heel.

“B”

In figure skating this denotes a left foot start.

Axis

(Dance) The angle created by the intersection of a lobe and dance baseline. The baseline of rotation for turns. (Free Skating) An imaginary straight line about which a body rotates... continue reading

Axel

A 1 1/2 Turn Jump performed from a LOF take-off, counterclockwise rotation, to a ROB landing (no toe-stop assist on take-off or landing). Can also be done from a ROF… continue reading

Artistic Impression

In competition, a score given by judges for the manner in which a routine is performed considering its sureness, carriage, rhythm, and timing of steps and items to the music.

Arch

A position of the body in which the spine is tensed backward.

Arc

The curve or portion of the circumference of a circle.

Arabesque

A movement in which the body is arched strongly in a continuous line from head through free foot while rolling on any edge or flat.

Apex

(Free Skating) The highest or uppermost point of a jump. (Figures) The peak of the arc being skated, always occurring on the long axis.