Good ice dance coaching in Northern Virginia comes down to one question for every element: what does the rulebook actually reward? On Monday, November 2, Bella and Josiah made four upgrades to their Novice free dance, and in this practice report we check each one against the 2026-27 rules to see what it earns.
Monday, November 2, 2026: four free dance changes, each shown in slow motion with the rule that scores it.
How Ice Dance Levels Work
Every required element in a free dance earns a level, from Basic up to Level 4, based on specific features the technical panel checks for. Judges then add or subtract a Grade of Execution for quality. Small details decide both: a position held 2.9 seconds instead of 3, a free leg that drops before the last rotation, a few seconds of gliding between parts of a spin. That is why ice dance coaching at Washington Elite starts from the rulebook and works backward to the skating.
1. The Choreographic Spinning Movement
The program opens with a rotation in hold, and on Monday the team added a small lift inside it. Under the U.S. Figure Skating 2026-27 Novice rules, a Choreographic Spinning Movement needs both partners rotating together for at least three rotations, on one or two feet, and one partner may be lifted briefly. The verdict: it counts, and adding one more rotation on the ice gives it a safety margin.
2. The Dance Spin and the Road to Level 4
The spin starts with Josiah in a camel position while Bella spins upright, followed by both partners in sit spins and Bella in a layback. Every one of those positions can earn credit, but only inside one continuous spin. A dance spin has to stay on the spot, so any travel between the parts ends the spin early.
3. Twizzles: A Jump Entry and New Features
Twizzle levels come from features added to the rotations: arm positions, leg positions and creative entries. Monday’s version adds a small jump straight into the first twizzle, hands joined in front, a free leg feature and elbows raised on the second twizzle. That is four different features from three different groups, which is the feature count for Level 4. The next step is holding each feature through all four rotations.
4. The Crouch Lift on a Stopwatch
For a lifting partner’s position to count, it has to be held for at least three seconds. We put a stopwatch on Josiah’s crouch: 3.1 seconds. Confirmed.
Monday’s Scorecard
Choreographic spin
Counts. One more rotation for safety.
Dance spin
Level 4 structure once the camel connects to the sits.
Twizzles
Four features from three groups. Hold them four rotations.
Crouch lift
Crouch held 3.1 seconds.
What Families Should Know About Ice Dance Coaching at Washington Elite
| What we do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Film every practice | Rotations, holds and timing are measured, not guessed. |
| Check each element against the current rules | Skaters train what scores, and the program is built to the level it can reach. |
| Replay in slow motion | Skaters see their own edges and positions, which speeds up learning. |
| Celebrate every upgrade | Confidence is part of performance. Progress gets recognized. |
Missed the first report? Watch Bella and Josiah’s first day back on the ice.
Train With an Ice Dance Coach in Northern Virginia
Washington Elite Skating School offers private ice dance coaching at Mount Vernon Rec Center in Alexandria, VA, for teams, solo dancers and figure skaters.
Book a Lesson Washington Elite Skating SchoolCall 202-436-6577
Ice Dance Coaching FAQ
What are levels in ice dance?
Each required element is called from Basic to Level 4 by the technical panel, based on specific features the skaters complete. Higher levels carry a higher base value.
What is a dance spin?
A spin skated by both partners together around a common axis, on the spot. Its level comes from the difficult positions each partner holds for at least three rotations.
What are twizzles?
Fast, traveling multi-rotation turns on one foot. Levels come from the number of rotations and the arm, leg and entry features added.
Do you coach ice dance teams for competition?
Yes. Coach Bruce of Washington Elite Skating School works with teams every day at Mount Vernon Rec Center, preparing free dances and pattern dances for competition.