Hippodrome Skating Book Practical Illustrated Lessons in the Art of Figure Skating

CHAPTER 6. Inside Circles, Backward.

All backward skating is difficult to acquire. After it is acquired it is more interesting than forward skating.

Some of the very difficult jumps in mid-air which I do are taken backward because it is really easier to do them that way than forward. There is one jump where I am skating backward on the outside edge on the right foot, swing the left foot violently around, spring into the air, make a complete revolution of my body, land on the outside edge of the right foot again and continue on a big sweeping curve. It is in some respects the most popular number that I introduce. It is done that way solely for the reason that it is much easier backward than forward and yet at the same time it looks more difficult backward than forward.

Most skating figures will be found easier forward than backward. Probably that is partly due to the fact that not as much time is spent by any skater learning backward skating as is spent learning forward strokes. The art of skating backward requires pluck and courage. When one attempts the full backward circles without a helper it is an occasion to mark in one’s diary.

The plunge is the main thing in learning to skate backward. Make up your mind some fine morning that you are going to practise outside edges backward or inside edges backward all of the skating session of that day. Then do it. Skating is a matter of will power after all and not at all a matter of strength. I took up skating just because I was not strong and the doctors said it was outdoor life or a little narrow box for me.

It is hard to catch one’s self during a fall when one is on the outside circles backward; the position during much of the inside circles backward makes it easier to get ready for the fall after you feel sure it is coming. Not that I mean there is any special instruction necessary in the matter of falling for there is not. Just let go and sit down as meekly as you can, smile and look about helplessly and some chivalrous American is sure to hurry to your aid. This is much more dignified and less liable to be embarrassing than scrambling to all fours, stepping on your gown and, perhaps, falling over again.

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“CHARLOTTE” in spectacular backward stroke.

32To get a strong start for the inside circle backward is the hardest part of the acquirement of the figure. Stand on the flat of the left skate, swing the right foot in front of you, just as if you were going to make a little jump backward onto that foot, bend the right knee a good deal and lunge onto the right skate on the inside edge. The left foot as it leaves the ice should then be carried across the right leg, with the knee bent and the toe turned out and down. It should be carried well across the print or mark that the skate is making on the ice and somewhat high, not dragging along. The body should lean strongly backward.

As the stroke is begun the shoulders are turned well toward the right and both arms are carried on the right of the body outside of the print. This is one of the very few cases where the arms are carried on the same side of the print as the balance leg and it is due to the fact that the body naturally inclines toward the center of the circle when it is on the inside edges. The head should be facing the starting point throughout the execution of the circle.

When about one-third of the circle has been skated then slowly bring the balance foot past the skating foot, knee bent and toe turned strongly out and down. Simultaneously the shoulders should be turned toward the left until the body faces the center of the circle and maintained in that position to the end of the figure with both arms, one forward and the other following, almost directly over the print. As the balance foot passes the skating foot the body is straightened and for a moment the arms are drawn close to the body. This straightening of the body and change in the carriage of the balance foot will make it possible for the skater to round out the circle to its correct proportions. All inside edge circles have a strong tendency to become spirals. At the close of the stroke the skater will be in the right position for the start of the same stroke on the opposite foot.

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CIRCLE. Right inside edge, backward. (RIB)

CHAPTER 7. Change of Edge; Forward; Outside to Inside.

The change of edge is one of the most important school figures and should be carefully practised by every skating pupil. It is not spectacular, although it is very graceful and very easy to acquire.

I like the changes of edge and, like all other expert skaters, find them of the greatest importance at certain times. When one has an audience of skaters I find these figures much better appreciated than at other times. At a private party given on the stage of the Hippodrome, I was skating a difficult figure where there were three small circles at the four corners of a square. I went from one of the corners to the other by a change of edge and a three after it. The skaters who were watching me applauded this figure as generously as any figure of a more spectacular character that I do during the regular performances of matinees and evenings during the week. But they were all skaters and appreciated the difficulty and the beauty of the figure.

The right outside edge forward is the best way to start to learn the changes of edge. It is easier than the change of edge which begins with the right inside edge forward, for the reasons which I have explained in previous chapters concerning the way that the body tends to swing around toward the circle on inside edges and tends to swing away from it on outside edges.

The start of the right outside forward change of edge is the same as for the right outside forward circles and it seems unnecessary to repeat those directions. The drawings, too, will be found precisely similar in the pose for some of the figures as for some other figures. This is one way to get double practise. Every time one practises the outside change of edge forward he is practising the right start of the outside forward circles. Every time he is practising the inside forward change of edge he is practising the start of the inside forward circles.

Start the right outside forward edge circle, as we have seen, 35by pressing the left skate squarely against the ice and thrusting onto the right foot outside edge. The left foot should be carried well behind and a little across the print with the knee bent and the foot turned out and down. The skating knee should be strongly bent at the start of the stroke. The shoulders should be turned so that the right shoulder is almost over the right foot and the left shoulder twisted well to the back. When nearly half of the circle has been completed gradually turn the shoulders toward the right, which will bring them square across the print or direction in which the skater is moving.

When half the circle is complete the change of edge from the right outside forward to the right inside forward occurs. The balance of the body is here changed from an outside to an inside circle and the general directions which have been given for the execution of an inside edge circle will be found applicable. But the manner of making the change from the outside to the inside edge is most important and this portion of the figure is new to the pupil.

As the outside forward half circle is nearly completed and the change of edge about to occur, the body, which has been carried on a slightly forward balance, is slowly changed to a backward balance, and the left foot, which has been carried behind during the completion of the outside forward circle, is slowly swayed past, close to the skating foot, and carried well in front, somewhat high. Sinking on the skating knee at the time of the change of edge will much assist the full rounding out of the figure. The arms should not be allowed to swing the body around during this change of edge as they are liable to do if carried too high or too far from the body.

Follow same directions for left forward outside change of edge.

CHAPTER 8. Change of Edge; Forward; Inside to Outside.

I feel convinced no one can be called a skater until he can do the school figures. Every day I practise the simplest of the school figures—outside circles, forward and backward; threes, changes of edge, loops, and the rest of them. I do this because I am sure they are the best practice for keeping the skater in right form and correct balance. You may not see many of them on the ice of the Hippodrome pool, so you must take my word for their importance to me. When one has but a few moments in which to crowd a skating performance, which shall be just as thrilling as you know how to make it, little time can be spent on the A, B, C’s of skating.

CHANGE OF EDGE OR SERPENTINE. Right outside edge, forward, change edge, inside forward. (ROIF)

37The lesson to-day is again on the change of edge. There are really four of these to learn on each foot. Beginning on the outside edge forward and changing to the inside forward we had last time. This time we begin on the inside edge forward and change to the outside edge forward.

The difference between the execution of to-day’s lesson and the last one is that the figure to-day is easier to start and harder to finish, while the last one taught, from outside to inside edge, is harder to start and easier to finish. That is, it is harder to round out the circle after the change of edge from inside to outside has been made than it is to round out the circle after the change from outside to inside has been made. I have explained the reason for this in speaking of the inside edges in several former lessons.

CHANGE OF EDGE OR SERPENTINE. Left inside edge, forward, change edge, outside forward. (LIOF)

38This time I have had the drawing illustrate me on the left foot. The start may be on either foot first. I advocate starting on the foot with which one can skate best, for the sake of encouragement and the acquisition of right carriage more quickly. Then practise oftener on the foot which is less perfect, so as to bring both up to the same standard of efficiency.

As the change of edge occurs, the balance leg is brought back, past the skating leg and outside the print, the shoulders are slightly turned toward the left, facing more the centre of the circle, and the general position described for the inside edge circle forward assumed. When the inside circle has been about half completed, the balance foot is brought slowly forward and carried there to the end of the figure.

CHANGE OF EDGE OR SERPENTINE. Right outside edge backward, change edge, inside backward. (ROIB)

39The chief difficulty in learning this figure is found in making the sway of the balance foot and leg forward and backward again deliberate. To use the swing of the balance foot for the purpose of jumping the body into any position is a glaring error. The body should roll over the change of edge and the sway of the foot past the other be almost unnoticed.

Start, this time on the left foot, let us say, by thrusting out from the flat of the right skate, assuming the position described for the correct inside circle, with the right foot behind, slightly across the print, both shoulders in line with the print and the arms raised. Just before making the change of edge the balance foot is brought past the skating foot, close to it and extended well in front and somewhat high. As the change of edge is made, the centre of gravity should be brought directly over the print and at the same time the balance foot, which has been in front, should be brought back and carried well behind and well across the print. This is the right position for the forward outside circle, as will be seen by reference to former lesson and diagram on that figure.

Immediately after the change of edge has occurred the body should be straightened up, the shoulders kept flat and the head erect and facing the centre of the circle which is being executed. A little before the centre of the circle is reached the balance foot, which has been carried behind, should be slowly moved in front of the skating foot. Great care must be exercised to keep the shoulders in right position before, after and especially during the changes of edge, for on the right carriage of the shoulders and the balance leg the rounding out of the figure depends.

The changes of edge are performed in three lobed eights. One half of the centre circle is performed on one leg, then the change of edge occurs and then a full circle on the second edge. The main difficulty will be found with the full circle after the change of edge. Follow the same directions for the right foot inside to outside change of edge.

CHAPTER 9. Change of Edge; Backward; Outside to Inside and Inside to Outside.

We have now reached the place in the school figures where they are of sufficient difficulty and interest for their introduction into my programme as premiere of the ice skating ballet in “Flirting at St. Moritz” at the Hippodrome. But of course they may be done so fast that they will be missed by any except the most observing attendants. Theatrical skating, such as I do, has to be fast and sensational. The easy transition strokes from one figure to another furnish about the only example of school figures which the public will quickly catch in my work, although I am constantly doing threes and double threes both forward and backward. These school figures are so interesting and pretty when well done that I have put several of them in my programme.

CHANGE OF EDGE OR SERPENTINE. Left inside edge, to outside edge, backward. (LIVB)

The lesson to-day covers two school figures—the changes of edge backward, executed on, first, the outside and then the 41inside edges. Both these figures include strokes which have been fully described in former lessons. The new thing to learn is the combination of the two strokes which have already been learned into one continuous movement or figure. A change of edge either forward or backward implies considerable loss of power or momentum at the place where the change of edge occurs. The most important thing to learn in all changes of edge is the manner of retaining or even of increasing this momentum at the time of the change. That the momentum of a skating stroke can be added to during its execution may surprise some persons who are unfamiliar with skating; nevertheless it not only can be done but is done by all who skate the school figures correctly. This momentum is added to, sometimes by lowering and raising the body, sometimes by rocking the body over a change of edge, sometimes by the swinging of the balance foot to a new position.

To skate the backward change of edge, beginning on the right outside edge, start off as described for the plain outside edge circle backward, with a strong push from the left foot. All strokes beginning backward require a stronger start than the same strokes started forward. It is easier to walk forward than backward; the unnatural stroke is harder to learn than the natural one.

The outside backward circle has been fully described in a previous lesson. Start the change of edge backward by making this stroke, remembering that one is to skate not merely a single circle but a circle and a half and that the stroke must needs be strong and firm. There should be strong backward leaning in the first half circle of this figure, as in the start of all backward outside edges. The balance foot should be slowly brought backward during the execution of the first half circle close to and past the skating foot to the correct position for the outside backward circle. Slight bending of the skating knee before the change of edge is advisable; straightening of the body after the change of edge increases momentum.

As the change of edge is made, which should be an almost imperceptible swinging over of the body from the outside to the inside edge, not a quick upset of the balance, the balance foot is brought slowly forward, past and close to the skating foot, and carried in this position until about one-third of the circle has 42been completed. Then the balance foot is again brought back, past the skating foot, and correct inside edge backward position assumed.

The second figure consists of a reversal of the stroke which has been above described. It starts on the inside edge backward and changes to outside edge backward. These strokes are almost equally difficult. The former is easier to start and harder to finish, while the latter is harder to start and easier to finish.

It is customary, when following the procedure of the European skating teachers, to skate first an outside backward change to inside backward and then skate an inside backward change to outside backward. All changes of edge both forward and backward, therefore, will be skated in an eight having three lobes, as per the diagram. If the start of one figure has been on an inside edge and change has been made to the outside edge, then the next figure will be started on the outside edge and changed to inside edge.

Lunge boldly on to the inside edge, as if to make an inside edge circle backward. But before the half circle has been completed bring the balance foot slightly past the skating foot and close to it. When the change of edge occurs the balance foot should be brought forward directly over the print, with the balance knee bent and the toe turned out. The location of the balance foot throughout all of the changes of edge is of the utmost importance. If it is allowed to swing wide from the print uneven curves and spirals will result. The described position for the outside backward circle is maintained until about half of the circle has been skated, when the balance foot is brought slowly backward and maintained in this position to the end of the circle. The carriage of the body, the arms and the head are of the greatest importance in the execution of changes of edge and must be carefully memorized and simultaneously changed. There should be no jerky movements of the balance leg during the execution of the figures but a deliberate swing of the body to the new edge and the new carriage. A good way of determining whether the figure has been executed correctly is by inspection of the print; it should be accurate as to half circle and circle, and there should be no snow turned up as the change of edge is made.

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THREE. Right outside edge forward, to inside backward. (ROFTIB)

THREE. Left inside edge backward, to outside forward. (LIBTOF)

CHAPTER 10. Threes—Forward and Backward.

Skated in a series, as I do them, backward, threes always interest even those who know nothing about skating. They are necessary to the mastery of the ice waltz and all the other dance steps. In their simplest form, either forward or backward, they are generally graceful.

There are two ways of regarding the three. Some of the best skaters make it very deeply indented, as if there were two circles, in the middle of which was placed the threes. Others make the three a quick turn, almost unnoticeable on the ice, in the execution of a big circle. The latter design seems to me to be right. I regard the three as a movement which occurs and should occur only as part of the execution of a big circle. This is the way that I skate it. My style is my own and is a combination of the best style I have seen. Every skater becomes more or less individual as he becomes expert and in some of the best skaters it is difficult to tell where they learned or who their teacher was.

There are eight threes for the beginner to learn—one on outside edge forward to inside edge backward, one on inside edge forward to outside edge backward, one on outside edge backward to inside edge forward and one on inside edge backward to outside edge forward. These must be duplicated on each foot, making eight in all. They are progressively difficult in the order in which they have been named.

The outside forward to inside backward three is started as one would start a plain circle, on the outside forward edge. But gradual rotation of the shoulders toward the center should begin as soon as the figure is started. On approaching the three the shoulders should be in line with the circle of which the three is a part. This position of the shoulders should be maintained until the latter half of the figure is nearly completed; it will be found of great assistance to the skater in continuing the circle to its full shape. It will be noticed from the diagram 46that the general position of the shoulders, the arms and the legs is almost identical after the turn as before the turn; the figure is being finished on another edge, that is all.

In all forward threes the balance foot maintains its position behind the skating foot, both before, during and after the three. In the outside backward three the balance foot, which at the start of the three took a position slightly across the print and over the skating foot, retains that position to the end of the figure. In the execution of the inner backward three the balance foot may remain in front or may be carried behind; either position is correct. If it is carried behind, there should be strong sinking on the skating leg at the time the three is made and a straightening of the body immediately afterward.

THREE. Right inside edge forward three, outside backward. (RIFTOB)

47The inside forward, outside backward three is the easiest for the amateur to learn. The inside backward, outside forward three is the most difficult to learn and extremely difficult to place accurately. It should be practised persistently until mastered thoroughly.

The inside backward, outside forward three is started as for the inside circle backward, but the shoulder over the skating foot is turned strongly away from the centre of the circle. As the three turn is made the balance of the body should be strongly backward and the turn executed on the back or heel of the skate. This is the three where the balance foot may either be swung around in front of the body or allowed to remain behind the body as the turn is made. The illustration shows the latter method of making this three.

THREE. Right outside edge, backward, three, inside forward. (ROBTIF)

THREE. After the three, right outside backward, three, inside, forward. (ROBTIF)

48All threes should be placed most carefully at the correct position at the top of the indented eight. Imagine two circles with a dent inward at the top of each circle and you have the right design for threes. In competitions or in serious practise of the threes for progress in skating school figures they are skated in pairs, starting first forward and then backward. For instance, right outside forward, three; left inside backward, three.

The carriage of the balance foot is most important in assisting in the execution of full, round curves after the threes. In every case the balance foot should be carried well outside the print after the three has been made; this will tend to enlarge the portion of the circle following the three. The arms should be carried low for all three turns, otherwise they will have a tendency to swing the skater out of the true curve and into a spiral.

SAINT LIEDWI, Of Scheidam, Holland, A. D. 1396; from ancient wood-cut.

CHAPTER 11. Double Threes Forward.

Double threes make a very pretty tracing on the ice and are especially useful in determining if the skater has learned the correct carriage for the various turns comprising them. Unless that correct balance has been learned, the correct execution of the double threes is impossible. There is an agreeable swing to the double threes which is lacking in some of the other school figures. They form what one might call a finished figure of themselves, both as to the tracing on the ice and the position of the skater after the figure has been performed. They leave the skater in a naturally correct and agreeable pose for the following half of the figure.

The double threes have this peculiar difference from other school figures—they are very much easier forward than backward. But the carriage of the balance foot is much easier in the backward than in the forward half of the figures. To-day we have the forward half of the double threes—that is, starting on each foot forward, first outside and then inside edge. The completed figure makes a trefoil, or clover leaf, as will be seen from the diagram, one of the prettiest of the school figures.

Start the double three on the outside forward edge with not too vigorous thrust from the foot on the ice, since a certain amount of power can and should be gained by the correct turns which will be made during the progress of the figure. Too strong a thrust will tend to make the skater spin on the first three. It is better to start practise of the double threes somewhat slowly, learn where the greatest difficulty lies, and then practise overcoming that difficulty by independent skating of the most difficult portion of the figure.

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“CHARLOTTE” in pirouette.

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“CHARLOTTE” and IRVING BROKAW in hand-over-head pair skating.

52The general directions for the start of the threes forward on the outside edge apply to the start of the double threes. After the first three has been made, which will bring the skater on to the inside edge backward, the balance foot should be carried fairly high at first and gradually brought close to the skating foot, so that when the skater is ready to make the second three the balance foot is close to the skating foot. During the inside edge backward the shoulders and the body should be slowly turned away from the centre of the circle toward the second three.

At the moment of the second three the skating knee should be bent rather strongly and the body turned, without perceptible jerk, into the right position for the finish of the figure, which is on the outside edge forward again. The balance foot is allowed to remain slightly behind as the second three is performed and, when the third portion of the curve of the completed figure is about one-half skated, should be brought forward into the usual position for the end of the outside forward circle.

The inside edge double threes forward are started as for the inside forward threes, but with more bending of the skating knee and with less inward turn of the body toward the circle. When the first three has been executed and the skater is then on the outside backward edge, the balance foot should be carried fairly close to the skating foot and the body should lean strongly backward. At the moment of the second three the balance foot should be brought close to the skating foot and directly over it.

When the second three has been executed, the balance foot may be allowed to linger a little behind the skating foot and be carried in that position to the finish of the third curve, or it may be brought forward into the customary position for the finish of the inside forward circle. Both positions are used by the best experts of Europe.

CHAPTER 12. Double Threes Backward.

The second half of the double threes are skated backward. That is, both parts of the lesson of the day start backward. Double threes have the interesting peculiarity of finishing on the same edge and in the same direction as they are started. They are clover leaf in pattern, and should be skated with great care to have the leaves equal in size and accurately placed as to the axis of the two large circles of which they form a part. The placing of all school figures is most important and is the basis of the marking which obtains in European competitions.

Start the figure on the outside edge backward, with a fairly strong thrust from the foot on the ice. The general position is that which has been described for the outside backward circle of three, with a little less turn of the shoulders away from the centre of the circle. Gradually turn the body so that, as the first three is being made almost the right position for the second curve, on the inside edge forward, is obtained. As the first three is performed, the balance foot should be in front of the body, over the print and not far from the skating foot. A slight swing of the balance foot is customary as the first three is performed, but the balance foot must not be permitted to stray from the skating foot, or there will be a tendency to revolve the body from the right position for the second curve.

The balance foot is carried forward of the body during the second curve in the customary position during the inside forward circle and up to the moment when the second three is performed, when it should be brought close to the skating foot 54and directly over it. There should be considerable bending of the skating knee as this second three is made. The balance foot drops slightly forward of the body after the three is made, as in the usual backward outside edge circle, and the figure is so finished.

The inside backward double threes are started as for the inside backward threes, but with more vigorous thrust and more bending of the skating knee. The balance foot is carried well across the print up to the moment of the first three, when it is brought close to and over the skating foot. After the three is made there should be general straightening of the skating knee and of the body, which will greatly add to the momentum. The second curve of the figure, on the outside forward edge, furnishes one of the places where much power can be added during the execution of a figure. The second three is performed exactly as described in the forward outside three and the figure finished on the inside backward edge.

Many skaters find that the double threes are easier than the single threes, and that a series of threes are easier than a single three, carried out correctly to the starting point. Such skaters should not get the bad habit of doing the more elaborate double or chain threes to the neglect of the fundamental single or double threes. In time ignorance of the right balance for the simpler figures cannot fail to get the skater into trouble.

CHAPTER 13. Loops, Forward.

The importance of loops cannot be exaggerated. They are in some respects more important than the threes, which precede them. They are an entirely different balance from figures to which they are very similar and for that reason alone are important. If, for instance, one has been practising threes and then goes to loops, the different balance is so great as to disturb the proper execution of either figure. Of course, when one becomes expert they can do any figure they select, in any order. The amateur and the beginner, however, will do well to separate the time of practising certain contrasting figures.

One day make special effort to master the threes, forward and backward. Do but little else. Memorize the correct balance, the correct carriage of the balance foot, the body and the arms. Do no loops that day. Another day specialize on loops, making no threes, but studying most carefully the correct carriage for loops. Threes and loops are hard figures to practise in sequence although there will come a time in the progress of the amateur when one of the most interesting and beautiful figures he can do will be a combination of three, loop and three. The single threes, however, and the single loops are a different balance from combination three, loop and threes.

In learning the placing of either threes or loops or brackets, it is important that the beginner have in mind the fact that they should be executed at the far ends of the figure in which they are placed. The length of the curve or part of the circle after the three or loop ought to be the same as before the three or loop. The loop ought not to be at the end of a long spiral. Correct tracing of the figure on the ice is a fundamental part of true continental form in skating.

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LOOP. Right outside edge forward, loop, outside forward. (ROFLOF)

57Start on the right foot, outside edge, forward, as for the circle eight on that foot, but soon begin to twist the shoulders toward the centre of the circle. The balance leg should be carried behind and not far out or it will have a tendency to swing the skater into a three instead of a loop. As the loop is started the skating leg should be bent considerably. When the loop is half finished the balance foot which has been swinging around is brought past the skating foot, close to it and vigorously but deliberately thrust forward outside the curve which forms the finish of the figure. At the same time the arms should be brought in close to the body and the body straightened up, which will give added impetus for the correct curve to the starting point.

The difficulties in the performance of the loops will be met in the correction of balance at the middle of the loop and the completion of a full curve after the loop. These difficulties can be lessened by much careful study of the right principles before the figure is attempted and by repeated practising over and over again after the correct balance has been learned. When the correct loop movements are once attained it is best to continue practising them before other different balances are allowed to interfere with their complete mastery.

The inside forward loops are started differently from the inside circles as the shoulders should face the centre of the circle right from the start. The skating knee should be well bent and the balance of the body should be strongly forward until half of the loop has been completed. Then the balance foot, which has been carried behind and outside the print, describes a small, quick circle directly over the loop and is thrust well forward, across and outside the print. The shoulders, however, remain twisted toward the centre of the circle. The balance of the body before the inside forward loop is strongly forward; after the loop it is strongly backward. After the loop is made straighten the body up and bring the arms quickly to the sides of the body; the first movement adds impetus and the second tends to prevent the following curve from becoming a spiral. Loops should be made on a strong edge. After the loop is made less edge is required; in fact as little edge as can be used to follow the correct curve of the circle back to the starting point.

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LOOP. Left inside forward, loop, inside forward. (LIFLIF)

Loops are somewhat dependent upon the freedom with which the skater is able to control his ankles. They should not be held too stiffly in these figures since a firm edge is needed even in the small circles which will be formed and there is change of the balance from the forward to the backward part of the blade, or vice versa, in the various loops. There should be no noticeable pause at the centre of the loop. The balance foot should not be employed to jerk the skater out of the loop into the finish of the circle.

CHAPTER 14. Loops, Backward.

Loops are so very important a part of the equipment of the finished skater that I have divided them into two chapters. They should have large place in the careful, studious skating of all who are ambitious to make good progress in this most graceful of sports.

There are some interesting peculiarities of loops which may be set down as worth remembering. For instance, all loops are skated with the balance foot following the skating foot before the loop and preceding it after the loop. Again, all loops are skated with the balance of the body strongly forward before the loop and strongly backward after the loop. The balance foot should pass the skating foot very close to it in all loops or there will be strong tendency to swing the skater into too small a curve after the loop has been made. Loops should be almost round as to shape.

The outside backward loop is in some respects the easiest of the four loops. But it is not easy to get the right start for this loop. Perhaps more daring is required in the strike off of the outside backward loop than in any other school figure. For this reason, while championship competitions insist that the start of all figures shall be from rest, the beginner may find it encouraging to start the backward outside loops after he has taken a slight backward outside stroke on the opposite foot. This merely for encouragement. After a good start has been learned, lessen the times that the assisting motion from the stroke on the other foot are used and finally discard it altogether and start, as one should, from rest.

Thrust out boldly on the outside backward edge as for the outside backward circle, twisting the shoulders so that they are flat with the centre of the circle of which the loop is to be a part. Turn the head even more than the shoulders, looking almost over the unemployed shoulder toward the spot where the loop is to be placed. At the moment of commencing the loop the face should be almost directly toward the loop and 60both arms twisted well toward the centre of the circle as in the diagram. The twist of the shoulders and a sharp swing of the balance foot around the skating foot, close to it, will give the right rotation for the loop. After the loop has been made the head and the shoulder over the balance foot should be kept turned well toward the direction of the curve which is being skated. It will be found very difficult to round out this finishing curve of the outside backward loop. The twist of the shoulders and the carriage of the balance foot outside of the print are the secrets of its accomplishment.

The inside backward loops, as has been said of the inside edges in general, are easier to start and harder to get out of than any similar strokes. To make a clean inside edge loop backward and get out of it with a resulting curve of full size and true radius is an indication of real proficiency in figure skating. Many good skaters fail in this difficult figure. Yet it must be learned or other following and combination figures cannot be accomplished.

This loop requires more edge than any of the others. It is about the only loop which the experts of Europe agree upon as to the place on the blade of the skate with which it should be executed. This is the forward part of the blade.

LOOP. Right outside edge, backward, loop, outside backward. (ROBLOB)

61The start is made like the start of the inside edge circle backward except that the head is turned over the employed shoulder instead of over the unemployed shoulder. That is the face is turned away from the centre of the circle of which the loop is to be a part instead of toward the start of the stroke. The position is similar to that for the execution of the three or the backward inside edge but there should be more twist to the shoulders. The balance foot should be carried well in front of the body, not too high, and over the print. The arm of the employed shoulder should be extended well out from the body compensating the weight of the balance leg which is on the other side of the centre of gravity, as shown in the diagram. There should be strong backward leaning of the body, as in all backward loops, up to the middle of the loop when the balance foot swings past making a small circle, almost a flip of the foot, and is carried well out, over the print. The curve is finished like the inside backward circle. There is less use of the shoulders, and more use of the balance foot in the execution of the inside backward loops than in any of the other loops.

LOOP. Right inside edge, backward, loop, inside backward. (LIBLIB)

62

MRS. JULIEN M. GERARD, MRS. CHARLES B. DILLINGHAM and MISS MADELINE COCHRANE at Hippodrome Skating Tea.

CHAPTER 15. Brackets.

It is most important, in learning the school figures in the correct continental style, to remember that all the school figures should be done in large size. The matter of size is, in fact, one of the first essentials in the correct performance of the continental school figures. It is told me that the American tendency is to skate all figures much smaller than they are skated in Europe. When the fact is realized that after the figures are learned in large size it is comparatively easy to skate them small, and that it is almost impossible to skate them large after they have been learned small, the importance of practising all figures large is realized.

In all simple figures of large size the carriage of the head and shoulders is of the utmost importance. For the purposes of this argument the brackets may be regarded as simple figures; they are much less difficult than many somewhat similar school figures. In the execution of small figures the carriage of the balance leg and the arms is of greater importance than the carriage of the shoulders and head. It is, of course, true that no figures can be done correctly, either small or large, unless both head and shoulders and balance leg are correctly poised, but the relative importance of the parts of the body is as stated.

While the turn of the threes is a natural turn, the turn of the brackets is an unnatural turn. That is, the tendency of the body when one strikes out on a right outside forward edge is to revolve toward the right. But to make a bracket on that foot and that edge the turn of the body must be toward the left. It will be seen, therefore, that the stroke is similar, as to the edges employed, to the threes, but that the turn of the body is in the opposite direction. The diagram clearly explains this peculiar turn. There are eight brackets for the skater to master—four on each foot—two beginning forward and two beginning backward; two starting on outside and two starting on inside edges.

64There are slight differences of opinion among the experts of Europe as to the manner in which the balance foot should be carried in some of the brackets. When one reaches a certain degree of proficiency in skating there is reasonable freedom allowed for individual preferences in balance. Sometimes these preferences are purely physical and sometimes they are based upon a difference of opinion as to which is the more graceful or effective performance.

The difference between the execution of the threes and the brackets is illustrated in the matter of carrying the shoulders better than in any other way. For the threes the shoulders are turned well toward the three; for the brackets they are turned away from, that is, flat with it. It is a most important difference to remember, and on its remembrance is based all successful skating of brackets. Another general truth of bracket skating is that the balance foot should be very close to, sometimes directly over, the skating foot at the time when the bracket is being made. This is done by bringing the balance foot slowly up to and sometimes slightly in front of the skating foot just before the bracket is made.

For the outside forward bracket start as for the outside forward circle, but begin immediately to flatten the shoulders with the print. Just before the bracket bring the balance foot, which has been carried behind, past the skating foot, close to it and glance momentarily at the place where the bracket is to be located. At the bracket the body should be flat with the circle, the balance on the forward part of the blade and strongly leaning toward the centre of the circle. After the bracket the balance foot should follow the skating foot, across the print, and the general position for the inside backward circle be maintained to the end of the curve.

The complementary half of this figure is skated backward, and begins therefore on an inside backward edge in which a bracket is made to the outside forward edge on the same foot. The general directions for the inside edge circles backward should be followed at the start, always remembering that the body must be turned gradually so as to be flat with the circle at the time the bracket is made.

65

BRACKET. Right outside edge, forward, bracket, inside backward. (ROFBIB)

Just before the bracket is made the balance foot is brought toward, close to and past the skating foot and slightly turned outward. This bracket is made on the extreme back part of the blade of the skate. After the bracket the balance foot is carried behind, across the print and the curve finished as in the outside edge forward circle. Strong bending of the skating knee at the time of the inside backward bracket and straightening up after the bracket will assist in the execution of this figure.

The inside forward bracket is started as for the inside circle, with attention to the flattening of the shoulders in line with the circle; the balance shoulder must be twisted forward. The balance foot is carried behind until just before the bracket, then it is carried past and close to the skating foot. This bracket is made on the forward part of the blade and the skating knee should be well bent during its execution. After the bracket the balance foot is carried in front for a little distance then is 66slowly moved past the skating foot with the knee turned out in the correct position for the outside backward circle. This is the easiest of the brackets and may be practised first if desired. It is so placed in some of the competitions.

The complementary figure to the above is the outside backward bracket. This is the most difficult of the brackets. Start as for the outside backward circle, but very soon bring the balance foot slightly past the skating foot and flatten the shoulders toward the circle, not away from it; in some respects the most difficult of school figure positions. This bracket is made on the extreme backward part of the blade. The balance foot is kept close to the skating foot during the bracket. After it, bend the skating knee momentarily so as to gain power when the body is straightened up for the inside forward portion of the figure. The balance foot should be carried behind and across the print after the bracket for about one-half of the curve, then brought forward and across the print in the correct position for the inside forward circle.

In all brackets the carriage of the arms is very important. They should not be permitted to swing the body off the correct balance. As a general rule the arm on the side of the body which is leading should be extended well in front and in direct line with the circle, the other arm being held not far from the body. After the bracket the other arm should be extended over the print. Brackets are one of the few school figures which may be practised with a partner to mutual benefit.

CHAPTER 16. Rockers; Outside Forward and Outside Backward.

The rockers are very hard figures to learn, but they are very beautiful and very delightful. Perhaps the big soaring rockers are the most fascinating of all skating figures. Many of the champions of Europe use them as opening figures in their competitions where judges of skating are marking points. I select figures less technical for the purpose of interesting a general audience.

The rocker is a comparatively new turn which has only within recent years been introduced into school skating. Northern Europe originated it. Even to-day there are strong differences of opinion as to the execution of some of the rockers. Probably these differences are based on physical preferences of skaters.

Rockers are natural turns—that is, they are rotations of the body in the direction which it is inclined to take, like threes. But the same edge is employed after as before the rocker, as right outside forward to right outside backward. Flexibility of the hip joints and courage to take a strong if apparently dangerous change of position are the chief requirements to the mastery of the rockers. The body and shoulders are often required to maintain one position while the skating leg from the hip down is being twisted into a different position in readiness for the new curve which finishes the figure. Again, as in brackets, the aid of a partner is most useful in learning the rockers. But the assistance should be merely a touch of the fingers to give confidence at the critical moment, not a firm support or guidance. To know that after one of these difficult turns there is a partner’s hand waiting often greatly stimulates courage.

68Jerkiness and noticeable pause in the execution of the figures are bad form. The momentum should be continuous and even. Unless it is, the figure will be badly done and the balance interfered with. The whole print of the complete figure should be in the mind of the skater before he starts. Room for its execution should be found and even a clear idea of where the prints are to be made on the ice should be in mind. Regard rockers as a series of closely related movements forming a continuous whole and the work will be easier and more perfect.

Start the outside forward rocker as for the outside forward circle with a strong edge and twisting the shoulders toward the circle. The balance foot should be brought up close to the skating foot just before the rocker and be almost over it when the rocker is made. The turn is made on strong edge in every case. The arms should not be allowed to spread or they will swing the body at the turn. The rocker is made by the strong twisting of the hip joint and skating foot at the moment of the turn, the skate making almost a complete reversal of position from forward to backward. The head should look in the direction of motion before and after the rocker. The glance may be directed to the place where the rocker is being made at the moment of its execution, but afterward the head should be carried erect.

At the moment of the turn the body and shoulders are twisted back into the position for the second portion of the figure, the skating foot is turned well outward as for a “spread eagle,” the balance foot is brought behind and inside the print and the arm over the balance foot extended well in front in the direction of the circle. The head is carried erect, the glance toward the direction of travel and the figure finished as in the position of the outside backward circle.

The complementary half of the figure is the outside backward rocker, which is in many respects the easiest of the rockers. 69The main difficulty is to get adequate start for the figure, for all rockers require speed. Start as for the outside backward circle, twisting the body and shoulders toward the direction of the curve. The skating foot therefore will be in line with the shoulders in a “spread eagle” position. At the moment of the turn the skating foot should be directly under the body and the balance foot close to it and slightly behind. As the turn is made, bend the skating foot momentarily, straightening up immediately afterward. The balance of the curve to the completion of the circle should be done as in the outside forward circle, but to carry the curve out in large shape the balance foot must be carried outside the print and the shoulders turned well away from the centre.

Beaks, Open.

Beaks, Closed.

Beaks, Cross-cut.

CHAPTER 17. Rockers; Inside Forward and Inside Backward.

Although the rockers, or rocking turns, as they are sometimes called, are very difficult and very beautiful, they are not especially adapted to a place in theatrical skating. If I were giving an exhibition before skaters only I would probably introduce several of these spectacular turns. I find other numbers a little more suited to the dashing performance expected in a programme offered a general audience.

In the last lesson, which was on rockers, we learned how to execute the forward outside rocker and the backward outside rocker, which are complementary figures, or one-half of a school figure. This lesson to-day has to do with the remaining portion of the figure, a rocker on the inside edge forward and a rocker on the inside edge backward. These are done on alternate feet and, as will be seen, complete the series of rockers, one on each foot and on each edge. This method of practising all the school figures, forward and backward, on both edges on both feet, is most important. No skater can be considered as having learned the fundamentals of skating until he can do the school figures on both feet and in both directions. On the stage of the Hippodrome I frequently execute difficult spins and jumps on one foot, and then on the other foot, not for the purpose of prolonging the number but for the purpose of showing that I can do them equally well on either foot.

The start of the inside forward rocker is made like the start of the inside forward circle, but a strong inside edge is taken and the rotation of the body toward the circle is held back. When a little less than one-half of the first curve has been skated on the inside forward edge, the balance foot, which has been carried behind the body, is brought close to the skating foot and at the moment of the turn is directly over it. But the change in position of the balance foot must not be allowed to 71alter the correct, if somewhat forced, position of the shoulders and body, which should be in the right position and the balance for the second portion of the figure even before the turn is made. This curious characteristic of rockers has been referred to before—that the body must be turned and ready for the new position even before the rocker is performed. But the skating leg and foot must be held rigidly to the execution of the first position of the figure before the turn, even while the shoulders, the body and the turned head are already in position for the latter half of the movement.

The rocker should be executed on a strongly bent skating knee and after the turn there may be additional bending of the skating knee for the purpose of adding momentum as the knee is straightened just after the turn is made. This rocker is made on the forward part of the blade. The inside forward rocker is one of the few skating movements where both knees are allowed to be close together for a moment. The arms should hang loosely at the sides of the body during the turn, with the hands turned slightly upward and the palms down. After the turn the forward arm should be extended in the direction of motion for both appearance and balance. The balance foot should be carried in front, over the print before the turn, and behind after the turn, but this is one of the figures where there is considerable difference of opinion as to the best if not the correct carriage of the balance foot during the execution of the figure.

The figure is skated easiest, as are all rockers, when skated fast and large and the turn made as quickly as possible. This requires some daring and pluck. The inside edge backward, upon which the figure is finished, is difficult to hold out to the true curve, but the general directions for the inside backward circles are all that are required for its mastery—with a generous amount of practise.

The complementary half of this figure is the inside backward rocker. Start as for the inside circle backward; soon bring the balance foot forward and slightly past the skating foot so that it is close to the skating foot at the moment of the turn. The body, as in the case of all rockers, should be directly over the turn at the moment it is made. As the turn is made the balance foot is brought back sharply to the skating foot; the twist of 72the shoulders in position for the forward inside edge with a quick turn of the skate on the ice executes this difficult, catchy movement. The turn should be made on the backward portion of the blade. This is the most peculiar of the rockers and is more of a knack which, once caught, is not readily forgotten. The figure is finished in the usual position of the forward inside circle and the balance foot is brought past the skating foot when about one-half of the final circle has been completed.

SPECIAL FIGURES.

CHAPTER 18. Counters.

Counters are very similar in appearance to rockers but the turn is made away from the centre instead of toward it. A rocker is a form of three out of which one comes onto the same edge in a different direction. A counter somewhat resembles a bracket in appearance but the continuing stroke is on the same edge as that employed in the first half of the figure. As in the rockers, the direction is reversed at the turn; forward, counter, backward or backward, counter, forward. The change is always to the same edge. A change of edge is sometimes made in the execution of both brackets, rockers and counters but such a move is a violation of the correct performance of the figure. It must be scrupulously guarded against.

In many important respects counters are executed similarly to rockers. There is a careful swing of the balance foot just before, during and just after the turn. Simultaneous action of the skating leg, the balance leg, the shoulders and the head are of greater importance in this figure than in any other. Yet the counters are easier than other turns of a similar character which already have been studied even although they are what I have called unnatural turns, or turns in violation of the natural rotation.

The outside forward counter is started as for the outside forward circle. The shoulders should be held back, against the curve, not as in threes or rockers, with the curve. In all forward counters the balance foot is brought forward, past the skating foot, then, at the moment of the turn, back again, close to the skating foot. After the turn it is carried forward again in the correct position for the second portion of the figure which should be skated as if entirely independent of the first portion. In all counters, the body should be turned in readiness for the correct position of the second part of the figure before the first part has been finished. This implies flexibility of muscles and control of bodily poise which are difficult to acquire. Excellent practice for these intricate skating positions can be 74obtained on a floor, with skates off, by turning the body and the legs in the various correct positions and memorizing them.

The outside backward counter is skated with a strong outside edge at the start of the figure, a little more deliberate drawing up of the balance foot and special care that the balance foot is very close to the skating foot at the time of the turn. There should be strong backward balance of the body just before the turn is made; just after it a momentary strong bending of the skating knee. This turn is made on the forward part of the blade and is regarded by many good skaters as the most difficult of the counters.

Inside forward counters are not more difficult than outside forward counters. They are started as for the bracket with the shoulder over the balance foot leading. The shoulders are held square with the circle until the turn. The turn is made on the forward part of the blade. After the turn there should be strong bending of the skating knee and quick straightening of it. The figure is finished as for the inside backward circle.

For the inside backward counter a vigorous thrust is essential. Bend the skating knee well from the start of the figure up to the moment of the turn, when it should be slightly straightened, the balance foot brought close to the skating foot and the shoulders held as for the inside backward bracket. This counter is made on the heel of the blade.

COUNTER. Left outside edge backward, counter, outside forward. (LOBCOF)

CHAPTER 19. The Advanced School Figures.

The advanced school figures, as will be seen from a glance at the diagrams, consist of developments and combinations of the elementary school figures. There are no really new figures among them unless the continuation of the change of edge into the form of an eight can be so regarded. Some of them are of the greatest importance since in one figure are combined all the changes of edge and all the threes or loops. They should be very carefully practised and fully mastered. When they have been included among the figures which the skater is able to correctly execute with ease that skater is fully entitled to a place among the expert skaters of any country and any place.

These elementary and advanced school figures contain so many difficult elements and combinations that time for other interesting movements will be hard to find. It is well to vary the practise, therefore, and retain the interest, by introducing a bit of free skating now and then. Let individuality have play occasionally. Get a little fun out of even the most serious skating practise. Skating is hard work and requires much application. Do not let the interest flag by too extended sessions of uninterrupted work. Keep in mind the fact that skating is a beautiful sport and a delightful diversion.

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Spectacles.	Reversed Spectacles.	Cross-cut, Straight top.	Cross-cut, Curved top.	Cross-cut, Intersected top.
Reverse Cross-cut.	Sanders Reverse Cross-cut.	Double Anvils.	Diamond Cross-cut.	Lebedeff Reverse Cross-cut.

CHAPTER 20. Other Important Figures.

While the school figures, both elementary and advanced, have been described or illustrated, there are other important figures which the skater should learn. These will be useful for introduction into any free skating programme and some of them are exceedingly interesting. In my theatrical skating I make up a programme which contains very few of the school figures. Spectacular jumps and spins, pirouettes and acrobatic development of skating strokes are the most taking features of any skating programme offered to the general public. For this reason, the skater who is ambitious to become an exhibition skater must perfect himself or herself in these movements which are somewhat outside of the strict school figures but which nevertheless are most important additions to general figure skating.

In this list are comprised cross-cuts or anvils, the very names of which tell the method of their execution or appearance, also spins, pirouettes and jumps, introduced between changes of direction or edge, or for their own sake as independent movements; grapevines, beaks, spectacles, spirals and spread-eagles. From these figures, together with the school figures, all skating exhibitions and competitions are made up.

It would be difficult indeed for even the most painstaking student of skating to learn some of these movements from a printed description or diagram of them. Such description is almost worthless. They can be learned best from a teacher and in almost every locality where there is figure skating there will be found at least a few skaters capable of executing some if not all of these free skating figures. The student is urged to watch carefully the strokes of those who can do them and then work the figures out for himself on the ice. Do not be ashamed to ask questions of those who skate better than you do. Make pencil sketches of figures that interest you and write down the correct carriage of balance foot and arms until you have learned them.

78Spins and whirls, on one foot or two feet, on the flat blade of the skate or on an edge, are best started from a long, strong spiral on one foot which ends in a three, the balance foot and the arms being swung widely to give rotating impetus. Pirouettes are done on the toes of the skates and imply extremely difficult balances. Jumps on to the toe of the skate are not so difficult, although they appear very difficult, are very effective for exhibition purposes and often form very pretty interludes to introduce into a skating programme.

Cross-cuts and anvils are explained in the diagrams. They are not pretty figures but are sometimes useful in embellishing a skating programme through their oddity. Spectacles are often extremely beautiful numbers to skate to music, the balance foot beating time in the air. Spirals are splendid figures for pair skating or for the demonstration of graceful carriage. The various grapevines have never been very popular in Europe yet they have much value in stimulating ingenuity and in increasing the flexibility of the ankles. Some surprising figures can be built up by executing one movement with one foot while the other foot executes a different movement.

The spread-eagle is a figure which many skaters find themselves physically incapable of. It requires a flexibility of the hip-joints which can not always be cultivated. It can be made very spectacular by the introduction of jumps while it is being performed. Some of the cross-cuts and even some of the dance steps, require that the skater be able to execute the spread-eagle. It should be learned unless physical inability prevents.

The various dance steps are merely variations of the school figures or the addition to them of some of these movements. Few of them are at all difficult, the combinations being all that the skater has to learn. The waltz, for instance, is simply the three turn, on both edges, forward and backward, with a partner, who is oftener a help than a hindrance to the beginner.

CHAPTER 21. Free Skating.

The term free skating is applied to that portion of the programme not included in the school figures. In all championship contests certain selections are made from the school figures and then the competitor is allowed a few minutes in which to illustrate his ability to skate special figures or elements not before shown by him.

While the skating of school figures is always to place, and the marking of that skating is dependent upon the ability of the skater to make his tracings upon the ice conform to correct designs, the free skating is, as its name implies, entirely independent of conventional form and may be located at any place upon the ice. The free skating programme is the most interesting portion of the contest generally and offers the best test of the skater’s ability to illustrate mastery of the spectacular side of the sport.

There are no set figures which the skater is expected to demonstrate in free skating. He has a limit of time, that is all. In that time he may skate as many different or similar figures as he sees fit, large or small, intricate or simple. Every resource of his skating knowledge may be brought into play here. Therefore it is not surprising that this portion of the skating contests in Europe attracts very large crowds from long distances. My skating on the stage of the Hippodrome is what might be called free skating, except that I am skating for the general public and not for skating judges. If I were skating for judges of skating I would introduce a few more difficult, if not more spectacular, skating figures.

Any skater intending to enter a competition should carefully work up a free skating programme, learn it by heart and be able to skate it without pause. Often this portion of the contest serves to rate a skater very high and helps out greatly when the skater has had low marks for the school figures.

Certain programmes are generally followed in free skating. Starting with a series of running steps, to get momentum, then 80a long spiral and a spectacular jump; toe spins; bold, large figures in the form of an eight; dance steps, a spectacle figure to time of music; finishing with a spectacular spin on one foot, crouched down close to the ice with the other foot curled about the skating foot in front: this makes a combination which suggests what can be done. The spread-eagle is another important figure to introduce into free skating programmes.

EIGHT ON ONE FOOT.	THREE—CHANGE—THREE.	CHANGE OF EDGE—THREE.
DOUBLE THREE—CHANGE—DOUBLE THREE.	CHANGE OF EDGE—DOUBLE THREE.	LOOP—CHANGE—LOOP.
CHANGE OF EDGE—LOOP.	BRACKET—CHANGE—BRACKET.	CHANGE OF EDGE—BRACKET.

CHAPTER 22. Pair Skating.

Pair skating implies adaptability. One must not only be an independent skater but must also watch his partner and meet that partner’s stroke or change of stroke. Evenness and accuracy in individual skating are more necessary in pair skating than in solo skating for on that accuracy depends the manner in which the partner is met after separating strokes. In many figures the difficulty is enhanced by not only having to execute the figure but meet the partner at the right spot and the right moment afterward. It is in some respects a finer art to skate well with a partner than it is to skate well alone. Where charm and grace are revealed in individual skating, the addition of a partner who skates equally well accentuates the grace and beauty of this poetry of motion.

Many other delightful features are characteristic of pair skating. It is the sociable form of skating, As in dancing, where few are expert enough to do solo dancing, thousands enjoy dancing with a partner. There is stimulus to individual achievement in skating with a partner. Weak figures are aided in their development by encouragement and the helping hand. Rivalry results and helps toward progress. The mere presence of an assisting hand will often aid the ambitious skater in the first mastery of a difficult balance or the sustaining of a long spiral. Individual skating, when it is highly perfected, tends somewhat toward an over-abundance of dance steps and toe movements, while pair skating remains skating at its best—the long, sweeping, exquisitely poised curves carried over two hundred feet of glistening ice.

82For pair skating a certain amount of preliminary progress in individual skating is necessary. Each skater should be able to do the outside edge forward circles and at least strike out alone on the backward edges. Each should be able to execute the threes on both feet, at least forward. With these fundamental accomplishments it is possible to do very pretty and very interesting pair skating. Figures which seem not at all remarkable when skated alone have added interest and beauty when skated with an equally competent partner. Even the waltz, which is in some respects the most effective of all pair skating numbers, can be done by skaters who have not advanced further than this point.

Practise first, skating forward, one behind the other, right and left hands touching and letting the skater behind swing across the direction of the skater in front. Thus at the start of the stroke, the skater behind will be at the right side of the skater at front and at the end of the stroke will be at the left side. The arms of the skater in front swing behind and from side to side as the partner crosses. It is most important that in this as in almost all pair skating figures, the fingers merely touch; each partner should skate practically an independent circle. There never should be interference with the balance of one partner by the other. Only in the waltz is a firm swing of partners customary and advisable; or in the more difficult change of edge-three.

When some slight familiarity with this figure is attained then stand side by side, the forward skater’s left hand in the partner’s right. Strike out boldly on the right outside edge still touching hands, with intent to make a big circle. After about one-quarter of the circle has been skated let go of hands, continue skating the circle alone for one-half of its distance, which will bring the skater at the back across the circle being skated by the one in front and to the right side of the forward skater. Here, as about three-quarters of the full circle is skated, the forward skater’s right hand will be caught by the partner’s left hand and the figure finished in that position. This is very simple, very graceful and very effective. It should be skated in the form of an eight and each full stroke will then bring the skater back to starting point. It has the advantage of interfering less with the correct balance of the skaters and the correct carriage of the arms than the former figure. The better skater of the two should skate behind. The forward skater should pay very little attention to the partner, all the matching of stroke and the catching of hands being attended to by the partner behind.

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THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIGURES
O.F. I.F. O.B. I.B. PLAIN EIGHTS	CHANGES	THREES	DOUBLE-THREES
LOOPS	BRACKETS	ROCKERS	COUNTERS
THE ADVANCED SCHOOL-FIGURES

84

“CHARLOTTE” and IRVING BROKAW in pair skating spiral.

85The circle eights, forward, hands joined with those of the partner and the stroke swinging the skaters around a great circle where the skater behind gradually crosses the direction of the skater in front, may be followed by same stroke backward. It will facilitate progress if the weaker skater skates the circle eight backward and the more expert of the partners skates it forward. The better skater will thereby be able to aid the poorer skater. Start, for instance, facing each other and with opposite hands touching or clasped. Let the poorer skater, who is attempting to learn the outside edge circle backward, strike out on the right foot aided by a vigorous push from the good skater facing forward. The better skater will do the circle on the left foot forward outside edge while the poorer skater will do it on the right foot backward outside edge. When the beginner is able better to skate on the right foot than the left the foot on which he is most expert should be used in the first trial, so as to give encouragement and confidence. Every figure must be learned on both feet and can be so learned if one persists. Generally it will be found that people ambidextrous in the use of the hands skate equally well with both feet. Strongly right handed people will generally skate better with the left foot and should practise more, therefore, with the right foot.

When reasonable familiarity and security has been obtained skating backward while the partner is skating forward, then both may skate backward, first with hands touching throughout the full circle and then executing the circles by touching hands at the start, skating alone one-half of the backward circle and then joining the opposite hands at the close of the stroke. This is similar to the position recommended for learning the forward outside circles together.

The inside edge backward circles are much more difficult to learn than the outside backward circles. They are best learned when the poorer skater skates inside edge circles backward while the better skater makes the circle on the forward 86inside edge of the opposite foot and the partners face each other with both hands touching throughout the circle. As proficiency is attained, one hand may be removed and merely the fingers of the partner’s hand touched for assistance in this difficult balance. It will rarely be found, however, that the inside backward edges are required to be skated together. But they are so important in individual skating and so much easier to learn with a partner than alone, that they should be regularly practised when pair skating.

A beautiful variation of the hands-over-the-head circles is that where the first circle is skated on the forward outside edge with both hands touching all through the circle and passing over the forward partner’s head. Then a swing of the partners occurs, a three on one foot is executed by both and the eight is completed by another circle skated backward on the outside edges of the opposite feet. Such a figure is easier than it appears.

One of the most agreeable and simple figures for pair skating is the “once-back.” Both partners skate this figure on the same foot and simultaneously. The gentleman stands to the lady’s left, her hands behind and to the left touching his. A bold, strong outside edge circle is started by each skater on the right foot. When one-third the circle has been skated a three is made and immediately an outside edge backward stroke on the other foot. Both partners are now going backward on left outside edges. When two-thirds of the circle has been skated a three on the left foot is made and the pair strike out on the right outside forward edges to the spot where the figure was begun. The gentleman’s arm should slightly support the partner at the three turns.

After the change of edges, starting on outside and then on inside edges forward, have been mastered, touching hands and with release of hands, the next figures to introduce are the changes of edge with a three. This figure is known as the “Q,” and is by no means as difficult as it looks when skated by two. It is started on the outside edge, both partners holding hands behind the lady’s back. Then follows a change of edge and a deeply cut three, during the execution of which the lady is swung strongly around the man at the finish of the figure.

87

“CHARLOTTE” and IRVING BROKAW in correct waltzing position.

88The most popular and one of the easiest of pair skating figures is the waltz. There can be no comparison between the delight of waltzing on ice and waltzing on a ballroom floor. There is an exhilaration and rhythm about ice waltzing which nothing equals. The skating stroke is long and swaying and fits the music better than dancing steps can be made to do. Probably the waltz, owing to its ease of accomplishment, will be the most stimulating influence toward making ice skating popular among both men and women. Almost any couple capable of skating the simplest of the school figures can learn the waltz on ice, whether they dance or not, in a very few trials.

The steps are the forward and backward outside edges and the threes. One has the advantage of a partner at the threes who is placed where help in the balance is most desired. There is an advantage in knowing the change of edge, but it is often attempted for the first time in this waltz skating. The only disadvantage in the waltz which women who are not good skaters experience, is due to the fact that the woman skates backward most of the time so as to allow her partner to lead. There is more danger of bad collisions on the ice floor than on the ballroom floor and a good waltzing partner is even more desirable on the ice than in the ballroom.

The waltz is started with the woman skating the backward outside edge while her partner skates the forward outside edge. After a short stroke a three is made by each on the foot with which the stroke was started, then a stroke on the outside edge of the opposite foot, another three and then a third stroke on the same foot with which the figure was commenced. Here a change of edge can be made and the figure carried out into the form of an eight. There are innumerable variations of this simple figure, including undulations or waves made by changing edge at various places, the figure can be directed into large 89or small circles and continued in spirals or circles. It is possible to make of it a very carefully located figure skated to place or a bold, free figure skated in field.

Care should be exercised to keep the strokes in time with the music and to make the strokes of each partner match. There should be no conscious effort or swinging of the partner. Do not cross the balance foot over the skating foot as the new stroke is made nor raise the balance foot high during any of the strokes. After the third stroke of the waltz step has been made let there be a slight change of edge by the lady; this will bring her into the right position, slightly across her partner’s line of direction and place them both in the right position for the new stroke. Skate rhythmically and sway to the time of the music. Skate deliberately and with every appearance of enjoying it. Nothing could be further from good form in ice waltzing than a fast, nervous method revealing insecurity of balance and pose.

Spirals are splendid figures for pair skating. They may be skated on outside or inside edges, with the man behind and facing in the same direction or in front on the opposite foot and facing in the opposite direction. In this latter pose some of the most daring and spectacular of skating movements can be executed; they are as easy as they are striking.

Jumps and pirouettes, done by both partners or by one, are also pair skating possibilities. One of the most spectacular pair skating jumps consists of a leap by the lady from the outside forward edge to the outside backward edge around her partner, or sometimes almost over his shoulder. This is done at high speed and is very pretty as well as very daring. This is true skating and at the same time acrobatic skating of the most difficult character.

CHAPTER 23. Competitions and Judging.

There is no greater stimulus to skating interest than a competition in which numbers of the best skaters enter and in which the judging is satisfactory. In Europe these competitions are held every winter and call out entries from many localities. After a series of elimination contests by which the local champions are determined, there are then held the national and international championships. These latter are not held in the same place every year, but are taken about so that different localities and even different countries, may have the privilege of seeing the champions skate and of feeling the stimulus to copy their fine work.

There should be frequent competitions in every locality. Sport clubs generally are equipped to arrange these events and carry them to success. Let them invite local champions and good skaters from the vicinity. From these the winners may be selected to represent the locality in skating events at a distance or even national championships. In the United States there would seem to be good opportunity to develop state champions and from them determine who is the national champion. The great distances which separate the different parts of your country seem to be the only drawback to such an interesting series of skating competitions.

The selection of judges is most important. These should be themselves good skaters, familiar with the style of skating now generally accepted all over the world as correct, the principles of which are the subject of this book. They should be encouragers of skating and do everything in their power to interest the competitors and the public in the event. Much 91of the interest in future contests depends upon the judges. No sport can long carry the handicap of unfair or biased judging.

A selection from the elementary and advanced school figures is made by the three or five judges. Every competitor is required to skate these figures. Then three or five minutes is allowed for free skating. The standards for judging the free skating are difficulty and variety of the contents of the programme and its manner of performance as to arrangement of figures, combinations and contrasts, correct carriage, etc. The judges make their marks independently and the totals are then combined. The method of marking both school figures and free skating is to give the competitor a mark for his performance which may be anywhere between 0 and 6 and then multiply this mark by the factor which is shown for the figure skated. The factorial number is stated opposite each of the school figures in the diagram.

The arrangement is such that no free skating programme, however perfect or spectacular, can win for the skater more than two-thirds of the marks obtainable for perfect execution of the school figures. In other words, mere showiness of skating cannot win over superior performance of foundation elements. The justice of this arrangement is obvious. The marks for the school figures and the marks for free skating form a total which is the rating of the skater in the competition. If there is a tie the skater having the highest marks in school skating wins.

The basis for judging is first, correct tracing on the ice; second, position, carriage and movement; third, size of the figure; fourth, the placing of the figure in triple repetition. The judges’ cards should be carefully kept and shown afterward on demand.

CHAPTER 24. Skating Ponds and Rinks.

There should be encouragement of skating on the part of every community by the maintenance of skating ponds and rinks. No better exercise can be provided for by any city or town. It is almost a universal pastime in all northern climes and would be even more popular than it is if facilities for its enjoyment were increased.

Deep lakes and ponds require from three to five inches of ice to be safe for any considerable crowds. It is better to flood tennis courts or parade grounds than to wait for continued cold weather to furnish sufficient ice for the sport. Even a small area, no larger than a couple of tennis courts, will provide sufficient space for a dozen people skating the largest of the school figures or for several pairs of skaters.

In localities where it is not often below 15° F., flooding the surface is not wise. It is better to spray from the hose after nightfall or just as the severe cold spell arrives. Bad spots and cracks should be cut into and a putty made of snow and hot water should be laid in them. Snow ice, or shell ice, should be broken with the foot or shovel and putty of snow and water pounded into the holes. When snow falls sweep it off at once and make it into an embankment at the sides of the rink. Strong sun melts thin ice much quicker than thick ice. By keeping track of the weather reports splendid skating can often be obtained by very little attention to the skating pond. A large watering pot is sometimes a sufficient 93implement with which to renew the surface of a badly cut skating area.

Ponds and small lakes should be swept occasionally by the skaters themselves if paid help is not available. Drift of dust and dirt spoils skating and sticks or chips from hockey sticks or old wood often cause the worst of falls. Sweep the snow toward the lower end of the pond so that if rain comes there will be a bank to hold the water and form a new surface of ice. Set off a small portion of the lake for figure skating if hockey is being played.

Encourage games and races and figure skating competition. Get up moonlight skating parties on the ice. String lanterns about and have a costume skating carnival. If the circumstances permit make a gigantic bonfire and provide hot coffee and other refreshments. In some parts of northern Europe large parties of young people skate great distances on the rivers, stopping at various towns for lunch and dinner and returning by train.

“Charlotte” on the Hippodrome Ice Pond, Where She Achieved Her Great American Triumph.