Competitions

Figure skaters have the option of participating in competitions sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating. These competitions include Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance categories. The majority of figure skaters compete in singles, where they are scored on 1-2 programs that they perform on the ice individually. Pairs competitions require 2 skaters to perform a routine together involving partner jumps and spins. Ice dance competitions require 2 skaters to perform a routine consisting of intricate footwork and patterns without spins and jumps.

There are also team competitions consisting of Theatre on Ice and Synchronized Skating. These events are performed with a group.

Figure skating competitions consist of the following levels that skaters must test into:

  1. Pre-preliminary
  2. Preliminary
  3. Pre-juvenile
  4. Juvenile
  5. Intermediate
  6. Novice
  7. Junior
  8. Senior

Each level gets progressively more difficult, requiring more challenging jump and spin combinations, and increasing in length. I was an intermediate figure skater before I retired from competing!

Competitions can be nerve-racking, but they are a great opportunity to build confidence.

This is a photo of me competing in one of my first competitions.
This is a photo of me competing in one of my first competitions.
This was one of my favorite competition programs. I skated to Greek music.
This was one of my favorite competition programs. I skated to Greek music!
Warming up for a competition, and after the awards ceremony of a competition.
Before and after a competition.

Check out this video of my favorite figure skater Ashley Wagner competing at the 2016 World Championship in the senior division: