Figure Skating Spirals
A spiral is an element in figure skating where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level. It is akin to the arabesque in ballet.
Spiral positions are classified according to the skating leg (left or right), edge (outside or inside), direction the skater is traveling (forward or backward), and the position of the free leg (backward, forward, sideways).
Spirals are a required element in ladies' singles and pair skating. Currently, spirals are infrequently performed by men at the Olympic level because it is not a required element nor can men receive points for spiral sequences in the element score of the ISU Judging System. In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such as Toller Cranston, Paul Wylie, and Shawn Sawyer.
Read more about Figure Skating Spirals: Edging and Technique, Spiral Sequence, Variations, Photo Gallery
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