Artistic roller skating is a sport similar to figure skating but where competitors wear roller skates instead of ice skates. Artistic roller skaters use either quad or inline skates, though quad skates are more traditional and significantly more common. Generally, quad and inline skaters compete in separate events and not against each other. Artistic figure skating has its own repertoire of moves and technique as well as a codified judging system.
ABOUT ARTISTIC
Within artistic roller skating, there are several disciplines:
FREESTYLE
The individual performs a solo routine with jumps and spins to their chosen piece of music.
FIGURES
The individual follows the figure circle line on a specific edge. Figures become progressively more complex with the addition of turns and the use of the third circle (similar to compulsory or “school” figures on ice).
DUO FREE
(Also called Pairs) Two individuals perform jumps, spins, and lifts to their chosen piece of music.
COUPLES COMPULSORY DANCE
Two people perform a dance consisting of a set sequence of steps in a pattern around the rink to a piece of music to a given tempo. There are no jumps or spins.
SOLO COMPULSORY DANCE
An individual performs a dance consisting of a set series of steps in a pattern around the rink to a piece of music to a given tempo. There are no jumps or spins.
QUARTET
A themed routine performed by a team of four skaters. Team skating, similar to synchronized skating on ice.
CLUB SHOW
A club of skaters perform a themed show routine.
ORIGINAL DANCE
The individual dancer or dance couple performs a routine to a musical medley with a set theme. The original dance includes a section that is a set compulsory dance but the rest of the routine is original choreography in keeping with the given theme. In national and international championships at the Junior and Senior level, original dance has replaced compulsory dance.
FREE DANCE
The individual dancer or dance couple performs a routine to their chosen piece of music. Free dance is heavily focused on footwork and choreography and there are restrictions on jumps and spins, and in couples free dance restrictions on the types of lifts allowed. This is often the final part of a roller dance competition where the first part is compulsory dance or original dance.
