Ice Dancing vs Figure Skating

[Retrograde]

Can anyone explain the differences between ice dancing and figure skating? They're both done to music, have the same moves, and the same costumes. Is this an attempt to grab more air time, or are there actual differences between the two events that are just too subtle for the likes of me?

[Arkansas Granny]

1. This article outlines the differences.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a15874269/ice-dancing-figure-skating-differences-winter-olympics/

[hlthe2b]

2. Ice Dancing vs. Figure Skating Explained

Pairs figure skating is mostly known for its throws and jumps, while skaters in ice dancing are judged more on their footwork and how well they move as one.

Ross explained that pairs competitions are all about the strength of ice skating, the over-the-head lifts, the triple jumps, the side-by-jumps and the throws that you won’t see in ice dancing.

Ice dancers also have different requirements for lifts than in pairs figure skating; there are no overhead lifts in ice dancing, and the dancers are not supposed to separate more than two arm-lengths during their routines.


https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Ice-Dancing-vs-Figure-Skating-Explained-245909171.html

[MANative]

3. There are significant differences between the two.

Lifts in Ice Dancing are never over the shoulders, where Pairs are overhead. No jumps in Ice Dancing, but required footwork moves ("twizzles" are synchronized steps done side-by-side, for example). Like ballroom dancing, there is generally a dance pattern required, such as Rumba, pasa doble, waltz, etc, and that's done throughout the competition year.

Steps in Ice Dancing are done in much closer physical proximity to one's partner, and much of the time must be "in hold" (connected by arms). There's a lot more, but those are the biggest differences. Enjoy!

[jberryhill]

4. .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_dancing

[RobinA]

5. Ice Dancing

is ballroom dancing on ice. It uses dance steps and dance patterns. Pairs COULD include a dance step or three, but it would just be there to assist the choreography. It wouldn't be judged as a dance step. Ice dance is also judged with much more attention to the action of the blades. Ice dancers are usually better skaters.