#Rule changes

[wtficedance]

Ice Dance Reimagined

With the upcoming ISU Congress in Summer of 2024 and ice dance seemingly in an unending beta of rule changes, I figured I would float a few thoughts on the many changes that have been made over the past few years.

As I mentioned in my RD Rules post, the ISU has essentially made moves to return to the original dance (making the change from short -> rhythm dance even more pointless in the first place) choosing to dictate broader themes.

To me, what makes ice dance so unique amongst all the disciplines is the variety of elements and styles that each team is expected to have in their repertoire and the fact that even in a given SD/OD/RD theme, people have to go out of their way to have a unique take. The rules which have lowered difficulty--in the name of giving skaters more room to be creative--have in fact resulted in the opposite. More teams are doing the same difficult features, same footwork, same lifts, same transitions than ever before. Both drawing on old choreography and leading to homogeneity across the discipline.

I propose a scheme which is a compromise of the two conflicting motions in ice dance right now: 1) the “no pattern ever” give everyone freedom vibes and 2) the people who believe the pattern is king. Alternate having a patterned and original short dance, giving the discipline an opportunity to develop new patterns (the original intention of the pattern dance type step sequence) while also ensuring that teams are continuing to emphasize solid ice dance foundations like skating in hold.

Original Short Dance Layout

1PSt

2Pst

Non-touch midline step sequence (style A)

Twizzles

Lift

Patterned Short Dance Layout

Pattern 1

Pattern 2

Non-touch midline step sequence (style A)

Twizzles

Lift

What the ISU (and choreographers/coaches) have fundamentally misunderstood about the appeal of patterns is that EVERY step is intentional and meant to elicit a specific effect and contribute to an overall impression. There's a reason that even though the Yankee Polka and Finnstep and Tango Romantica all include a LFI Closed S-Step, they have completely different timing and contribute to very different impressions. And it is because the general footwork in the pattern, in addition to just the difficult steps and turns, is geared towards reflecting the unique character of that pattern. I cannot count the number of pattern step sequences since 2017 that have effectively been copy pasted across blues, Latin, foxtrot/quickstep, blues x2, and Latin x2 once again programs with only minor changes to mini-lifts. They lack intention, they are the slowest section of the program for a good 90% of RDs because every team--no matter the style--is attempting to make their turns as drawn out as possible to get credit.

I propose that in original dance years there are 2 PSt segments, each with 3 KPs with the former 4th KP serving as a choreographic benchmark. This would allow for direct comparison of teams doing the same steps (and not allow teams to do the exact same difficult turns 5 years in a row) while simultaneously incentivizing creativity.

For example, under “Jig” below there are the following guidelines:

Jig is characterized by (1) high tempo, (2) rapid toe and heel steps, (3) jumps, kicks, hops and other accents including slides and shuffles, (4) tight and rigid torso, emphasis on leg movements over arm movements, (5) music in 12/8, 6/8, 9/8, 2/4. Teams are expected to pick music and a type of jig dance which fits these characteristics. 1PSt must start at center ice, 2PSt must end at center ice.

An example of key points:

1KP1: A) LFI Counter, LBI Bracket B) LBI Counter, LFI Bracket in any variant of closed hold except basic hand-in-hand

1KP2: both skip, LBO C-Step, RFI Swing S-step. in killian or foxtrot variant.

1KP3: A) RBO 1.5Tw, any kicking/tucking motion, RFI Bracket, RBO Bracket. B) LFO 1.5Tw, any kicking/tucking motion matching/mirroring/corresponding to partner A, LBI Bracket, LFO Bracket. Partners must be touching once exited from twizzles.

1PSt being completely prescriptive in KPs and 2PSt being slightly more flexible:

2KP1: both beginning any bracket, immediate counter, 1-5 intermediate steps where at least one partner must hit at least one difficult skating position* for at least a 1/2 beat, skid exit.

2KP2: both beginning swing FO C-Step, 3-8 intermediate steps/turns with partners MIRRORING each other, ending BO Counter. Partners must be touching entire time

2KP3: both beginning double S-step, 1-4 intermediate steps, ending with one partner on a BO edge and picking into the ice and the other partner doing at least one revolution around. PSt, officially concluded when the stationary partner resumes motion. Partners much be touching at two points until the first revolution around in 2KP3 is concluded.

Skaters would receive credit for the KPs accomplished in both and would receive a fourth Y/N based on whether they met choreographic requirements outlined in italics above.

*difficult skating position: any position where the skating leg is bent at least 90 degrees (shoot the duck, hydroblade, any lunge, any crouch), besti squat, spread eagle, ina bauer, spiral, layback, etc.

Now for some theme ideas:

2024-2025 - Patterned Short Dance - Grand Ballroom with a pattern of Golden Waltz

Teams must skate a program which reflects the character of the waltz particularly with regards to (1) lilting knee action, (2) closed position in hold, (3) repeated rotation as a unit when progressing across the ice, (4) movements should appear long, extended, and with sweeping open posture, (5) tone and musical themes may vary as long as a waltz character is maintained.

2025-2026 - Original Short Dance - Jig

Jig originated in Ireland and Scotland, gradually progressing throughout the British Isles and mainland Europe and then throughout the world including in the Metis people of Canada and Louisiana. Straight and sand jigs were developed in the US by African Americans in the 19th century which eventually influence the creation of jazz and tap. Jig is characterized by (1) high tempo, (2) rapid toe and heel steps, (3) jumps, kicks, hops and other accents including slides and shuffles, (4) tight and rigid torso, emphasis on leg movements over arm movements, (5) music in 12/8, 6/8, 9/8, 2/4. Teams are expected to pick music and a type of jig dance which fits these characteristics.

2026-2027 - Pattern Short Dance - Percussive Dances with a pattern of Paso Doble

(1) Stomping, toe picking, clapping, other percussive elements involving hitting the legs or torso, (2) dance is primarily danced to the RHYTHM and TEMPO not the melody, if there is a section without audible rhythm the team should create that beat using percussive elements (3) music must include a beat throughout, a melody is not necessary, (4) a theme should remain consistent throughout, if movements are drawn from a traditional dance they should reflect the character of the music chosen and the pattern should be interpreted appropriately.

2027-2028 - Original Short Dance - Music and Rhythms of the 1970s

The 1970s were one of the most influential eras of music, giving birth to entire new genres and styles and furthering the popularity of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, glam rock, folk rock, pop, disco, reggae, electronic music, and the birth of hip hop, it was defined by experimental sounds due to new music equipment.

(1) Music choices and rhythms should be COHERENT and related, the two music choices should be related thematically, structurally, or stylistically beyond more than just being from the 1970s, (2) one piece of music should be high tempo (>120bpm) and one piece should be low tempo (<100bpm), a third piece can be skated to any tempo, (3) the holds, movements, and steps in the PSt should reflect the style of music and dance chosen

2028-2029 - Pattern Short Dance - Jazz and Tap with a pattern of Quickstep

Jazz dance is a particularly broad genre that includes original social dances like the Charleston developed in parallel to the birth of jazz in Harlem, as well as more modernized styling.

Skaters should take inspiration from dancers like Bill Robinson, Jack Cole, Fred Astaire, Gus Giordano, nd Bob Fosse, as well as Broadway stage choreography and tap dance.

(1) Music choices and rhythms should be COHERENT and related, the two music choices should be related thematically, structurally, or stylistically, (2) one piece of music should be high tempo (>120bpm) and one piece should be low tempo (<100bpm), a third piece can be skated to any tempo, (3) the Quickstep timing can be adjusted to fit the tempo of the music chosen and to reflect the character of the chosen choreography.

See: https://gotta-dance.com/brief-history-of-jazz-dance/

2029-2030 - Original Short Dance - Nuevo Latin

The ISU has done a whole lot of cha cha, rhumba, and samba, but those are FAR from the only Latin rhythms. Dancers will be challenged to develop a new pattern that isn’t already an ISU pattern (and one that hasn’t been done a million times).

Examples of other rhythms: bachata, cumbia, danzon, salsa, mambo, merengue, bomba, lena, perreo, etc.

(1) The entirety of the PSt should be done in the same style and tempo but can differ from the the rest of the program. (2) Dancers are only required to pick one rhythm style but 2-3 are permitted. (3) skaters must have two points of contact with each other the entirety of the PSt, (4) at least 6 changes of hold must take place during the PSt, this can be from the same to same hold as long as a step or turn takes place during the change, (5) 1PSt must begin at the end of the long axis, 2PSt must end at the same end.

Choreo deductions: obvious use of cha cha, rhumba, or samba music/choreo. Tango, paso doble, and flamenco also excluded.

2030-2031 - Pattern Short Dance - Folk Dances with a pattern of Polka

Folk and country dance is characterized by it's informal and reflection of the general populace intended for widespread social dance. As opposed to court and ballroom dances, it should not be characterized as refined, ritual, or for stage performance. Skaters are encouraged to choose a folk dance related to their background. (1) Polka is skated to a bpm of 120bpm +/-4 and can be skated to and interpreted in any kind of musical style, (2) the same folk dance theme should remain constant throughout the dance or if two dances are chosen they should be closely related (i.e. the non-touch midline step sequence done in the line dancing style and the polka in the square dance style) (3) skaters may have a non-touch portion of their 2PSt provided they remain within one arm-length of each other.

Examples of folk dances include: maypole, hora, tarantella, polka, square dance, clogging, Dutch crossing, oberek, mazurka, Morris , polska, ballu tundu, bhangra, circassian, dabke, garba, khigga, romvong, peacock dance, nongak, yangge, chacarera, zamba, malambo, marinera, akayida, kizomba, agbadza, baile folklorico, shota, rugovo, cumbia, landler, schuhplatter, sardana, dragon dance, lion dance, mapale, danza de la tijeras, jenkka etc.

2031-2032 - Original Short Dance - Swing and Social Dances

Despite the many years of jive, charleston, and jitterbug original dances, there is no swing (or related dance) pattern. Dancers are to pick a swing-adjacent dance style and create a pattern. Examples: charleston, lindy hop, jive, jitterbug, shag, boogie woogie.

(1) Dance style should generally be from the 1920s-1950s era, (2) skaters should include intricate changes of positions for each partner reflecting the highly athletic nature of swing dancing, (3) 1PSt should begin in front of the judges with a 1-2 second mini-lift and end in the same location, 1PSt and 2PSt should consist of similar patterns across the ice and each take one lap, (4) skaters should utilize hops, skips, assisted jumps, and up to 3 mini-lifts per PSt to reflect the character of their chosen dance.

Swing does NOT necessarily need to be up tempo if choosing a style such as West Coast Swing which is danced with a distinct lack of bounce.

And then with time in "pattern" years, new patterns will arise and be eligible for interpretation. Would love to hear people’s thoughts :)

[ice-and-lightning]

I have added this to my rules:

"If you follow me first, I will usually leave it to you to make first contact, especially if I'm uncertain which one of my muses you're interested in."

And I've added to my pinned post that I will only rp Dr Ratio with muns I already know and usually after plotting.

[myjunkisyuzuruhanyu]

Any thoughts on the possible rule changes for singles (though not voted on yet I think)? One jump combo removed, one spin replaced by a choreographic spin (whatever that means), and the same type of jump can't be repeated more than 3 times

Let's see if changes really happen and if they happen if they will be implemented before the next Olympics or I rather think afterwards...tbh I haven't kept up with the possible rule change. Yet ofc I have some thoughts about it.

I think removing a jump combo might be good if they keep the lenght of the program bc the last time they removed a jumping pass they shortened the time for the free program about 30 seconds. It would give the skater a bit more time for choreography. (Also actually it would help Shoma to remove a jump combo bc that's what causes the problems for his free programs 😁 not that I really think that Shoma will compete until this rule change is implemented, but just a thought that occured 😅)

Choreographic spins are great especially when they eliminate this illusion as difficult exit from spins bc that looks really ugly most of the time. A choreographic spin would lead to more creativity if done well. I hope ppl would actually make use of more creativity in spins.

I am not sure if this really makes sense to limit the jump type. Like that will only be relevant to ppl who can perform quads and triples of the same type or will hinder skaters of lower levels when they jump doubles and triples. For skaters like Shoma, Ilia or Yuma that would not change anything. How many skaters really jump more than 3 times the same type of jump unless they make it about edge jumps vs. toe jumps that would be more of a challenge but again would rather hinder skaters of lower levels.

I think once again these rule changes if they happen don't get to the real problems of the sport lately which is the heavy importance of jumps. I would rather want them to upgrade the BV of spins and steps to match at least the BV of triple jumps bc this is where some skaters excell but gain nothing from and others that don't excell in it but are super jumpers don't even really need to work on it to be competitive. Also make the PCS factors rise to match the TES to have more balance for the programs and maybe that way they would get back to more creativity and art. I was really surprised to learn lately that under the 6.0 system the artistry score was higher valued than the difficulty and I wonder why that was totally lost under the IJS system, because I think what the sport needs atm is more artistry to not make it a jump contest only. Also maybe especially in ladies we would not have 100 of similar programs to slow ballad music without any kind of concept if artistry would really be a higher factor in this sport. But maybe that's only me who finds especially the ladies a bit boring lately (with ofc some exceptions like Kaori, Young You, Rinka Watanabe or Loena Hendrickx)

[foxchainships]

um hey so could you do Ryder x Katie from paw patrol

Thank you for both of your Paw Patrol themed requests :) I've had a few recent questions when it comes to children age 10 and lower - In these cases I feel I would rather draw the characters aged up than at their current age. If you can provide reference, a description, or would like me to figure out aged up versions of these characters, I would be happy to draw them.

[breast-man-69]

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[smalltofedsblog]

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PARTICIPATING IN COMMENT PERIOD FOR A PROPOSED RULE is a powerful tool for small businesses to influence and change the final rule, protecting and enhancing the industry for small businesses.

[enidtendo64]

TW: Heavily implied Child Abuse

Stowaway AU where Pacifica becomes a stowaway on the Stan-O-War 2 after trying to run away from home to California. Things don’t exactly work out as planned, but at least she’s got a “Summer Internship” away from her parents now!

[bisclavaret]

a day late to my 6 years on t anniversary ✨🏳️‍⚧️ a short comic about looking back

[escinsight]

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Eurovision Chat Over Coffee, Discussing Malmö's Eurovision. Changes. With today's news about the format of the Semi Finals and the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, Ben Robertson and Ewan Spence talk about the key points and how they will impact the performers, the production team, and the public. Eurovision Chat Over Coffee, Discussing Malmö's Eurovision Changes Voting from the first Grand Final Song, the automatic qualifiers perform live in the Semi Finals, the Rest Of The World gets more time to vote, and more, all discussed over a coffee.

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[rookanisstuff]

An illuminated manuscript from a gossip pamphlet found in the First Talon’s desk with the caption reads:

The Treviso Tourney - Knight Takes Rook

Despite the recently crowned King Viago’s presence at this weekend’s coronation tournament, the audience seemed more enamoured with the rare appearance of the newly wed Dellamorte’s. The Champion of Treviso’s magical talents may have left her out of the competition, but the First Talon’s blade received Rook’s favour - and this punter knows to never bet against the Rook!

[wiisagi-maiingan]

I love tornado survival guides. "Shelter in a basement or interior room without any windows. But if you're in a mobile home, just fucking die I guess lol"

[best-type-moon-couple]

I'm not perfectly clear if the rules allow for Kohakiha or similar pairs.

Look, I’m going to be completely honest, the original purpose of this tournament was to look at official Type-Moon couples, but after much consideration on my part it’d be extremely close minded of me to keep it like that. So, here’s my new stance on the matter:

Normal ships will now be considered as couples and thus be allowed to enter this tournament as well, as long as it can be proven in canon (This essentially allows ships as the previously mentioned Kohaku x Akiha to be enlisted into the tournament. Of course, official couples will always have priority in this tournament, but if I believe that the argument for a pairing is strong enough then they’ll be included as well. I only ask that the pairing have some actual backing to it from the story itself for it to qualify in this tournament, this unfortunately means that crack shipping is off the table for this tournament since the characters need at least some chemistry with each other)

With this, Rule 4 has changed.

[caffichai]

Recently (finally) upgraded Cement to E2! She's got one of my favourite designs, and I've been having a blast with her!

Was inspired to draw her after being directed to @frostdemigod 's blog after raving about her. I am kneeling out of respect for that dedication

[Bluesky]

[smalltofedsblog]

FAR Council Updates Whistle Blower And Small Business Contracting Program Rules

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[therealefl]

National League Manager Once Again Calls For Rule Change

Barnet manager Dean Brennan once again expressed his desire for National League clubs to be able to make five substitutions and have seven players named on the bench when he appeared on an episode of BBC Sounds’ ‘The London Sport Show.’ This is now the third time this season that the Irishman has called on the rule change to be implemented after also mentioning it on BT Sport after Barnet’s 2-0…

[gascreates]

a new star