Step sequence / spiral sequence / choreographic sequence?

[jjane45]

What is the minimum requirement for step sequence / spiral sequence / choreographic sequence? Like change of foot, minimum ice coverage, etc?

What do they mean to adult FS levels? Usually at what levels do we start seeing them in test? In competition? Thank you very much!

[sarahspins]

For adults, the step sequence is less defined than it is for standard track, but basically it's whatever you want to do, so long as it meets the ice coverage requirements (as described in either the tests book or the WBP requirements). I think the requirement starts at bronze to have either a step sequence covering half the ice surface, or a spiral sequence.

Spiral sequence according to ISU: There must be at least two (2) spiral positions not less than three (3) seconds long each or only one (1) spiral position not less than six (6) seconds long.

No idea about the choreo sequence.

[jjane45]

Thank you sarahspins! Guess my biggest confusion was always about the steps. Do they exclude stroking, plain one foot glides, and crossovers?

ISU technical panel handbook has some info.

Spiral sequence

Definition of Turns and Steps
Different types of Turns: three turns, twizzles, brackets, loops, counters, rockers.
Different types of Steps: toe steps, chasses, mohawks, choctaws. change of edge, cross rolls.
Turns must be executed on one foot.
Steps must be executed on one foot whenever possible.
If a turn is “jumped ”, it is not counted as performed.

Simple Variety (level 2): Must include at least 7 turns and 4 steps, none of the types can be counted more than twice.

Turns and/or Steps must be distributed throughout the sequence.
There should be no long sections without Turns or Steps.

Choreographic sequence

The choreographic sequence consist of any kind of movements such as steps, turns, spirals, arabesques, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, transitional (unlisted) jumps, spinning movements etc. A Choreographic Sequence for Ladies must include at least one spiral (not a kick) of any length.

Still no idea how all these apply in real life

[techskater]

Spiral sequence is "out" for any and all IJS levels (Juvenile and above, Gold and above) and has been replaced with Choreographic sequence which is quite nebulous in terms of definition other than "must cover the entire ice" and for ladies, must contain a spiral (not a kick).  Choreographic step sequence is also remaining in the USFS vernacular at least this season. For adult non-IJS levels, 1/2 ice with some turns and steps for a step sequence or 1-2 spirals covering at minimum 1/2 the ice. 

[jjane45]

I thought 6 seconds would be easy on a plain vanilla forward outside spiral entered from speed... It was a long time to hold!

[sarahspins]

I thought 6 seconds would be easy on a plain vanilla forward outside spiral entered from speed... It was a long time to hold!

It is!  In power we hold them for the entire length of the rink, which is about 6 seconds.. then turn the end, and do it again on the other leg, turn the end, do it again, etc... it's grueling!

[Doubletoe]

This publication supports what Techskater was saying.  It looks like Adult Pre-bronze, Bronze and Silver still offer the choice of step sequence or spiral sequence (not choreo sequence):  http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/TN%20111%20Adult%20Singles%20Choreographic%20Sequence.pdf

*If* you are Adult Gold or Masters, your balanced program rules for the 2013 season are here:  http://www.usfsa.org/content/AdultSinglesWBPChart.pdf

If your level gives you the option of either a step sequence or choreo sequence, here's the definition of a choreo sequence (an "unlisted jump" means any jump other than a toeloop, salchow, loop, flip, lutz or axel):

A Choreographic Sequence consists of any kind of movements like steps, turns, spirals, arabesques, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, transitional (unlisted) jumps, spinning movements etc. A Choreographic Sequence for Ladies must include at least one spiral (not a kick) of any length. A Choreographic Sequence for Pairs must include at least one spiral (not a kick) of any length by each partner. The Sequence commences with the first move and is concluded with the last move of the skater. The pattern is not restricted, but the Sequence must fully utilize the ice surface.