The International Skating Union (ISU) has released Communication No. 2795, outlining the Rhythm Dance and Free Dance requirements for the 2026-27 ice dance season. The document details the selected Rhythm Dance theme, required elements, pattern dances, and technical specifications for junior and senior competitors.

Rhythm Dance Theme Centers on the Waltz

For the 2026-27 season, the ISU selected “Rhythm and Waltz” as the Rhythm Dance theme for both junior and senior teams. Competitors may use any style of waltz, from traditional forms to modern interpretations. In addition, teams must incorporate at least one other rhythm, tempo, or dance style to support their overall concept.

The communication also outlines several requirements related to music and program presentation.

The Waltz section must use music in either 3/4 or 6/8 time. Teams may use any style of waltz, provided it supports the overall concept of the program.

The ISU also confirmed that remixed and remastered music, including cover versions, is permitted. In addition, teams may use music created by artificial intelligence.

Beyond the music itself, the communication states that couples should express the feeling, essence, and style of their selected rhythms through their movements and dance holds. The ISU further notes that the Rhythm Dance should not be skated in the style of a Free Dance.

Finally, the communication states that music selected for ice dance competitions must not contain aggressive or offensive lyrics.

Westminster Waltz and Golden Waltz Selected

For the 2026-27 Rhythm Dance, the ISU selected the Westminster Waltz for junior teams and the Golden Waltz for senior teams.

Junior teams will perform one sequence of the Westminster Waltz, which judges will evaluate as two separate sections. The first section, designated 1WW, includes Steps 1 through 12, while the second section, 2WW, includes Steps 13 through 22.

The communication specifies that teams must skate the Westminster Waltz to waltz music with a constant tempo of at least 54 three-beat measures per minute (162 beats per minute) in either 3/4 or 6/8 time. The first step of the dance must begin on beat one of a musical phrase, and teams must start the pattern to the left side of the judges. Throughout the element, skaters may use a variety of dance holds, although extended hand-in-hand positions are not permitted. Tracking between partners is optional.

Meanwhile, senior teams will perform a section of the Golden Waltz Pattern Dance Element, designated 1GW. The required section begins with Step 33, includes the restart, and concludes with Step 20.

Senior teams must skate the Golden Waltz to waltz music with a consistent tempo of at least 62 three-beat measures per minute (186 beats per minute) in either 3/4 or 6/8 time. The first step must begin on beat one of the music. Teams will start with the woman’s Step 33 and the man’s Step 33 on the judges’ right side beyond the short axis of the rink.

Unlike the junior pattern, senior teams must remain in contact throughout the entire Golden Waltz element, including during changes of hold. However, the ISU notes that tracking between partners remains optional except during the designated Key Points.

ISU Identifies Key Points for Pattern Dance Evaluation

The communication also outlines the Key Points and Key Point Features that Technical Panels will use when evaluating the Westminster Waltz and Golden Waltz Pattern Dance Elements.

According to the ISU, Key Point Features must include the correct execution of turns, edges, foot placement, and timing. The communication further notes that a change of edge within the final half-beat of a step is permitted when preparing a push or transition into the next step.

For junior teams skating the Westminster Waltz, the Technical Panel will evaluate four Key Points in the first section (1WW) and four Key Points in the second section (2WW).

For senior teams skating the Golden Waltz, the Technical Panel will evaluate four Key Points within the required section of the dance. These Key Points occur on Steps 34-35 and Step 15 for both partners, with the specific turns and edges differing between the man and woman.

The communication identifies these designated steps as the Key Points for the Pattern Dance Element.

Required Rhythm Dance Elements

The Rhythm Dance will have a duration of 2 minutes and 50 seconds, plus or minus 10 seconds.

In addition to the selected pattern dances, the ISU outlined the required technical elements that junior and senior teams must include in their Rhythm Dance programs.

Junior Rhythm Dance

• One Sequence of the Westminster Waltz
• One Short Lift (up to 8 seconds)
• One Step Sequence Not Touching (Style B)
• One Set of Sequential Twizzles

For the Step Sequence, junior teams may choose either a midline or diagonal pattern. The element must be skated no more than two arm lengths apart, and teams may not include loops or retrogressions.

Senior Rhythm Dance

• One Section of the Golden Waltz
• One Creative Dance Element (CDE)
• One Short Lift (up to 8 seconds)
• One Step Sequence Not Touching (Style B)
• One Set of Sequential Twizzles

Senior teams will perform the Step Sequence using a clockwise circular pattern. As with the junior event, teams must skate no more than two arm lengths apart and may not include loops or retrogressions.

The Creative Dance Element carries several specific requirements. Teams must travel from one barrier to the opposite barrier, include one Dance Stop lasting no more than five seconds, and perform one acrobatic movement involving agility and balance. The element must also present choreography to all four sides of the rink.

The communication further clarifies that touching the ice is permitted once during the Creative Dance Element for no more than five seconds. One separation of no more than five seconds is also permitted within the element. Retrogressions and loops are permitted during the Creative Dance Element.

For both juniors and seniors, the required Short Lift may last up to eight seconds. In addition, teams may not repeat the lift type performed in the Rhythm Dance during the Free Dance unless it appears as part of a Combination Lift.

Both levels must also perform one set of Sequential Twizzles. Each partner must complete at least two twizzles, and teams may include no more than one step between twizzles. Partners may not remain in contact between the twizzles.

The communication also states that any “C” feature attempted in the Rhythm Dance cannot be repeated in the Free Dance for level credit.

Rhythm Dance Restrictions

Teams must remain in recognizable dance holds throughout the program except when changing holds. Extended hand-in-hand positions are prohibited outside the Creative Dance Element.

While junior teams may perform one stop of up to five seconds during the program, seniors may do so only within the Creative Dance Element.

Juniors may not touch the ice with their hands, while seniors may do so only during the Creative Dance Element.

Free Dance Requirements

Senior teams will perform a Free Dance lasting four minutes, plus or minus 10 seconds. Junior teams will skate programs lasting three minutes and 30 seconds, plus or minus 10 seconds.

The communication outlines the required technical elements for each level.

Junior Free Dance

• Two different types of Short Lifts (up to 8 seconds each), or one Combination Lift (up to 13 seconds)
• One Dance Spin
• One Step Sequence in Hold (Style B)
• One One Foot Turns Sequence (Not Touching)
• One Set of Synchronized Twizzles
• Two different Choreographic Elements

Senior Free Dance

• Three different types of Short Lifts (up to 8 seconds each), or one Short Lift and one Combination Lift (up to 13 seconds)
• One Dance Spin
• One Step Sequence in Hold (Style B)
• One One Foot Turns Sequence (With Contact/Hold)
• One Set of Synchronized Twizzles
• Two different Choreographic Elements

Free Dance Technical Requirements

The communication also notes that for the 2026-27 season, the Exit Feature of the Dance Spin will not be considered when determining levels.

Lift Requirements

Junior teams must perform either two different types of Short Lifts, each lasting no more than eight seconds, or one Combination Lift lasting up to 13 seconds.

Senior teams must perform either three different types of Short Lifts, each lasting no more than eight seconds, or one Short Lift and one Combination Lift lasting up to 13 seconds. The Short Lift must be a different type from the lift included in the Combination Lift.

The communication also states that teams may not repeat a lift type used in the Rhythm Dance during the Free Dance unless it appears as part of a Combination Lift.

Step Sequence Requirements

Both juniors and seniors must perform one Step Sequence in Hold (Style B). The sequence may follow either a straight-line or curved pattern.

The communication prohibits stops, loops, retrogressions, and fully extended hand-in-hand holds during the element. Teams also may not separate by more than two arm lengths or remain separated for more than five seconds.

In addition, the chosen pattern must maintain its basic shape throughout the element. If a team includes a Choreographic Step Sequence elsewhere in the program, that element must use a different pattern.

One-Foot Turns Sequence

Both junior and senior teams must perform one One-Foot Turns Sequence consisting of difficult turns executed on one foot by each partner.

The first difficult turn must begin at the same time for both skaters, although subsequent difficult turns do not need to be performed simultaneously.

Junior teams will perform the element without touching, while senior teams must perform the sequence with contact or hold. For seniors, at least two of the turns must be executed while in hold.

For seniors, a twizzle performed in hold is not considered for level. The communication also states that a twizzle performed as the final turn in the sequence is not considered for level.

Synchronized Twizzles

Junior teams must perform one set of synchronized twizzles consisting of at least two twizzles for each partner. The element must include a minimum of two steps and a maximum of four steps between the first and second twizzles. Partners may remain in contact between the twizzles.

Senior teams must perform at least three twizzles per partner, with a minimum of four rotations on each twizzle. The element must include between two and four steps between the first and second twizzles and up to one step between the second and third twizzles.

The communication also requires two of the senior twizzles to feature different entry edges and different directions of rotation. To receive Levels 3 and 4, teams must use a different skating foot on one of the three twizzles.

For both levels, any “C” feature attempted during the Rhythm Dance twizzles cannot be repeated in the Free Dance for level credit.

Choreographic Elements

Both junior and senior teams must include two different choreographic elements in their Free Dance programs. Teams may select from the following options:

• Choreographic Assisted Jump/Lifting Movement
• Choreographic Character Step Sequence
• Choreographic Hydroblading Movement
• Choreographic Lift
• Choreographic Sliding Movement
• Choreographic Spinning Movement
• Choreographic Twizzling Movement

The communication requires teams to choose two different elements from the list.

Free Dance Restrictions

After the clock starts, teams may not remain in one place for more than 10 seconds. During the program, teams may perform an unlimited number of full stops lasting up to five seconds each.

Touching the ice with the hands is prohibited except during a Choreographic Sliding Movement or a Choreographic Character Step Sequence. Skaters may also wear trousers of any length.

The ISU’s Communication No. 2795 establishes the Rhythm Dance and Free Dance requirements that will apply during the 2026-27 season. The organization will publish additional technical specifications, criteria for levels, and marking guides in separate communications.

Paula Slater

Founder of Golden Skate in 1999, Paula has followed the sport of figure skating for over four decades. A retired U.S. Army veteran, she takes joy in promoting the sport worldwide, covering events, interviewing skaters, and providing resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and in her free time, enjoys reading, walking her dogs, painting, and consuming large quantities of coffee.