Progression into a ‘Spiral’

Spiral or arabesque is a classic figure skating move, where the skater glides on one leg while the other leg is lifte up high. Arms are often out the side and the chest and head is up. It is an impressive move that every skater should try! Here’s the progression to nail the spiral.

Watch the video below:

1. One foot balance

   Start with gliding with two feet close together, arms out to the side. Lift one foot as high as the other foot’s ankle (not very high). Maintain straight line. If you start to curve when you lift your foot, you need to shift your bodyweight more to the skating leg. The longer your can hold a straight line on one foot, the better your future spiral will be!

2. Open hips, send free leg to the back

   Once you nail one foot balance on a straight line for 5+ seconds, you can progress to this step. Open up hips, sending free leg behind the skating leg. Again, maintain straight line. If you start to curve when opening up your hips, check that your shoulders and hips are square, facing the front.

3. Extend free leg to the back, toes pointing to the side

   Once you are able to hold the second position for 5+ seconds, you now will extend that free leg straight towards the back. Remember to point your toes to the side to make your spiral look good! Try to raise that free leg as high as you can without lowering your body.

4. Tilt upper body down to raise leg higher

   Now it’s time to bring your spiral to the highest you can. Lower your body down, stretch that free leg up and higher, but keep your chest up! Try different arm positions to top it up.

   There you have it. A spiral.

   Don’t forget to try the other foot!!!

   Good luck in trying this out. 😊