The 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing are in full swing, and Fred Astaire Dance Studios is tuning in to watch the ice dancing competition.
Ice dancing has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1976 and combines ballroom dancing with ice skating. Ice dancers are not permitted to perform the jumps or spins that are common in figure skating routines. Many of ice dancing’s rhythmic moves are done close to the ice, and dancers are required to remain in a dance position unless they are performing a lift. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s legendary Olympic performance helped increase the popularity of ice dancing. The English pair won the gold medal at the Sarajevo Olympics in 1984.
The United States has three Olympic ice dancing duos competing this year in Beijing. All three U.S. teams train at the Ice Academy of Montreal. This marks the third Olympic run for national champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates. Last year’s U.S. champions, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue; Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker round out the U.S. ice dancing team. The upcoming ice dancing performances at the Winter Olympics in Beijing are slated to take place on February 12 and 14.
Ice Dancing Gains Ground
The popularity of ice skating is on the rise this winter as more Americans recognize the health benefits of donning a pair of skates and hitting the ice, Vogue magazine reported. Rather than putting on a mask to work out at the gym, people are enjoying the fresh air at outdoor rinks. Ice skating can tone muscles, increase endurance, and has cardiovascular benefits. Ice dancing specifically can help improve balance and stability.
Take a look at some of these ice dancing performances from the Olympic games.
In this video, Torvill and Dean perform Joseph Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero” at the Sarajevo Olympics in 1984 where they won the gold medal.
This performance to the soundtrack of the movie “Moulin Rouge” earned Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada the gold medal at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
Zachary Donohue and Madison Hubbell impressed judges when they hit the ice at the Olympics this year with their rhythm dance, where they received a personal best score.
Twirl on the Dance Floor at FADS
If you prefer to ballroom dance on solid ground, Fred Astaire Dance Studios has group or individual classes available at your local studio. Our studios all have a warm energy and sense of community. Our dance instructors and our teaching methods include a three-tiered system of regularly scheduled private lessons, group classes, and practice parties. We believe ballroom dancing is fun, and our classes reflect that philosophy. We offer instruction for all partner dances, including the rhumba, waltz, and even country-western dance for couples or individuals.
Following the outbreak of the pandemic, FADS implemented an Online Lesson Platform for people who are reluctant to venture out. The Online Lesson Platform allows participants to receive top-notch dance lessons from the comfort of their own living room. You can also book 30-minute streaming dance lessons.
If you are ready to add ballroom dance lessons to your to-do list, contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios location to learn about our introductory offer.
