Creating a Choreographed Sequence With Simple Elements

A choreographed sequence (ChSq) is one of the most expressive elements of a free skating program. It typically combines spirals, skating movements, choreographic movements, and other creative elements that follow the character and dynamics of the music.

While the choreographed sequence has its own technical requirements, it also offers skaters considerably more freedom for artistic expression than many other technical elements.

For this reason the choreographed sequence is the moment when skaters have the opportunity to showcase their individuality, flexibility, skating skills, musical interpretation, and creativity. A well-designed choreographed sequence can become one of the most memorable moments of an entire program.

Never underestimate the fundamentals

Although creativity, new positions, and unusual combinations of elements can increase the Grade of Execution (GOE) and strengthen the overall artistic impression of a program, skaters should never underestimate the value of the fundamentals.

Take the camel position, for example. It is one of the fundamental positions in figure skating, yet it can have a significant impact on the quality of a choreographed sequence when performed with exceptional extension, control, flexibility, and confidence. The same principle applies to every spiral. Even the simplest position can create a genuine “wow” moment when it is performed with beautiful lines, strong body control, and clear musical expression rather than simply meeting the minimum expectation.

Quality is often remembered far longer than difficulty. Audiences rarely remember whether a spiral reached exactly the required angle. They remember how the performance made them feel.

Make your skating recognizable

Think of Sasha Cohen or Yuna Kim. Neither became unforgettable because every movement they performed was completely new. They became memorable because familiar movements were executed with extraordinary quality, elegance, and individuality. Their skating had a recognisable identity, and that identity was reflected even in the simplest elements.

Figure skating is, above all, an art performed on ice. Technical difficulty is essential, but it is only one part of a successful program. Every movement within a choreographed sequence is an opportunity to demonstrate personality, interpretation, skating quality, and attention to detail.

Give the choreographed sequence the attention it deserves

A strong choreographed sequence can make a meaningful contribution to both the technical score through GOE and the overall artistic impression of the program. Yet many skaters spend countless hours practising jumps while investing comparatively little time developing positions, skating skills, body lines, and artistic details that make a program truly memorable.

This does not mean other technical elements are less important. Rather, it highlights the importance of giving choreographed sequences the same thoughtful preparation as jumps, spins, and step sequences. The strongest programs are those in which every element contributes to the overall story being told on the ice.

Create a moment people remember

Standing out among your competitors does not necessarily require inventing a completely new movement. Sometimes the greatest originality comes from performing a familiar element in a way that nobody else does. A beautifully extended camel position, an expressive catch-foot spiral, or a simple movement perfectly matched to the music can become the defining moment of a program.

The goal of a choreographed sequence is not simply to fulfil a technical requirement. It is to create a moment that judges remember, audiences admire, and people associate with you long after the performance has ended.

Key Takeaways

• A choreographed sequence is one of the best opportunities to showcase a skater’s individuality, creativity, and skating skills.
• Simple elements can become the most memorable part of a program when they are performed with exceptional quality and attention to detail.
• Strong execution, originality, and musical interpretation can improve both the Grade of Execution (GOE) and the overall artistic impression of a performance.