twizzle

A twizzle is a multirotational one-foot turn in figure skating. The twizzle is most commonly seen in ice dancing, where it appears in a number of Pattern Dances (originally called Compulsory Dance) and is a required element of step sequences in the short dance, original dance and free dance. A twizzle is also common in synchronized skating where it is also a required element of step sequences.

A twizzle differs from a figure skating spin in that it travels across the ice instead of being centered in one spot. Skaters can turn several revolutions on a twizzle, the number of which depends on the level at which they are skating or what is set in the specified steps of a Pattern Dance; as defined by the ISU Technical Committee of the relevant discipline.

Twizzles can be performed both forward and backward, on both inside and outside edges, and both clockwise and counterclockwise. Twizzles are most commonly performed in an upright position with the free foot held close to the skating leg, but other variants are possible as well, such as a twizzle in a sit spin position.

Speed, ice coverage i.e. distance, unison (couples), closeness (couples), variety and difficulty of positions, change of rotational direction (counter-clockwise, clockwise), and difficult entries are taken into consideration by the judges and technical specialists.