Anagrams on Ice Trivia Quiz

Answer: Triple axel

The axel jump, originating in the late 19th century and named for Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen, is unique in that it takes off from a forward edge, yet the skater must still land backwards. This means that a triple axel actually has 3 1/2 rotations, making it one of the most difficult jumps to complete.

In 1988, Midori Ito of Japan became the first woman to land a triple axel in competition.

Answer: Side by side

While the side by side elements allow pairs' skaters to showcase their singles skating skills, they must constantly be aware of their unison and position relative to each other as they are being judged as a team. Too much distance between the couple is not desirable, but performing some elements too closely can become hazardous, as the Canadian team of Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison know well. Jessica's face received a severe cut from her partner's blade while performing side by side spins at a 2007 competition.

Answer: Footwork

A footwork, or step, sequence is a series of moves that include bracket turns, rocker turns, and, especially in ice dancing, twizzles (a series of quick rotations). Footwork sequences are rated by levels of difficulty, the highest being level four. The higher level sequences demonstrate the skater's full range of ability, such as skating in different directions, skilled use of edges, and upper-body motion.

Answer: Layback spin

Requiring a great deal of flexibility, the traditional layback spin is performed in an upright position by arching the back, raising the hands over one's head, and extending the free leg in a position parallel to the ice. Great Britain's Cecilia Colledge, one of the world's top figures skaters in the 1930s, developed the layback spin.

Answer: Code of points

The International Skating Union Judging System, also called the "code of points," debuted at the 2003 Grand Prix series. Under this system, skaters are scored on technicality and program components (which consist of skating skills, overall performance, choreography, etc.). For the technical score, each element, such as a jump or spin, is awarded a base amount of points, which can be adjusted depending on the "grade of execution." The point totals received for each phase of the competition are added together, and the highest overall total wins first place.

Answer: Toe loop

Often performed as a double, triple, or even quadruple jump, the toe loop is one of the first jumps a skater learns. The toe loop is entered into with a toe-pick (like the flip and lutz jumps) from a back outside edge and lands on the same. The loop jump, on the other hand, is an edge jump, without a toe-pick entrance.

Answer: Flying camel

The addition of a jump can turn a camel or sit spin into a flying spin. In the 1940s, Dick Button of the United States was the first to make this innovation with regard to the flying camel spin; it was thus originally called the "Button camel."

Answer: Compulsory

With no jumps allowed and restrictions on spins and lifts, ice dancing is quite similar to ballroom dancing. There are three phases to an ice dancing competition: the short compulsory dance, with its predetermined set of steps and music type; the original dance, for which the skaters select their own music but must conform to one of the season's chosen rhythms; and the free dance, in which teams have more freedom to choose their own style.

Although its first appearance at the World Figure Skating Championships took place in 1952, ice dancing was not seen at the Olympics until 1976.

Answer: Death spiral

While performing the death spiral, the man is in a low position, pivoting on his toe pick. He holds his partner's hand while she, her back arched and body nearly parallel to the ice, creates a spiral around him, with one skate touching the ice. The death spiral, performed only by pairs' teams, is a required element in that division.

Answer: Kiss and Cry

In the "Kiss and Cry," skaters can celebrate (or mourn, depending on the performance!) alongside coaches and other supporters, gather up the flowers and stuffed animals tossed to them by adoring fans, and anxiously await their marks from the judges. A Finnish skating official by the name of Jane Erkko coined this humorous title, which reflects the behavior of many skaters after their performances.