Variations of Speed?

[rack]

I know variations of speed is one of the things skaters are judged on, but I have no idea what exactly that entails. It seems obvious to me that at different points in a program, the skater will skate at different levels of speed out of simple necessity, so I assume that sort of variation isn't what the judges are looking for. And if a skater loses steam at the end of a program, and skates slower than at the start, there's a variation, but it's not a positive one.

So when do the skaters change their speed for esthetic reasons? What parts of the program should I be concentrating on if I want to observe variations of speed?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

[Lee]

Most common places to see variations in speed would be when the music changes. Many coaches/choreographers still adhere to the fast/slow/fast formula of music cutting and program layout -- although this has been changing somewhat in the past few years. Maintaining a breakneck speed through all changes of music tempo is probably not the best way to influence the judges. :P

[meli]

Lee--I can see where if you fly through a slow section of music it might hurt you artistically, but wouldn't the ability to fly through a program from beginning to end impress the judges with your athletic ability? It would show you're in good shape.

[AxelAnnie22]

Flying at breakneck speed might impress the judges with your athletic ability, but wouldn't say a whole lot about the breadth of your artistic abilities! ;)