Raving for the Compulsories

Just a quick post for a thought on the upcoming Ice Dance competition.

They're actually televising the compulsory dance. The Ice Dance event consists of three rounds: the compulsory dance, the original dance, and the free dance. Compulsory dancing is the closest ice dance comes to traditional ballroom dance. There are a number of specified patterns to specified music. Each team must perform the same dance, which is selected a few days ahead of time. Unlike the original dance (original choreography within given style parameters; e.g., everyone performs something in a tango style, or waltz style, etc.) and the free dance (rhythm and choreography entirely open to the competitors), compulsory dance is rarely televised. To the uninitiated, compulsory dance is boring because all the skaters are doing the same dance. The subtleties of technique and expression are difficult to detect.

I've often lamented the snubbing of the compulsory dance round, which I would gladly watch. The reasons I like this round:
-- I know the dances. The dances that the competitors skate are the same ones that I have learned, trained, and in many cases, passed.
-- Objective comparison. Since everyone does the same dance, it's easier to compare teams. Sure, there are still different interpretive approaches to a compulsory dance, but the steps are the same. One could theoretically compare teams on the execution of the mandatory steps. It's certainly easier than trying to compare one dance team's interpretation of Irish riverdancing with another team's dramatic rendition of Romeo and Juliet. And let's not even throw Bolero into the mix.
-- Nuances. The steps are the same, but how will each team put their mark on the dance? Will the Tango Romantica be skated with dramatic flair and passion, or will they opt for a softer, more sensual dance?

So, I'm excited that they'll be showing the compulsory dance event this year. This is almost certainly due to Belbin and Agosto's shot at a medal; a top American team will draw viewers.

But what dance will be skated during the compulsory dance round? None of the main media outlets seemed to find this bit of information newsworthy -- maybe because it doesn't matter to most people. But I wanted to know! Simply stating that it will be selected (from the Yankee Polka, Tango Romantica, and Ravensburger Waltz) before the first official practice session is not enough. After all, with the compulsory round being held Friday, one would expect the teams have had an official practice or two.

Finally, I located the information: it's the Ravensburger Waltz. For more information on the Rave and my take on the compulsory round, come back Friday night.