One of the most highly watched and televised sports are figure skating competitions. Here, skaters are judged according to their technique, style, routine, and performance.

Skaters have a way of making their routines look graceful and calm, much like ballet dancers. However, in reality their performances are not only difficult but require years of dedicated practice. There is no doubt that on their way to perfecting their routines they most likely had to endure numerous falls, bumps, and injuries.

Ice skaters who are eyeing competitive figure skating need to train doing the basic moves. Skills in making steps, turns, spins, jumps, and lifts are required in order to compete.

Jumps are one of the most highly anticipated moves during a routine. When a skater jumps in midair, spins, and then makes a solid and graceful landing, audiences hold their breath and clap excitedly after. Since a jump is not only difficult but dangerous as well, a figure skater practices the move in a gym before training on the ice.

Audiences also look forward to watching a figure skater do a spin. A spin is when the skater turns rapidly and smoothly on the ball of their foot until he or she stops. There are numerous artistic variations to the spin and this can be witnessed in the many routines during figure skating competitions.

For pair figure skating, lifts are required. Here, the man will lift his usually dainty partner into the air while skating. Again, there are many variations to the lift.

Lifts are trained in a gym prior to executing it on the ice because they are dangerous and can seriously injure skaters if not practiced properly.

Figure skating is not only a sport but it is an art as well. It requires strength, skill, grace, and flexibility, among others. In order to master this sport, athletes must be strong and dedicated and willing to make huge sacrifices to bring beauty onto the ice. It is no wonder why so many people are huge fans of the sport.