31/08/2026
Everything you need to know about the Golden Waltz.
The pattern dance element is officially back for the first time since the 2021–22 season! Here’s an explainer of what the Golden Waltz actually is, what makes a great waltz, and how it’s judged—complete with diagrams, definitions, and video examples.
This is the perfect guide for new fans and veteran fans wanting a refresher. Make sure to bookmark and save this guide for later!
A HUGE thank you to Mark Hanretty for collaborating on this, sharing his expertise, and fact-checking this guide! 🙌
Extra thanks to The Skating Session by Tony Wheeler and Ice-dance.com for the fact-checking support, and to the The Lost Boys: A New Musical cast album which got me through 5+ hours of editing.
📄Sources:
“Sports Rules, Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance,” ISU
“Communication No. 2795: Requirements for Technical Specifications season 2026/27,” ISU
“Communication No. 2803: Scale of Values and Program Components Factors valid as of July 1, 2026,” ISU
“Communication No. 2797: Requirements for Technical Rules,” ISU
“Technical Panel Handbook, Ice Dance, 2026-2027,” ISU
“ISU Announces Technical Requirements for 2026-27 Ice Dance Season,” Goldenskate
“Golden Waltz,” Ice-dance.com
“Return of the Waltz!” Ice-dance.com
“Figure Skating Steps/Turns,” Illyria Burke on Tumblr
“Pattern Dance,” Wikipedia
“Golden Waltz,” assiolo on YouTube