KILIAN

The Kilian is a test of close and accurate footwork, unison of rotation and control. Upright posture is required throughout. The dance follows a counterclockwise elliptical pattern, but the start and succeeding steps may be located anywhere around the circle. Once established, however, no shift of pattern is acceptable on subsequent sequences. The clockwise rotation must be controlled.

The partners skate close together in Kilian hold throughout, and particular care should be taken to avoid any separation and coming together of the partners. The man’s right hand should clasp the lady’s right hand and keep it firmly pressed on her right hip to avoid separation. The man’s left hand should clasp the lady’s left hand so that her left arm is firmly extended across his body. There are 14 steps done to 16 beats of music — Steps 3 and 4 are the only two-beat steps. All others are one-beat steps. Steps 1 to 3 form a progressive sequence, and care must be taken not to anticipate Step 4 by changing the body weight too early on Step 3. Steps 3 and 4 both must be strong outside edges that are not changed or fattened. Correct lean on these edges is essential to the expression of the dance.

Steps 5 to 7 form another progressive sequence, and again the body weight must follow the curvature of the lobe. At the start of Step 8, the body weight shifts toward the outside of the circle, and a strong checking action from the shoulders is required to maintain this lean through Step 9. Step 8 is commenced with a cross roll, while Step 9 is tightly crossed behind. Both these steps require a strong knee action.

Steps 9 and 10 constitute a crossed in front open choctaw. The right free foot must be placed on the ice slightly in front of the skating foot, with both knees well turned out in a momentary open position. A strong checking action from the shoulders and hips is necessary at the start of Step 10 to counteract the turning movement. The left foot leaves the ice and, at Step 11, crosses behind the skating foot to a LBI edge.

Step 12 is taken with the feet passing close together, but Step 13 is crossed in front. Correct clockwise shoulder rotation for both partners on Steps 12 and 13 facilitates close stepping. Step 14 should be stepped close to the heel of the skating foot and not stepped wide or ahead. Care must be taken not to prolong this edge. A well-bent knee and upright posture are required on Step 14.

MUSIC RHYTHM: March 2/4 or 4/4
TEMPO: 58 two-beat measures per minute, or 29 four-beat measures per minute; 116 beats per minute
ISU MUSIC INTRODUCTION: 32 beats, 16.5 seconds
PATTERN-TIMING: 1 = :08; 2 = :17; 3 = :25; 4 = :33, 5 = :41, 6 = :50
DURATION: Test 4 = :33 Solo after partnering 2 = :17 Competition 6 = :50 Adult Competition 4 = :33
SKATER’S CHOICE TIMING: See Skater’s Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart on usfgureskating.org under the “Technical Info” link
PATTERN: Optional
TEST: Pre-gold

INVENTOR: Karl Schreiter
FIRST PERFORMED: Engelmann Ice Rink, Vienna, Austria, 1909

KILIAN — OPTIONAL PATTERN DANCE