Common Misunderstandings
Presentation is often misunderstood. It is especially easy to judge it only by facial expression or general atmosphere. However, Presentation is not a smile score. It is not judged only by the face. It is not about moving dramatically for the sake of being dramatic. The important point is whether changes in the music appear in the body movement. It is also important that the expression continues throughout the performance. Before and after jumps, at the beginning and ending of spins, during steps, and after mistakes, Presentation still continues. Even if the skater has facial expression, Presentation will not look strong if the body movement does not match the music. On the other hand, even without exaggerated facial expression, the performance can communicate strongly if the whole body responds to the music.
What You Will Learn | |
In this section, you will correct common misunderstandings about Presentation: • Presentation is not just smiling • Presentation is not only facial expression • Presentation is not only big or dramatic movement • Presentation is not only what happens between elements • Presentation continues throughout the whole program |
✅ Correct understanding
• Presentation evaluates whether the music and body movement are connected. • Expression is visible not only in the face, but also in the eyes, upper body, arms, back, core, and legs. • The connection to the music should continue before and after jumps and spins. • After a mistake, it is important to return to the music and the performance as quickly as possible.
❌ Misunderstanding
• If the skater smiles, the Presentation score should be high. • Acting with the face is enough. • Bigger and more dramatic movement always means stronger expression. • Before a jump, it is acceptable for the music and expression to disappear. • After a mistake, the skater only needs to prepare for the next element.
✍️ Summary
Presentation is not about creating emotion only on the face. It is about showing the changes, atmosphere, and timing of the music through the whole body.