ice dancing

American  

noun

1. a competitive ice-skating event in which a couple, using basic skating figures and not being permitted to use lifts, performs choreographed movements to music, based on traditional ballroom dances.

---

Etymology

Origin of ice dancing

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

On Monday, the Olympic skating competition continues with the ice dancing rhythm dance section with US world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates bidding for a first Olympic individual medal.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

Earlier this month, Torvill said Fear and Gibson had "taken ice dancing in Great Britain to another level".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2025

After a break from competitive ice dancing, then a strictly amateur sport, to pursue professional skating careers, Torvill and Dean also won bronze at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024

For better or worse, Ravel’s “Boléro,” with its churning swell of sound, has stirred the imagination of artists over time, among them the choreographer Maurice Béjart and the ice dancing team of Torvill and Dean.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Worse, she’s taken up ice dancing; she goes to classes at the local indoor rink, and tangos and waltzes in time to tinny music, holding hands with other women.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood