Valsfrjálsar

Valsfrjálsar is an Icelandic term that translates to "free skates" or "free skating" in English, most commonly referring to a discipline within figure skating. It is the segment of a figure skating competition where skaters perform a program set to music, showcasing a combination of jumps, spins, footwork, and other elements. Unlike a short program, which has required elements, the free skate allows for greater artistic expression and a wider variety of technical maneuvers. Skaters aim to demonstrate their technical proficiency, athletic ability, and artistic interpretation to earn points from a panel of judges. The duration and number of elements allowed in a free skate vary depending on the level of competition and the specific discipline, such as singles, pairs, or ice dance. The scoring in free skating considers both the technical merit of the elements performed and the program components, which evaluate aspects like skating skills, transitions, performance, choreography, and interpretation. This segment is often seen as the culmination of a skater's training and a significant part of their overall performance in a competition.