A spiral is an element in figure skating where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg above hip level.
In spite of this, some male skaters are known for their spirals, such as Toller Cranston, Paul Wylie, and Shawn Sawyer.
As the skater moves, he or she glides slightly to the left or right (depending on the edge used), and continues in a spiral pattern around the ice if held long enough.
Straight line spirals aren’t typically done in shows or competition and are mostly only used for tests such as Pre-Preliminary MITF.
The basic spiral is performed with the free leg stretched and extended to the rear above hip level.
Judges look at the depth, stability, and control of the skating edge, speed and ice coverage, extension, and other factors.
Michelle Kwan was known for her change-of-edge spiral, in which she maintained a fixed arabesque position while changing from an inside to outside edge.
[2] It was invented by Robin Cousins[citation needed], and is notably performed by Sasha Cohen and Evgenia Medvedeva.