Dance skating includes two different styles of compeition.
In American Dance, skaters must perform a series of steps in specific sequence. Skaters are judged based on their timinig with the music, their execution of the technical elements and the pattern of the dance, and their body positions. Competitions involve eliminations and final rounds. Skaters may compete in team dance as mixed couples or in solo dance as individuals.
World Class Dance involves three types of dance - compulsory, original set pattern (OSP) and free dance. In the compulsory dance, all teams skate the same set pattern. The OSP dance requires each team to create its own routine within guidelines relating to rhythm and pattern. In free dance, teams must use original choreography and music of their own choice. These three events are scored in one combined event.