Charlotte spiral

The Charlotte (pronounced shar-lot) spiral, also known as the candle stick or fadeout, is a figure skating spiral. The skater bends forward and glides on one leg with the other one lifted into the air. The skater's torso is upright, but during the Charlotte, the skater's torso is as close to the grounded foot as possible. When performed well, the skater's legs are almost in a straight vertical split position. The Charlotte requires great flexibility and balance.

Figure skating element
Sasha Cohen executing a Charlotte spiral at the 2008 Stars on Ice tour stop in Portland, Oregon
Element nameCharlotte spiral
Alternative nameCandle stick spiral
Element typeSpiral
Named forCharlotte Oelschlägel

A Charlotte can be performed either forward or backward. It is usually performed backwards, although some skaters have performed it forwards in competition.

The Charlotte is named for German skater Charlotte Oelschlägel, who first performed the move in the early 1900s. Sonia Henie performed the move in some of her films, as well as her Olympic program in 1936.[1] Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen picked up the move several decades later[2] and are generally credited as bringing the move back into popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The position is rarely performed by men, notable exceptions being John Curry, Rohene Ward, Michael Christian Martinez and a few others.

References
  1. Hines, James R. (15 March 2015). Figure Skating in the Formative Years: Singles, Pairs, and the Expanding Role of Women. University of Illinois Press. p. 76. ISBN 9780252097041. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  2. Park, Alice; Rawe, Julie (25 February 2002). "You Be the Judge: How to Size Up the Moves That Make the Difference". TIME Magazine. Retrieved 27 March 2023.


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