Apparently Sonje Henie started the short dress trend when she competed in them in 1924. Obviously she had the advantage as she could jump and spin better in them (women used to wear long dresses). So she is credited for creating our ladies' skating fashion of today!
History of Figure Skating Part II: Olympic Inclusion
http://www.discountskatewear.com/page.asp?id=38
Ice Skating Fashions Past and Present
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/figure_skating/106904
http://www.lafsc.org/history(1).htm
2007-12-14 10:39:54
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I think the basic reason is it's tradition. If you look at old pictures of skaters, they wore long skirts and gradually through time, they got shorter. The dresses and costumes add to the pagentry and artistry of the sport, plus it's a lot easier to move in tights and all sorts of lycra! Also without pants, it's a little easier to see straight legs and positions or not get a blade caught!
As for outside of competitions and testing, I'm not sure why skaters wear them. I think some grow out of that phase. These days I'd much rather wear a cute pair of sweats or shorts and legwarmers! I'd guess that skaters feel more "official" or pretty when wearing them. Maybe it shows that you've "made it" as a skater...it distinguishes the recreational skaters from the ones who take lessons, etc. I know around here, a while back, some coaches used to require their skaters to wear them for lessons and practice (we used to have club dresses!) so they could point out bent knees on camels, etc. I had to wear one for my test on Monday and felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb! haha :)
2007-12-14 19:02:31
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answer #2
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answered by pinksk8ergal 5
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It is a part of what skating is all about! I am 12 and I have been skating for 9 years and competing for 7 years. I love the way I look in a skating dress! All of the sequins and glitter and the flow of the skirt just make me feel beutiful! And that will help my performance.
~Krissy~
2007-12-15 08:30:44
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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The dress are easier for you to move,jump,and spin. Dresses and skirts let figure skaters be more flexible and don't hold you back appose to jeans and stuff. There are other things like sweat pants but they are tight like tights if you don't want to wear dresses or something.
2007-12-14 22:19:55
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answer #4
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answered by Im So Wrong Its Almost Right 5
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like what she said. it is less stress to deal with and you also look pretty in them. Like in competitons you can't wear anything but a dress for girls. WAY more easyier to move in as well!
skater for 2 1/2 years and have done some exhabitions.
2007-12-14 15:08:40
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answer #5
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answered by skittle 1
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BECAUSE IT IS EASYER TO MOVE IN AND IT DOSN'T SLOW YOU DOWN
2007-12-14 12:18:14
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answer #6
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answered by dontstay 1
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