CHAPTER 4.
Plain Circles, Inside Edge Forward.
Next to the outside edges in importance are the inside edges. Indeed, it is more accurate to say that they are of equal importance. For some reasons the inside edge deserves the premier position in skating.
Spectacular and exhibition skating probably draws into use more bold inside edges than it does outside edges. There is a certain attraction about the poised body executing the inside edge that the outside edge lacks.
CIRCLE. Right inside edge, forward. (RIF)
Many of my own big sweeping curves following quick dance steps are on the inside edges and they have come to me without any especial analysis of the reasons for their introduction. The fact that they have worked themselves into my varied programme implies that I find them both agreeable and natural.
The outside edge may be said to be an unnatural balance, almost a false balance. The weight of the body, if it is held erect over the print or mark which is being executed in the outside edge circle, is outside of the circle, where it has a natural tendency to pull the skater away from the circle he is trying to execute.
This pull has to be counteracted by leaning the body well toward the centre of the circle which is being skated. There are many compensating and at the same time conflicting balances in the outside edge circles which make them more difficult than the inside edge circles.
The inside edge circles, on the other hand, especially those skated forward, are in some respects the most natural and easy balances in the whole school of skating figures. They are the most natural stroke for any beginner to take. It is sometimes well to allow a beginner to start with these inside circles merely for the encouragement which their comparatively easy accomplishment will bring to the pupil. The more difficult outside edges can be gradually worked into the practice.