Figure Skating

Ice skating originated in Europe, but American Jackson Haines (1840-75) was the first to combine ice skating with dance in the 1860s. Haines's international style of figure skating became immediately popular in Europe and America by the 1900s. The International Skating Union (ISU) formed in 1892 for men's competition, adding an event for ladies in 1906, pairs in 1908, and ice dancing in 1952. World War I interrupted the advance of figure skating, but the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) formed in 1921, fueling the development of ice skating as a competitive sport. Champions like Sonja Henie pioneered professional skating in tours and movies from the 1920s. Each generation of figure skaters has added new elements, increased difficulty levels, and innovation to the artistry ...