Dance lifts

Ice dancers are not allowed to lift their partners above their shoulders. Dance lifts are separated into short lifts and long lifts. There are many positions each partner can take to raise the difficulty of a lift. Each position must be held for at least three seconds to count and is permitted only once in a program.

Short lifts may last up to six seconds in competition on the senior level.
Stationary lift A lift performed on the spot. The lifting partner does not move across the ice, but is allowed to rotate.
Straight line lift The lifting partner moves in a straight line across the ice. This lift may be performed on one foot or two.
Curve lift The lifting partner moves along a curve across the ice. This lift may be performed on one foot or two.
Rotational lift The lifting partner rotates in one direction while traveling across the ice.
Long lifts may last up to ten seconds in competition on the senior level.
Reverse rotational lift The lifting partner rotates in one direction, then switches and rotates in the other direction, while traveling across the ice. Serpentine lift The lifting partner moves in a serpentine pattern across the ice.
Combination lift A lift combining two of the four short lifts. Each part of the lift must be fully established.
In both pairs and dance, lifts that go on longer than allowed receive deductions.