Ina Bauer (element)

Figure skating element
Element name:	Ina Bauer
Element type:	Moves in the field
Inventor:	Ina Bauer

An Ina Bauer is a "moves in the field" element in figure skating in which a skater skates on two parallel blades. One foot is on a forward edge and the other leg is on a backwards and different parallel edge. The forward leg is bent slightly and the trailing leg is straight. If the leading leg is on the inside edge, the move is known as an inside ina bauer. If the skater is on the outside edge, it is known as an outside ina bauer. Many skaters bend backwards while performing this move, although this is not required. The most flexible skaters can bend over almost completely backward. When performed this way, the move is called a layback Ina Bauer, after the layback position.

The move is named for Ina Bauer, who invented it.

The Ina Bauer element is an extended fourth position in ballet in terms of where the feet are placed. However, the front leg is bent and the back leg is kept straight. It can be entered into through an inside-edge spread eagle, and, like the spread eagle, is commonly used as an entrance into jumps, adding to the difficulty level of the jump under Code of Points. It can be used as an entrance to any jump because the element can be performed on either edge. For example, after the skater exits the Ina Bauer position, a double Axel jump can be executed.

The Ina Bauer can be performed on the inside edge or the outside edge. The outside edge Ina Bauer is considered more difficult than an inside edge. The back position is not mandatory, although most skaters will at least bend a little. The most flexible skaters can bend their backs until their head is nearly upside down.

The Ina Bauer is also a position for the lifting partner in ice dancing lifts. In this case, the lifting partner does not bend backwards.

Ina bauer (side view) (Joannie Rochette)

Layback Ina bauer (back view)
(Tugba Karademir)

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Wikipedia