I noticed this at the beginning of the season. They have sitting position in the first lift too. ISU has questions-answers section. I can't find this after the change of ISU website.
I find
http://www.usfsa.org/content/2013 ISU Ice Dancing Q&A 2.pdf
In a Lift, the lifted partner moves through sitting on the lifting partner’s shoulder or back without sustaining this sitting pose. Is this considered as an Illegal Element/Movement by the Technical Panel?
No. Rule 604, paragraph 16 refers to “sitting” as a sustained pose. This clarification applies also to all other movements/poses defined as illegal, as long as the movement/pose is not sustained.
Thank you.
It is very difficult to find rules since the ISU website changed, it makes me crazy sometimes. :disapp:
I really didn't notice the first lift , but after reading that answer / question, I am even more confused. OK, in third lift looks inelegant like riding a horse (very far from Swan Lake music), but it is OK and legal.
But this ISU answer was about "sitting" like a change between two positions during lift.
But in the first lift where Lena lies on Nikita's shoulder, it is fixed and sustained position, is this allowed???