Finlandia Trophy Review

For the first time Virtue and Moir performed on a B level ISU competititon. Since their closest competition were Shibutani's, it was unlikely for them to be in any spot less than a gold medal. As for the short dance; I was expecting it to be a "cut" version of the last's years FD but they have renovated the dance which is the most accurate decision to make because perception of "repeating the same program" is not a risk that they can have. I would have been ok with it if they did because it is their luck to be having a  fully prepared latin choreography in their pockets from last season, I believe it is their right. But critics and the jury would may have not think in the same way so they made the right decision and did almost %70 of the program differently. I didn't find it that strong and utilitary as I'expected. I believe that they will repeat themselves this year which is clearly not working for them.
People are expecting so much more innovation and avant-garde actions in terms of ice dancing just like I do. They have set this bar of expectations for us on a level which is so high that it is either going to crash or they should jump so much higher to succeed. Their talent is inarguably unprecedented and its still out there but they need to be very mindful in the upcoming seasons for the 4-5 years ahead of them . If they do, it will be their legend years. SD was impeccably flawless in terms of harmony and fluidity and their pattern dance was one of a kind. I don't think anyone will be as succesful as they are in this pattern side of the dance. But they need to include some crucial movements to this program. As for the FD; I believe it is going to improve and after 5 months it will be impeccable. If someone is critisizing this program then they should look at
Davis and White last season. People we accusing them to be non-passionate and found program ordinary. Look what it become. There can be a set of surprises before you even realize it. This dance has so much potential in it that is undeniable. It has a variety of genres (Jazzy, slow, romantic, swanky) which were cohesive and glamarous. It has energy, it has the flow.

Looking at the Shibutani's, they have great skating skills and very talented but they lack in interpretentation. In their SD there was no energy and they were trying to concentrate on the technical side of the moves constantly. They look too immature which makes it look like they are the Junior champions to me. Chock and Bates; what an impeccable program! They have literally found each other. The greatest thing about this season is newly teamed couples because it means that we get to see another new side (ex: Samuelson and Gilles) either. They were flowy
and edgy. Their lift was fantastic. Change in the music from classical to jazzy and then classical again gives program new kind of aspect I believe Madison was looking so elegant, her moves were coquetry and confident. Have to admit, wasn't expecting this much great work. Still cannot believe how they ranked 3rd by 10 points behind Shibutani's. I'm expecting to see more from Chock and Bates. By the way please check this link out its so funny; http://tastykake.tumblr.com/post/11162090712