Worlds 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White FD Comparison

The most exiting moment of the year. When one of them finishes their last movement and salute :) This time I had a clear jurisdictiın thet Virtue & Moir was going to get this one either. No matter how little difference there is in terms of the quality of the skating skills and performance between the two teams there are some weak points an strong points in every of them and there are mistakes in executing and perfection. I always think that luck, is a very big factor t when it comes to teams like this you can't determine which one of them is actually better. Because Davis & White's luck might've gone better and V&M's might've encountered some misfortunate events. You can never know. On any given day one can be simply better than the other. But there is one thing that is very clear; Davis &White started the season unbeliavably strong and Virtue&Moir were mediore and disapointed us then, something happened to them, instead of improving and closing to perfection D&W started going down, inability of making some of the movements impeccably has occured. On the other hand, you could feel the desire and ambition in V&M's eyes, they were editing the whole program from beginning moves to the end everytime we see
them to catch up the

perfection. They were enthuisiasted about every single step they made and working so hard. This program was ceased to be boring. I've felt the exact same amazing vibe watching them when I was feeling for D&W in the beginning of the season. Coming to worlds performances, I've felt especially Meryl had been demoralized since V&M were ahead after the SD. When she's in such a mood like this, it always reflects her performance in a negative way because she's not concentrated well, not looking enthusiasted as always and very nervous.

V&M have began the program with glory and enthusiasm. And they opened the program with a diagonal step sequence which is the only primary difference between them and D&W causing their total base value point to be higher. If D&W would've executed a "level 4" diagonal step seq.  the only difference between the element scores would be 0,3. The reason behind this is;
1) V&M were performing tightly connected, D&W were performing it a bit apart from each other
2) V&M were looking effortless as always and D&W's effort was visible
3) V&M made deeper edges, D&W were not looking secured in turns

Attaining a level 4 requires absolute presicion by both skaters and D&W only earned a level 3.
In their Curve lifts, V&M earned higher points again. In my opinion V&M executed the lift impeccably but D&W's is more difficult. So both teams should've earned the same points. In their spins, D&W earned slightly higher points which I agree, their spin contains 3 different parts ( +1 apart from V&M) and they were a bit faster. So it was expected for them. No suprise D&W got this either, it was in the bag.Twizzles... what a shame Scott lost his balance for a moment, but he recovered it quickly. This costed V&M a slightly lower points. We all can see without a doubt that D&W are the best in the twizzles so they earned it, big time. In their circular footwork sequences both teams were scored in level 3 which was fair and they both got the exact GOE's. Both bend in the waist a bit evident and blades were not completely secured perfectly so I couldn't see any difference between the teams. Coming to Rotational lifts, D&W's first rotational lift compared to V&M's was scored higher. Yes, that lift is sensational and yes that lift is heavenly and yes they executed it flowingly & perfectly but V&M's has no difference in terms of difficulty and performance. Their lift was tremendously done either. In my opinion V&M' were just a little bit better because no matter how D&W's lift is looking faboulous and glamorous, this doesn't make it more difficult than V&M's. Because the speed in the transition of V&M's is absolutely unbelievable.
Comparing D&W's second rotational lift + Straight line lift with V&M's combination lift of the two. V&M's straight line lift part was without a doubt spectacular in terms of both difficulty and execution. Comparing it to D&W is pointless because I believe their straight line lift was their weakest element this season. But V&M's rotational part was looking a bit rushed and incomplete comparing to D&W's rotational lift because their lift is more speedy and expeditious.

Last but not least the program components. I want this to be quick and painless. Skating Skills; equal, Linking footwork; V&M, Performance; D&W, Choreography; equal, Timing; V&M.

I believe %90 of you agrees with me. Overall V&M displayed a slightly better performance. Part was because if D&W can't catch up the perfection in their transitions, turns and twists their performance looks a bit rushed and hectic. So they may try to keep it a bit slower and cool the next year.

Congratulations again to Tessa & Scott they did their best and Won. Can't wait to see next year.

Worlds 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White SD Comparison

This is the hardest comparison I've ever written about the two teams. They were both so close, only minor unsynchronizations, stumbles, artistical little movements and usage of extremities differ. Thats it.

When Teesa & Scott finished their sd program the moment of obscurity appeared again. Which of them were better? I couldn't think of anything except for the rhumba pattern at that time because they were not performing one after another, there were teams between them which was making it ever harder.
Davis & White opened it with speed, the tempo and great transitions and Virtue & Moir's opening is not that strong but artistically it is more sensual and tithe and they get straight into the rhumba pattern which was a bit better than Davis & White's. Here is why;
1)  V&M got into the sequence with much speed and control
2) V&M were making deeper edges
but the rest was the same. Synchronization was amazing for D&W either and they executed the steps with harmony. About the twizzles. It is so hard to compare because both Charlie and Tessa stumbled, lost balance for just a moment and other than that, D&W were faster as usual and V&M did one more part +1 as usual. So in my opinion there is nothing to differ them from each other but apparently one judge thought V&M were better so their element GOE was higher. In the second

part of the rhumba pattern D&W got
 into the sequence as fast as V&M and made deeper edges than their first sequence but even though V&M were a bit more better. In the free dancing parts V&M's was a rhumba and movements&transitions were slower and in some parts they were dancing really apart from each other but they were much in control of them, while D&W were faster but Meryl lacks elegance and a great stance sometimes her movements look so hectic and hurried. Tessa has that "it" makes all of the movements look so simple when actually isn't. In the step sequence D&W were more synchronic and well executed. Tessa stumbled and lost her sync with Scott two times, she
recovered it quickly but D&W were much better. In the lifts I understand why most of the judges gave V&M higher scores but there was a minor difference, V&M's was more difficult but D&W executed so well and their lift is so difficult either. Here comes the tricky part; They have to mark 2 or 3 nothing between so, when they think if the one is better they automatically should give 3 and that leads to a great gap between the teams. There should be at least half scores that they can give out so the gap wouldn't be this much bigger. In my opinion Tessa & Scott were a bit better but I think they should've been seperated with a 0.2 or 0.1 in the element scores. Both of the teams did a fantastic job as always and Tessa & Scott won fair.

free dance review will be coming shortly after..

2012 World Figure Skating Championships Short Dance Review

Firs of all I've got to say that this was one hell of a competition. There were disapointments, there were under-scoring, there was a fight and you could feel the intensity from here.

To start with the champions Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, What a temptation between them. I think I haven't seen them this much strong and good for maybe 1,5 year. This SD was fast and flawless. From the beginning till the end you could feel the energy in your marrows. All of the transitions were polished and there was a magnificent intensity during the whole program. I will be analysing in details when I compare them with Davis & White. But overall it was breathtaking.
As for the Meryl Davis & Charlie White, I love this program. I think its amazingly structured and both of them were looking so spontaneous like they were coming from the street and someone invited them over and they were improvising the whole choreography, incredible speed in transitons always blowing my mind and they did their best.

Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat; The words are never enough about how I get excited during this program. That fever that glow that rhapsody that enthusiasm is simply magical. This was their best at performing this program. The beginning of the program was so well done with the speed and turns you could see in the rhumba sequence that they could have been better. Fabian had a little stumble on the second part of the twizzle but they handled it well, then comes the fantastic part, the last 45 seconds, impeccably done.
As for the Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje my sentimental favorites are progressing so well I can't believe it how fast they do it anymore. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level. Their opening movements had weaving footwork and intricacy. Their speed level was spectacular. They have amazing content, transitions and difficult positioning ( thanks to Bourne) which they accomplished with strenght. In the Rhumba pattern their edges were so deep, very good.
Elena Ilinykh & Nikita Katsalapov were below their average performance. Transit
ions were not well done and something happened I can't point it out about their speed. Overall it was a great performance. I loved seeing them as the number one Russian couple on ice that's for sure. But I believe Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte should've ranked higher than them. Their SD was sensational. They make me feel the passion and romance. The softness betweet the turns & transitions is immense. Amazing synchronization between the two was hypnotizing. They haven't stumbled even once. Hands down it was their best performance and they deserved to be ranled 5th.
About Shibutani's, I don't know what happened there. They certainly have been under-scored, not much but a bit. In terms of technique they are not behind neither the Italians nor the Russians. While examining their scores it is obvious that rhumba pattern was the main reason behind it and this element was certainly considered as a below the average for the judges, especially the first one. I believe they were not that good on the pattern either.
Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue are so in love. I love how they quickly started a relationship and this reflects their dancing makes it delicious to watch them and how they sink into each other makes all the movements more delightful. This couple is fast and they were certainly fast enough to impress the judges either.
Ekaterina Bobrova & Dimitri Soloviev, with their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture, untight execution of footwork well, it was ok for me them being 9th. A shame on that fall but looking at their scores you can clearly see that it's not all about that fall.
My newbies Penny Coomes & Nicholas Buckland did the best they could. What a shame her blade slipped out of her hand during the first part of the twizzles but one way or another I enjoy watching this program.

Four Continents 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White Comparison

I sure wasn't expecting that. Wasn't expecting for Tessa and Scott to be this fascinating at all. They were striking in the transitions and turns and there is no doubt that this program has been edited tremendously. They added some transitions that were missing. Finally! I'm so happy that they've seen the missing parts that needed to be filled. The beginning of the program was just so boring now it has amazingly fluent movements that are enchanting. Tessa looks radiant. As much as Tessa and Scott's first 45 sec. of the program was eye-chatching Meryl and Charlie's program seemed so flat. I couldn't live that feeling which I usually have when I watch them. I believe as much as they are technically exellent when they don't have the energy to bring the dance alive the adjective magical flies away from the window or this program. All of the lifts were accomplished tremendously in Virtue & Moir's Funny face. Especially the long lift was best that I've ever seen from them. I used to think that there was always something wrong with this lift where she struggles in the transition of different positions but this time it was solid and flowing. They really risen up high and took the peak point of the music above with it then callobrate it. But somehow Meryl and Charlie struggled in their circular lift and they usually used to take the music where it belongs to when Meryl rises up and like I used to say "she flies and touches the blue sky" but she had difficult moment up there leaving her hands from Charlie's shoulders. What a shame to a wonderful lift. They were both great in footwork sequences but Charlie and Meryl were outstanding as always in the twizlles but they both unsynchronized just a little tiny
 bit so were both teams were equal to me in this segment. By the way, Meryl and Charlie were literally out of breath at the end of the program. I have never seen them like this. They both leaned foward and it was an awkward moment because performers usually doesn't aware the jury that they are exhausted especially Mery and Charlie. Just look at the picture. Something obviously didn't go well for them but they hold it together. Well done Mery and Charlie' Overall, just to make a quick summary their performances and timing were both in the right place but in terms of scoring Tesa and Scott deserved to be higher this time and they have +3,5 Base value so it was inevitable for them to win Gold.

Four Continents Championships 2012 - Short Dance Overview

First of all I really think that no one performed full of their capacity. They were all lacking energy and especially speed. Aso for the Davis and White. They were undeniably the best but still they lacked synchronization in some twisted parts. I really liked Mery's outfit in the nationals and I think this one sucks the light out of the dance. She should not wear it at all. So distracting. But her outfit was not the worst. Tessa's outfit shows all the weight she gained. Its not a bad dress. I don't think we can ever see her testeless but it is a wrong choice for her body. She gained a lot of weighed and it showed most of it. Loved her dark bue one. It was the best represented this program. Se was looking absolutely stunning with it but this time I could not see that "Tessa and Scott light" in this program. They were slow and unsure about some of the movements. Scott is having a hard time trying to lift her up. What a shame for great dancers. Tessa should do domething immetiately. I'm not telling all this to offence but to show reality. We cannot deny this. If they don't pull themselves together, they will continue to fall. We all they are so much better than this. Don't start with the whole she had so many surgeries, bad times defention. She had surgery back in 2009 but they returned like a bomb in 2010. They are loosing it. They are not creative anymore. Don't take this all to Zueva and Shpilband. Look how Meryl and Charlie adding their signature movements and speedy, edgy transitions to their programes.
Weaver and Poje were the only ones with full speed. Although Kaitlyn was really nervous and looked a bit uncomfortable about something Her concentration is so high that nothing can get on her way and she shows it. I feel like their chemisty as a couple is getting better everytime I see them. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level throughout the season. I believe they have recieved lower scores than they deserved it. So did the Shibutani's. Its ok for me to both of the teams to be rated close but not this low. I may still consider them as teenagers and the fact that they are siblings is a bit disturbing to me in ice dancing but this has not prevented my point of view to be objective. In terms of speed they are better than Weaver and Poje. In terms of twizzles they can even be better than Davis and White in the future! so even thought Weaver and Poje are my sentimental favorites, Shibutani's were much better. I have to admit. But should they really have to dress her upthe same as Tessa's dark blue outfit? I bet she is not wearing it because of this. This is kind of the same dress and I hate these kind of situations. They are both team canton so they should have thought about this. I hate emulation. Everyone has the same hair style as the trend Tessa started; straight flat ponytail from the top of the head.
Tessa is a pioneer of fashion in ice dancing. Tessa and Scott are always the ones followed by the others. Their music is being used by other teams this year. They have started the unique, difficult and high end lifts in ice dancing. They are "high ice dancing" even thought they are not as good as they used to be. Madison Hubbell and Alexandra Paul are one of them.  I was expecting much from Hubbell and Donohue. But they lacked speed and they were missing all the deep edged transitions. I thought that they were going so strong but they dissapointed me big time. Alexandra and Paul were almost in slowmotion. They are perfection in terms of executing technical elements but they were boring. This program feels like its not even latin. It just doesn't gives the vibe.

Moves of 2012 - Virtue & Moir's Funny Faces

I love this theme. And the funny faces they make. They constantly make funny faces and that is a great way to represent the theme, the idea of it and to reflect. I love when couples do associated certain "moves" to integrate it with the program. This is certainly out of Virtue & Moir's league because even though when they make a hardcore Pink Floyd theme program, they always superimpose intimate actions. But this program is just about fun. Pure fun and the "moves" they make are "funny" even when their intentions are not to be. The opening in itself is delightful and funny! He tries to make her smile but she looks funny faced :) Representing the whole dance in the most pertinent way. And there is the part when they tap dance a little bit Scott makes this "funny face" and they just constantly make it. Great move Tessa & Scott. Appreciated..

2012 Canadian Figure Skating Championships Overview

I enjoyed watching this season's Canadian Nats., maybe its because most of my sentimental favorites are from Canada. First of all Scott was looking like interesting with his wierd printed shirt but I'm kind of realizing that they are growing up and they are mature human beings. I dont find their SD was as good as it should be. Because we all have been seen them performing this program with so much energy and this performance lacked enthusiasm. But I certainly find them beautiful and I admire their demeanor. About their FD. I've seen some editing. Especially on the first lift which is a terrible idrea because they were fine with that innovative lift and they were progressing on it so why change now? If they can handle that streight line lift they had in 09' and 10' seasons they certainly can handle this one. They've changed it into this ordinary lift that has nothing exciting about it and as much as I love Tessa and Scott I don't think that they are going to be World champions this season. I appreciate Tessa's interest in Funny Face theme but this program is to be honest...boring. Let's give some credit to Meryl and Charlie, they are a lot better and their program contains variety of transitions and quick changes and edgy movements, Tessa and Scott are just hanging around the ice and this choreography lacks everything M&C has in their program. So I wish that they would just come up
with new ideas instead of rehersing the same moves on and on.. It all comes down to them, this is not about the coaches they can easily look at Meryl and Charlie and say " They have a lot of technical stuff that we don't have" and try to change this program. Ok enough of Tessa and Scott..As for the Weaver and Poje. They blow my mind. Their SD was hands down the best performance I have seen this season. Jusst perfection. No suprise they were so close to Tessa and Scott after the SD. They deserved it. And their FD was absolutely astonishing I love this program but once again I told myself "they really need to edit this last lift" they need to cancel the 3rd lift and combine last two lifts in the end because that straight line lift needs something and that is a rotational lift with makes it a long combination lift. It would be perfect because it just seems awkward. Thak God they have these amazing movements aftarwards in the end that changes the mood but there is still 2 seconds screaming for help.Coming to Gilles and Poirier, as much as I loved their SD, I hated their FD. I thought that is was going to be choreographed by  Christopher Dean but if it is then I'm disappointed. Because it is great till the end of the first minute then off.. its boring.. sorry but I would expect more from him. Maybe it will progress but draft is there and unless it doesn't have lot of editing on it then certainly this program is not taking them anywhere. But
their SD was impeccable yet innovative. I loved Piper's energy and gleam. I didn't know that she was this much talented Im suprised in a good way and they have a great chemistry, nice choice there Paul! Go with it. Loving loving loving their twizzles! very creative and hard to execute. Loving Piper's yellow outfit. I think it is the best outfit this season. But I can't say the same to their FD outfits. They are terribly lame! I understand their funny look with a tough song like Sweet dreams but they don't need to look childish. İf they would look the opposite ( tough) to their actions (sweet and funny) then it would be clicked but I'm not feeling it like this. Coming to Paul and Islam, they executed clean, poished and solid work out there. They were impeccable but they need some action to at least one of their dances because they are dancing with a rhumba part mostly in their SD and performing to a slow music piece in their FD. I'ts just not right. Ralph and Hill deserved to be 4th. I'm not really into this couple although I adore Asher and his posture and stage presence I believe Kharis being a bir over weighted constitutes as an obsticle for them. But they are passionate and enthusistic so.. wish them the best.

Skate Canada Free Dance Review

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are so delicious, I can eat them in a heartbeat. This program is absolutely wonderful. I wasn't sure about those whitey white outfits at the beginning (reminds Mahler) but with red dress, Tessa is stunning, her movements are noticable and shows every detail. They are progressing everyday. I'm so much more satisfied that Finlandia. It's only been 3 weeks but they are improving! Lifts are much better executed, linking footwork is becoming clear. There is not much to say, I've written my thoughts about the program overall and this couple executed it impeccible. I didn't get bored. So that's a good thing. Tessa lost her strenght a bit at the end, she suffers from her exertional compartment syndrome and I hope that she is feeling fine because the last thing they need is for her pain to increase and to have a surgery right in the middle of the season when they've worked so hard for it. They have some original
movements suits the music and they are performing it elegantly. They came a little bit close during the synchronized twizzles but Scott handled it quickly. Their curve lift (first lift) becomes more impeccible everyday. It is a risky and edgy lift, amazing and  artistically not quite fulfilling the judges needs but its a modern approach to "funny face". They only need to turn up the volume a bit. Coming to Andrew and Kaitlyn, they are dancing to my favorite song of Lara Fabian. Their scattered, melancholic and heart broken appearance really fits and suits the song perfectly and loved their styling. They've started clean.. Their first serpentine footwork sequence was executed well. Their passionate moves like Kaitlyn scrolling down from Andrew's shoulder to his leg is a high end look and representes their style perfectly. There are variety of their signature looks, Kaitlyn very close to ice, Andrew always bending either and sliding in their lifts and movements. So clever and resembles to Bourne and Kraatz. I used to love their signature sliding movements now Weaver and Poje following their footsteps, is just enchanting. Their second section of their turn is remarkable. You can see the way Shae-Lynn used to work her extremities in Kaitlyn. All of their lifts were thriving especially their first rotational lift, an altered version of one of their signature lifts, they changed it a
little bit and it gives a swanky feel to it. Their curve lift was impeccable but there was a missed mark on their second footwork sequence. Kaitlyn did an extra turn on the first part of the twizzles but they have found their harmony immediately. Their straight line lift really needs a different closure to it. There should be a rotational part and should be converted to (SiLi4 + Roli4). It would be tremendous and enourmous to end that lift. It feels like something is missing this way. They don't get to give you the powerful, strong vibe to it. Hope they edit it. But Cappelini and Lanotte has highest scores in the FD. Overall Weaver/Poje got the 2th place but to me, they have equal skatig skills and they both executed strong performances. Cappellini and Lanotte need to connect those transitions between the lifts and the following movements and this program will be phenomenon! Loved their poitive vibe and smiley faces. Their opening motions were elegan, their twizzles were gorgeous. They were flowy and their fluidity was over the top. These guys skating skills inarguably one of the best and it shows in every way! They really gave the feeling of the strada in the footwork sequence gently and polished.

Their curve lift is one of the best lifts we see in this season and as they progress it will be much more beautiful. Anna needs to be much more relaxed especially in the second sequence because this program requires it badly. Their second lift was gorgeous I wish it could've been a bit longer, with just one extra turn maybe.. Music also requires and begs for a showy straight line lift!They need to step up in the game and turn the volume up. Almost every team is creating difficult, strong and over the top straight line lifts. They have the skills, if they can change it and make it something mesmerising while she is standing up on one foot on his leg, this program will reign. Trust me they are silent killers this season. To me their ending movements and posture is artistically one of the best in the ice dancing history! Last but not least my sentimental favorites this year Madison Chock and Evan Bates did a fantastic job in the FD. What a passion and romance. Undeniable chemistry. They are attracted to each other that is so obvious I mean look at this photo;

Skate Canada Short Dance Review

Starting another GP with falls. Madison Chock and Evan Bates fell so bad on ice it is unbelievable how they didn't get injured. That fall costed them 2.00 points of deductions and they finished SD round in 6th place. Their twizzles were a mess. There was no harmony at all and they couldn't put it together till the pattern sequence.They were insecure and movements were intermittent. Then they accomplished the straight line lift perfectly. That lift is edgy and Madison shows velocity in those poses. They have great chemistry and I believe a romance. It shows. They were very dynamic on the pattern sequences and didn't ranked as higher as they've deserved. Even though they fell, I don't agree on that particular -3 point of a judge. If you take a look closely to other points for the element, lowest score is 0. So an -3 is unfair. Ok they fell but they got their deduction they didn't sucked on that linking footwork sequence. Neither Puskash/Guerreiro not Riazanova/Tkachenko were better than Chock and Zuerlein. They are just couples with average skating skills by making excessive movements. And afterwards we finally see a clean program from Capellini/Lanotte. They were not thriving on the first pattern sequence. Some other couples were so much better. But we see fluidity on the twizzles. I always adore their stage presence and elegance. Their samba part is energic and they rocked it. So much fun and charisma in this part of the program. Especially Anna looked like she enjoyed it! I think there were some
part where Weaver and Poje were better and other than that they were equal in terms of skating skills and presentation. Technicality set Weaver and Poje apart. There were some very hard movements in terms of technicality and it showed. I can see clearly that they turned up the volume this time and taken risks. It is unarguable that they prepared well this season. Kaithlyn is a very competitive skater and Andrew is one of the   most talented men on the ice dance. I believe that they will reach the spot they deserve this season. They were impeccible on the pattern sequence in terms of both technicality and presentation. They were so confident and had this cocky attitude I simply loved it. A gorgeous straight line lift, just a Bourne style. It really shows it. I become aware of the fact that Kaitlyn's movements resembles to Bourne. Some of the head turnings and usage of her body is so similar you can tell that she got it from her. This choreography is full of requirements containing a high level of speed and edgy turns. They are great especially with speed but they lacked in good posture, extension of the extremities and rushed every move at the part before twizzles by the way they were great. That leg movement after the first section of the twizzle is adorable. I love this little details. I'ts not always about the big picture
for me. Last but not least the couple of my life. They were simply impeccible. Since I have written my comments about the program components, executed elements and choreography before in my finlandia trophy review I will only tell that they are improving even in the beginning of the season. They have added some new tricky movements that have been needed. They are clever and proactive. They have the advantage of their FD last season that should be used wisely. I'm so glad that they changed the lift. Their rotational lift was a very difficut lift but in terms of presentation I always thought that there was something missing. They almost lost balance because of Tessa's posture but they handled it perfectly. They are true champions. Excited to see the FD's tomorrow.

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

2011-2012 SEASON PRE-REVIEW....................................... VM vs. DW - Music choices- Ending relationships and newly teamed couples-Coach wars!

I'ts another season coming up not more than a month ahead of us.. So looking foward to it because all of the teams especially Virtue / Moir and Davis / White will have a topnotch battle and will push themselves as hard as they can because a lot of talented young couples leaving junior level and becoming part of the senior competitions can be a serious and undeniable thread for them. Remember Virtue / Moir were on the podium in worlds in their second year in seniors so we never now what can occur in the events. It relies on how far they can go and how much they can force themselves to seperate their programmes from another teams. Virtue / Moir's missing the gold last season after becoming Olymic champions could cause them to work harder and go even more extreme with lifts, the area where they are tremendous and unique.Unarguably they launched a brand new era with their lifts in ice dance and since then other teams have been pushing themselves to make thriving lifts and a prominent genre of a lifting style has occured over the last couple of years. It was so diferent early in the 00's where teams were technically making much more easier and fleeting lifts. Mark my word, we will see the greatest lifts of all time this season. 

Apparently this could be the year with most of the ending relationships and re-teaming since the 90's. I can't even track anymore. Hubell's announced end of their relationship and Madison will continue her career with Zachary Donahue and his former parner Piper Gilles teamed up with Paul Poirier. Crone and Poirier ended their relationship this year either and Vannessa is still looking for a partner. Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein's partnership also ended after Zuerlein retired from competition and Chock teamed up with Evan Bates whom also announced his ending relationship with his former partner  Emily Samuelson this year. Emily teamed up with Todd Gilles, Piper Gilles brother. Kerr's also announced their retirement from competitive skating in April 2001. There is still uncertainty between Domnina and Shabalin's partnership. They were planned to compete this season but it seems like Shabalin yet to be fully cured Oksana Domnina is probably searching for a new partner.

Hubell and Donohue will be coached by Krylo team (Anjelica Krylova, Massimo Scali, Elizabet Punsalan and Pasquale Camerlengo) and they will skate FD to "Put a Spell on you" by Nina Simone so it will definitely be a romantic and passionate. One of the programs I'm definitely looking foward to it. Piper Gilles and Poirier will be choreographed by the one and only Christopher Dean so I'm expecting a splendid, unique and post-modern programme just like Crone/Poirier's Elenor Rigby last year. They haven't revealed their choice of music so wonder continues. Music will tell us a lot about their programme. Chock and Bates will be dancing to Chopin's Prelude in E minor coached by Zueva and Shpilband. Belbin and Agosto skated to a collection of Chopin's including prelude in e minor so I'm assuming its one of Shpilband's favorites. This programme will be elegant and sophisticated. 

Samuelson and Todd Gilles will be choreographed by one and only Christopher Dean so I'm pretty excited about this couple either. They haven't revealed choice of their music yet. SD theme will be latin this year obviously because looking at the music choices of most of the teams, they all will be skating to a collection of Rhumba, Samba, ChaCha, Merengue or Bachata.. Virtue and Moir are the luckiest couple here. They will cut their last season's FD and here it is a perfect Latin medley SD performance. That programme didn't get the attention it deserved so it will be nice to see that rotational lift again. Although I have doubts about their choice for FD. Fred Astair - Funny face is a nice song but they could have chosen a better one if they really wanted to dance with a Gershwin song, there are better ones.
I don't think that its suitable for ice dancing but I believe they will exhibit a fascinating FD performance anyway. I would like to see them combining romance and port-modernizm again so much just like in "Greatest gig in the sky" performance that wish for them to skate to songs like Anyway- Genesis, Live with me-Massive Attack so I'm a little dissapointed.
Davis and White's music on the other hand is what a spectacular choice; Nino Rota's La Strada, is a very passionate, dramatic and intence piece of music. I'm sure they will perform another legendary programme this season. Pechalat and Bourzat's moving to U.S to work with Camerlengo/ Krylova so this is definely their year. So many new teams are working with them. Their FD will be an Egyptian. I have never seen an example of it on ice dance before. If you guys have any then please post it. They are working with Kader Belmoktar and Mourad Merzouki particulary on the basic egyptian routines and overall choreography whom Egyptians. I't will be unique and if they can nail this performance could be one of the most popular ones on the ice dance history.
As for the Cappellini / Lanotte  couple whom getting along very well will be dancing to Astor Piazzola's "Oblivion" very classic but good choice.But I'm very sure after seing their Requiem for a dream performance that every character suits Anna well and she is enchanted in more passionate performances. Coming to discovery team of 2010 Ilinykh and Ktsalapov, they have ended their relationship with Zhulin to start working with Morozov and Tarasova, they will be skating to Ave Maria which is a very sensual, religious and profound music. I have this feeling that they are going to be amazing on ice this season artistically as much as good they are technically. Looking at Bobrova and Soloviev, they will be performing with "Faust" I'm hoping adagio but they will probably dance with a collection from every popular part of it. So their kind.My sentimental favorites Weaver and Poje working with Bourne as well as Camerlengo and Krylova will be performing with Je Suis Malade from Lara Fabian, along with the classical choices this season I think this is the best choice among all.

Last but not least, It will great to see Hoffman and Zavozin back this year after her sickness it will be intriguing  how will they perform.
See you in Skate America!