Barbie's Friday Thoughts

Dance:

1. We should have Charlie & Tanith together doing commentary
2. Daniel Eaton has beautiful posture
3. Aldridge and Blackmer have potential once he masters the techniques...they clearly love skating together
4. I am thoroughly impressed by Hawayek & Baker; they truly look like seniors this year and their program was beautifully composed
5. The Shibutanis were 100% precise which I would say is a hallmark of Zoueva's teams, not one limb, one finger, one hair out of place
6. I'm living for all of this ballet today! Happy birthday Balanchine! 
7. Madison Chock is a star as long as you don't look at her feet 
8. The top 2 teams should be reversed and everybody else on twitter agrees...Chock/Bates are more dramatic but the Shibutanis are more precise
9. I completely agree with Charlie White...Hubbell & Donohue's short has the feeling of a free dance with the emotional storytelling
10. One team actually DANCED today and that was Hubbell & Donohue....you don't see the elements, just the movement

Men:

1. Nathan Chen knows how to compete-he did not skate perfectly, but he did not fall apart either
2. Jimmy Ma can rock a sheer top
3. Few skaters are more lyrical than Grant Hochstein-it's a shame that he couldn't go clean
4. Vincent Zhou has some guts-at least with the jumps-the spins and footwork will come and he will compete with Chen before too long
5. Ross Miner made me weep...his program was just so easy to watch and for the first time tonight I didn't feel anxious
6. Sean Rabbit's Samson & Delilah was artistic, energetic, and so fast! 
7. Tim Dolensky has an artist's soul and he showed that tonight
8. Max Aaron make jumping look so easy when he's on with those springy knees and he's developing some performance skills
9. Adam's footwork was the one element that stood out above everything else for me tonight
10. This event was infinitely better than the ladies short...these guys showed up to COMPETE

2016 US Championships: Dance Preview

This Senior Dance event has had me on the edge of my seat for months following the Grand Prix Final. That being said, I have so many question:

1. First and foremost, who will have the most garish costumes and music?
2. Will the judging be fair?
3. Will any of the placements have fans in an uproar?
4. Which free skate will make cry? (eh hem, Shibutanis)
5. Will there be any significant movements from the Short to the Free?
6. Will Chock & Bates be given an unfair bump by the judges because they are International favorites?
7. Which coach will wear the biggest scarf?
8. Will Marina combust if her Shibutanis lose, yet again, to former students Chock & Bates?
9. Will Hubbell and Donohue even be in the gold medal conversation or will there be, as in the past, a clear drop off between 2nd and 3rd?
10. Can Hawayek & Baker step up and challenge for 3rd or will they just fall by the wayside as yet another great junior team?
11. Does Alexandra Aldridge re-enter the conversation with her new pair-turned-dance partner Matthew Blackmer?
12. Will anyone else impress us?
13. What will be trending among skating tweeters after this event? (you know we won’t all be happy)
14. And most importantly, will Ann Jensen and I get our artistry and unicorns?

Who Killed It and Who Fell Off the Combo: The Short Dance

Killed It!: These teams brought the beauty, the excitement, the intrigue

• Every blessed thing about Guillaume Cizeron
• If you take off the skates, Cizeron is the only natural dancer in the entire event
• The choreographic specificity of the entire group 5
• Andrew Poje's entire presentation 
• The fire and precision of the Shibutanis
• Madison Chock's perfect bun
• The dramatic build up to group 6
• Paul & Islam's rotational lift 
• Paul Poirier's amazing butt
• Hubbell & Donohue's smoothness 
• Stepanova & Bukin's sit spin twizzled.....that abdominal control! 
• Monko & Khaliavin's matching free leg in the twizzle sequence
• The grace, poise, and carriage of Marie-France 
• The Hurtado and Diaz counterbalance 
• Federica Testa's strapless number 
• Barbara Fusar-Poli 
• Elena Ilinykh's overall diva qualities
• The energy and spunk of Wang and Liu 
• Juri Karakin's hairography 

Fell Off The Combo: These teams missed the mark

• Gabriella Papadakis' detached-looking bun 
• Kaitlyn Weaver's saggy bun
• Marina's political clout
• Anna Cappellini's carriage-simultaneously stiff and wild 
• So many women with sloppy, uneven buns 
• Guignard & Fabri falling on the choreographic spinning movement 
• Gilles & Poirier's overly dramatic entrances and exits
• Piper Gilles' drag queen eye makeup 
• Donohue's damn twizzle
• Elena Ilinykh paired with Ruslan Zhiganshin who looks like little brother
• Kirill Minov's hair.....honey please  
• Any low or intermediate team doing interweaving twizzle patterns 
• Viktoria Kavaliova's "Whatever Lola Wants" gloves
• Smart & Buckland's twizzles
• The Finnish team's twizzles 
• Natalia Kaliszek's hideous dress/croptop getup 
• Bent free legs (multiple offenders) 

2014 SKATE CANADA: Ice Dance Preview

This Ice Dance event is going to be exciting! The winners will pretty much be a given, but about 5 teams will be in the mix for the rest of the podium. I can't wait to see the new programs!

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Weaver & Poje (CAN)
Silver: Hubbell & Donohue (USA)
Bronze: Gilles & Poirier (CAN)

Weaver & Poje (CAN) are finally the top team in Canada with the retirement (??) of Virtue & Moir. They finally took a world medal last season and they should remain perennial world medalists throughout this upcoming quad. They are an innovative team, usually tending toward more contemporary or sensual programs, so the Vivaldi free skate is a huge departure for them. They will likely play with many different styles of choreography to find the perfect piece for 2018.

Hubbell & Donohue (USA) are heading into a huge season. They barely missed the Sochi team and will want to lock up the second or third spot in the US before the hot juniors come up. They will want to outscore the Shibutanis from Skate America or stay really close to them. Their Great Gatsby program should highlight their connection and their romantic style.

Gilles & Poirier (CAN) are going to look to seal up the number two spot in Canada. From 2013-2014 they made a huge jump at Worlds from 18th to 8th and this year, in a depleted field, they will have the opportunity to make another big move.

The Rest of the Field:
Paradis & Ouellette (CAN)-5th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy, 4th at 2014 Skate America
Zhiganshina & Gazsi (GER)-7th at 2014 Europeans, 11th at 2014 Olympics, 11th at 2014 Worlds, 3rd at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy, 2nd at 2014 Finlandia Trophy
Monko & Khaliavin (RUS)-6th at 2013 Trophee Bompard, 5th at 2014 Rostelecom Cup, 1st at 2014 Ice Star Minsk
Hurtado & Diaz (ESP)-10th at 2014 Europeans, 13th at 2014 Olympics, 16th at 2014 Worlds, 2nd at 2014 Nestle Cup, 5th at 2014 Skate Canada Autumn Cup
Aldridge & Eaton (USA)-3rd at 2014 Four Continents, 17th at 2014 Worlds, 1st at 2014 US International Classic

2013 Skate Canada: Ice Dance Preview

I mean, is there even a question here? No, but we'll talk about it anyway. Virtue & Moir have owned this event forever and nothing will change here, but the other medals are up for grabs so let's get started!

Much like their American training mates, Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir (CAN) have tried many different styles this quad and now they are back to old faithful for this Olympic season. The Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong short should show off that Old Hollywood glam that they showed us in Funny Face and then we have the Glazunov free which should be a bit of a throwback to the Mahler program that won them Olympic Gold in 2010. I feel that Davis & White have grown more during this quad, but so much can happen before February! 

Canada's other top team, Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje (CAN) will also be here and they are a

near lock for silver. This is a huge season for them because they are one of about five teams fighting for bronze in Sochi. I can't wait to see that Latin free dance, I can only imagine how steamy it is! I, personally, prefer their more lyrical programs but I won't judge this piece until I see it.

This is a golden opportunity for Hubbell & Donohue (USA) to win a Grand Prix medal and prove to US Figure Skating that they are the real deal. I have talked a lot of crap about Madison Hubbell looking clunky and tacky, but I'm taking all of that back after Skate America. Their free is so gorgeous, lyrical, and soothing. I'm happy to stare at Zach all day, of course, but Madison is styled so well and I'm actually pulling for them over the Shibutanis for the Olympic team. They need to make that statement here at this event. If they can't medal, I think they're done.

Riazanova & Tkachenko (RUS) are the team that could play spoiler for Hubbell & Donohue. They have won Grand Prix medals before, and they could do it again, though they've never really stood out to me. I can only imagine how garish that Godfather free skate is going to be.

Stepanova & Bukin (RUS) are a dark horse to medal here, coming in as the reigning World junior champions. However, ice dance is so difficult to break into at the senior ranks and I don't think that it will happen here. Maybe it will happen in Russia

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Virtue & Moir (CAN)
Silver: Weaver & Poje (CAN)
Bronze: Hubbell & Donohue (USA)

The Rest of the Field:
Paul & Islam (CAN)
Zhiganshina & Gazsi (GER)
Guignard & Fabri (ITA)
Riazanova & Tkachenko (RUS)
Stepanova & Bukin (RUS)

2013 Skate America: Short Dance Recap

What else is there to say about Davis & White (USA)? If I'm speechless, you know it's real and it's deep. This piece was really about Charlie for me. My eye went to him and Meryl was kind of there in the background. Is it just me or is his extension improving along with his performance quality? Love, love, loved it. I could have just as easily been watching the Grand Prix Final as the first major event of the season...they are in that good of shape. Short Dance Total: 75.70

Cappellini & Lanotte (ITA) put the DANCE in Ice Dance. I'm OBSESSED with this choreography! This is a perfect example of skating a full piece from beginning to end. They really told a complete story. I'm partial to a good show tune, but regardless, they are on my radar for the Olympic podium. Short Dance Total: 69.88

Shibutani & Shibutani (USA) rose to the occasion and brought it tonight. Alex is really catching my eye this year, but I want her to step it up and pull focus. I'm loving this piece and the fact that they didn't pick the most obvious Michael Buble pieces. Marina does it again, the woman can do no wrong. This piece has potential and they are going places with it. Short Dance Total: 61.26

Hubbell & Donohue (USA) just don't totally have it for me. I'm not sure why, but they are just a little B-team for me. Zach is awesome, but Madison doesn't do so much for me. She's a little cash for clunkers. He is all over my radar, and for his sake, I hope she can amp up the excitement. Short Dance Total: 60.71

I had no strong feelings about Zlobina & Sitnikov (AZE) tonight. They do have a nice flow and smoothness to their work, but the choreography and themes of the program did nothing much for me. Short Dance Total: 54.53

Reed & Reed (JPN) were just meh for me. Twizzle issue aside, the whole piece just looked too calculated and not nearly dancy enough. They were too stiff and the ending just felt out of control for me. It felt like it was about to unravel at any moment...a little Roughtown USA. Short Dance Total: 54.28

Carron & Jones (FRA) had me with their musical selection, and they're delightful to look at, but the program didn't build or really go anywhere. They are charming and the piece has potential if they can build up the excitement throughout the season. Short Dance Total: 54.10

Tobias & Stagniunas (LTU) have a great look and this was a cute program, but she needs to amp up the vavavoom. That, or they need to do A Chorus Line because she's obviously Val. His posture seemed a little clunky today, as did that rotational lift. I hope they clean that up. Short Dance Total: 53.17

2013 Skate America: Ice Dance Preview

And now for my favorite event of them all...Ice Dance! I'm a dancer and a dancer dances, so obviously this is my jam. Short dance kicks of tomorrow (Friday) at 8:45 and we'll see that free Saturday night in the money spot at 9:00.

Detroit is in for a treat as hometown kids and reigning World Camps Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA) grace us with their presence. You know they are going to be in Olympic form already, so lord only knows how phenom they will look by February. Around here, we are 100% thrilled with their program choices and can't wait to see them perform the heck out of them. They haven't lost an event since the 2012 Worlds and I have a strong suspicion they will continue their winning streak all through Sochi in February.



Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte (ITA) are the

most likely silver medalists, but they are know to be streaky. Their switch to Igor Shpilband seems to have really settled them and they are forming their identity as artists. I cannot wait to see their 42nd street Short Dance! They are certainly one of the hottest Ice Dance couples around, so that's never a bad thing. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani (USA) are scaring me with their program choices this season. Michael Buble for the short is perfect for them. That is classic Shib Sib style. However, the Michael Jackson free dance? When I think of a Michael Jackson free dance I think of that epic Bourne & Kraatz fail in Salt Lake in 2002. This just doesn't seem like it will suit their classical style and elegant lines, which is a huge risk to take in an Olympic year. But, I'm an artist and I love risk here in there, and I trust Marina, so more power to them. I bet you anything that this is one of those programs that undergoes major changes in composition, choreography, and costuming by Sochi.

Madison Hubbell & Zach Donohue (USA) are the bubble team in US

Ice Dance. The top three are very clearly established in Davis/White, Chock/Bates, and Shibutani/Shibutani, but if one of those team would happen to have an injury or a rough GP series, they could have a shot at the Olympics. It's an outside shot, but still a shot nonetheless. Their strength is their chemistry, which is the one thing that Marina & Igor's teams have been criticized for. The Big Bad Voodoo Daddy short seems perfect for them and I expect that their Nocturne free should be quite sensual. They have an outside shot at the podium if they are perfect and others have problems.

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Davis & White (USA)
Silver: Cappellini & Lanotte (ITA)
Bronze: Shibutani & Shibutani (USA)

The Rest of the Field:
Zlobina & Sitnikov (AZE)
Carron & Jones (FRA)
Reed & Reed (JPN)
Tobias & Stagniunas (LTU)
Hubbell & Donohue (USA)

Skate Canada: Ice Dance Preview

Friday October 26th at 9:10pm-Short Dance
Saturday October 27th at 4:40pm-Free Dance
I should be Live Blogging both of these events!

Every year we have this debate. Will it be the year of Davis & White or Virtue & Moir (CAN)? My question is this, is a sport like ice dance that is all about innovation, should you really win a World title skating to Carmen? We'll see, but it's going to have to be a pretty spectacular Carmen for me to get behind a musical selection like that. I cannot wait to see how the lack of Igor's presence changes the look of both top teams.

Cappellini & Lanotte (ITA) are now being coached by Igor Shpilband which could make all the difference for them. This looks to be a breakout year for them. They could become contenders. Igor's old team Virtue & Moir and his new team are both skating to Carmen for the free. Coincidence? I think not.

The real battle is for bronze. I give the edge to Hubbell & Donohue (USA) as they have a full year under the belt and already have a top-10 finish at Worlds. They have really steamy chemistry and that will only get better with time. Look for them to up the technical ante and avoid some of the silly errors that they made on twizzles last season.

The team hot on their heels for the bronze will be Gilles & Poirier (CAN). They are a new team and oddly enough, Piper used to skate with Zach Donohue. They skated together last season as well, but not Internationally as Piper had to wait a full year to be completely released from USFSA. They have such energy and a great look together. I think Paul is a beautiful ice dancer, but he never looked quite right with Vanessa Crone for me, so hopefully this new pairing will do the trick.

My Podium Predictions:
Gold: Virtue & Moir (CAN)
Silver: Cappellini & Lannote (ITA)
Bronze: Hubbell & Donohue (USA)

The Rest of the Field:
Zlobina & Sitnikov (AZE)
Ralph & Hill (CAN)
Carron & Jones (FRA)
Riazanova & Tkachenko (RUS)

2012 Four Continents Championships: Free Dance LIVE Coverage

1) Corenne Bruhns & Ryan Van Natten (MEX)
 Music: Harlem Nocturne, My Drag

• This is dragging, I feel like this team needs more upbeat music to inject some more life into their skating
• The lifts are very slow and labored
• There is no sparkle in this program
• I'd like to see more effort, that helps disguise lesser technique
• Was that a fall, or was she just on her knees?
• That upside down lift with her shoulder on his knee is kind of cool
• Oh boy, scary balance lift, her head almost on the ice
• This team has potential and he's a great performer
• They just need to drill these programs to get more and more comfortable with them

32.66 (TES) + 22.98 (PCS) = 55.64
35.93 (SD) + (FD) = 91.57

2) Cortney Mansour & Daryn Zhunussov (KAZ)
 Music: Cirque du Soleil

• Oh boy, a Morozov team
• Is it me or do they look like a mini-me of the Reeds/
• I like the whimsical quality of this piece
• This suits their ages
• That slide under his legs was very cool
• Good twizzle set, his arms were just slightly higher
• Nice back entry and position changes on the straight line lift, great speed
• I think she's a little diva in the making
• A lot of spread eagles already, but it works in this piece
• Great knee bend
• I'd love to see a little more facial expression from him
• That was a pretty weak haircutter compared to what we'll see later
• That little moment where her mussed her hair was cute, very in the character
• Lost a lot of the speed in the spin, but a cool section of the music for it
• They need to work on matching the leg line, his is slightly higher
• Good outing overall, they should be pleased

30.43 (TES) + 22.70 (PCS) = 53.13
25.53 (SD) + 53.13 (FD) = 78.66

3) Anna Nagornyuk & Viktor Kovalenko (UZB)
 Music: Cry me a river/Peter Gunn

• This costume has a major ick factor
• Those twizzles were really fast, maybe a foot down
• Those boot covers are tragic
• It's so hard to watch anything else because my eye keeps going to the boots
• This is such an odd  combination of music
• Good speed on the rotational lift

38.07 (TES) + 30.61 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 67.68
39.93 (SD) + 67.68 (FD) = 107.61

4) Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN)
 Music: Tonight

• They are exquisite, the definition of beautiful
• She looks like a little sylph out there
• Oh no, he falls on the first twizzle and then aborts the second
• Something is going on with them this season, the aren't clicking along like last year
• I love this music for them, it's like a modern classic
• I love that transition as they change feet on the spin, they make a moment of it
• They need the summer break to figure out where they're going and move on
• Lovely rotational lift

33.07 (TES) + 37.38 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 69.45
48.52 (SD) + 69.45 (FD) = 117.97

5) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA)
 Music: I Put A Spell On You

• I'm buying everything he's selling, but she just gets in the way
• Good flow over the ice, very even and smooth
• That entrance to the first lift comes out of  nowhere
• Oh boy, another fall from him, didn't appear to be on an element
• Good first twizzle, got too close together on the second and appeared to have gotten tangled up
• Come on now kids, don't let go of the performance
• That little pop/lock dance break in the middle is a little tacky, it's corny
• They look wild and out of control here, and though it suits the dance, I think they're running out of steam

40.72 (TES) + 39.55 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 79.27
49.93 (SD) + 79.27 (FD) = 129.20

6) Danielle O'Brien & Gregory Merriman (AUS)
 Music: In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade

• Uh oh, somebody coming later in the event is about to do this music much better!
• Very fast and high energy, but a lot of the details are left out
• A lot of the lift positions need to be held out longer
• A little too slow in the middle section here, they're losing my interest
• This couple is really cute, I like their style, they just need more polish

34.93 (TES) + 30.88 (PCS) = 65.81
40.10 (SD) + 65.81 (FD) = 105.91

7) Xiaoyang Yu & Chen Wang (CHN)
 Music: Howl's Moving Castle

• Hard to tell the unison on the twizzles with all that fabric, but seemed on point
• Ohh, she was supposed to step on his boot to end that lift, but she missed it
• I don't like all the stationary movement at center ice
• Nice rotational lift, very lyrical quality overall
• They're starting to run out of steam in this step sequence
• This music suits them very well, ethereal and dreamlike

36.50 (TES) + 33.13 (PCS) = 69.63
45.42 (SD) + (FD) = 115.05

8) Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje (CAN)
 Music: Je Suis Malade

• This opening is beautiful, this is the most romantic of all  these free dances
• Really deep edges, good leg line
• This free skate complements their strong suits much better than last season
• I like the drama in this program
• I'm obsessed with this free dance, the emotion is real and not manufactured
• I think that was their first clean twizzle set of the season
• This is a complete program, you don't even see the elements
• That last lift is so grand
• I love the ending, it's so raw
• 47.42 (TES) + 51.61 (PCS) = 99.03

64.23 (SD) + 99.03 (FD) = 163.26

9) Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani (USA)
 Music: Chattanooga Choo Choo, In the Mood

• Very quick and snappy beginning
• This is the polar opposite of Weaver & Poje
• The twizzles are more and more amazing everytime
• The strength it must take on her part in that straight line lift is remarkable
• They are masters at changing lift positions seamlessly while still hitting each
• You can see the elements in this program more than some of the older teams
• They manage to make even the slower pieces look fast
• Great balance and leverage on that curve lift
• She definitely gets to do her fair share of splits
• Oh boy, Alex doesn't look good, he's coughing and can hardly breathe
• I though he was going to pass out

47.06 (TES) + 48.85 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 94.91
63.38 (SD) + 94.91 (FD) = 158.29

10) Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir (CAN)
 Music: Funny Face

• I love this dance, it's so theatrical, it's perfection in my book
• This instrumental section in the middle is so clever
• That curve lift was perfectly in time with the musical nuances
• Perfect twizzles
• I don't envy the judges, there is nothing in this program that isn't exquisite
• That final lift is pretty fantastic, the control that must take is out of this world

54.07 (TES) + 57.17 (PCS) = 111.24
71.60 (SD) + 111.24 (FD) = 182.84

11) Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA)
 Music: Die Fledermaus

• I don't know how to pick this piece apart, it's so fantastic as it is
• They are perfectly at home with one another
• I keep losing my feed so unfortunately it's difficult to comment on it
• I think their twizzles are faster than Virtue & Moir
• I give the edge in performance to Davis & White, I think they include the crowd more
• However, I don't think their lifts change positions as many times as Virtue & Moir

50.01 (TES) + 57.24 (PCS) = 107.25
72.15 (SD) + 107.25 (FD) = 179.40

1	Tessa VIRTUE / Scott MOIR	CAN	182.84	2	1
2	Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE	USA	179.40	1	2
3	Kaitlyn WEAVER / Andrew POJE	CAN	163.26	3	3
4	Maia SHIBUTANI / Alex SHIBUTANI	USA	158.29	4	4
5	Madison HUBBELL / Zachary DONOHUE	USA	129.20	5	5
6	Alexandra PAUL / Mitchell ISLAM	CAN	117.97	6	7
7	Xiaoyang YU / Chen WANG	CHN	115.05	7	6
8	Anna NAGORNYUK / Viktor KOVALENKO	UZB	107.61	9	8
9	Danielle OBRIEN / Gregory MERRIMAN	AUS	105.91	8	9
10	Corenne BRUHNS / Ryan VAN NATTEN	MEX	91.57	10	10
11	Cortney MANSOUR / Daryn ZHUNUSSOV	KAZ	78.66	11	11

1	Tessa VIRTUE / Scott MOIR	CAN	111.24	54.07		57.17	9.46	9.32	9.71	9.61	9.71	0.00	#10
2	Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE	USA	107.25	50.01		57.24	9.54	9.36	9.68	9.61	9.64	0.00	#11
3	Kaitlyn WEAVER / Andrew POJE	CAN	99.03	47.42		51.61	8.50	8.36	8.75	8.71	8.89	0.00	#8
4	Maia SHIBUTANI / Alex SHIBUTANI	USA	94.91	47.06		48.85	8.14	8.00	8.21	8.25	8.21	1.00	#9
5	Madison HUBBELL / Zachary DONOHUE	USA	79.27	40.72		39.55	6.61	6.43	6.54	6.75	6.75	1.00	#5
6	Xiaoyang YU / Chen WANG	CHN	69.63	36.50		33.13	5.68	5.36	5.54	5.54	5.57	0.00	#7
7	Alexandra PAUL / Mitchell ISLAM	CAN	69.45	33.07		37.38	6.29	6.11	6.11	6.36	6.36	1.00	#4
8	Anna NAGORNYUK / Viktor KOVALENKO	UZB	67.68	38.07		30.61	5.18	4.93	5.21	5.18	5.11	1.00	#3
9	Danielle OBRIEN / Gregory MERRIMAN	AUS	65.81	34.93		30.88	5.21	4.93	5.21	5.32	5.21	0.00	#6
10	Corenne BRUHNS / Ryan VAN NATTEN	MEX	55.64	32.66		22.98	4.00	3.64	3.82	4.00	3.79	0.00	#1
11	Cortney MANSOUR / Daryn ZHUNUSSOV	KAZ	53.13	30.43		22.70	3.96	3.46	3.86	4.04	3.79	0.00	#2

2012 Four Continents Championships: Short Dance LIVE Coverage

1) Cortney Mansour & Daryn Zhunussov (KAZ)

• Oh the music selections, kill me now
• She looks like she's bent in half
• Trip and then a fall, they can't seem to get their feet under them 
• This costume is just unecessary
• 13.22 (TES) + 13.31 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 25.53

2) Anna Nagornyuk & Viktor Kovalenko (UZB)

• This costume is very European-looking costumes
• These twizzles are rough, hand down for him
• Not much free leg extension
• That was an okay performance, but nothing spectacular 
• 21.49 (TES) + 18.44 (PCS) = 39.93

3) Corenne Bruhns & Ryan Van Natten (MEX)

• This is a very slow moving piece
• There is no commitment to the piece, she looks like she's not giving complete effort
• Lack of commitment to a performance bothers me more than falling
• 20.64 (TES) + 15.29 (PCS) = 35.93 

4) Xiaoyang Yu & Chen Wang (CHN)

• The shoulders, the ruffles, the stripes, it's all so so so bad
• He almost ate it on that twizzle, very crooked
• As loud as the costumes are, this is a very boring dance
• Those long tails on the skirts terrify me, it's so easy to catch a blade
• 24.00 (TES) + 21.42 (PCS) = 45.42

5) Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN)

• Really great subtleties in the opening
• This is one of the few smooth and sultry pieces this season
• This is beautiful, very graceful and elegant
• I like her hair floating like that, it's better out of the bun
• Not as much attack on the twizzles as I would've liked
• Improved from the rest of what I've seen from them this season
• 23.71 (TES) + 24.81 (PCS) = 48.52

6) Danielle Obrien & Gregory Merriman (AUS)

• That skirt doesn't seem to match the rest of the dress
• She exits the twizzles a turn early
• Nice use of the free arm in the rhumba sequence
• This team is packaged well and they look professional, they just need some more work
• 20.64 (TES) + 20.46 (PCS) = 40.10

7) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA)

• He is a dream to watch, he his so dancy
• Oh no, where did that fall come from
• Hey, I'd rather you fall because you're too into the movement than half-assing it
• Oh boy, she wobbles a little on the twizzle
• At least her costume is more sassy this time
• They look very dejected after the fall and the bobble
• 25.50 (TES) + 25.43 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 49.93

8) Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA)

• They are the definition of hair-ography
• So much energy in that opening 
• He always looks like he's going to spin out of control everytime on the twizzles but never does!
• I'm glad they went all JLo this season, it suits them so well
• I  love that part of the footwork that looks like they're going into a sit spin
• 34.71 (TES) + 37.44 (PCS) + 72.15

9) Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir (CAN)

• All those ruffles floating in the rhumba sequence is just obnoxious
• That costume is such a distraction, breaks up the lines
• The twizzle timing was perfect, but the arms are a little off
• I can only watch her in that costume because his is so boring by comparison
• They just don't look excited to be out there
• Anybody else surprised that ruffle didn't get in his face in the on that final rotational lift
• 33.92 (TES) + 37.68 (PCS) = 71.60

10) Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibuani (USA)

• They look look a little slow today, other than the twizzles of course
• They arguably have the best unison of the top teams overall
• Whatever Corky Ballas did, it's working for them
• They've really come into their own this season, they're really stepping it up on this short dance
• I like their new costumes and their new aggressive attitude
• 31.86 (TES) + 31.52 (PCS) 63.38

11) Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje (CAN)

• I feel like this isn't as spicy as it could be, I don't know why
• They look really rushed, it looks a little frantic
• Their arms look a little flaily
• Something about it just seemed off today, no major mistakes, just something a little off
• 31.43 (TES) + 32.80 (PCS) = 64.23

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CC	IT	Ded. -	StN.
1	Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE	USA	72.15	34.71		37.44	9.39	9.25	9.32	9.43	9.39	0.00	#8
2	Tessa VIRTUE / Scott MOIR	CAN	71.60	33.92		37.68	9.39	9.29	9.46	9.39	9.54	0.00	#9
3	Kaitlyn WEAVER / Andrew POJE	CAN	64.23	31.43		32.80	8.07	7.93	8.29	8.29	8.36	0.00	#11
4	Maia SHIBUTANI / Alex SHIBUTANI	USA	63.38	31.86		31.52	7.93	7.64	8.04	7.89	7.89	0.00	#10
5	Madison HUBBELL / Zachary DONOHUE	USA	49.93	25.50		25.43	6.43	6.39	6.21	6.39	6.36	1.00	#7
6	Alexandra PAUL / Mitchell ISLAM	CAN	48.52	23.71		24.81	6.39	6.00	6.29	6.29	6.07	0.00	#5
7	Xiaoyang YU / Chen WANG	CHN	45.42	24.00		21.42	5.43	5.14	5.36	5.46	5.36	0.00	#4
8	Danielle OBRIEN / Gregory MERRIMAN	AUS	40.10	20.64		20.46	5.25	4.93	5.14	5.21	5.04	1.00	#6
9	Anna NAGORNYUK / Viktor KOVALENKO	UZB	39.93	21.49		18.44	4.75	4.50	4.61	4.75	4.46	0.00	#2
10	Corenne BRUHNS / Ryan VAN NATTEN	MEX	35.93	20.64		15.29	4.00	3.71	3.82	3.93	3.68	0.00	#3
11	Cortney MANSOUR / Daryn ZHUNUSSOV	KAZ	25.53	13.22		13.31	3.54	3.25	3.32	3.43	3.14	1.00	#1

2012 Four Continents Championships: Ice Dance Preview

This is a picture we haven't seen in two seasons, Virtue & Moir wearing Gold while Davis & White wore Silver. To be fair, the Canadians were not at 100% last season even when they did compete, but this season the teams are on a level playing field and Davis & White won the singular head-to-head battle at the Grand Prix Final. Can they repeat here? I say...yes!

Podium Predictions:
1) Davis & White (USA)
2) Virtue & Moir (CAN)
3) Shibutani & Shibutani (USA)


It's splitting hairs comparing the top two teams but I think Davis & White (USA) have the winning free skate. It's operatic, it's beautiful, it's elegant, it's shall we say European. Virtue & Moir (CAN) have a more theatrical free skate and while I happen to prefer it, it do not feel that the judges will score it as highly as the Americans in head-to-head competition. The teams are perfectly matched in terms of technical elements and program components so it simply comes down to the judges' preferences and whether one team will make a mistake as Virtue & Moir did with their fall in the short dance at the Grand Prix Final.

Another key battle will be for the bronze medal between Shibutani & Shibutani (USA) and Weaver & Poje (CAN). The Canadians were slightly behind the Americans at NHK Trophy, but went on to beat them by 6 points at the Grand Prix Final in December. The young Americans were majorly lacking in the short dance, which they've since beefed up. The Shib Sibs almost always skate clean while Weaver & Poje are known for making mistakes in high pressure situations so I'm going with the safe bet and taking the Americans based on their penchant for clean skating and upward improvement throughout the season. For the record, I personally hope Weaver & Poje can go clean and take bronze here and at Worlds.

I'm on the fence about Hubbell & Donohue (USA) in that I like their skating and I think they bring out the best in one another and have meshed very well in under a year. However, I think they still look a little tacky in their packaging. Now that they're going to be on 4CC and World teams with Meryl Davis, Madison needs to step it up in costume, hair, and makeup department. Ice dancing is so aesthetic and Meryl Davis is all class all the say...Madison Hubbell should take a page from that book. But back to the skating, they impressed with a win at Nebelhorn, but slumped when their programs weren't received well at Skate America. They beat some good teams to take 3rd at US Nationals, but I fear they won't score as well here or at Worlds as Chock & Bates could have scored. Again, that's just my personal opinion. I hope they prove me wrong.

The biggest disappointment of the season for me has been Paul & Islam (CAN). I expected them to seize the 3rd spot in Canada with the retirement of Crone & Poirier but they had a disastrous Grand Prix and for some reason their programs aren't clicking with the judges and they finished a disappointing 5th at their Nationals. Canada truly extended an olive branch by sending them to this event. I hope they can up their stock and build some momentum for next season.

2012 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Ice Dance Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Meryl Davis & Charlie White
2) Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani
3) Madison Chock & Evan Bates
4) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

If there is any doubt in your mind that Davis & White will take the title here, then you are clearly not a figure skating fan. They have not lost a competition since the 2010 Worlds and haven't lost to anyone but Virtue & Moir in several years. It was close, but they edged their Canadian rivals yet again at the recent Grand Prix Final. They have no real competition here, so they'll use Nationals as a tune up for Worlds. This is more of an exhibition for them, a chance to make final improvements and give the fans a great show. It is a pleasure just to watch them skate and compete, even when everybody else is in their rear view mirror.

The real question is how close will Maia & Alex Shibutani get to Davis and White. They have a slim chance of edging them in the technical marks, but they are no where near the presentation level of their training mates. Yes, they won their first Grand Prix gold this season and qualified for the final, but I think they're playing it a little safe. They went in a great direction with the latin short dance, making it fun and energetic, but the free dance is too similar to last season's in my opinion. I'm all for accentuating your strengths, but at the elite level, you need to show the judges that you can perform varying styles. Alex is so classy and reminds me of an old Hollywood star, but Maia is the one who really caught my eye this year. The is much more mature now and she's bringing out the Diva within!

Anyone who watches ice dance knows who will take gold and silver, but bronze is where the real competition is in my opinion. They didn't make a huge splash in their international debut, but I think Chock & Bates will be ready to go in San Jose. There are a lot of things that aren't perfect yet, as they are a new pairing, like holds, unison, leg line, etc, but they're well on their way. Their latin short dance has a fire that I didn't see with either one of them in their previous dance teams. I think this new partnership has to go through it's fair share of growing pains, but I think it will be good in the long run. Neither had the passion or chemistry with their previous partner that they needed to get to the top. I'm not saying this team has chemistry to burn yet either, but I see flashes of it and that's the most important thing. They have a long way to go, but if they avoid errors, they have a good shot at taking bronze and making the world team. They looked unsure of themselves and under-prepared on the Grand Prix, but rest assured, Marina & Igor will have them ready.

Hubbell & Donohue, speaking of chemistry, seem like they were born to dance with each other. Maddy has always been a fiery skater, but she has more of a chance to expand on that now that she's not skating with her brother. The connection is definitely there and they seem to have also taken to each other well in terms of technique. They have great unison for a new team and I suspect they've improved by leaps and bounds since I last saw them in October. They have probably the 2nd best set of coaches in the World in Camerlengo & Krylova and they'll definitely be fighting hard for the 3rd spot on the World team. My only real criticism with them is that their free dance doesn't have the difficulty and excitement factor of some of Zoueva & Shpilband teams.

Competitors:


Cannuscio/Lorello-1st at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (129.80)
Chock/Bates-4th at 2011 Skate Canada (135.10); 5th at 2011 TEB (130.94)
Davis/White-1st at 2011 Cup of Russia (179.06); 1st at 2011 GPF (188.55)
Glastris/Allison-3rd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (85.54)
Hoptman/Filchenkov-3rd at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (114.50)
Hubbell/Donohue- 1st at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (140.96)
Krienkrairut/Giulietti-Schmitt-6th at 2011 NHK Trophy (126.39)
Lichtman /Copely-3rd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (122.10)
Olson/Cowan-2nd at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (132.67)
Samuelson/Gilles-1st at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (136.86)
Schmucker/Munday-4th at 2011 Pacific Sectionals (110.70)
Shibutani/Shibutani-1st at 2011 NHK Trophy (151.85); 5th at 2011 GPF (160.55)
Wingle/McKernan-2nd at 2011 Midwestern Sectionals (111.43)
Zuber/Herring-4th at 2011 Eastern Sectionals (100.23)

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Skate America Free Dance [LIVE BLOG}

1) Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN)
     Music: Tonight by Bernie Taupin & Elton John

• If they can get over what plagued them in the short dance, this could bring home a huge score
• Beautiful rotational lift
• I love the colors of the costumes, very serene
• Gorgeous twizzle sequence
• This team is so elegant and it's a pity they couldn't show it in the short
• This circular step sequence doesn't have the speed of the top teams, but they have a gorgeous, well-matached leg line
• They've been called Virtue/Moir 2.0 and I can see it
• They have good variety in the lifts
• She looks like a bird floating in that dance spin
• There is always a pause when the couples shift spinning directions and I appreciate that she took the time to make a gesture with her arm to fill the space
• Their entries/exits to the lifts are flawless
• They have a very expressive quality about them, without pulling their faces
• They were born to do lyrical free skates, don't expect anything jazzy from them anytime soon
• He makes her look as light as a feather and shows her off well while still drawing attention to himself which I appreciate
• Gorgeous skate!

FD Score: 40.21 (TES) + 34.99 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 74.20
Total Score: 37.50 (SD) + 74.20 (FD) = 111.70

2) Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello (USA)
     Music: Les Miserables

• Fast paced opening to this program
• She loses the 1st twizzle and the 3rd for that matter
• This is an odd selection of pieces from Les Miserables
• They look like they aren't over their legs for some reason
• That curve lift was a nice position
• They're carrying great speed in this program
• I'm not as big a fan of their programs this season
• And her lipstick is too pink

FD Score: 38.36 (TES) + 34.81 (PCS)  = 73.17
Total Score: 42.05 (SD) + 73.17 (FD) = 115.22

3) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA)
     Music: I Put a Spell on You by Joe Cocker

• This is a great Free Dance, I like it now and it has growing potential as well
• They are a very well matched team
• They are similar in height and they kind of put me in mind of Lang & Tschernyshev
• This is a very solid program, it's seamless and you don't see the elements
• The twizzles are great, I love that they take a risk with the a la seconde position
• Their holds are very close and they have a great connection to one another
• I'm so glad that Madison is not skating with her brother anymore
• That final moment was just so great
• They are so happy, Zachary is just thrilled with that

FD Score: 43.11 (TES) + 39.22 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 81.33
Total Score: 49.71 (SD) + 81.33 (FD) = 131.04

4) Isabella Tobias & Deividas Stagniunas (LTU)
     Music: Let's Twist Again, Only You, Tutti Frutti

• I love that Isabella Tobias trained at SAB
• They are so cute together!
• Love this program!
• Those music transitions are kind of awkward
• This music is great because it has a recognizable beat
• They have great lifts in signature Zoueva & Shpilband
• They need to carry more speed with this fast-paced music
• That was such a cute program!

FD Score: 41.99 (TES) + 38.76 (PCS) = 80.75
Total Score: 51.83 (SD) + 80.75 (FD) = 132.85

5) Kharis Ralph & Asher Hill (CAN)
     Music: Le Cosa Pequena, El Chulio

• They never have professional looking costumes
• I love watching Asher, but Kharis is a little clunky
• He is so much more expressive than she is and has much nicer body lines
• That was a gorgeous rotational lift that had great speed
• Interesting low spin position with her handing off of his leg
• They are running out of gas about halfway through and lack the speed of top teams
• Their leg lines do not match very well, he has much better extension
• That ending pose was very cool

FD Score: 40.22 (TES) + 38.39 (PCS) = 78.61
Total Score: 52.68 (SD) + 78.61 (FD) =131.29

6) Nelli Zhiganshina & Alexander Gazsi (GER)
     Music: Romeo & Juliet

• This is a beautiful program at times and painfully awkward at other times
• I hate that heartbeat undertone, but it was added after O Nepela when they received a music violation for not having a clear dance beat
• That "did they kiss or didn't they" life moment is awkward
• The upside down lift is lovely but the exit is strange
• This music transitions is awkward and they seem to be flailing, like they don't have their feet under them
• They normally have very nice lines, but today they seem off
• This is a very odd program for me
• I could also see another music violation in that the free skates are supposed to be uplifting in nature, but I don't see that at all when she stabs herself with his hand at the end and dies

FD Score: 37.43 (TES) + 38.53 (PCS) = 75.95
Total Score: 55.66 (SD) + 75.95 (FD) = 131.61

7) Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat (FRA)
     Music: Passion, In the Garden of Souls, Le Retour de Punt, Alf Wayla Wa Layla

• That opening lift was a stunner!
• I hate the costumes, but I get how they work for the program
• I hope Fabian can make it, he is really sick
• He is a pharaoh and she is the mummy of his deceased wife coming back fro one last dance
• Very cool twizzle sequence, a bit of unison lost in the 3rd set
• They are keeping the theme of the piece even in the lifts, which is not always the case
• I love this jazzy section in the middle!
• I can't tell if I love it or hate it
• The ending pose was pretty cool

FD Score: 46.42 (TES) + 50.80 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 96.22
Total Score: 60.07 (SD) + 96.22 (FD) = 156.29

8) Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA)
     Music: Die Fledermaus by Strauss

• I am loving this classical program on them, they really look World Class
• This is what happens when you stay together for 13 years kids, you dance as one
• Dance spins must be the hardest place to get creative
• They are very good at waltz
• Meryl's arms were a little bent in that rotational lift and the exit was slightly abrupt
• Spot on twizzles today, the crowd loved it!
• I love the whimsical quality of this piece, they have two very light programs this season, both very watchable
• A little ragged and wild at the very end, but lovely and solid overall
• That piece fits them perfectly

FD Score: 51.21 (TES) + 56.53 (PCS) = 107.74
Total Score: 70.33 (SD) + 107.74 (FD) = 178.07

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Skate America Short Dance [LIVE BLOG]

All this intro info from the commentators is clearly for the casual skating fans, because the hard-core fans obviously know that Madison Hubbell used to skate with her brother Keiffer.

1) Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA)
    Music: Mambo, Rhumba, Samba

• I want Madi  Hubbell to get her roots done, and wear a sassier hairstyle than a high ponytail, its very Tessa Virtue circa 2011 Worlds
• He has great hip action and I'm loving the musicality already
• A little bit of loss of synchronization in that circular step sequence, but so great for a new team
• I'm glad that Madi can let out her inner diva now that she's not skating with her brother
• They have very well matched leg lines in the Rumba sequence
• They go in and out of the closeness of the hold in their 2nd Rumba sequence, but that too will get better with time
• I like the varied positions in the twizzles
• That was a little rough around the edges, but a good start to their season

SD Score: 24.65 (TES) + 25.06 (PCS) = 49.71

2) Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello (USA)
    Music: Cuando Pienso en ti, Tequila

• Did Bella have light hair last season?
• Bella's lipstick color is a little too bright for the dark costumes
• They start with their circular not touching step sequence
• His edges and knees seem much deeper than hers
• That parallel lift is a nice idea, but it needs a lot of work to get in and out more smoothly and maintain speed on Ian's part
• I am a big fan of keeping one piece of music for the whole short dance so it doesn't look like two programs tossed together
• Hard fall by Ian on a twizzle, they were out of synch from the beginning
• I"m not a fan of this program, the choreography didn't do much for me

SD Score: 21.43 (TES) + 21.63 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 42.05

3) Isabella Tobias & Deividas Stagniunas (LTU)
    Music: Shakira Medley

• I love that Isabella is working the Shakira-esque hair for this short dance
• Deividas is a very stiff and her arms are looking a little flaily
• Separation on the twizzle sequence
• Very nice rotational lift, she hits a very Belbin-esque split position
• I'd love more speed in this piece
• I like that this compulory, the Rhumba, focuses on extension, toe point, and leg line
• Fierce ending pose, and they look very happy with that program

SD Score: 28.14 (TES) + 23.69 (PCS) = 51.83

4) Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN)
    Music: 2046 Main Theme, Havana Slido

• I am loving her costume, it's simple but has enough of a pop, and her make-up is flawless
• What happened, she just trip on a crossover? Simple loss of concentration
• Men wearing all black is a theme in the short dance this season
• Nice counter-balance lift, but her arm movements were a bit awkward
• Great speed in this 1st Rhumba section
• The arms were slightly off, but good twizzles overall
• Luckily for them, Crone & Porier are done and they have a great shot to make the Worlds team out of a tough Canadian ice dance field
• Tough second fall for Alexandra on another simple movement, she looks very thrown off
• She seemed out of her body, like she could be sick
• This is a lovely program and I know they'll grow a lot this season?

SD Score: 19.57 (TES) + 20.98 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 37.50

5) Kharis Ralph & Asher Hill (CAN)
    Music: Wanna Be Startin' Something, Harlem Nocturne, Do You Only Wanna Dance

• These costumes are hurting my eyes, I don't even know what else to say about them
• They look a little wild on this opening step sequence, it's great to go full out but you need to reign it in sometimes
• Nice straight line lift with her balancing on her blade
• Her positions are a little square, I'd like them to be more fluid
• This choreography is very fragmented, the "transitions" between elements were quite fragmented

SD Score: 27.79 (TES) + 24.89 (PCS) = 52.68

6) Nelli Zhiganshina & Alexander Gazsi (GER)
    Music: Desperados from "Once Upon A Time in Mexico"

• Poor commentators are struggling with those names
• This is a throwback to Amodio vs Joubert last season
• Something about this team.....they'e never looked well matched to me
• They carry nice speed through this circular step sequence
• Good flow over the ice overall, but Alexander looks a little off balance
• Funny how he goes down into the split position, nice role reversal
• Rotational lift in the haircutter position
• I've never been a fan of over the top endings, i.e. that cartwheel

SD Score: 29.14 (TES) + 26.52 (PCS) = 55.66

7) Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat (FRA)
    Music: Mas que Nada, Batacuda, Real in Rio

• This is my first time seeing them after their coaching change and I'm excited!
• Is it weird that I wish she were platinum blonde?
• Great shimmying opening? And I feel like I'm at Carnaval
• Great seamless position changes in that lift
• Fabian caught his toe pick and went down, that had to have been a deja vu moment to last year's Worlds
• Now this is good choreography, you don't even see the elements, it's one seamless performance
• Sloppy, sloppy twizzles; not the way to try to catch the World Champs
• I love the reverse lift cartwheel at the end

SD Score: 29.51 (TES) + 31.56 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 60.07

8) Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA)
     Music: Batacudas, Life is a Carnival, On the Floor

• I love the sass of them getting into the opening pose, sassafrass
• Great speed and intricacy of choreography right off the bat
• Charlie slightly ahead in the twizzles
• Great closeness in the holds
• This is the thing about Zoueva/Shpilband choreography, it is all one work, you don't see the elements
• Great fluidity in the Rhumba sequence
• And I lost my feed
• I assume the end was great, though I didn't get to see it

SD Score: 34.14 (TES) + 16.19 (PCS) = 70.33

2011 Skate America: Ice Dance Preview

The top two spots in this event are all but locked up, but the fight for Bronze will be interesting. I'll be live-blogging it all so visit me Friday night at 11:40 EST for the short dance and Saturday afternoon at 4:30 for the free dance.

Reigning World Champions Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA) will have no real competition until they meet up with Virtue & Moir at the Grand Prix Final but it is such a joy to see them perform anyway. They'll use this event as a way to test out their programs with the judges and make adjustments for later in the season. I can't wait to watch Meryl channel J Lo in the short dance and then an opera diva in the free. Pechalat & Bourzat (FRA) will leave with the Silver in their pocket and rack up points toward the Grand Prix Final. They are a great team and they have something to prove after falling at the 2011 Worlds and losing a medal. They've also made a coaching change to Camerlengo in Detroit so we'll see how that affects them. I was so impressed by the newly formed team of Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA) at Nebelhorn Trophy where they won a surprise Gold. They have solid technique and Camerlengo is doing wonders for them. They also have amazing chemistry and can do sensual programs that Madison couldn't do with her previous partner. Nelli Zhiganshina & Alexander Gazsi (GER) have had a busy season, having already competed at two Senior B events. They've been steadily improving and could be a top ten team come Worlds, but I don't know that they are ready to take a Grand Prix medal yet. I'm really looking forward to Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN) after falling in love with them at Skate Canada last season. They are known as Virtue & Moir 2.0 but I hope they are finding their own identity. Either way, I appreciate their grace and elegance and hope to see them at Worlds this season. Kharis Ralph & Asher Hill (CAN) medaled at Nebelhorn so they'll have good momentum going in and Isabella Tobias & Deividas Stagniunas (LTU) also had a strong showing at that event. Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello (USA) had two GP assignments last year but this is their lone event this year so they'll want to go for broke and make as strong an impression as possible.

My Podium Predictions:

1) Davis & White (USA)

2) Pechalat & Bourzat (FRA)

3) Hubbell & Donohue (USA)

My USFSA Fantasy Picks:
A) Davis & White (USA)
B) Hubbell & Donohue (USA)
C) Paul/Islam (CAN)


Competitive History:

Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello (USA)-7th 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 10th 2010 Cup of China, 6th 2009 JGP Final, 3rd 2009 JGP Istanbul, 3rd 2009 JGP Germany; PB: 116.60 at 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard 

Meryl Davis & Charlie White (USA)-1st 2011 Worlds, 1st 2011 Four Continents, 1st 2011 Grand Prix Final, 1st 2011 Skate America, 1st 2011 NHK Trophy; PB: 185.27 at 2011 Worlds

Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (USA)-1st 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, PB: 139.01 

Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam (CAN)-4th 2010 Skate Canada, 2nd 2010 World Juniors; PB: 138.16 at 2011 Skate Canada

Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat (FRA)-4th 2011 Worlds, 1st 2011 Europeans, 2nd 2010 Grand Prix Final, 1st 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st 2011 Cup of China, 1st 2010 Finlandia Trophy, 1st 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 167.40 at 2011 Europeans

Kharis Ralph & Asher Hill (CAN)-3rd 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 6th 2011 Trophee Eric Bompard, 7th 2011 Cup of China; 121.39 at 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard

Isabella Tobias & Deividas Stagniunas (LTU)-5th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 14th 2011 Worlds, 12th 2011 Europeans, 3rd 2010 NRW Trophy, 11th 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 131.01 at 2011 Worlds

Nelli Zhinganshina & Alexander Gazsi (GER)-1st 2011 O Nepela, 2nd 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 11th 2011 Worlds, 7th 2011 Europeans, 1st 2011 Bavarian Open, 1st 2010 P Roman, 2nd 2010 NRW Trophy, 3rd 2010 O Nepala, 4th 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy, 6th 2010 Mont Blanc Trophy; PB: 140.95 at 2011 Worlds