Tuesday, October 25, 2011

SKATE AMERICA RECAP

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Davis and White, the first ever American ice dancing World Champions, won this event. However, it is the way they won it that is totally remarkable. Their two programs were impeccable and their skating was phenomenal. One of the ways in which you can determine the quality of an ice dancer's skate is the sound. Actually, it's the lack of sound that is remarkable. You see, ice dancing is a game of edges and when you are truly on your edges there is no sound - which tells the judges that you are doing it right. Davis and White are largely silent on the ice and the one point in the program where there was any sound - it was almost impossible not to make a sound because Charlie was changing edges! So congratulations on your 22 point victory!

The female champion, Alissa Czizny (of Bowling Green, Ohio) was composed, confident and excellent in both her technical and presentation values. The little girl who always looked like she wasn't sure she'd manage two programs is gone and in her place is a strong, skilled and gracefully wonderful skater who truly represents her 2011 U.S. Championship status well!

Michal Brezina of the Czech Republic won the men's title - although I think the others lost the title more accurately. His skating doesn't really do a thing for me but it's nice to see another country in the mix!

Savchenko & Szolkowy of Germany won the pairs title. Would someone please do something about her hair and get her a touch up before competitions? Her stringy, thin, fly-away hair contributes nothing, although their skating is fairly good.

Finally, my annual rant - dirty skates, dirty dirty laces, dark roots and some costumes that looked more Halloweenish than anything else! What can you say? The best outfits were sported by the Americans - Charlie White was born to wear a tux!

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