Thanks for these, especially Toller's Romeo and Juliet! Isn't he the ideal Tybalt?
When you look at Curry and Cranston and realize that they weren't really following in anyone's footsteps--they were the beginning of true interpretive skating for men, blending athleticism and artistry--you understand how extraordinary they were. I'm only sorry that by all accounts they disliked each other, because together they could have really come up with some extraordinary productions. I don't mean necessarily by skating together, because their styles were so different, but by collaborating somehow. Most older Americans first became skating fans because of some ladies skater, either Peggy Fleming, Janet Lynn, Dorothy Hamill, or Kristi or Michelle. With me it was exactly when I discovered Curry and Cranston.[/QUOTE
^^^ Another "older" American for Toller! Although I remember watching and rooting for Janet Lynn, Toller first entranced me, and ever since, when I have followed skating, it has been the men, not the women, whom I truly enjoy. It is difficult to describe how magical he (and Curry) were at the time, but Graduation Ball will always get me because I remember seeing it the first time.