Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez of Great Britain perform their Free Dance at the 2022-23 ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Turin, Italy.
Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez
British ice dancers Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez are ready for the next step after gaining a lot of attention on the Junior circuit last season. In what was only their second season together, they finished fourth place at the 2022-23 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final in Torino after taking silver at both their individual events. Shortly after, they followed up with another fourth-place finish at the Junior World Championships, where they slipped from the podium by less than one-tenth of point.
In this interview, the ice dancers reflect on their last season in great honesty, revealing that the first weeks after the Junior World Championships were tough. They discuss the lift, which was deemed “extended,” that still confuses them and their team to this day.
We also learn how the young team met two years ago, and why Bekker decided to switch from Solo Dance to Ice Dance. They reveal how they melded together as a team and the long-term goals they have for their career.
The 2023-24 season will be Bekker and Hernandez’s first Senior season and they feel ready and excited for the new challenge. The duo has prepared two brand new programs which they reveal for the first time. The new Rhythm Dance will be a “Prince” medley and their Free Dance will be performed to selections from the British rock band “Muse.”
Listen in as they explain their music choices as well as the challenges picking them.
The two-time national junior champions, who train in Philadelphia, also point out the great relationship they have with their coaching team, Nicholas Buckland and Penny Coomes, and explain why switching to a bigger team is not an option.
On a personal level we get to learn more about their hobbies and personal interests off the ice and discuss some challenges the young Brits experienced living in the US.
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