3.2 Anastasia Mishina & Vladislav Mirzoev
Personal Bests, these two Russians had to offer as well and many things about balance totally applies here as well. What, however, makes them stand out are their unique skating abilities. Anastasia is a 14 years old girl and I totally love what she is doing with her hand behind the back, at all the throws of Sal and Loop. It just stands out, like a naked bird does and a little cute bird, but with it´s clothes on, she certainly is. What a character, she has quite an acting talent, as we also saw at the Gala and these two can slip into so many roles on ice, elegant and graceful, party or play dead.
I really enjoy, how for the crowd they skate, always checking with us and if we like it, I honestly have not yet seen a pair like these two on ice, so many things that they do, are unique and not to be found at other pairs.
Their Bolero from the Short, has completely changed my view about the Bolero, as I always felt, it was a little bit old school and they twisted that music piece from 1928 and turned it into an instrument, a beautiful one that just grabs you whenever you see it. They both have so much expression and power, perfectly on beat everything they do, I love that no touch and the intro to it, great arms, super graceful - yet dancy.
Just like Carmen, you can do a lot wrong with that music, but they absolutely nailed it and their Free isn´t less good. Totally different approach with the move back in time, to the Ladies & Gentleman. I honestly can not get enough of their programs, we need skaters like them, skaters who bring something new to the table and not just repeat what we already saw.