I'm not here for the judging, placements, or complaining. The skaters say, and I believe them, that they try to skate their best and let the chips fall where they may. They can't control what the judges do, and neither can we. Why spoil the true enjoyment they get from giving their best skating? Why would I want to spoil my pleasure? So I'll focus on what I love. The order is as they occur to me.
Chelsea and Danny. Brought and showed all the joy, to themselves and to the audience. It seemed to me that they were both truly grateful to be there, to have this opportunity to shine and skate for people, after having the disappointment and loss of previous partnerships dwindling, then ending. I've watched Danny avidly for years, since 2016; and I've caught up by youtube with Chelsea's previous skating. Both are showing a whole new effervescence now, from the inside out. I want nothing more from watching figure skating than to see heartfelt performances like theirs. Love, love love their lifts and danciness. I'd rather watch a pair that gives me something interesting, even if they don't have consistency, rather than a pair that is solid but makes me feel nothing.
Jessica and Brian. I think in the beginning of their partnership, I saw and felt some of that joy I'm getting from Chelsea and Danny. Not the same, of course. Their own. Tonight was a whole, brand new Jessica and Brian for me. Jessica had sass. And the two of them seemed more in unity of purpose. I think Jeni Meno said it best a few days ago: the trauma they've been through for months has made them stronger. It sounds like a motto or a platitude, but I really feel it's true; I felt that new strength from them tonight. Oh yeah, and their elements were great. Their joy was fierce.
Riku and Ryuichi. I have been charmed by them from their first international appearance, by their good elements together and their astonished happiness at doing so well. They're in another stratosphere removed from where either was with previous partners. Now they've worked so hard and they've progressed enormously. And they're performing for themselves and the audience, not just for the elements. I love watching Ryuichi. His passion and expression leap from him and infect the audience, even me thru the computer screen. Riku's performance complements his beautifully. Oh, and I love "Hallelujah." Not so crazy about their FP, but they have an edge by repeating both programs.
Alina and Roman. My thought as they began and progressed thru their program: These Russians; they know how to compete. And it's true, but it's more. They have that ingrained elegance that's part of their training. The posture, the moves, the excellent elements. I enjoyed watching them from a completely different angle. And I like seeing what makes each pair shine and do their best.
Alexa and Brandon. Did Brandon need to be more aggressive, to match Alexa? I don't think so. I think the extra aggression from her was enough to throw Brandon off balance. Just the smallest bit, perhaps, but in pairs, timing and balance are a big part of it. We've all heard, in different walks of life, that "he or she wanted [something] too much." And I think there's truth in that. Alexa wants it too much or feels the pressure of expectations, because she took the initiative and now has to step up to those changes. She just looked flushed under the skin or something. But there's hope, because K/F's qualities are there. The glorious moment in the program was the throw triple flip, landed dramatically and perfectly on the music.
Evgenia and Vladimir. I'm glad they re-titled their SP "Galatea" and changed the beginning and ending, because I needed that to understand the meaning of the program. The rest of it fell into place, the reasons for the music changes, which before seemed too many for a SP. But the story is now more clear, showing the progression from idea, to creation, to bringing it to life, and then falling in love with your creation. That's why the short piece of music from "W.E." fits; that's the love story part. Of course, everything about figure skating is subjective, and so others may disagree entirely with my interpretation. T/M's qualities on the ice are undeniable and I see the beginnings of expression from him now. But I need to feel something more from them if I'm going to actually root for them to become Olympic or World champions.
Sasha and Dmitry. I remembered today in practice and then again tonight the one thing I like about their Swan Lake program -- what it brings out in Dima. There are a couple of moments where the spotlight is on him, and he really comes through with performance value. And with this program, that's a good choice, because I feel that he understands the music and what it requires, something deeper and darker than just a beautiful skate. Sasha, on the other hand ... well, when she smiles, I feel that it doesn't fit the music somehow. When they changed their SP last year to Howl's Moving Castle, she said they wanted something to give "light and happiness." I feel that's the right formula for her talents.
Evelyn and Trennt. I really like them as people, as skaters, and as a pair. I feel they have something good and important to give as skaters and as a pairs team ... it's like comparing a really vivacious, life of the party couple with a couple who are quieter and just as creative and talented. Someone said earlier that W/M's pattern is to start the season slow and to build and be at full strength at Nationals. So they're right on track. I really enjoyed their skating at Worlds. So it's just a matter of time and when they peak. I hope they're not discouraged. After all, Canadians had even fewer opportunities to compete for the last year than the US did. And I think I felt the result of that handicap in all the North American teams tonight. Everyone seemed tense. So I hope it can only go up from here.
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