Congrats to all the medalists. So happy for the Shibs. Knew they would be competitive this season after I saw them in Canton six weeks ago. Their FD is a joy to watch. I&K looked shocked in the Kiss & Cry to find themselves off the podium. I&K are talented but their programs are blah. Also enjoyed D&W FD tango. Really difficult lifts - that's what I saw them working on mostly when I was in Canton. Nice to see the whole program. They are always entertaining. Programs are still a little rough, which is probably why Meryl commented that the FD was "a battle", but to be fair, they had very late start on their programs. Expect to see both routines improve as the season progresses.
Yes, this is what I felt. And I just realized, this is the first year that they haven't had the pressure of being the 2nd team (or not) to Tanith and Ben. Not only did they have so much more touring and TV and appearance stuff going on (and so, less time to work on their programs, not to mention choosing to drop the Amelie program)-they actually had the luxury of being able to do it without having huge worries.
And about I&K-it looks like they really didn't have time to prepare properly either, which I think is what Tarasova was getting at. With those lifts from Schindler, their FD has a comic ballet rather than a dramatick ballet flavor just now. However, I would expect them to have new lifts, as they promised at Russian test skate, before Russian Nationals. The program would them be much much better.
BTW, do you have any idea what their plan is to get up their tech marks in the GW?
just watched davis and white's FD and I really love it. Of course, I just always am breathless about their twizzles, overall speed and closeness, and precision. but for some reason I can't quite explain, i really noticed or got into the shapes they created this time. Really lovely. I am a little - i don't know - uncomfortable about that lift that ends up with Charlie holding her at the knees with one arm - all I could think was it felt strange at first and dangerous by the end. other than that, I really like this fd. can't wait to watch more of them.
That lift will look better when it's faster and smoother.