2016 Skate Canada Free Dance

Daniel1998 said:

Program of the night for me goes to Piper and Paul's formidable tango. That's the only one I actually want to watch again really badly.

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Sublime as that tango is, I don't think this type of program really suits them. It's too 'safe'. I like them better when they are pushing the boundaries and doing something with a darker, more dramatic theme. They are so good at it!

Mattieu said:

Yes, he is a good strong skater, but I just wish he hadn't taken such a short skater, as he'd have looked fabulous with a taller girl, as he did with Samuelson

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I liked Samuelson too. Although Madison is beautiful, I thought there was more chemistry between him and Emanuelson. Still, about the height, those lifts certainly benefits from the height difference. In this FD in particular they are quite impressive.

I actually like the height difference between Madi & Evan. Their amazing lifts were what drew me to them in the first place, and I also agree his larger size presents a solid frame against Madison's extraordinary flexibility. To be honest, Samuelson & Bates never made any impression on me one way or the other.

Let's just say that for me Chock&Bates are glamour, while Samuelson&Bates were kinda champagne.

Alba said:

Let's just say that for me Chock&Bates are glamour, while Samuelson&Bates were kinda champagne.

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I admired S/B on a technical level--they were wonderfully precise skaters with terrific matching lines. Not even Marlie could touch them on those components. But my goodness I found them dull as day old dishwater. Together they were the epitome of "nice but eminently forgettable."

Now C/B. Well, I said this several years ago and I think it still holds true. It's like what Katharine Hepburn said about Astaire and Rogers: he gave her class and she made him look sexier. I don't quite understand the absolute animosity they seem to arouse in some people here. I mean, de gustibus non est disputandum, but still...it borders on de horibulus. What did they ever do to you? Kick your puppies? Steal your Halloween candy?

WeakAnkles said:

he gave her class and she made him look sexier.

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I agree with this actually. Good definition. :thumbsup:

auser said:

I admire Alexandra STEPANOVA / Ivan BUKIN 's technical skills, but this FD makes me wonder if they wish to be pairs skaters minus the throws.

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I really liked their program - they might even be my favourite Russian ice dance couple at the moment.