Caroline Green and Michael Parsons created my favorite thing in figure skating ... they put me in a trance!
During their free skate, it was as if I were in an art museum, standing or sitting in front of a favorite painting or an acknowledged masterpiece ... I was totally absorbed, being in the presence of a work of art. It was as if I were present at a concert or a recital or in an individual's home while witnessing (and thus becoming a part of) their musical performance, whether piano, instrumental quartet or sextet, or a soulful duet.
Yes, that's it. Caroline and Michael created a soulful duet on ice. I could say it was about the smoothness of their skating and movement. Or the complete absorption they had, and their commitment to each other which was palpable. Or their control with slow music and moves. But it all adds up to more.
I love figure skating competitions because they bring out the best in the skaters (I care somewhat less about placements). But as Caroline and Michael skated, I was on the ice with them; I was in their performance, I was in the moment and I completely forgot where I was. When skaters can make me feel this way even though I'm not in the building with them, it's a testament to the power of art and the power of connection that we all have with one another.
As they ended their free dance, I suddenly became aware that I'd been transported to another place and time.
