I'm not sure what Lajoie/Lagha's plans are but they need a change and a fairly radical one. I would say the last couple of seasons since Montreal worlds have proven they are not a priority in Montreal. If I was them, I'd be at least looking at the possibility of changing camps. They have not been given standout material, which is so key in dance. And it's not as if they are not capable. I really thought they'd be on the podium at this year's worlds following the Olympics but they are nowhere close. They are way better than this. They need new energy and new ideas.
Not happening. They are babies from Gadbois (before it was even IAM). They are not changing camps. Also, the year they had good material, they were 5th in the world. The last couple years, their materials has been subpar ... this is really the problem. There are dancers I won't name who are not great but with the right material place much higher.
I agree that perhaps, knowing that the Canadian number 1 team was Piper and Paul, MFD and others didn't prioritize them, except when worlds were in Montreal.... so I would say it's really where they need a change. They also need better costumes for Zach.
I think they will shine in the waltz because of the quality of their skating.
The last few years, their FDs have been very low-key. It's like a lesser quality of Cizeron's one-note programs. I think they need for more punch, the way that Virtue-Moir were able to do
I was disappointed that they nixed their JS Bach FD this year. It may have been stellar. I know they can skate to real classical music as opposed to crossover like white crow or roses. I am here for that. But classical music with energy and punch. I will just say this as an example, not wishing they do that but something like 4 Seasons would actually showcase them at their best.
Zach and Marjo are very musical but they are not able to showcase that with these low-key programs. Judges are no longer impressed with their speed and flow. They need signature programs and moves. Most of what they do is very difficult but they do it so well that it looks easy. That's also part of the problem.
But no. I don't think they will move. And if they did, where would they go ? IAM Ontario is the only option but LaLe just moved there and CPom are there... I am not sure it's really a good idea. On top of that, Zach and Marjo are students here in Montreal.
I have the feeling that they are aiming at 2030 and sort of used these years to develop themselves. Unfortunately, they were too cautious the last couple years. Injuries didn't help.
Let's not forget that both years, they started their season late. They need to go and do challengers so judges see them. They cannot just wait for their traditional Skate Canada outing. They need to be readier earlier.
Let's hope they are not set back with injuries this summer and can rally. With MFD doing better too. Maybe we should write IAM a letter that they now have our Canadian number 1 team and that they better make sure that team is a secure top five next year and a podium contender in 2030
