Now to the rest of the Free Dances, which amazingly were my favorite event at this competition.
Allison & Saulius are so natural, committed to their program, and always with a smile. A joy to watch. I love their commitment to holds.
Laurence & Guilliame. I finally figured out my feelings. First time I saw their FD, I was mesmerized. I think I was projecting from my experience of Gaby & Guilliame. After about the 5th watch of FB/C's FD, I realized what I was missing. Cizeron still has those beautiful skating skills and flexibility, and shoulder expression. Laurence has amazing skills, which amazingly match (ETA: or complement) his. But as someone said in the Papadakis/Ciz years, Gaby was the heart and soul of the team. Could Laurence develop that talent, if she has it? Only time will tell. Guilliame seems to have regressed in understated tenderness and seems to be trying to project more conventional romance. Not working for me.
Madison & Evan. They are THE premiere example of the beneficial talents of the Montreal IAM coaches, who are able to look at each of their teams with a new, unprejudiced eye. Marie-France et. al. bring out the previously hidden, best qualities of each team. Madison & Evan have a dynamic quality, connection and originality that seemingly only can be missed by people looking at dancers' feet.
Piper & Paul. I was so transported several years ago by their first Vincent program that this second version fell flat for me. Maybe it's because ice dancing has developed in subtle ways.
Mark Handretty kept remarking all through this event when a team or skater (in all disciplines) benefitted from as much from the middle mark of the PC ... paying attention to and finessing the Interpretation mark (and occasionally, also the Composition mark). I think he's right, and I think the adjustments that have been made to the scoring over the past few years may have subtly changed the judging. Maybe this is actually what some of the outraged fans, the ones who cry "conspiracy!" are upset about. As for me, I am thrilled to think that this may be happening across the disciplines. More attention to artistry ... all kinds, not just a predetermined set of (more) skills. Nothing could make me happier!
Lilah & Lewis. They're also reflecting newer judging that judges their own strengths, rather than comparing their skills to other more traditional couples. Lilah & Lewis are entertainers who bring joy, excitement, enthusiasm right into their excellent skating. It's contagious. Audiences love them. That kind of bringing happiness is wonderful. Wonderful.
I enjoyed it very much. Particularly the bonus backflip.
