There were a number of excellent skates in this exhibitions, with many triples. Jeff's program was a joy to watch. I presume that program has been done before in exhibition (on tour?) as he has been off the ice so much, I can't imagine he found time to do a new exhibition! Chris Mabee must still be flying high after winning the silver; perhaps he should have skated to Jeff's music! Emanuel was also enjoyable to watch. Perhaps a more classical competitive program would be beneficial for him? Although he certainly can dance, he seems more relaxed during classical numbers. Shawn Sawyer must be disappointed in not making the world team; here's hoping he can become more consistent with all his jumps. Joannie did look so at ease out there! Her jumps seemed so effortless! I didn't watch Mira...phone rang...and I don't usually find her enjoyable to watch. Hopefully, as she grows and matures, her look on the ice will improve and she will connect more with the audience. Leslie certainly had troubles in the exhibition, especially (and unusually) on the spins; I thought she was going to sit right on the ice during one of them, but she caught herself with her hand! Nonetheless, she always wore a huge smile.
Dube/Davison...was this number the same as their competitive number, only with lyrics? They looked great. Can't wait to see what a full season of training without injury will do for them! They have star quality written all over them. Marcoux/Buntin's programs show what time together, and growth as a skater and person, can do. They have come so far; I never expected to find them so entertaining. Having said that, Val did not look overly happy out there but Craig seemed quite into it. Langlois/Hay's program was very entertaining (was it called Elephant Love Songs or something like that?) Although I haven't been a big fan of Anabelle's in the past, I am enjoying this team and think that they too have a bright future--top ten at worlds this year?
I found Tracy's commentary for Dubreuil/Lauzon right on; ice dance needed them and their version of dance that are not filled with over the top dramatics. Everything they do seems so effortless while, at the same time, they give the impression that they are loving what they are doing. With Marie France's injuries last week, I would find it hard to believe that she wasn't still experiencing some pain during the exhibitions, but did not show it. Virtue/Moir are completely charming and Weaver/Poje were enjoyable to watch, even though they performed one of their competitive numbers...our future (immediate and down the road) looks so bright in ice dance!
Overall, to me this was one of the best Canadians even. Good luck to our skaters at 4 Continents and Worlds!
