Although I am thrilled for the Shibs winning, Kaitlin and Jean-Luc's 5th place finish at US Nationals was disappointing. I think they need to regroup for next year. Their lifts seem to be a challenge and maybe a lift specialist is in order to help them perform their lifts with better fluidity and speed. They can't change their small difference in height but maybe some additional core/strength training for both is in order. Kaitlin should not look to lose weight but to get stronger in the execution. Also, they need two dances that play to their strengths rather than try to develop a style (SD ballet) that is not apparent. I love the Theory of Everything FD and really feel like it was never seen properly by the judges. I know it's risky but maybe they should hang on to that and work to refine and find a SD that will put them in a better stance. But I really did NOT like the change to the blue sparkly costumes for the FD. It totally missed the mark for the mood and message of the dance. Jean-Luc's former outfit was fine but maybe Kaitlin needed to lose the lacy, bow dress and find something plain and sophisticated. But not blue sparkles Vegas!
I do worry for them a bit next year, but I think their focus simply has to be on creating the best programs they can and trying to rise in the ranks internationally. I'm not sure it is realistic to think they will be able to pass H/D next year at this point but they should be able to start finishing higher in international competitions and hitting their levels consistently. I do think this isn't really the time to try to stretch themselves as they did this year with the super balletic SD and they should try for programs that showcase their strengths.
I agree that Kaitlin and Jean-Luc need to establish their style and reinforce their technique before worrying about stretching into areas for which they are not well suited. A lift coach is needed, too. I do worry that they will battle for 4th place nationally. But the Shibs should provide enormous motivation. Although they had second place in the US for the last couple years they were struggling internationally. Now look at the Shibs - World silver medalists! Ranking can change and momentum can shift. Hang in the Kaitlin and Jean-Luc! Work on your weaknesses and find 2 vehicles that accentuate your many strengths, I'm a BIG fan!
I agree a lift specialist wouldn't hurt anything but I actually think that given their incredibly small size difference (both in height and honestly also in terms of their build) they generally manage the lifts well. I am not sure it's realistic to expect with such a small size difference that the majority of their lifts are ever going to be able to have that OMG WOW factor some of the top teams lifts do, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect pretty, smooth lifts that they can execute consistently.
Guignard/Fabbri is another team with even smaller size difference than H/B. She looks so big next to him and I was shocked to discover that she's only 157cm. As much as I'm ambivalent about Hiphop, I think H/B can pull off a good one, judging by Kaitlin's recent hiphop video with Yura Min and Olivia Smart. After watching H/B's Romeo and Juliet, I thought they were polished enough to move up the senior ranks, but the Nutcracker SP laid bare all the weaknesses in them that I hadn't noticed :noshake:. Kaitlin even admitted that Krylova had a more rigorous ballet background than them so some parts of the initial choreography had to be adjusted because she made it too difficult for them. I know zits about dance techniques but I think their biggest mistake last season is to package themselves as a balletic, ethereal team. I believe they can be intense, lyrical, quirky but elegance-wise they're not up there yet.