Kaitlin Hawayek & Jean-Luc Baker
- Thread starter snowflakebeautiful
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Kaitlin often looks dejected with the scores. I think she believes they should be top 5. Would love to hear what exactly would or would have propelled them to that level?
I wonder this, too - I don't have a proper understanding of ice dance scores, but the quality of their skating to me would place them in the top 5, and I'm frequently astounded by their placings.
I've seen them perform live several times, and they always have the power to completely move me. They were world junior champions, so this makes it even more confusing/confounding.
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- Jan 3, 2007
The commentator mentions the twizzles getting a bit close and a few wobbly edges here and there. These days I just watch and enjoy them as they are unique and special.
I'm wondering what overall held back Hawayek and Baker with the judges. I'm thinking it is their less than spectacular lifts. I used to think it was because of their closeness in height but the Italians are also close in height and have managed some pretty high-flying lifts. Like any skill, I am guessing that Kaitlin and Jean-Luc did not have a natural ability with those lifts and their coaches did their best to come up with appropriate moves. But perhaps their efforts to push their lift levels resulted in falls/injuries. I love H/B's lift with her supporting herself on his thighs. And there is no doubt their one-foot step sequence is among the best. I also think their grace and expression are superb and were never duly acknowledged in component scores. I keep referencing them in the past and present. I'm still hoping for the present!
Patterson: What’s next for local Olympian Jean-Luc Baker? | HeraldNet.com
The Edmonds ice dancer brought Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen to town with Your True Step.
www.heraldnet.com
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- Mar 12, 2007
Thanks for alerting us to this great article! What an important endeavor, Your True Step. Fantastic of Jean-Luc, Nathan, and all involved.Patterson: What’s next for local Olympian Jean-Luc Baker? | HeraldNet.com
The Edmonds ice dancer brought Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen to town with Your True Step.
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- Jul 26, 2003
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- Dec 17, 2024
I quite enjoyed Jean-Luc’s commentary on practices at U.S. Nationals. It was particularly entertaining when he answered questions submitted by viewers. Asked if there was a pairs element that he had tried or would like to, he shared that he coaxed Brandon Frazier to do some pairs stuff with him. They did the headbanger, and Jean-Luc said it was terrifying! Not surprisingly 
. I did not get the impression that he wanted to do it again. Asked about why he got into ice dance, he said that when he was 7 or 8 he had a tendency to go out and do a jump or two in competition, then start improvising. His mother (an ice dancer) thought that it might be good for someone to hold his hand and keep him on track when skating 
. I did not get the impression that he wanted to do it again. Asked about why he got into ice dance, he said that when he was 7 or 8 he had a tendency to go out and do a jump or two in competition, then start improvising. His mother (an ice dancer) thought that it might be good for someone to hold his hand and keep him on track when skating 
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- Mar 14, 2007
He answered every question I asked. It was great!I quite enjoyed Jean-Luc’s commentary on practices at U.S. Nationals. It was particularly entertaining when he answered questions submitted by viewers. Asked if there was a pairs element that he had tried or would like to, he shared that he coaxed Brandon Frazier to do some pairs stuff with him. They did the headbanger, and Jean-Luc said it was terrifying! Not surprisingly
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- Dec 17, 2024
Aww, that is great!
Which ones were yours?
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- Aug 12, 2014
I was very pleased to hear Ashley Wagner say, during her commentary for US nationals, that she'd spoken with Kaitlin, who told her how very happy she is as a coach. This makes me so happy for her. It's a great thing when skaters find their true calling after competition days. Kaitlin didn't seem too happy to me for the last few years as a competitor. And Jean Luc shows such wonderful adaptability as he's exploring new directions. Lovely to see. I also found his solo commentary at prsctices so fascinating.
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- Dec 17, 2024
That is great to hear about Kaitlin. Where is she working? I also appreciate Jean-Luc’s choreography for Parsons and Green (their current free dance).
Kaitlin is coaching with IAM and independently.
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- Mar 14, 2007
Let’s see. Have you ever thought of doing solo dance (no, it is too hard). What recommendations do you have for an adult who wants to start skating at a later age? Age is just a number, get the proper safety equipment and you should definitely do it Kelley
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- Aug 12, 2014
Thank you! I saw her with one of the dance couples in K &C at nationals, but now I can't remember who it was. She looked wonderful... and serene and very together.
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- Aug 12, 2014
I heard his extended answer to this, which was really interesting. He talked for a solid couple of minutes about It. It wouldn't have occurred to me that solo dance would be too hard, considering all he did with Kaitlin as a world class ice dancer with her.
That was a good question, well done!
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