Original Dance

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I think you mean Chong/Gfeller, correct? Kirkland/Radford are the pairs team lol.

Sorry, I took notes of both comps and mixed up the names. I did mean Kirkland and Radford. They should become special by next year, imo.

 

[cassieandcheetah]

now the obvious question....How does D/W's OD compare to S/B's?

S/B OD skate america 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tymopw4nP64&feature=related


I'd say D/W's is superior by far. my reason being that it's just more organic, and not as theatrical and superficial. I feel like D/W's program has got more heart, if fewer matching lines than S/B's. I think Meryl and Charlie are more likeable because they're just simply good at just doing what they do, whereas I feel like S/B's are always trying too hard to sell their programs.

 

[dorispulaski]

The nice thing about D&W's OD is that it had a great period Charleston feel. I wish I had a copy of Wynne and Druar's Charleston, but D&W's is as well choreographed. The Charleston is a frenetic dance in which matching lines wouldn't be the big deal. D&W followed the OD def in the ISU guidelines which particularly specified that the dances not be ballroom.

S&B's routine is a Fred and Ginger number from Follow the Fleet, so it's definitely teetering on the stage/ballroom type number.

I like both dances, but like D&W's choreographically the best IMO.

Meryl has certainly become hugely more expressive this year!

Some good charleston clips: Watch this one thru to the end!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJC21zzkwoE
This one's good too.
The prototype of Charlie's schtick is at about the 2 minute mark.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3svvCj4yhYc&NR=1

 

[cassieandcheetah]

I'm just so happy that D/W have proven all their naysayer's wrong. While S/B are a good team, I was getting frustrated by everyone touting them as the next big thing as though they have forgotten Charlie and Meryl alltogether. IMO, I don't think there's any doubt who's the superior team at this point, I don't think it's going to be even close at nationals this year. I actually predict D/W have a good chance to topple B/A!

 

[lmarie086]

According to CBC, Marina choreographed the OD, and I personally believe she did the FD as well.
It suited them very well, and as far as choreography goes I did think it was better than S/B, who still do have a great OD; it's just personal preference.

 

[missysays]

You know if we're comparing ODs from US teams, I wouldn't be surprised if D/W had a chance to win the OD at Nationals.

The more and more I look at Tanith and Ben's OD the more I think it looks like off-the-strip Vegas Caberet as opposed to even on-the-strip Vegas Cabaret. I mean it's Liza Minelli for Gods sake.

I wonder if they realize what a miscue their OD is. If they were still with Igor they'd go home and start making changes, I wonder if Linichuk would do that for them.

 

[skatingfan04]

I like this swing style. Davis and white were really energetic and impressive. I think Belbin and Agosto are going to have to watch themselves at US nationals this year. Crone and Poirier really impressed me as well. I know she botched the twizzle, but they hyave the most interesting and innovative choreo around. I think that they attacked the program too much. They were so energized that they kind of went all over the place. I still they can move up onto the podium with a good FD.

 

[~tapdancer]

You know if we're comparing ODs from US teams, I wouldn't be surprised if D/W had a chance to win the OD at Nationals.

The more and more I look at Tanith and Ben's OD the more I think it looks like off-the-strip Vegas Caberet as opposed to even on-the-strip Vegas Cabaret. I mean it's Liza Minelli for Gods sake.

I wonder if they realize what a miscue their OD is. If they were still with Igor they'd go home and start making changes, I wonder if Linichuk would do that for them.

Personally I think D/W's OD will blow B/A right out of the water by Nationals. At least, it should. So much better than B/A's as far as choreo and when Meryl and Charlie get a few more performances under their belts, it's going to be even more !

Tracy Wilson said in her commentary that it was obvious Meryl and Charlie were well-trained and even with the bobbles, this OD was ready and "awesome"!

B/A had better be worried...they sure have reason this season!

 

[yelyoh]

I think Davis is already a better skater than Belbin and White is closing in on Agosto. I think it's going to be close at Nats but I think B&A will edge D&W out. Next year, I think D&W will be US champs. BTW does anyone know what's up with Melissa and Dennis?

 

[amazonprincess]

Davis and White were super cute on the ice and really fun to watch.

They're wearing Team Canada colors though

 

[1795]

now the obvious question....How does D/W's OD compare to S/B's?

S/B OD skate america 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tymopw4nP64&feature=related


I'd say D/W's is superior by far. my reason being that it's just more organic, and not as theatrical and superficial. I feel like D/W's program has got more heart, if fewer matching lines than S/B's. I think Meryl and Charlie are more likeable because they're just simply good at just doing what they do, whereas I feel like S/B's are always trying too hard to sell their programs.

true D/W just felt naturally in character as supposed to the tacky sailor outfit, but i love S/B's too. just that charm too it - the tap dancing!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

ALERT - The FD starts at 12:15 EST on Icenework

and in Ottawa.

Hope all your clocks have the correct time since the switch this morning.

 

[samba]

Joe, thanks for the reminding. Talking about the US Nationals, it's scary to see N/B OD scores when compare with S/B and S/G (at Skate America). S/B's OD seems to be comfortably beat N/B. W/B's OD score also was quite low, lower than M/T or K/L-G (at Karl Schafer). Hope they do better in FD.

 

[dancemaster]

Joe, thanks for the reminding. Talking about the US Nationals, it's scary to see N/B OD scores when compare with S/B and S/G (at Skate America). S/B's OD seems to be comfortably beat N/B. W/B's OD score also was quite low, lower than M/T or K/L-G (at Karl Schafer). Hope they do better in FD.

I would not put to much weight on the scores
two different competitions

 

[Nadine]

Chiming in late, as I've been having ISP problems with icenetwork, but thank goodness there's youtube!

I enjoyed watching Davis & White's routine......very cute & charming.......well-deserved win. Here's hoping they give Belbin & Agosto some serious competition at 2009 Nationals. Though I have nothing against B&A, and really don't mind whomever wins, as long as there is some competition. But most importantly I want a couple that will be able to stand on the podium at 2009 Worlds, so that 3 couples can go to the Olympics in 2010!