There are many programs that I've *loved*, but only a few that have genuinely given me chills. When I get chills, it's usually not just because of the performance itself, but also because of the nature of the event and what's at stake, as well as the skater's own history. All that combines to produce an unforgettable moment. Here are a few programs that have genuinely given me chills.
Kristi Yamaguchi / Samson and Delilah / 1991 Worlds long program
Kristi's breakthrough program and one of my favorite skating memories ever. It wasn't the choreography of the program that made it memorable, but rather, the way Kristi performed it and the way the moment came together. She skated last in the final group at Worlds that year and everyone knew it was her gold medal to win or lose (although she had come into the competition as very much an underdog). Many skaters crumble under that kind of pressure, but Kristi held it together, skated brilliantly (landing 6 triples), and had a huge standing ovation at the end, as well as at least one 6.0. Before that program Kristi was just a talented skater with a lot of not-yet-fulfilled potential. After that program, she was a world champion, soon to become Olympic champion. I've never seen her look happier than she did on the podium at Worlds that year.
Ekaterina Gordeeva & Sergei Grinkov / Moonlight Sonata / 1994 Olympic long program
I still hold my breath whenever I watch this program. Never has there been a more perfect marriage of music, choreography, and skaters. It was almost as if that music were written for Gordeeva and Grinkov, or maybe it's that they were given life to perform to that music. It was just the most pure, the most simple, and the most beautiful pairs performance I've ever seen. I know Sergei wasn't happy with the skate because of his two very minor errors. But it's almost as if those mistakes simply served to highlight the harmony and perfection of the performance as a whole. The second Olympic gold medal they won with that skate was a validation, but almost unnecessary. What mattered was that the peformance existed. That they had shared it with us.
Michelle Kwan / Rachmaninoff and Lyra Angelica / 1998 Nationals short and long programs
Surely, anyone who saw those programs will never forget them. Coming into 1998 Nationals, there were just so many question marks: Could Michelle rebound from her tough 1997 season? Could she beat Tara? With her toe injury that year, would she even be able to land any jumps? No one knew what to expect. And then Michelle just came out and skated two brilliant, emotional performances back-to-back. Those two programs had everything--lovely choreography, stirring music, gorgeous jumps and technique, and such passion. It was like the world stood still for those moments Michelle was on the ice. And those strings of 6.0s! I think it's the memory of those performances at Nationals that made the 1998 Olympic defeat so bitter and painful for Michelle's fans. We just KNEW she was the best skater in the world--we had seen the proof in Philadelphia that year.
Lu Chen / The Last Emperor / 1995 Worlds long program
Many have cited Lulu's 1996 Rachmaninoff long program as one of their favorites. But I still prefer her 1995 Last Emperor program, choreographed by Toller Cranston. I loved the unusual, inventive moves in that program--the jarring, exciting music--the precision and grace with which she skated the program. And the excitement of seeing her finally win her first World title (after several years of being oh so close). That performance stays fresh in my mind, nearly ten years later.
Natalia Mishkutenok & Artur Dmitriev / Liebestraum / 1991 Worlds long program
Natalia & Artur were so unique, so memorable, as a pair. Their Liebestraum program at 1991 Worlds really showcased their talents and brought them their first World championship. The program was gorgeous, dramatic, seamless. It was as if they were skating in a different universe than the other pairs at that competition. The other pairs wore tacky, loud costumes; skated to music that was odd or unmemorable; made awkward mistakes and/or skated without emotion. Natalia & Artur, on the other hand, were elegant, exciting, different! I still miss them as a pair.
Marina Klimova & Sergei Ponomarenko / Bach Toccata / 1992 Olympics
One of the most passionate, intimate programs I've ever seen. Watching it, you almost felt like you were intruding on Marina & Sergei's privacy. It was very exciting to see them skate the program so brilliantly and win at the Olympics, especially after their inexplicable loss to the Duchesnays the previous year at Worlds. And Marina & Sergei won on their own terms, too--they didn't play it safe in terms of music, choreography, and costume, but rather, skated from the heart.
Sasha Cohen / Rachmaninoff / First pro-am competition of 2002-2003 season, long program
Wow. When Sasha came out at her first competition last year and unveiled the new Rachmaninoff long program, I was blown away by the dramatic, exciting choreography and the flair and dynamism with which Sasha skated the program. For the first time, I felt, Sasha had choreography and music that actually lived up to her amazing talent, rather than holding her back. As soon as the performance was over, I turned to my husband and said, "That's the kind of program that wins World championships." Alas, it didn't happen, but still, it was a great performance.
Wow, I've gone on forever here--sorry--but some of these memories are pretty close to my heart!!
, Aranuez US Nats 2003, Lyra Angelica US Nats 1998, EOE US Nats 01, Salome Worlds 1996 
