Alexandra Paul & Mitchell Islam

[skatingfan04]

I love the fact that they no longer look like V/M clones, but are developing their own style.

Maybe they never really were clones, but they certainly looked like it to me in the past. With this short dance I can start to appreciate them for their own selves, as the very good ice dancers that they are.

I was actually just thinking that as I watched them. I never thought they were clones, but this program really seemed to display a style that is uniquely theres. I was impressed.

[clarie]

Now all they have to do is stay injury free for next year's Grand Prix series. They really need to get out there and get some exposure on the circuit. They, like W/P, have so much potential as a young team and I can see them moving up as long as they remain healthy. Here's hoping they have a Kick A$$ FS and nail everything.

[Bournekraatzfan]

Now all they have to do is stay injury free for next year's Grand Prix series. They really need to get out there and get some exposure on the circuit. They, like W/P, have so much potential as a young team and I can see them moving up as long as they remain healthy. Here's hoping they have a Kick A$$ FS and nail everything.

ITA. I think they just need a little luck on their side. I remember how impressed I was when I saw them at SC 2010, and I know you were there too, Clarie. Here was this young team that delivered a spellbinding performance in their senior debut of the GP circuit. I loved the subtlety and nuance of their SD and cannot wait to see them skate their FD. Best of luck to them and all the other teams.

[~tapdancer~]

Their SD is definitely one of my faves this year. The sensuality and smoothness of the first section is lovely. They are a very well-matched team and I hope they continue to improve. Oh, and I really like their FD, too. So different and can't wait to see it again.

[skatingfan04]

The fact that they came so close actually makes this more painful. I get it, though. They just had too many little mistakes to make up the ground that they needed. Performance wise, it was a beautiful skate though, wasn't it? All in all, a really impressive way to end their nightmare of a season.

On a completely irrelevant side note, I don't think Alexandra has ever looked more beautiful that she did tonight.

The fact that they came so close to beating Ralph & Hill, even though R/H were clean, is really encouraging, though. Despite R/H's massive improvements this season, it doesn't look like P/I will have any problems beating them next season, assuming they're healthy. What worries me, however, is Gilles & Poirier. Or rather, the way the judges reacted to them. G/P really didn't impress me all that much, but P/I or anyone lese won't have a chance against them if the judges just hand them marks that they don't deserve. Honestly, their score was a complete joke.

[eurodance2001]

The fact that they came so close actually makes this more painful. I get it, though. They just had too many little mistakes to make up the ground that they needed. Performance wise, it was a beautiful skate though, wasn't it? All in all, a really impressive way to end their nightmare of a season.

On a completely irrelevant side note, I don't think Alexandra has ever looked more beautiful that she did tonight.

The fact that they came so close to beating Ralph & Hill, even though R/H were clean, is really encouraging, though. Despite R/H's massive improvements this season, it doesn't look like P/I will have any problems beating them next season, assuming they're healthy. What worries me, however, is Gilles & Poirier. Or rather, the way the judges reacted to them. G/P really didn't impress me all that much, but P/I or anyone lese won't have a chance against them if the judges just hand them marks that they don't deserve. Honestly, their score was a complete joke.

What benefit is gained by "overscoring" G/P though?

[Pratfall]

Ah-h-h-h... the colour of that dress was exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for. We can't discuss the competition here , but ...but...

[skatingfan04]

What benefit is gained by "overscoring" G/P though?

I wish I knew.

[sliver98]

Gilles and poirier were much faster than them they really need to improve their speed and power if they want to become contenders.

[nlyoung]

What benefit is gained by "overscoring" G/P though?

I suspect the marks were influenced by their unique and interesting choreography, some unquestionably strong individual elements (Paul can carry them - literally - in the lifts, for instance), and turning a blind eye to the lack of unison (perfectly understandable given their short time together, but also disguised by the program construction).

The advantage to "overscoring" is obvious. If this is to be Canada's "next" great team, they'll need to come out of the gate strong on the GP next year. Aren't they eligible for assignments (other than SC) with Paul as a "comeback" skater? I'm sure they'll get a Senior B assignment in early fall as well.

I'm sure it was also in the back of judges' minds that "positive" judging was not going to impact a WC/4C assignment. I'm sure this program would not have been marked as kindly internationally, but the judges won't have to face criticism for overmarking as this is it for the program.

[miffy]

I am really sad they didn't get 4th place, it is so rare these days that we get to see beautiful ice 'dancing' which this team really do.

[skatingfan04]

I am really sad they didn't get 4th place, it is so rare these days that we get to see beautiful ice 'dancing' which this team really do.

I've always thought that effortless and graceful dancing is way underapprecaited in this sport. Teams like P/I, W/P and V/M never gain the advantage that I feel they should for having these qualities.

I have a question to put out there. I'm not really sure how GP assignemnt selection works, but will P/I even get any next season? I know they made the national team, but they are for all intents and purposes the lowest ranked members. I assume that means that the teams above them in the ranking will get priority. Is it still possible for them to get 2, or is one assignment the best we can hope for?

[skatingfan04]

Gilles and poirier were much faster than them they really need to improve their speed and power if they want to become contenders.

I didn't think they were lacking speed at all. Quite the contrary, actually. They were quite slow in their earlier competitions, but I didn't see that here at all. Not to say that G/P weren't fast. They certainly were.

I agree that they're lacking a bit of power right now, but that's something they had a lot of before Alexandra's injuries became a factor. I suspect that once they are healthy and properly trained, that will return.

[kwanfan1818]

Aren't they eligible for assignments (other than SC) with Paul as a "comeback" skater? I'm sure they'll get a Senior B assignment in early fall as well.

Under this year's rules, Gilles and Poirier would be comeback skaters only if they had competed together and had to miss a season. However, they'll be eligible for one spot from the alternates list as part of a "split couple" based on his Worlds results.

[skatingfan04]

http://www.skateontario.org/2012/01/22/842/

[ltnskater]

G/P were not overscored at all, they were fully deserved and just watch, internationally, they will do just as well next season (obviously in terms of relative scores). P/I were underscored in my opinion... and should have been ahead of R/H and gone to worlds, but I'm happy that R/H finally get to go to Worlds cause this will be their last chance.

[DORISPULASKI]

Unless they change coaches--something R&H need to do as soon as possible, IMO.

[elle123]

G/P were not overscored at all, they were fully deserved and just watch, internationally, they will do just as well next season (obviously in terms of relative scores). P/I were underscored in my opinion... and should have been ahead of R/H and gone to worlds, but I'm happy that R/H finally get to go to Worlds cause this will be their last chance.

Why, are R/H retiring?

[Debrah]

IMO P&I were underscored and shafted...

[skatingfan04]

IMO P&I were underscored and shafted...

I honestly didn't think that at first, but each time I re-watch their programs I find my self getting a little more aggrevated with the final result. Still, I like R/H, and am happy that they get to experience worlds. I'm sure P/I will get many chances to go in the near future.

It's good to see that SC has decided to give them an event in spite of their finish, though. I am insanely excited to see how they skate at 4CC!! I fully expected to have to wait untill next season to see them again, so this is a real bonus!