I like Stepanova & Bukin better. I think they are stronger competitors. I like the risk in their twizzles and their high energy. I've always thought he was a unique performer, and I feel she has upped her game this season to the point at which they feel strongly matched. I feel like they are skating with a lot of confidence this season. I agree with those who argue that the RD is not a tango, and I do think it is an attempt to hide the fact that they aren't as strong at skating close together as one should for a tango. But I don't think V&M's SD was Latin last season either nor do I think Gilles & Poirier's Beatles program was a waltz. The blues is working. I think I liked their hip hop/blues program even better in 2016-17; but S&B are skating the best I've ever seen them right now.
I like Sinitsina & Katsalapov, and I had hopes for them becoming a dynamic team for three seasons. There comes a point, however, at which one must divest emotionally, and I reached that point with this team somewhere between Europeans two years ago and last year's Nationals. It's just as well. I can be happy for them if they skate well, but zero expectations. They were very fast when last I saw them, though I don't know how that is impacted when they perform more complex footwork; and they have the ability to perform different styles of programs. I feel they should stretch more in this direction at this point. I really like their RD this season, but their FD feels much like last season's FD for me. I don't think I will remember it in the long run.
I like Sinitsina & Katsalapov, and I had hopes for them becoming a dynamic team for three seasons. There comes a point, however, at which one must divest emotionally, and I reached that point with this team somewhere between Europeans two years ago and last year's Nationals. It's just as well. I can be happy for them if they skate well, but zero expectations. They were very fast when last I saw them, though I don't know how that is impacted when they perform more complex footwork; and they have the ability to perform different styles of programs. I feel they should stretch more in this direction at this point. I really like their RD this season, but their FD feels much like last season's FD for me. I don't think I will remember it in the long run.
Last edited: