Well, I guess
@clairecloutier didn't like my new thread title suggestion, offered in the last thread, when
@Sylvia requested new thread title ideas. Anyway, I'm glad you liked it
@Mad for Skating 
"The Divine Pairs Discipline 2019 - 2020: Aiming to Bust a Move
Thanks to
@clairecloutier, Frank Carroll, and Young MC for the inspiration.
"To me figure skating is a divine sport. It's a sport made by the Gods..." -- Frank Carroll
https://adivinesport.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZQQGX24Teg"
Anyway, onward and upward is the key. And I do appreciate the original title being used again because it's so apt and familiar! Hopefully, this new season's thread will inspire some
on-topic posts about the beauties and joys of the divine pairs skating discipline.
Thanks
@clairecloutier, as always, for keeping us pairs lovers updated, and for rounding up the latest pairs news in this thread. I'm sitting back and hoping the off-season proceeds smoothly and safely for all the skaters and that they can catch their breaths somewhat and enjoy the process. I'm not in a hurry for the new season to begin at all. I'm kind of burnt out by the last couple of years, and eager to simply enjoy down time reflecting on some past amazing pairs performances, and to process everything that's been happening at warp speed these days.
The skaters truly have a lot going on too, e.g., Ashley Cain's wedding is coming up in June; and there are the recent splits, new pairings and coaching changes, etc. Kayne/O'Shea are feeling healthy and able for the first time in a long time to take full advantage of training new programs this off-season.
@Sylvia recently linked in U.S. pairs thread Sappenfield's Instagram clips of K/O and newbie U.S. seniors Feng/Nyman practicing their 2019-2020 programs:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuvuIUlPdg/ K/O
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsY5vWlyux/ F/N
K/O are gaining explosive power on their throws, and improving height on their throw 3-twist. F/N have some cool choreographic moves and appear to be steadily improving. They need to develop consistency and confidence on their technical elements, and of course find unique ways to stand out in the talented pairs discipline, which is the goal of every team. I'm excited to witness the continued progress of U.S. Pairs, with some excellent teams on the rise, and veteran teams having overcome the injury and illness setbacks suffered in recent years.
Wishing good luck to Serafini/Tran in their development as they move to train in Monsey, NY. It will be interesting to see who might be moving from Montreal with the Marcottes to train in Oakville, ON. The new team of Luba/Charlie are making steady progress performing in exhibitions to help quickly advance their partnership connection. And fingers-crossed that Deanna Stellato will be able to find a new partner.
T/M adding Marina Zoueva to their team is fascinating. Does that mean Max Trankov is no longer aboard? Zoueva famously choreographed for Gordeeva/Grinkov, one of the most iconic pairs teams of all time. It looks like T/M and Mozer are making every effort possible to try and find some magic in order to stave off being overtaken by the exciting young Russian team, Boikova/Koslovskii! The challenging problem is that Vlad & Evgenia have to find something inside themselves to bring out on the ice. We shall see what happens.
The best pairs teams right now in terms of well-rounded abilities and magic chemistry are Sui/Han and James/Cipres. And with S/H out rehabbing Sui's injuries the past two seasons, it's been James/Cipres leading the pack with solid technical elements, exciting connection, and well-choreographed programs with good music selection. J/C have been the team to watch even during 2017-2018 season with Sav/Mas and Duhamel/Radford at the top.
T/M have always had the potential, superb tech elements, and judges' favor but have completely lacked chemistry on the ice. So it looks like by adding Zoueva to their brain trust, T/M are Aiming to Bust a Move next season.
One thing T/M have always seemed to be able to count on is the judges rewarding them, and sometimes over-rewarding them. If they are ever able to actually bring out their personalities in competitive programs, that would be something. But as we've seen, the judges and the skating community don't necessarily hold them to a high standard in all aspects of their skating.
