The Dance Hall 9: Bring the Bling or No Beijing 2021-2022

[Wyliefan]

This interview with Hawayek/Baker includes their thoughts on the changes in the rhythm dance.

Hawayek & Baker: Reflecting and looking ahead – Ice-dance.com

www.ice-dance.com

“It’s kind of a shame that they don’t have the pattern in the rhythm dance anymore,” Baker said. “If you were to look at ice dance over the past four or five years, it’s lost a little bit of its essence in the pattern dance anyway. Everyone is only focused on how to do an outside and inside edge and get this key point as clean as possible. You’re losing the root of what made ice dance kind of ice dance with the pattern dance. It’s a shame that they got rid of it.”

“The addition of a choreographic step sequence in the rhythm dance is going to bring a really cool liveliness to the rhythm dance. In our experience, we’re usually looking at 20% less of the audience capacity watching the rhythm dance. Then with the free dance, there’s more people. It might just be because the free dance is usually on Saturday.”

“I think [the choreographic step sequence] could bring more of an audience into the picture because it will make it a little bit more interesting, where the pattern dance didn’t for the average fan.”

“Choreographic assisted jumps, or anything that just gives us a little bit more freedom, or more opportunity to have some fun, depends where your creativity is. It all depends on your choice of music because realistically in the end that’s going to determine what elements you’re going to choose.”

Hawayek added, “I agree with Jean-Luc. I think that, especially from a standpoint of just the history of ice dance, the pattern dance has always been there. It’s required in ice dance testing. It was its own event, so it’s just a bit hard to imagine ice dance without any sort of pattern dance.“

“At the same time, things can’t always stay the same, so I’m going into it with an open mind and also with the excitement of having a choreo step sequence just to bring out some creativity. I think it could bring more engagement for sure and more interest to the sport. So, it’ll be interesting. I had my reservations, but I do think that there could be some benefit to it.”

 

[Sylvia]

Post-Junior Worlds I was also wondering what the junior field will look like next season, so here's my list of teams' eligibility.
...
⦁ Denisa Cimlova / Vilem Hlavsa (CZE) - 1 more season

Cimlova/Hlavsa have split according to this Czech federation's post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdpfAf0qMIn/

Russian teams update: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...s-updates-in-2022.109490/page-27#post-6258732

@clairecloutier's interview with Allison Reed & Saulius Ambrevicius:

Reed/Ambrulevicius: "We haven't reached our limit" - A divine sport

Ice dancers Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius, who represent Lithuania, have both been part of the international ice dance scene for many years now. Reed began competing internationally in 2009, while Ambrulevicius’s ice dance career began in 2014. But, it’s only since the couple teamed up...

adivinesport.com

 

[GoneWithTheWind]

New Ice-Dance.com interview with Guignard/Fabbri:

https://www.ice-dance.com/site/italys-guignard-fabbri-take-it-one-step-at-a-time/

In it, they say they're hoping to aim for the 2026 Olympics.

We are definitely going to continue next year and take it step by step. If we keep being in a good shape, we are definitely going to target the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games in Italy in 2026. We don’t want to say anything specific about it though, we will take it one step at a time. We want to end our career with a high, at the max of our abilities and potential. As long as we see results coming through, we are motivated and feel good physically and mentally, there is no reason why we should stop.

Looking forward to seeing what they can achieve next season, and hoping to see them on more major podiums over the next few seasons.

 

[Belsornia]

This interview with Hawayek/Baker includes their thoughts on the changes in the rhythm dance.

It's striking that even teams who seem likely to benefit personally from the end of the pattern are not enthusiastic about this change.

 

[Dobre]

April 6:

Today - "Sofya Tyutyunina [19 in June] / Andrei Bagin [age 26, previously with Annabelle Morozov who is now teamed with Devid Naryzhnyy] are announced as a new ice dance team" [also coached by Zhulin]: https://twitter.com/AnythingGOE/status/1526557310197420032

And another team, Tyutyunina & Shustitskiy, bites the dust.

 

[Sylvia]

Olivia Oliver and Elliott Graham have teamed up to skate for Poland

Olvia's post today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtlhYFvl1A/
"I’m excited to announce my new partnership with Elliott. I’m grateful to be heading in this new direction with someone who shares the same goals and love for ice dancing as I do."

ETA that @jmtfti posted a different Instagram link in the OES thread in GSD (Polish & English): https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtPWSeAp49/

I am happy to announce that from next season I am moving up to Senior Ice Dance with my new partner, Elliott Graham. Elliott is a former Canadian National Junior Ice Dance Silver Medalist, who achieved a top 12 finish in the World Junior Championships.
Elliott and I are excited about our new partnership. We want to proudly represent Poland in international competitions and achieve the highest possible results. We will be training in Canada and Poland.

 

[Dobre]

Olvia's post today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtlhYFvl1A/
"I’m excited to announce my new partnership with Elliott. I’m grateful to be heading in this new direction with someone who shares the same goals and love for ice dancing as I do."

Seems like a good deal for both of them.

 

[Sylvia]

Emmy Bronsard (will turn 18 in October) & Jacob Richmond (will be 22 in June) are a new Senior team for Canada as confirmed by Patinage Quebec: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...-news-and-updates.108316/page-11#post-6259198

 

[Colonel Green]

An interview with Grimm & Savitskiy, one of the big surprises at Junior Worlds:

Germany's Grimm and Savitskiy hungry for more

When German ice dancers Darya Grimm, 15, and Michail Savitskiy, 18, came to the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, last April, they were just happy to […]

www.goldenskate.com

 

[Wyliefan]

Mexico's got a new junior ice dance team! Harlow Stanley and Nikita Sosnenko train at WISA, who made the announcement today.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdywMcLhOUp/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

 

[Andrea82]

guillaume is the choreographer of l/b's new fd. is this the unofficial retirement announcement? it's hard to imagine that he would choreograph for a competitor, but maybe skaters do this sometimes that I'm not aware of?

Geoffrey Brissaud on Instagram: "Une bonne nouvelle n’arrivant jamais seule…nous voilà dans un élan de positivité. Nous annonçons notre collaboration et notre partenariat avec Guillaume Cizeron pour la chorégraphie de notre free dance de la saison à

845 likes, 19 comments - geoffrey_brissaud on April 27, 2022: "Une bonne nouvelle n’arrivant jamais seule…nous voilà dans un élan de positivité. Nous annonçons notre collaboration et notre partenariat avec Guillaume Cizeron pour la chorégraphie de notre free dance de la saison à venir ! Une...

www.instagram.com

He has done the FD of Harris/Chan too (per Chan's IG)

 

[Dobre]

Cross-posting:

𝑬𝒗𝒂 𝒆𝒕 𝑻𝒐𝒎 on Instagram: "It is with great emotion that we announce the end of our ice dance partnership. During these 5 years we have lived a lot of things, unforgettable experiences, and we are proud of ourselves, of our sports career and of what w

262 likes, 16 comments - bernard_jochum on May 21, 2022: "It is with great emotion that we announce the end of our ice dance partnership. During these 5 years we have lived a lot of things, unforgettable experiences, and we are proud of ourselves, of our sports career and of what we have...

www.instagram.com

Junior dance team Bernard / Jochum (11th at Junior Worlds 2022) has split. He'll focus on studies and she'll look for a new partner.

 

[Karen-W]

Not too surprising but Adrian Diaz has announced his retirement, so no Smart/Diaz next season.

The Spanish Fed has announced Adrian Diaz's retirement from competitive skating - https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd59R3FNbnW/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

There's a link to his retirement letter in their IG bio which I haven't read (on my phone so I can't run it through Google Translate really fast either, lol) - https://www.rfedh.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Carta-Despedida-Adrian-Diaz.pdf

 

[VGThuy]

Not too surprising but Adrian Diaz has announced his retirement, so no Smart/Diaz next season.

I had a feeling that Zorro program would be the apex of their partnership.

 

[sk9tingfan]

Not too surprising but Adrian Diaz has announced his retirement, so no Smart/Diaz next season.

Looking forward to seeing how he and Madison establish their own school/training center and where (Spain?). Also looking forward to Where Zach Donahue settles down and establishes his center (Australia or US?)

 

[litenkyckling]

Not surprised but I’m intrigued to see what Olivia is doing next with the Spanish fed?

 

[deegee]

Not too surprising but Adrian Diaz has announced his retirement, so no Smart/Diaz next season.

not surprised, but still bummed-- for the upward trajectory of their team, for olivia, for spain

 

[Bigbird]

not surprised, but still bummed-- for the upward trajectory of their team, for olivia, for spain

But who can match our swaggalicious Adrian? I will miss them together.

 

[Belsornia]

Not surprised but I’m intrigued to see what Olivia is doing next with the Spanish fed?

Me too. She’s said she wouldn’t skate with another partner after Adrian so…. switching to luge?

Anyway, this announcement was not really a surprise. They were so focused this season it may have been hard to sustain that intensity for another year, especially with Adrian looking towards his life beyond competitive skating. It really all came together for them this season.

 

[leilaofpaper]

Will there be anyone to use the two spots for Spain at Worlds?

 

[Sylvia]

Looks like both Sara Hurtado and Kirill Khaliavin are scheduled to coach in seminars this summer.
Hurrtado: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdxgdrZO6JD/
Khaliavin: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdqWcseojZg/

 

[Karen-W]

Will there be anyone to use the two spots for Spain at Worlds?

Your guess is as good as anyone's.

Looks like both Sara Hurtado and Kirill Khaliavin are scheduled to coach in seminars this summer.
Hurrtado: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdxgdrZO6JD/
Khaliavin: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdqWcseojZg/

I'm not sure that would preclude them from competing next season, and neither has issued a statement like Adrian did today. It could be just a matter of time, but I'm holding out hope we'll see them compete at least one more year.

 

[Sylvia]

I meant to re-post this from the U.S. Club Competitions thread this past weekend:

Norway's Senior ice dance team -- Maria Bjorkli & James Koszuta (competed for Team USA on JGP with Jocelyn Haines in 2017 & 2018; he received his release back in June 2020) - debuted a Phantom of the Opera FD yesterday [Friday] - link to their joint IG account: https://www.instagram.com/bjorkli_koszuta_icedancers/

 

[ice coverage]

New Zealand has a new dance partnership: Alexander Petrov (who formerly competed for Team USA) and Hannah Sime.

Hannah's announcement post on May 13 includes two video clips, and says in part:

"Feeling truly blessed to be announcing that I have partnered with Alexander Petrov.
We have been, and will continue to train under Igor Shpilband and his team of incredible coaches at the Novi ice arena, and skate with pride under the New Zealand flag. ..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdgy4jQp81Q/

May 19 article:

Sime overcoming many challenges

A young skater who honed her craft on Dunedin ice has overcome some obstacles to get within sight of the world championships next year. Hannah Sime...

www.odt.co.nz

BTW #1:

Nice to see that Livvy Shilling, who was Petrov's most recent U.S. partner, added a supportive comment to Hannah's announcement post.​

Shilling/Petrov competed together in Senior Dance at 2021 U.S. Nationals, which was Livvy's first-ever season of ice dance after she switched from singles skating.​

(Petrov trained in Novi with Shilling, and earlier with his previous U.S. partner Alina Efimova.)​

BTW #2:

For over a year, New Zealand also has had a junior ice dance couple training in Novi: Isabelle Guise and Ethan Alday. https://www.instagram.com/icedancersnz/?hl=en​

(p.s. All in addition to New Zealand's IAM couple Charlotte Lafond-Fournier/Richard Kam.)

 

[Sylvia]

Thanks, @ice coverage! I found a local New Zealand article (5/19/22) on Sime & Petrov:

Sime overcoming many challenges

A young skater who honed her craft on Dunedin ice has overcome some obstacles to get within sight of the world championships next year. Hannah Sime...

www.odt.co.nz

 

[ostile17]

Cross-posting from their cheer thread:

It's finally official, Daisuke Takahashi has decided to continue skating with Kana Muramoto and they will continue in their third season!

高橋大輔　現役続行を決断！　来季も村元哉中と〝かなだい〟継続へ | 東スポWEB

フィギュアスケートのアイスダンスで活躍する高橋大輔（３６＝関大ＫＦＳＣ）が２７日、新シーズン（２０２２―２３年）も現役続行する意向を明かした。村元哉中（２９＝同）との〝かなだいカップル〟を継続...

www.tokyo-sports.co.jp

Google Translation

Daisuke Takahashi decided to continue working with Kana Muramoto and "Kanadai" will continue next season

Tokyo Sports Newspaper
May 27, 2022 19:12

Kana Muramoto (right) and Daisuke Takahashi's "adventure" continues (Tokyo Sports Web)

　Daisuke Takahashi (36 = Kansai University KFSC), who is active in figure skating ice dancing, announced on the 27th that he intends to continue his career in the new season (2022-23). He continues the "Kanadai couple" with Kana Muramoto (29 = same) and heads for his third year's challenge.

　The two announced the challenge for next season during an online talk show video. The new Instagram "Kanadai Official Team" will also report to the fans.

　Last season, the second year of formation, they won Japan's first silver medal at the Four Continents Championships. They made amazing progress, such as hitting the highest score in Japan for ice dancing, but could not participate in the Beijing Olympics.

　Takahashi at the end of the season the season, hinted that he may continue but was still undecided, saying, "Most of the time, I wonder if it has been already decided somehow."

　Retired in 2014 and returned shocking everyone in 2018. Furthermore, Dai-chan has surprised the fans with the conversion of ice dance. He will bring a new look next season as well.


Kana and Dai's new official Instagram account

かなだいオフィシャルチームアカウント (@kanadai_team_official) • Instagram photos and videos

13K Followers, 2 Following, 21 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from かなだいオフィシャルチームアカウント (@kanadai_team_official)

www.instagram.com

The announcement

かなだいオフィシャルチームアカウント on Instagram: "かなだいチームオフィシャルアカウント初投稿です！ 2022-23シーズンの現役続行が決まりました。 引き続き温かいご声援宜しくお願い致します。 @d1sk_t @k.a.n.a.m.u.r.a #かなだい #村元哉中 #髙橋大輔 アイスダンス #kanadai #icedance"

4,636 likes, 367 comments - kanadai_team_official on May 27, 2022: "かなだいチームオフィシャルアカウント初投稿です！ 2022-23シーズンの現役続行が決まりました。 引き続き温かいご声援宜しくお願い致します。 @d1sk_t @k.a.n.a.m.u.r.a #かなだい #村元哉中 #髙橋大輔 アイスダンス #kanadai #icedance".

www.instagram.com

 

[Sylvia]

Copying out Olivia Smart's post today: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeDpgzTOoZd/

In response to the news of Adrian’s retirement from competitive figure skating, I would like to take this opportunity to come to the close of our partnership and say thank you to the past 7 years together and congratulate Adrian on his new journey! We supported each other, reached goals, made history, faced adversity’s, and made some unforgettable memories together, all while surrounded and supported by some amazing people. As I say bye to this chapter in my career with Adrian, I can openly say I was not ready and still am not ready to leave the figure skating world just yet, the desire to perform and push myself more as an athlete is most definitely still strong, but also keeping in mind other opportunities in life. I have been so connected to figure skating for 16 years now and I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with the feeling of my sport throughout the years, so walking away from anything after that long will for sure be difficult. So while going through this transition and still craving the performance side of life, I will be taking this time for myself to process everything and see what life has to offer! Thank you all for your continued love and support. Gracias a todos por vuestro continuo amor y apoyo. Love to you all

 

[Sylvia]

The Spanish federation announced the retirement of Sara Hurtado & Kirill Khaliavin today (May 30):

Sara Hurtado & Kirill Jalyavin cuelgan los patines - Real Federación Española Deportes de Hielo

La pareja de danza anuncia su retirada después de seis años juntos en los que se han convertido en una de las referencias del patinaje internacional.

www.rfedh.es

Their joint letter (in Spanish): https://www.rfedh.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Carta-Despedida-Sara-Hurtado-Kirill-Jalyavin.pdf
Also posted on their Instagram account (this link was posted by @Andrea82 in the GSD retirements thread earlier today): https://www.instagram.com/p/CeLUMfuuIkE/

ETA that Kirill has tweeted an English version of their letter: https://twitter.com/KirillKhalyavin/status/1531215391334203392

 

[cocotaffy]

I will miss the Spanish battle between those two teams. Is there any hope for teams to follow in their path ?

 

[litenkyckling]

Both teams will be such a miss - I feel like S/D were just hitting their stride and I'd have loved to have seen H/K work with a non-Russian coach to see what they could produce. If only we'd had one last worlds with them all there!