2022 U.S. Stars on Ice Tour

KCC said:
I'm going to the show on Thursday. If you show up early, can you watch a warmup? I'm debating whether or not to bring my camera. I don't want to miss the experience by looking through a lens the whole time, but may try for a few shots anyway.
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You have to have special pre-show passes to get in early and watch warmups.
 
Jason Brown says in this article that he hasn't made any decisions about the future and whether he'll return to competition:

www.spokesman.com

Icing on the cake: 'Stars on Ice' tour gives U.S. figure skaters a special way to cap an Olympic season

It's been 12 years since Jason Brown first came to Spokane and won a junior title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Since 2010, the Illinois-raised skater has won a host of national and international metals, claimed the U.S. men's championship in 2015 and skated in two Olympic Games...
www.spokesman.com www.spokesman.com

I don't know if there would be a market for it, but personally, I would love to see Jason become a headliner for a new kind of "creative skating" tour, maybe featuring more experimental or different types of progams. Something that combined elements of shows like Doug Webster's Ice Dance International or Stephane Lambiel's Ice Legends. He's just so talented as a performer, and I'd love to see him be able to explore that more, outside of the confines of competition and the Stars on Ice format.
 
clairecloutier said:
Jason Brown says in this article that he hasn't made any decisions about the future and whether he'll return to competition:

www.spokesman.com

Icing on the cake: 'Stars on Ice' tour gives U.S. figure skaters a special way to cap an Olympic season

It's been 12 years since Jason Brown first came to Spokane and won a junior title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Since 2010, the Illinois-raised skater has won a host of national and international metals, claimed the U.S. men's championship in 2015 and skated in two Olympic Games...
www.spokesman.com www.spokesman.com

I don't know if there would be a market for it, but personally, I would love to see Jason become a headliner for a new kind of "creative skating" tour, maybe featuring more experimental or different types of progams. Something that combined elements of shows like Doug Webster's Ice Dance International or Stephane Lambiel's Ice Legends. He's just so talented as a performer, and I'd love to see him be able to explore that more, outside of the confines of competition and the Stars on Ice format.
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I agree, although after seeing the Chicago show, I don’t think he’ll have any trouble getting invites to more traditional shows as well. He’s pretty great at working within that format. It’s just a question of whether there’s enough work to sustain a real high level performing career for someone who’s not actively competing at this point - and I’m sure that’s part of Jason’s decision-making process right now.

In the U.S., at least, I still can’t picture a skating tour being financially successful without a Nathan (or Disney characters) to headline. The only way I see that changing is by someone figuring out how to leverage social media or other media opportunities to build up an audience that would show up for a different tour. Jason is the kind of skater who could make the show worth watching and he obviously has some social media savvy - but it would take a lot of ambition and at least a little luck to make it happen. So we’ll see whether he or someone else can pull it off.

I think we’ve got a few other really engaging performers in U.S. skating right now even beyond Jason. Hawayek & Baker are my low key favorites, and I have to say Vincent really stood out for me at SOI too. (He was my surprise of the show in terms of how much I enjoyed him.) I’m interested to see what kind of performance opportunities this generation of skaters can create for themselves.
 
Kasey said:
The show at the SAP center in San Jose was great! The twins and I had seats a bit back from the ice, so you couldn't really know who you were watching if they weren't introduced, or you didn't know their skating style. The girls all had some jump issues, with a couple falls for Mirai, a pop and double from Karen and a double from Alysa. The men were on it though, and upon demand of the girls, I have bad video of all three, as well as the ice dancers, even though Maya didn't like Hubbell and Donohue because they "get too close". (I tried to explain ice dance, but they're ten). Nathan was obviously the star of the show, and did a fantastic job. A big crowd and they were supportive and appreciative of the skaters.
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I felt bad for Mirai in her first program when she fell twice, but she was trying lutzes so I give her full props, and the crowd was appreciative.
 
I don't have much to add to @love skating 's review of the Anaheim show, but it was certainly great to see such a large and enthusiastic crowd! Probably the fullest I've seen in quite some time for an SOI audience - I'm sure it helped that so many skaters train in the area. I was lucky enough to attend the pre-show and the skaters local to the area all said hello or waved to the small group that were watching. It was also fun to spot the various skaters/coaches/choreographers who came to see the show, including Tai Baibilonia, Renee Roca, Todd Sand, Sean Rabbitt, Ricky Dornbush, Chris Knierim, and Cindy Stuart.

The bag policy was quite strict at Honda Center, so I only had my phone, but took a few clips from the pre-show:
Practice: includes Nathan's run throughs for both programs, Mariah's "Easy on Me" (x2), and some other shorter clips:

Q&A with Mariah and Jason: These two are frankly perfect for the Q&A - both were so sweet with the kids and just great ambassadors for the sport. I loved hearing about their parents' support for them and their funny/crazy moments on the ice.

Elton John finale (partial): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-8_kE0T83o

A few photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeAnHPmuCMz/
 
Thanks for sharing your videos & photos, @cheremary! :)

I came across good fan cams of Knierim/Frazier's programs at SOI Anaheim:
"Fix You": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSE8EV0EIyQ
"Tore My Heart": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reFl2JKtA5w

Jason's Instagram stories show some of the cast (Jean-Luc, Vincent, Mirai, Kaitlin... think I saw Alysa in another's IG story?) spent the day in Reno, Nevada on the way to Boise. Some bowling action: https://twitter.com/starsonice/status/1529650076091547650

ETA: Madi H. & Zach flew to Boise from Chicago (they were at the PSA Conference yesterday).
 
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Amazing show in Boise!! I'm very glad that I got the on-ice seats and went to the meet & greet! I got to talk briefly with every skater, tell them how much I loved the show, thanked them for coming, offer congratulations on their winnings, best wishes in school/marriage/future plans, that I loved that this group of skaters all seem to be really nice/smart/good people in addition to being amazing athletes & artists, etc. For an evening, everything seemed right with the world and hopefully I'll bask in that glow for a few more days. What a wonderful experience!
 
Chock/Bates' 5/26 podcast from Boise, Idaho:
bleav.com

Unlaced with Chock and Bates: Episode 22: So Long, Stars on Ice

Madi and Evan wrap up their whirlwind tour with Stars on Ice and talk about what’s on the horizon.
bleav.com

Glad to hear you had a great time, @KCC! :)

The Weeknd medley in Boise: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEhPl5pohs/ & https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEjiN3JSmj/
"What a Wonderful World" group number in Boise (excerpt to the end): https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEorwwA2Xz/

"Join us for the last LIVE [on Stars on Ice's Instagram] with Madi & Madi tonight at 6:00 pm PDT/ 9:00 pm EDT! It’s your last chance to ask questions and go behind-the-scenes as they prepare for the show at @spokanearena!" https://www.instagram.com/p/CeE5V6npCUZ/
ETA the link to the replay video (just under 20 mins. long): https://www.instagram.com/tv/CeFUbxxp6cG/

Chock's series of Elton John glasses/costumes photos with the cast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeFcNlatWiO/

ETA link to an article published before the Spokane show: https://www.inlander.com/spokane/th...rsuing-perfection-on-ice/Content?oid=23883175
 
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clairecloutier said:
Fun clip of Brandon Frazier and Jean-Luc Baker doing twizzles and a death spiral together :D :

www.instagram.com

Brandon Frazier on Instagram: "Who would enjoy seeing a solo from the two of us? @jeanlucbaker @starsonice"

6,316 likes, 189 comments - brandon_f1992 on May 22, 2022: "Who would enjoy seeing a solo from the two of us? @jeanlucbaker @starsonice".
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
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2 more fun clips from the new Jean-Luc & Brandon duo ;): https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeFeEVEAQQy/ & https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeH5JqogEUL/

From the Spokane practice yesterday:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1530334021372157952
 
Talking about which, has there ever been talk of formal same-sex pairs or dance, at least at a recreational/adult level? For example, I hear about dance coaches partnering with their students in this way when teaching patterns. Or like Jean-Luc/Brandon, it could just be friends skating together for fun, without any extra connotations.
 
UMBS Go Blue said:
Talking about which, has there ever been talk of formal same-sex pairs or dance, at least at a recreational/adult level? ...
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I am a non-expert for sure, but my understanding is:

Shadow Dance by two partners is a competitive category within Solo Dance.
Shadow Dance: "two skaters skate a pattern dance side by side." Gender of either skater not specified.
www.usfigureskating.org

Solo Dance | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org www.usfigureskating.org

I believe that it is not uncommon for same-gender partnerships to compete in Shadow Dance.
For instance:
(1) Before the success of their competitive Shadow Dance partnership, Dean Copely and Tim McKernan both had successful careers in traditional partnered dance. (Separate careers, obviously.)
Examples of their Shadow Dance programs together (Senior champions at USFS National Solo Dance Final):
Argentine Tango https://youtu.be/JMn1hkULc1E (2:51, 2018)
Silver Samba https://youtu.be/lPzVILOUchk (2:28, 2016)​
(2) Although the two programs above happen to have humorous themes, not all Shadow Dance does.
Canasta Tango program from young shadow dancers who look like two sisters -- perhaps twin sisters?:
https://youtu.be/bQ4JvBUKFJw (2:20, 2016)​
ETA:
Canasta Tango program above was from Preliminary Shadow Dance at 2016 USFS National Solo Dance Final.
If you read through the names for all the Shadow Dance partnerships (Preliminary thru Senior) at the event, the majority of them would appear to be same-gender partnerships.

Would be happy to hear from those who know more than I do.


As a "just for fun" video, I love watching Michael Parsons and Trennt Michaud skate the Kilian together -- shot by On Ice Perspectives:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
(published May 5)
The short video also is on OIP's Facebook and Instagram.​

(I assume that the OIP video previously was posted elsewhere on FSU, but hope it does not hurt to re-post it in the context of the discussion here.)
 
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Highlights from the Spokane show (clips of H/D, Jason, Vincent, Nathan & most of the Elton John medley group number): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta7EAzeAsEw

Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena has posted some nice photos by David Conger from last night: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeIdvwpuMNK/ (check out their IG story clips too)
30-second clip from Mirai's "Warriors": https://twitter.com/ClimateArena/status/1530754421138657280

Nathan's "Space Song" from Seattle last night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVCthsI9g2Y
Nathan's "Rocketman" from Seattle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx4ratdsu3A

Final tour bus trip from Seattle to Portland for show #24 of 24:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1530888417524842496
 
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I've not seen live skating for several years, but here are a few things that amazed me about the Boise performance: My friends and I really loved Vincent's skating and we think it looked more impressive live than it has on tv -- like he was skating above the ice instead of on it (think of an air hockey puck?), fast & smooth. I appreciated seeing the skaters from all angles, and not just the camera angles. I loved all of the skaters' blade work and speed - these are always best experienced live. The jumps were amazing to see up close but weren't my personal highlights and I honestly wouldn't miss them if the max number of jumps was cut in half, filling programs with other moves & footwork. I held my breath through all of the dance & pair lifts and when the partners were skating very fast and close together with a lot of blade movement mixed in -- so yes, basically I held my breath most of their programs! The women were very different in their style & skills, but all were wonderful -- I do appreciate the extra nuances and attention to details that come with experience. Nathan was impressive all around and it seemed like he was enjoying himself leading the group numbers. Jason is some kind of superhero - I didn't want to blink because something was always going on in his program.

After watching them all season, I really loved seeing the skaters' competitive programs live. There is something special about anticipating known & favorite program elements. The sparkly costumes (and non-sparkled ones, too) were really pretty, and my friends & I kept lamenting "it's been a long time since I could pull off a sparkly halter top", etc. Everyone was super gracious and polite at the meet & greet after the show, and they all seemed to enjoy being on the tour. A few looked surprised when I wished them the best at school, marriage, etc. -- I tried to show that I followed their careers but was not a stalker. There was not a hint of exhaustion that I could tell - the joys of youth! Of course, every one of our skaters is gorgeous, even under a face mask. The only issue for me was the poor acoustics in the arena. Everything was loud and garbled, but it still worked out okay.

Like I told some of the skaters, this group of skaters together is one of my favorite groups. (I always have individual favorites, but this particular group of skaters is pretty special.) I find the bad boy & bad girl shtick in many pro sports to be exhausting and with the world's events the way they are, I especially appreciate good sportsmen/women, kind, smart, thoughtful people. I really need to see more live shows.
 
Jean-Luc's post about performing in his hometown of Seattle: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJ_ZscPO_m/
Last night was more than special. Performing in front of a home crowd 20 years later after my first @starsonice performance [in the role of a young Scott Hamilton] was more than amazing. Seattle you turned up for us!! ?We are so grateful for your energy and we hopefully we’re able to match it! Thank you @climatepledgearena for supplying the perfect environment for us all as we wrap up our tour.
Our last performance is tonight in Portland, OR! Let’s get it!
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Brandon's 4th reel with Jean-Luc :D - headbanger in slo mo! (with Nathan sitting & watching in the background): https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeKMqMAgkQf/
Time to say goodbye…
For now.
?❄️
#starsonice #headbanger #firsttry #502 #itsjustthebeginning #teamusa #usfigureskating #bladesofglory
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I went to the Seattle show Saturday night. It was my first time seeing Stars on Ice, since I'm usually a lot more invested in the competitions than shows, but I had an awesome time. Jason was the absolute highlight, for sure. but I was really impressed by Vincent and Karen as well. I've always though Vincent was a better performer than he's given credit for, and he seemed completely emotionally present during his performances. Karen is an extremely nuanced and musical skater - she really does earn those high components when she's on.

I'm very glad I got to see Jason live one more time and that I got to see a version of Sinnerman in person. I hope he's able to keep skating and performing (in whatever capacity he wants) for a long time.

ETA - I think the show got pretty decent attendance and the crowd was really supportive. The venue (Climate Pledge Arena) is great too. I would love if a competition, like Nationals, came back to this arena at some point.
 
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Twitter thread with clips of the skaters together before they left the ice in Portland: https://twitter.com/shoshpd/status/1531109167871561728
"OMG THE PORTLAND @starsonice SHOW WAS SO WONDERFUL. Lots of hugs and tears and just a beautiful, celebratory energy. The crowd was so warm and celebratory. So many skaters cried after their second-half skate. Lots of standing ovations. If you ever get the chance to see a final show of a tour, you should absolutely do it."

25 photos from the Portland show by Tristan Fortsch for KATU News: https://katu.com/news/local/photos-...mirai-nagasu-evan-bates-madison-chock?photo=1

More photos by Sean Meagher for The Oregonian: https://www.oregonlive.com/galleries/BG3BAU5ZIJACVIAHJI5PAWL6KU/

Brandon Frazier shared 10 photos that highlighted the inaugural SOI tour experience for him: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeKzHBKrT5I/
When all is said and done we are left with the memories we create…
and the memories this group created for me over the past two months I will never forget. I have so much love for all these incredible people?
This tour was beyond what I could have ever hoped for!
Till next time Stars On Ice ✌️
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Sorry to see the tour come to an end and not see more clips and reports, but I'm happy for everyone involved that this tour and the Canadian tour seemed to be successes. The fan reports all seemed very happy with the show and the crowds were good at most locations. After two years with shows severely curtailed, it's nice that the skaters got to have such a positive experience and I hope the success of this tour is a good sign for future tours.
 
UMBS Go Blue said:
Talking about which, has there ever been talk of formal same-sex pairs or dance, at least at a recreational/adult level?
Click to expand...

I've been at many adult/recreational competitions that have "shadow dance", or that allow two women to compete as a dance team along with whatever man/woman teams sign up for the dance events. With way more women in ice dance than men, a lot of those events wouldn't run if same-sex teams weren't allowed to compete.
 
I was glad to hear Chock & Bates say on their podcast that they've heard some of the West Coast shows had the best attendance Stars on Ice has had in 10 years.

I bet the negotiations with Nathan to headline next year will start any day now. Depending on what happens with the team event situation, it could even be branded as the gold (?) medal team reunited. They could also mix in some of the skaters who didn't tour this year (Ilia, Isabeau, Lindsay, Cain/LeDuc, etc.) along with some of the retired skaters who have also been touring recently (Ashley, Jeremy, Max, Gracie, Polina, etc.).
 
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