U.S. Ice Dance 2016/17 season - news & updates

[breathesgelatin]

M/C and P/P "easily winning" junior titles? Did I live in a different reality? I saw nothing easy in any of their seasons and any of their competition. But then I actually watched most of their competitions for several years.

As a person living in the same metropolitan area, I am amazed that they are even still training and have not gone off to some ivy league universities by now and quit skating altogether. The Washington DC area have produced very few world class skaters, not because they are no good or coaches are no good, but that almost everyone chooses elite education over skating career. Again and again I watch local kids with promise go off to Princeton and Stanford and MIT...

I will admit that the thought has crossed my mind that part of the reason they have not moved up is they never intend to move up - maybe they will go to college and quit skating. I don't know. Maybe that's crazy.

I have to say our situation is better than Canada's, where they force those who win the junior title to move up, leading many couples to retire/split because the top ranks are just so packed. And it's also unclear to me which US dance teams are a lock to retire after the 2018 Olympics. Conventional wisdom would say that Virtue/Moir and Weaver/Poje are likely to retire after 2018 - thus all the sadness about some young, promising Canadian teams retiring and splitting and so on. Whereas in the US... I would tend to guess Chock/Bates will retire but they really could continue based on their ages, especially Madison. The Shibutanis and Hubbell/Donohue I'm not sure I think would retire...! perhaps the ShibSibs would if they won gold in Korea. I don't know. It seems like it's going to be a crazy intense field for some time.

I do agree with you that next year's junior event will feel more fresh and exciting, though I won't be surprised if Carreira/Ponomarenko dominate.

My guesses for next year are Carreira/Ponomarenko and Shpilevaya/Smirnov move to the top... C/P certainly seem very likely to be US Junior champions in 2018.

 

[bluebonnets]

I have to say our situation is better than Canada's, where they force those who win the junior title to move up, leading many couples to retire/split because the top ranks are just so packed.

I think that's no longer the case, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong. AFAIK, only the novice champions are required to move up the following seasons. Junior champions, while they typically do move up, no longer have to do so.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Canada only makes skaters move up at Nationals after winning Nationals at a lower level. International competition is can different story and driven by different requirements like age. Former Junior Nationals winners can continue to compete in Juniors internationally.

Once a team has won Juniors, for example, the main impact is having to compete senior programs at Nationals the following seasson (and perhaps at Challenges and/or at an international warm-up), which costs time and money and impacts training if the team goes to Jr GP/fall internationals then senior Nationals then Jr. Worlds or a spring junior international.

 

[gkelly]

Trying to earn a third national junior title is unprecedented, AFAIK (Aldridge/Eaton and Matthews/Zavozin both earned two in a row).

And Joseph/Butler, who were the inspiration for the rule change that allowed skaters to stay junior after winning Nationals at that level. (Or novice, which Nathan Chen used to his advantage)

 

[Chemistry66]

My guesses for next year are Carreira/Ponomarenko and Shpilevaya/Smirnov move to the top... C/P certainly seem very likely to be US Junior champions in 2018.

I'm interested to see how Green/Green do at Nationals this year vs. Carreira/Ponomarenko. Caroline and Gordon will finally be ISU Junior age eligible next season and this Nationals could be somewhat telling for how next season will play out with McNamara/Carpenter and Parsons/Parsons age out. C/P obviously have the experience advantage and probably a score advantage, but Green/Green have been on such a streak with 4 consecutive US titles (Juvenile/Intermediate/Novicex2)

 

[Dobre]

Personally, I'll be thrilled to see both McNamara & Carpenter and the Parsons move up next season. I hope they will both get spots on the GP (They should get at least one, though I have no idea if everyone who merits them will get two!) and a berth at 4CCs. It will be very tough to get on that 4CCs team. But there is suddenly a vacuum in Canada. The young U.S. dance teams have a great shot of making some noise next season if they can survive the battle at home.

I will admit that the thought has crossed my mind that part of the reason they have not moved up is they never intend to move up - maybe they will go to college and quit skating. I don't know. Maybe that's crazy.

I would be extremely sad if this happens. I never count on ANY junior dance team lasting; but I think these two teams have the goods to make it happen. And I think there's a lot of evidence that one of the greatest factors in making it to the top of the Olympic podium in dance is staying together for about a decade.

Whereas in the US... I would tend to guess Chock/Bates will retire but they really could continue based on their ages, especially Madison. The Shibutanis and Hubbell/Donohue I'm not sure I think would retire...! perhaps the ShibSibs would if they won gold in Korea. I don't know. It seems like it's going to be a crazy intense field for some time.

I find it's generally unwise to assume a dance team will get out also. Even when I expect it--due to injury or a team being passed by a younger team--it doesn't always happen. Bobrova & Soloviev and Virtue & Moir are two classic examples from this quadrennium. Still winning & if anything, looking as competitive as ever. It's one of the beautiful things about ice dance. (In juniors & seniors. Teams tend to get better with experience).

My guesses for next year are Carreira/Ponomarenko and Shpilevaya/Smirnov move to the top... C/P certainly seem very likely to be US Junior champions in 2018.

Carreira & Ponomarenko, Shpilevaya & Smirnov, and Skoptcova & Aleshin. And, yeah, I'm watching the Greens. I don't think it's likely they are my kind of team. I prefer C&P and Lewis & Bye; but the Greens are the kind of young dance team I think could surprise on the international scene. They defeated Lajoie & Lagha this season at Lake Placid. And Carreira & Ponomarenko in the SD after C&P blew their twizzles. And the Greens defeated Lewis & Bye, who had mistakes, a couple times. There was also a novice Russian dance team that defeated the Greens last season at the Bavarian Open. My guess is that we might want to keep our eyes peeled for them as well.

 

[Turbo-Mom]

Does anyone know what's up with Thomas/Eaton? They aren't listed among the qualifiers for Nats. http://www.usfsa.org/content/2017 Qualifiers.pdf The pairs who opted not skate at sectionals are listed.

I apologize for not communicating the following message sooner. The message is from my son, Daniel.

I am pleased to announce, I have completed a non-invasive medical treatment related to the Sport Hernia's repair that I underwent February 2016. I initially postponed this treatment plan until after the 2017 US Figure Skating Championship, but with the recent partnership breakup I was able to undergo treatment sooner. First, I want to thank God for continued support and guidance, my parents, family and friends for supporting me, Danielle for the amazing journey last year and my fans please know I WILL BE BACK. I also want to thank USFSA for all their support, particularly Mitch Moyer, Sr. Director, Athlete High Performance, Peter Zapalo, Sports Sciences and Medicine Director, Dr. Roger Kruse, Team Physician for US Olympic Team and Dr. William Brown, Surgeon Sports Hernia Specialist, San Jose, CA. Last, I want to wish all my teammates and TEAM USA best of luck at Nationals, have fun, be safe. Daniel Eaton


Those attending US Nationals, have fun be safe.

Thank you,

Turbo-mom (aka Annemarie)

 

[Turbo-Mom]

Does anyone know what's up with Thomas/Eaton? They aren't listed among the qualifiers for Nats. http://www.usfsa.org/content/2017 Qualifiers.pdf The pairs who opted not skate at sectionals are listed.

apologize for not communicating the following message sooner. The message is from my son, Daniel.

I am pleased to announce, I have completed a non-invasive medical treatment related to the Sport Hernia's repair that I underwent February 2016. I initially postponed this treatment plan until after the 2017 US Figure Skating Championship, but with the recent partnership breakup I was able to undergo treatment sooner. First, I want to thank God for continued support and guidance, my parents, family and friends for supporting me, Danielle for the amazing journey last year and my fans please know I WILL BE BACK. I also want to thank USFSA for all their support, particularly Mitch Moyer, Sr. Director, Athlete High Performance, Peter Zapalo, Sports Sciences and Medicine Director, Dr. Roger Kruse, Team Physician for US Olympic Team and Dr. William Brown, Surgeon Sports Hernia Specialist, San Jose, CA. Last, I want to wish all my teammates and TEAM USA best of luck at Nationals, have fun, be safe. Daniel Eaton


Those attending US Nationals, have fun be safe.

Thank you,

Turbo-mom (aka Annemarie)

 

[Spun Silver]

Wow, what a grateful heart! i am glad he got his hernia taken care of and wish him all the best next season. Love the "I WILL BE BACK."

 

[princeton123]

Wait, am I reading that message right or did Eaton/Thomas split up? When did this happen?

 

[Jayar]

Wait, am I reading that message right or did Eaton/Thomas split up? When did this happen?

It appears so.

 

[azcalder]

They ended their partnership about two months ago.

 

[chapis]

I will admit that the thought has crossed my mind that part of the reason they have not moved up is they never intend to move up - maybe they will go to college and quit skating. I don't know. Maybe that's crazy.

I have to say our situation is better than Canada's, where they force those who win the junior title to move up, leading many couples to retire/split because the top ranks are just so packed. And it's also unclear to me which US dance teams are a lock to retire after the 2018 Olympics. Conventional wisdom would say that Virtue/Moir and Weaver/Poje are likely to retire after 2018 - thus all the sadness about some young, promising Canadian teams retiring and splitting and so on. Whereas in the US... I would tend to guess Chock/Bates will retire but they really could continue based on their ages, especially Madison. The Shibutanis and Hubbell/Donohue I'm not sure I think would retire...! perhaps the ShibSibs would if they won gold in Korea. I don't know. It seems like it's going to be a crazy intense field for some time.



My guesses for next year are Carreira/Ponomarenko and Shpilevaya/Smirnov move to the top... C/P certainly seem very likely to be US Junior champions in 2018.

Nooo, they are very talented, they need to be seniors.

 

[JSB]

Wait, am I reading that message right or did Eaton/Thomas split up? When did this happen?

I wonder if Eaton is taller than Michael Parsons? If you know what I mean ....

 

[chapis]

I wonder if Eaton is taller than Michael Parsons? If you know what I mean ....

what are you talking about? Michael is the star of the team.

 

[centerpt1]

Sad to hear about Thomas/Eaton- I liked them and thought they had potential.

 

[chameleonster]

http://thefinersports.com/2017/01/2017-us-nationals-field-guide-junior-ice-dance/

A very comprehensive preview of the junior field at Nats! Its a very strong field and it'll be interesting to watch.

 

[Spun Silver]

http://thefinersports.com/2017/01/2017-us-nationals-field-guide-junior-ice-dance/

A very comprehensive preview of the junior field at Nats! Its a very strong field and it'll be interesting to watch.

That is impressive! Sarah Rasher put a ton of work into that and did it with panache. I am really out of the junior ice dance loop and am glad to hear that the US is continuing to brim over with excellence.

I love the way she captured the gestalt of McNamara and Carpenter in one phrase : "quirky and a bit menacing." Thrilled that the Parsons have moved to the top of the heap as they were my faves from last season. Their Singing in the Rain FD (NOT the usual version!) is close to Fix You IMO, in the way it grips you from start to finish with beautiful choreographic touches. They arent twizzling like the Shibs yet though.

Lovely piece of work.

 

[Jun Y]

I was catching up on Eastern Sectionals videos today and was delighted by not one but two little divas in the Intermediate dance event: Maria Soldatova and Oona Brown from New York. Both skate with their brothers and are incredibly cute and confident. If you happen to catch the earlier dance events next weekend, I recommend checking out Intermediate dance.

 

[semogal]

http://thefinersports.com/2017/01/2017-us-nationals-field-guide-junior-ice-dance/

A very comprehensive preview of the junior field at Nats! Its a very strong field and it'll be interesting to watch.

This preview has made me go from excited to super-excited for the the junior dance event. It is going to be epic.

 

[Sylvia]

Here's the same blogger's preview for the Senior teams:

Sarah Rasher's preview of senior dance at US Nats.
http://thefinersports.com/2017/01/2017-us-nationals-field-guide-championship-ice-dance/

IceNetwork has posted the audio of the 3 dance teams' media conference calls:

Shibutanis: http://web.icenetwork.com/video/topic/213147480/v1219420983

Chock/Bates: http://web.icenetwork.com/video/topic/213147480/v1219412883

Hubbell/Donohue: http://web.icenetwork.com/video/topic/213147480/v1219024683

 

[icemusings]

Pogrebinsky and Benoit bring beauty, strength, and passion to their senior debut: http://icemusings.com/blog/pogrebin...y-strength-and-passion-to-their-senior-debut/

 

[DDNatalia]

Maia and Alex Shibutani won the US Olympic Team's "Team of the Month" Award for December

http://awards.teamusa.org

It is their second time winning during 2016. Once again - ICE DANCERS, REPRESENT!

Nathan Chen won for best Male athlete in December. Other figure skaters who won during other months in 2016 include Ashley Wagner and Jason Brown.

 

[Bellanca]

Maia and Alex Shibutani won the US Olympic Team's "Team of the Month" Award for December

http://awards.teamusa.org

It is their second time winning during 2016. Once again - ICE DANCERS, REPRESENT!

Well done, Maia & Alex.

Also, I know that Hawayek & Baker are on the outside looking in, but, oh, how I would love to see them rock the Nationals boat.

No pressure can be a beautiful thing.

 

[icemusings]

My interview with Biechler and Dodge: Biechler and Dodge bring "untraditional" style to senior debut:http://icemusings.com/blog/biechler-and-dodge-bring-untraditional-style-to-senior-debut/

 

[VGThuy]

I just want to say after watching the Junior SD, I'm in love with so many of these teams. The future of U.S. ice dance is looking beautiful.

 

[princeton123]

Some of those scores....

How on earth are the seniors going to be marked?

 

[VGThuy]

Some of those scores....

How on earth are the seniors going to be marked?

In the 80s. Well at least the top 2 or 3.

 

[semogal]

Seeing the Parsons in person exceeded my expectations. Wow that blues section is out of this world good.

Really, I enjoyed all of the teams tonight. The depth of US dance is just crazy good.

 

[Jammers]

Seeing the Parsons in person exceeded my expectations. Wow that blues section is out of this world good.

Really, I enjoyed all of the teams tonight. The depth of US dance is just crazy good.

Parsons would have made a run at finishing 5th in Seniors this year with how they are skating. Many teams their age have already moved up such as P/B who will most likely finish in 5th place and the Parsons always beat them in Juniors and are superior i think.