U.S. Ice Dance 2017/18 season news & updates

[aftershocks]

^^ I agree. I was surprised, as I very much enjoy watching P/B. As Two for the Ice's Sara Thrasher notes in her recap, Benoit is a born performer with great charm and Pogrebinsky is quite lovely! Plus, their looks, body structure and movement styles match exceedingly well. P/B do have work to do on refining their tech skills, but they are competitive and in the hunt with the rest of a loaded U.S. field. Senior ice dance will be hot more than ever at U.S. Nationals 2018.

http://thefinersports.com/2017/08/l...mpionships-recap-all-aboard-the-rhumba-train/

I posted this over in The Dance Hall thread, but as this recap covered so many US teams I thought I may as well cross post this here.

I'm definitely interested in seeing H/B's match up with H/D! I hope we get video of H/B's SD from Dance Chicago, since we've already seen their FD. I really enjoyed their take on blues and hip hop so I look forward to their rhumba.

Thanks for sharing. A very insightful recap of the Lake Placid Ice Dance event, with some enlightening observations and follow-up to posted comments by recap writer, Sara Thrasher.

I love how Thrasher describes Pogrebinsky/Benoit and points out their strengths and weaknesses. Indeed, Thrasher does that well for every team she cites. A very interesting description of McNamara/Carpenter's use of intensity rather than sensuality vs Rachel Parsons' masterful ability to direct flirting and sexuality away from her brother Michael, while dancing with him.

And Carreira/Ponomarenko seem set to take international juniors by storm.

 

[jmtfti]

Just as a point of clarification, Sarah Rasher runs The Finer Sports blog. Jacquelyn Thayer runs Two for the Ice and has also written on skating for Ice-Dance.com and Dance International Magazine.

 

[Sylvia]

Dance assignments for the first 2 ISU Challengers in mid-September:
Hubbell/Donohue, Hawayek/Baker and Julia Biechler/Damian Dodge to the U.S. International Classic in Salt Lake City;
Elliana Pogrebinsky & Alex Benoit to Lombardia Trophy in Bergamo, Italy.

Assigned to JGP #4 in Minsk, Belarus:
Christina CARREIRA / Anthony PONOMARENKO (competing in Salzburg next week)
Avonley NGUYEN / Vadym KOLESNIK (Team USA debut)

Subs:
Isabella AMOIA / Luca BECKER (debuting in Salzburg next week)
Katarina DELCAMP / Maxwell GART
Alina EFIMOVA / Alexander PETROV
Sophia ELDER / Christopher ELDER
Caroline GREEN / Gordon GREEN USA (listed for Riga)
Eliana GROPMAN / Ian SOMERVILLE (competing in Brisbane this week)
Emma GUNTER / Caleb WEIN (listed for Riga)
Chloe LEWIS / Logan BYE (competing in Brisbane this week)

 

[Dobre]

For those people not in the Kiss & Cry:

Chloe Lewis is blogging on ice network about the Brisbane JGP. She has two entries already.

http://www.icenetwork.com/news/2017/08/22/249908008

Also a brief video clip from the non-introverted JGP Brisbane U.S. ice dance squad (Lewis & Bye and Gropman & Somerville):
https://www.facebook.com/ISUJGPBris...4UabRetbhPOs5qQ-e4qnofzstc9cLUWYXH_v9DOL24uU8

 

[Karpenko]

In the newest ice talk episode with Nick McCarvel and Lynn Rutherford, she mentions a bit of detail on Chock & Bates new FD:
http://web.icenetwork.com/fans/icetalk

It's apparently a version with a man and woman singing, and it includes John Lennon voiceovers.

No news on the Shibs FD music, but they're working with lots of new people this season to improve.

 

[chapis]

In the newest ice talk episode with Nick McCarvel and Lynn Rutherford, she mentions a bit of detail on Chock & Bates new FD:
http://web.icenetwork.com/fans/icetalk

It's apparently a version with a man and woman singing, and it includes John Lennon voiceovers.

No news on the Shibs FD music, but they're working with lots of new people this season to improve.

Why do skaters love covers? What's wrong with the original song? And why at this point the ISU has not banned voiceovers?

 

[nimi]

It's apparently a version with a man and woman singing, and it includes John Lennon voiceovers.

Why do skaters love covers? What's wrong with the original song? And why at this point the ISU has not banned voiceovers?

THIS!!!

Yeah, I know, we haven't heard the actual song or seen the actual program, but I just can't see how this would be a good idea.

I JUST CAN'T.

 

[aftershocks]

Just as a point of clarification, Sarah Rasher runs The Finer Sports blog. Jacquelyn Thayer runs Two for the Ice and has also written on skating for Ice-Dance.com and Dance International Magazine.

Thanks for the correction! I saw your post too late to edit my mistake. My apologies to Sarah Rasher of The Finer Sports blog, and Jacquelyn Thayer of Two for the Ice.

 

[Karpenko]

THIS!!!

Yeah, I know, we haven't heard the actual song or seen the actual program, but I just can't see how this would be a good idea.

I JUST CAN'T.

All signs point south. South Korea, but also further south towards hell.

But maybe it'll be good or something. Madison Chock always looks stunning so we can just mute the program and admire her makeup/dress.

 

[Jun Y]

Sigh. The worry about Lewis and Bye returns. Not sure why their short dance at Brisbane was scored so low, and Logan had a major stumble in the choreographic twizzles in the FD. Disappointed.

Love Gropman and Somerville's Flamenco free dance. They both look so into it and full of attitude. Ian's good posture suits the genre very well. The twizzle sequences in both programs need more work.

 

[chameleonster]

I understand that Lewis/Bye lost levels, but it's the PCS that's really concerning, especially in the SD. I was surprised to see them hammered so much.

Gropman/Somerville's flamenco FD is much stronger than their SD, and really suits them, to an extent I wouldn't necessarily have predicted. Their growth spurt has helped them, although they're still pretty short.

 

[Dobre]

Sigh. The worry about Lewis and Bye returns. Not sure why their short dance at Brisbane was scored so low, and Logan had a major stumble in the choreographic twizzles in the FD.

Well, Judy was on the panel so I assume she'll let them know what they need to work on in the SD. (Even though this was such a tough event for them, I have to say the position of the low lift in their FD was far superior to the ones I have been seeing this season. I just like them. Chloe has such personality and they have their own natural chemistry, which makes them stand out for me among many of the other teams).

Happy for Eliana & Ian finally getting a solid outing on the JGP. I agree that Ian's flamenco expression is good. You watch her because of the dress, but he is the one that shines in this style. It's interesting as I've always found her to be the "IT" performer in this team. And I agree that the free is a better style for them than the short, though the short has improved since July.

 

[her grace]

Pleased with Gropman/Somerville's JGP outing. That FD is a big step forward in maturity and their expression is warm and genuine. They need to keep working to make their skating bigger and to create more presence. Unfortunately, the current judging climate doesn't really value some of their strengths like form and unison. Nevertheless, I think this result should firmly move them into the A team of American Juniors with Carriera/Ponomarenko, Lewis/Bye, and ostensibly the Greens--time for a second JGP assignment, USFS!

 

[Bellanca]

All signs point south. South Korea, but also further south towards hell.

But maybe it'll be good or something. Madison Chock always looks stunning so we can just mute the program and admire her makeup/dress.

Sheesh! Yeah! Possessing all the characteristics of a successful team ... the mute button. That spells winning!

 

[levineismine]

Hubbell&Donohue will do a Reddit AMA (ask me anything) tomorrow 30th at 1pm EST
https://www.reddit.com/user/TeamUSA.../next_upice_dancers_madison_hubbell_and_zach/

 

[Sylvia]

Dance assignments for the first 2 ISU Challengers in mid-September:
Hubbell/Donohue, Hawayek/Baker and Julia Biechler/Damian Dodge to the U.S. International Classic in Salt Lake City;
Elliana Pogrebinsky & Alex Benoit to Lombardia Trophy in Bergamo, Italy.

USFS' website hopefully will confirm these Challenger dance assignments soon -- listed recently by ISU:
Ondrej Nepela Trophy: Rachel & Michael Parsons
Autumn Classic International: Lorraine McNamara/Quinn Carpenter
Nebelhorn Trophy: Karina Manta/Joseph Johnson

 

[Lara111]

There was a discussion early about how LP International Dance scores were low but they were fair scores and good indicator of how team would do internationally - Izabella and Luca earned about the same score in Austria this week.

 

[Sylvia]

Congratulations to Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko on winning their first JGP gold medal - here's their 1st place FD to the W.E. film soundtrack (87.57): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuMEO4NrLq0

JGP Salzburg final results:
1 Christina CARREIRA / Anthony PONOMARENKO USA 145.39 1 1
8 Isabella AMOIA / Luca BECKER USA 105.45 9 8 (her international debut & their JGP debut as a team)

 

[Dobre]

There was a discussion early about how LP International Dance scores were low but they were fair scores and good indicator of how team would do internationally - Izabella and Luca earned about the same score in Austria this week.

They did. They skated quite a bit better here in Austria, I thought. She missed the twizzles again. But there were a good three obvious errors in their FD at Lake Placid. And their SD was cleaner here as well. It's a start.

Anthony & Christina also skated their free dance much better here. All level fours except a three for the step sequence and smoothly presented. FD score doesn't quite match their JGP debut last season, but their main levels were higher here. I believe the base value in the junior FDs has dropped this season. (A level-four element has been dropped for a second level-one choreographic element).

 

[platniumangel]

They did. They skated quite a bit better here in Austria, I thought. She missed the twizzles again. But there were a good three obvious errors in their FD at Lake Placid. And their SD was cleaner here as well. It's a start.

Anthony & Christina also skated their free dance much better here. All level fours except a three for the step sequence and smoothly presented. FD score doesn't quite match their JGP debut last season, but their main levels were higher here. I believe the base value in the junior FDs has dropped this season. (A level-four element has been dropped for a second level-one choreographic element).

I agree that both American teams skated stronger in Austria than at LPI. Amoia/Becker made mistakes at both events, but over all stronger in Austria and their scores were a few points lower. Than LPI. Their twizzles seem to be a problem element for them. I'm wondering if their performances will be enough to earn a second assignment?

Anothy and a Christina are awesome. They've really matured this season as well.

 

[Dobre]

I'm wondering if their performances will be enough to earn a second assignment?

I think definitely not. Looking back over borderline teams that have qualified for a second event in the last two years (Lewis & Bye, Biechler & Dodge) versus teams that have not (Gunter & Wein & Gropman & Somerville), I would estimate you need at least a score of 120 in your first event. Scores above 110 have not made it. And L&B and B&D both had scores over 125 when they earned their second berths.

 

[Doggygirl]

Congratulations to Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko on winning their first JGP gold medal - here's their 1st place FD to the W.E. film soundtrack (87.57): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuMEO4NrLq0

Really enjoyed this dance! To my no teknik eye, they skate with a lot of maturity for young skaters. I look forward to seeing this dance at US Nats!!

 

[Bellanca]

Christina & Anthony are an exciting ice dance team filled with great promise. Enjoy them so much. Congrats to them!

 

[Moustaffask8r]

They did. They skated quite a bit better here in Austria, I thought. She missed the twizzles again. But there were a good three obvious errors in their FD at Lake Placid. And their SD was cleaner here as well. It's a start.

Anthony & Christina also skated their free dance much better here. All level fours except a three for the step sequence and smoothly presented. FD score doesn't quite match their JGP debut last season, but their main levels were higher here. I believe the base value in the junior FDs has dropped this season. (A level-four element has been dropped for a second level-one choreographic element).

There is different element in the free dance this year ;there is only one foot work last year there was two , it has been s replace by a choreo lift

 

[Dobre]

There is different element in the free dance this year ;there is only one foot work last year there was two , it has been s replace by a choreo lift

Yes, and please correct me if I'm wrong; but choreographic elements are not worth as much.

 

[Moustaffask8r]

Yes, and please correct me if I'm wrong; but choreographic elements are not worth as much.

exactly!

 

[chameleonster]

Last season, four junior teams made the top 24 SB list that guarantees a GP spot(Parsons, McNamara/Carpenter, Loboda/Drozd, Carreira/Ponomarenko). Three more(Shpilevaya/Smirnov, Skoptcova/Aleshin, Abachkina/Thauron) were within five points of making it. It'll be much, much harder this season with a lower BV(max FD TES this year is 46.50, a quick glance at the scores from JW show that Carreira/Ponomarenko received 46.11 TES with two L3 step sequences). Hitting L4 on the step sequence will be crucial, and something that few teams can manage even at the senior level. Might need perfect level 4s in the SD too, combined with great GOE and PCS across both programs.

 

[VGThuy]

Maybe some teams will take advantage of whatever retirements may happen after this season but will also have to fight with the senior teams that won't retire. Maybe this will give some existing senior teams from lower Feds a chance to make the top 24 after taking into account some retirements.

 

[Dobre]

Maybe some teams will take advantage of whatever retirements may happen after this season but will also have to fight with the senior teams that won't retire. Maybe this will give some existing senior teams from lower Feds a chance to make the top 24 after taking into account some retirements.

Very likely. Abachkina & Thauron and Kuzmich & Sinicyn received GP spots this season without finishing top 24. And considering that this is an Olympic season there will likely be more turnover than normal.

The question is, however, will it make it more difficult for the top junior dance teams to win spots & compete. The Parsons were skipped deliberately for a second spot this season. If these junior teams are really good enough to battle with senior dance teams earning guaranteed spots, then they should be able to earn guaranteed places also.

The addition of two senior elements last season and now this swap are making the playing field uneven. It exists in all the disciplines. But in dance, you cannot add a quad or a triple axel to your program in order to outpace the field & other athletes' PCS. There is a ceiling. Carreira & Ponomarenko almost maxed out their levels here and didn't meet their debut score from last season. McNamara & Carpenter were ranked 14th two years ago. Last year--with a similar score--the Parsons were 18th.

A few years ago, we had junior teams come onto the scene and they were struggling to compete because the field was so much smaller with only 5 teams invited to each event outside the host teams. And there were/are arguments about whether the junior judging/calling was or is easier than that for the seniors. But, now, with the ten teams per GP event, the top juniors really more obviously belong in the GP fields, IMO.

 

[Jammers]

So who's the choice to get the 3rd spot for the US at Skate America in Ice Dance? When will it be announced what skaters are going to get the TBD spots? Seems a no brainer that it will be either M/C or the Parsons. In my mind they both deserve two GP events.