U.S. Ice Dance 2023-24 news & updates

[TanithandBenFan]

Team MIDA is working with dance coaches Brandon Barker and Chelsea Cherie on their lifts. They posted a montage of some of the lifts on the ice:

ʙʀᴀɴᴅᴏɴ ʙᴀʀᴋᴇʀ | ᴄʜᴇʟsᴇᴀ ᴄʜéʀɪᴇ on Instagram: "Look. At. These. Couples 🤩 We cannot express how grateful we are to have the opportunity to train these fantastic ice dancers!! ⛸️ Working with them on their lifts in their programs has to be one of o

bcdancepassion on August 15, 2023: "Look. At. These. Couples 🤩 We cannot express how grateful we are to have the opportunity to t..."

www.instagram.com

 

[Dobre]

Surprised that they haven’t sent Zingas/Kolesnik to Autumn Classic seeing as Pate/Bye will be there so less travel for Shpilband. Z/K are at Skate Canada so I assumed they’d get one of the earliest challengers.

Igor likes Nebelhorn, though, and Autumn Classic was especially likely to be crowded with IAM teams this season as there is no CS in the U.S. this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see if Zingas & Kolesnik get assigned to Germany. On the other hand, you are correct that he would generally push to have Pate & Bye go there as well if he was taking his top team to Germany. So it is a bit outside the pattern. We'll see what happens.

Also surprised the Browns haven’t been given either event so far. Are they using the challengers to help determine the SkAm spot or will that be decided at champs camp?

Good point. USFS should get them out there. Fingers crossed for Germany as well.

 

[Karen-W]

From the JGP thread...

https://twitter.com/AnythingGOE/status/1691751799152058396?t=bhRRRuIFZjfyPdxFteYEOw&s=19

Ilin/Cain are assigned to JGP Istanbul

Well, that's good and bad. A real shame for Hauer/Starr that they're unable to compete in Istanbul, but a great opportunity for Ilin/Cain. Also, the Bangkok entries have been updated and there is not a replacement for Hauer/Starr.

 

[her grace]

Congrats to Neset/Markelov for their first JGP victory at the event in Bangkok this weekend.

I am very impressed with N/M's competitive mettle. US Junior teams usually get a chance to grow in the shadows of their more experienced teammates, but N/M were thrust into the role of the USA's Jr #1 after only one season on the JGP, and handled that so creditably last season, especially after facing an abbreviated JGP season and injuries. And this year they continue to improve their skating with dominant performances.

 

[ice coverage]

deleted -- sorry that my brain was not working.

 

[Sylvia]

Congrats to Neset/Markelov for their first JGP victory at the event in Bangkok this weekend.

Ted Barton's interview with Leah & Artem after the medal ceremony: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwcU99aos8E/

 

[Debbie S]

IDC article on the Carhart sisters. (I didn't realize there is a 4th sister, a singles skater): https://www.ice-dance.com/site/the-carharts-a-skating-family/

 

[Sylvia]

Thanks @azcalder - I had wondered if Veronica Carhart was adopted and your article confirmed it.

Yes, Veronica qualified for the Juvenile Girls event (placed 12th) at the Eastern Sectional Singles Final last season (eta link to a screenshot shared by her club last year): https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck3jER8OSkV/

 

[Sylvia]

Carreira/Ponomarenko & McNamara/Spiridonov (no subs) are listed for CS Nebelhorn Trophy - ISU entries list was published today - copied out in the Challenger Series thread here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/2023-24-challenger-series.110611/page-3#post-6462414

Ted Barton's interview with Leah & Artem after the medal ceremony:

Now uploaded on the JGP YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvvIx97mlYs

Neset/Markelov's RD (no commentary or kiss & cry due to technical difficulties): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXUPefEITmo
FD (Barton & Hanretty): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Klnd214Q3c

Helena CARHART / Volodymyr HOROVYI (2nd assignment) and the new team of Amy CUI / Kenny ECKERT (JGP debut) are listed for JGP #6 in Gdansk. ETA that they placed 2nd behind Yahli Pedersen/Jeffrey Chen and just ahead of Ilin/Cain at the Lake Placid IDC (domestic event): https://ijs.usfigureskating.org/leaderboard/results/2023/33490/CAT022SEG011.html

 

[Karen-W]

Helena CARHART / Volodymyr HOROVYI (2nd assignment) and the new team of Amy CUI / Kenny ECKERT (JGP debut) are listed for JGP #6 in Gdansk. ETA that they placed 2nd behind Yahli Pedersen/Jeffrey Chen and just ahead of Ilin/Cain at the Lake Placid IDC (domestic event): https://ijs.usfigureskating.org/leaderboard/results/2023/33490/CAT022SEG011.html

Process of elimination means that the Peals are assigned to JGP #7 in Yerevan. It will be interesting to see who gets the 2nd spot there - I'm sort of thinking it will be Epps/Gilman, just to give them an intro to the JGP this season.

Also - best guess for the remaining pre-GP Challenger assignments -

Nepela - Browns & Flores/Desyatov
Finlandia - Hawayek/Baker & Zingas/Kolesnik
Budapest - McNamara/Spiridonov & Koncius/Shchepetov

 

[Sylvia]

Jenna Hauer today: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cwk2hdtAYoK/

We are very disappointed to have had to miss our JGPs in Bangkok and Istanbul due to injury. We are looking forward to future opportunities and hope to be back in competition soon!

Here’s the first section of our [Notre Dame de Paris] Freedance from the Dallas Classic!

 

[Sylvia]

August 14:

Ohhhhh, if only it was a small fed reason... Jonathan just posted on his IG story that Anya has decided to retire from skating for medical reasons and he is looking for a new partner.

Oh no I hope she didn’t get another concussion.

Unfortunately, yes, she did. Anya's first concussion happened during the 2019 Lake Placid JGP competition with Maxwell Gart. ETA: It was during the Rhythm Dance when she hit her head on the ice during a fall from their lift.

I just checked and didn't see Anya Lavrova's post linked in this thread, also dated August 14: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8daAQrYc5/

As some of you may have heard, my ice dance career has come to an end. Unfortunately, I got a concussion for the 2nd time & will not able to finish this season or continue skating competitively. I want the future Anya to be healthy & safe, so stepping away from the sport is something I need to do.
~
Figure skating will always hold a special place in my heart & be a part of who I am. I have loved to perform on the ice ever since I was a little kid in my freestyle years. It breaks my heart that things are ending this way, but I am forever grateful for all of the lessons & memories gained from this journey. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I love & appreciate you all so much.
~
The last thing I’d like to say is thank you figure skating, it’s truly been a lot of fun. I hope that one day I will be able to fully recover & skate again for the fun of it, but for now, goodbye.

 

[Karen-W]

Bringing over the discussion about the final JGP (Yerevan) US ice dance assignment -

Also - interesting of the USFS to not use its 2nd dance spot here. I figured either Bland/Sperry or Epps/Gilman would get the assignment, so I'm a bit surprised that neither team was assigned, or that Ilin/Cain didn't get a 2nd one.

USFS wasting dance assignments again.

Of all the things to waste, when we're so strong in dance!

I'm not entirely sure I think it's a waste of spots - if Hauer/Starr hadn't been injured and Lavrova/Rogers hadn't split, then all 14 spots would have easily been used. As it is, the only other junior team to crack 125+ at either Dallas Classic or LPIDI isn't even on the ISP (Calhoun/Veselukhin). Maybe an argument could be made for Bland/Sperry, but who knows if there is some sort of injury issue there. As it is, Ilin/Cain and Cui/Eckert each get one and that seems fair and reasonable.

I thought Bland/Sperry had a chance of an assignment, but they do age out of juniors next season so that could have weighed on the decision. Personally I would have at least waited to see how Ilin/Cain do in Istanbul before giving away the spot.

Also - Nepela Trophy assignments are out - Green/Parsons and Zingas/Kolesnik.

Of the GP teams, only Chock/Bates and Hawayek/Baker have yet to be assigned to a Challenger. Based on how things worked out, in the long run, for ChoBat, I'm not sure I think they'll compete ahead of SkAm. I'm a bit surprised the Browns haven't received a CS yet - possibly Finlandia for them, along with HawBak or CarPon?

 

[jlai]

It looks like those most deserving of one or two jgps will get them. If those lower in the totem pole aren’t getting the second one it is a shame but not a big deal in the overall scheme of things.
Of course if Ilin /Cain or a similar team gets top five in the first assignment I will change my tune

 

[litenkyckling]

I can see the Finlandia teams being H/B C/P and Browns since IAM tend to dominate that challenger outside of Margaglio teams. H/B surely need a challenger because they might run the risk of being in group 1 for the RD in France?

 

[Tinycities]

I can see the Finlandia teams being H/B C/P and Browns since IAM tend to dominate that challenger outside of Margaglio teams. H/B surely need a challenger because they might run the risk of being in group 1 for the RD in France?

I was looking at the announcement for finlandia the other day, and it only allows 2 dance teams per federation. The other challengers mostly offer 3, but this one is 2. Also, entries were due today so I’m assuming we’ll get the list soon.

 

[Karen-W]

I was looking at the announcement for finlandia the other day, and it only allows 2 dance teams per federation. The other challengers mostly offer 3, but this one is 2. Also, entries were due today so I’m assuming we’ll get the list soon.

Interesting. Not that I think it matters since the USFS usually only sends 2 teams to most Challengers.

 

[litenkyckling]

I was looking at the announcement for finlandia the other day, and it only allows 2 dance teams per federation. The other challengers mostly offer 3, but this one is 2. Also, entries were due today so I’m assuming we’ll get the list soon.

huh how odd? I wonder if this has been a rule in the past?

Still think it’s odd that Gr/P have 2 challengers when the Browns and H/B are yet to have 1

 

[Sylvia]

Fan Zone article about Coach Madison Hubbell that includes quotes from Christina & Anthony:

Madison Hubbell: From on the Ice to Behind the Boards - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

When Madison Hubbell walked into the SAP Center in San Jose, California, for the 2023 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the venue was not only familiar,

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

Jordan Cown filmed Olivia Ilin/Dylan Cain's RD (choreo. by Greg Zuerlein) in Lake Placid last month (hope they enjoy their JGP debut this week! ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKw2gV2m9Hg

 

[Karen-W]

huh how odd? I wonder if this has been a rule in the past?

I don't think so - but the Finnish fed seems to be limiting all of the fields this year - here's the relevant section of the announcement -

"Each ISU Member may enter up to three (3) Women and Men and up to two (2) Ice Dance couples and Pairs. In accordance with the Challenger Series General Announcement, the participation of the host member is not limited.

The OC reserves the right to limit the number of entries to 24 Women and Men, 12 Pairs and 15 Ice Dance couples. In case of a higher number of entries, the OC may limit the number of final entries available for Members. If OC have to limit the number of entries, priority will be given to those countries that have made the Preliminary Entries."

Still think it’s odd that Gr/P have 2 challengers when the Browns and H/B are yet to have 1

I'm less surprised about HawBak than the Browns. HawBak are coming back from her injury and got a late start on their programs, plus last year they didn't debut until Finlandia, so it doesn't seem all that odd to me that they haven't received an assignment yet. The Browns, though, are a bit of a puzzle, since they were clearly ready at LPIDI and I'd have thought they would have gotten at least one of the September Challenger assignments since they (currently) have just 1 GP assignment.

 

[Karen-W]

Finlandia entries are out - Browns and CarPon assigned.

Seems pretty clear that Chock/Bates are going with the same strategy as last season and won't debut until SkAm. HawBak are either pursuing a similar and, IMO for them, riskier strategy of waiting to debut at GPdF or they'll debut at Budapest Trophy which is the last CS before the GP series starts.

 

[Rukia]

Finlandia entries are out - Browns and CarPon assigned.

Seems pretty clear that Chock/Bates are going with the same strategy as last season and won't debut until SkAm. HawBak are either pursuing a similar and, IMO for them, riskier strategy of waiting to debut at GPdF or they'll debut at Budapest Trophy which is the last CS before the GP series starts.

I mean last season worked out pretty well for Chock/Bates, so it seems like a safe way to start. H/B I'm a little more concerned about, particularly if Green/Parsons and possibly cpom come out swinging in their challengers. However, I trust that H/B are doing what they need to do to have a good season in all aspects.

 

[sk9tingfan]

Video of Green and Parsons FD, Part I & II. Again, unusual music like two seasons ago and interesting choreography. Love Carole's costume:

https://twitter.com/valserdeifiori/status/1700198917705515303

https://twitter.com/i/status/1700199659480781265

 

[Rukia]

Video of Green and Parsons FD, Part I. Again, unusual music like two seasons ago and interesting choreography. Love Carole's costume:

https://twitter.com/valserdeifiori/status/1700198917705515303

I think this is a much better program for them than where they started out last year, so that's good.

 

[sk9tingfan]

I think this is a much better program for them than where they started out last year, so that's good.

See Part II inserted above.

 

[VGThuy]

It’s nice to see Green/Parsons able to have an earlier start with a solid foundation with a coaching base than last season. Now I want her to fix her back free leg when she moves in-between the bigger choreo moves and elements.

 

[litenkyckling]

Video of Green and Parsons FD, Part I & II. Again, unusual music like two seasons ago and interesting choreography. Love Carole's costume:

https://twitter.com/valserdeifiori/status/1700198917705515303

https://twitter.com/i/status/1700199659480781265

For some reason the orange/red dress feels off for me - can’t place why but this FD feels more blue?

 

[Lara111]

For some reason the orange/red dress feels off for me - can’t place why but this FD feels more blue?

I agree costumes look very traditional and out of place and a bit missmatched.

 

[Sylvia]

Yahli Pedersen/Jeffrey Chen's 1st place RD (63.25) in Istanbul earlier today -- this is her Team USA & the team's international/JGP debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDy6yuj9l8

Olivia Ilin/Dylan Cain are in 7th (51.69) and I thought they looked like they were focused on the technical side of their skating (nervous since this was their JGP debut?) - they were MUCH more animated in the RD performance filmed by Jordan Cowan in Lake Placid last month (re-posting that Lake Placid performance video link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKw2gV2m9Hg

 

[Cayuse]

For some reason the orange/red dress feels off for me - can’t place why but this FD feels more blue?

I'm thrilled to see this preview of Caroline and Michael's free dance! I like it already and it will evolve over the season. After last year's Rhapsody in Blue, it's great to hear a piece of music that hasn't been used (or certainly not overused) in the skating world. Caroline's coloring lends itself very well to orange. I would eliminate whatever is dangling from Michael's costume, it's distracting.