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

[Sylvia]

I wonder which level - Junior or Senior - they plan to skate.

Senior, most likely - he turns 22 in November.

 

[Sylvia]

Kaitlin Hawayek launched her new website today:

Kaitlin Hawayek

kaitlinhawayek.com

Re-posting here from the U.S. Club Shows thread... Kaitlin & Jean-Luc are scheduled to perform in 2 Saturday shows in Utah -- on April 27 at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns & on May 4 at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex (former home of the U.S. FS Classic comp.) in Salt Lake City.

Tickets for the April 27th show in Kearns are available to purchase now here, along with the May 4th SLC show: https://www.saltlakefigureskating.com/store

 

[farahfan]

WASA Ice Dance’s photo of Kaitlyn with Neset/Markelov: https://www.instagram.com/p/C59-5FfLYOM/ (presumably the other program was for Flores/Desyatov?)

Yes, Bella said on her subscription Instagram that Kaitlyn did choreo for their FD, and for N/M I'm not sure but supposing it's their RD.

 

[Sylvia]

Re. Bland/Sperry on April 7:

I know, but I'm still curious if they are planning to compete as seniors.

No, Kristina has decided to take a break from skating to focus on university (her post today): https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Rmcsbx6LV/

After many memorable performances and shared moments on the ice, I have made the difficult decision to take a break from ice dancing. I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to our friends, and coaches who have supported us on this exhilarating journey. As much as I cherish the joy and excitement that skating brings, I realized the importance of focusing on our individual journeys of self-growth and academic pursuits. This break will allow me to fully dedicate myself to personal development and academic excellence. I wish Matthew much success as he continues this year!

ETA link to Lois Elfman's B/S article last October:

International competition builds Bland and Sperry’s competitive edge

The news that they needed to pack their suitcases and pull out their passports came somewhat unexpectedly for U.S. ice dancers Kristina Bland and Matthew Sperry, who are now in their third season as a team.

amsterdamnews.com

"Both Bland, 19, and Sperry, 21, are students at the University of Michigan, so an international competition meant missing a week of classes. They admitted it’s not easy to balance school and skating, but they value the college experience."

Sept. 2022 IDC artoicle by Anne Calder:

Getting to Know: Kristina Bland & Matthew Sperry – Ice-dance.com

www.ice-dance.com

“I just graduated from high school,” Bland said. “I’m heading to the University of Michigan in the fall to major in Political Science and minor in Crime and Justice. Then it will be law school to become a Defense Attorney. That’s the dream.”
“I just finished my first year at the University of Michigan in Mechanical Engineering,” Sperry added. “A lot of us at Novi are focusing on both school and skating. We all know what it’s like, and we support each other.”
“Both my parents work in education, so they are very education focused,” Bland said. “I have an older brother who is in his second year of college. We’re 18 months apart.”
“Actually both our families are really into education,” Sperry added. “I have an older brother too. He’s a student at the University of Maryland.”

Bland/Sperry are still listed among the 20 ice dance teams in the ISP as of today (Helena Carhart/Volodymyr Horovyi's names have since been removed).

 

[ice coverage]

And from Matthew Sperry's post today:

" ... We’ve come so far in our three years together and achieved many of our lifelong goals. I am proud of everything we have accomplished and wish Kristina all the best as she pursues college full-time.

I want to thank @usfigureskating and all of my coaches for their support throughout our career together.

As for me, I plan to continue skating and look forward to what the future will bring."

(ETA: Matthew's caption accompanies a nice photo of their togetherness -- on ice after their 2024 Nats FD, I believe.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6RpYr8xAt9zWLdlFjmjgIGsguIEcmgY73K6RU0/​

From joint account for Kristina and Matthew:

"... and Matthew will be continuing to pursue skating while studying engineering."

Kristina Bland and Matthew Sperry on Instagram: "After many memorable performances and shared moments on the ice, Kristina has made the difficult decision to take a break from ice dancing. We are so thankful to @usfigureskating, our coaches, and our

33 likes, 4 comments - bland_sperry on April 27, 2024: "After many memorable performances and shared moments on the ice, Kristina has made the difficult decision to take a break from ice dancin...".

www.instagram.com

Best wishes to both!

 

[Dobre]

Thank you for the update! I've quite enjoyed watching Kristina develop and become a performer within the sport. Best wishes to them both.

 

[icedancefan!!]

North Dakota local TV news segment on Neset/Markelov before they performed in her club's shows in Minot, a.k.a. "Magic City" (March 29):

SERVPRO Athletes of the Week: Leah Neset & Artem Markelov

Minot’s Leah Neset and her Russian partner Artem Markelov are taking over the ice dancing world, most recently winning the Junior World Championships in Taiwan.

www.kfyrtv.com

Magic City FSC's "Senior Spotlight" post last month featuring Leah: https://www.instagram.com/magiccityfsc/reel/C4v6rN4rt8W/

I know I'm late to this post, but the part about "Wouldn’t you know it, they’re engaged and will get married later this year." I'm hoping that the reporter is confused with Chock/Bates... right?

 

[Rukia]

I know I'm late to this post, but the part about "Wouldn’t you know it, they’re engaged and will get married later this year." I'm hoping that the reporter is confused with Chock/Bates... right?

The reporter did not get anyone confused. Neset & Markelov are also engaged and getting married this year apparently.

 

[Debbie S]

I know I'm late to this post, but the part about "Wouldn’t you know it, they’re engaged and will get married later this year." I'm hoping that the reporter is confused with Chock/Bates... right?

No. The news (and discussion) was earlier in this thread.

 

[icedancefan!!]

No. The news (and discussion) was earlier in this thread.

Oh wow. What date was this discussed? I haven't been on in a while

 

[pixie cut]

I know I'm late to this post, but the part about "Wouldn’t you know it, they’re engaged and will get married later this year." I'm hoping that the reporter is confused with Chock/Bates... right?

Here's the info. You can go to the registry and buy them a gift.

Artem Markelov and Leah Neset's Wedding Website - The Knot

Welcome to Artem Markelov and Leah Neset's Wedding Website! View photos, directions, registry details and more at The Knot.

www.neset-markelov.wedding

 

[Rukia]

trying to figure out if i can toss that popcorn maker onto the ice if i attach it to a big stuffie

 

[pixie cut]

trying to figure out if i can toss that popcorn maker onto the ice if i attach it to a big stuffie

I'd suggest just sending a gift card with the gift and then tossing them a small stuffie with a note that reads, "The popcorn was on me."

 

[Wyliefan]

Oh wow. What date was this discussed? I haven't been on in a while

The discussion starts here and continues for a couple of pages.

Jason Gemar on Instagram: "LEAH + ARTEM | Engagement⁠ ⁠ This amazing and talented couple will be getting married this summer and we cannot wait to capture it. They are such nice people currently represent the USA as junior ice dancers. The future i

156 likes, 4 comments - gemarphoto on March 23, 2024: "LEAH + ARTEM | Engagement⁠ ⁠ This amazing and talented couple will be getting married this summer and we cannot wait to capture it. ...".

www.instagram.com

Leah and Artem are getting married

 

[ice coverage]

Caroline and Brendan Mullen's "Survivor" FD was filmed by Jordan Cowan at NYC's Bryant Park on Feb 5, 2024, and published today on On Ice Perspectives channels on YouTube and Instagram:

Caroline Mullen & Brendan Mullen skate their 2024 Free Dance to "Survivor" by @2WEIMusic.

Team USAJunior Ice Dancers Caroline Mullen and Brendan Mullen skate their 2023-2024 Free Dance to "Survivor" by @2WEIMusic at the Bank of America Winter Vill...

www.youtube.com

(4:14)​

On Ice Perspectives ❄️🎥 on Instagram: "“Survivor” • Take a look back at Team USA Junior Ice Dancers Caroline Mullen and Brendan Mullen, performing their 2024 Free Dance in Bryant Park. ❄️🌲 👣 Choreography by Greg Zuerlein, Ruslan Goncharov, and Charl

1,020 likes, 29 comments - oniceperspectives on April 28, 2024: "“Survivor” • Take a look back at Team USA Junior Ice Dancers Caroline Mullen and Brendan Mullen, performing their 2024 Free Dance i...".

www.instagram.com

 

[farahfan]

Re. Bland/Sperry on April 7:

No, Kristina has decided to take a break from skating to focus on university (her post today): https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Rmcsbx6LV/

ETA link to Lois Elfman's B/S article last October:

International competition builds Bland and Sperry’s competitive edge

The news that they needed to pack their suitcases and pull out their passports came somewhat unexpectedly for U.S. ice dancers Kristina Bland and Matthew Sperry, who are now in their third season as a team.

amsterdamnews.com

"Both Bland, 19, and Sperry, 21, are students at the University of Michigan, so an international competition meant missing a week of classes. They admitted it’s not easy to balance school and skating, but they value the college experience."

Sept. 2022 IDC artoicle by Anne Calder:

Getting to Know: Kristina Bland & Matthew Sperry – Ice-dance.com

www.ice-dance.com

Bland/Sperry are still listed among the 20 ice dance teams in the ISP as of today (Helena Carhart/Volodymyr Horovyi's names have since been removed).

Aw, will miss them. Does this leave N/M as the only junior team moving up to seniors? Supposing that they do...

 

[Sylvia]

ISU Junior age-eligible teams now listed in the 2024-25 ISP:

Leah Neset and Artem Markelov JGPF1/J1/JW1 [currently expected to move up to senior internationally]
Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal IDF-J2/J3/JW5
Caroline Mullen and Brendan Mullen IDF-J3/J5
Olivia Ilin and Dylan Cain IDF-J4/YOG2
Julia Epps and Blake Gilman IDF-J9/J8
Emily Renzi and William Lissauer IDF-J8/J9

 

[PRlady]

ISU Junior age-eligible teams now listed in the 2024-25 ISP:

Leah Neset and Artem Markelov JGPF1/J1/JW1 [currently expected to move up to senior internationally]
Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal IDF-J2/J3/JW5
Caroline Mullen and Brendan Mullen IDF-J3/J5
Olivia Ilin and Dylan Cain IDF-J4/YOG2
Julia Epps and Blake Gilman IDF-J9/J8
Emily Renzi and William Lissauer IDF-J8/J9

Did those last two couples switch partners?

 

[Sylvia]

Did those last two couples switch partners?

No.

Epps/Gilman have been together since August 2015: https://www.ice-dance.com/site/profile-julia-epps-blake-gilman/

Renzi/Lissauer teamed up in March 2022: https://www.ice-dance.com/site/profile-emily-renzi-william-lissauer/

 

[Jarrett]

Any videos available of Kaitlin & Jean-Luc from their recent performances? I saw she posted some great photos on instagram but I haven't caught any videos yet.

 

[pixie cut]

Any videos available of Kaitlin & Jean-Luc from their recent performances? I saw she posted some great photos on instagram but I haven't caught any videos yet.

There are two videos on YouTube.

 

[Jarrett]

There are two videos on YouTube.

I only found this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYkSrBhB6qw&ab_channel=VMSkating oh there is another one on the same account. Youtube search is not being my friend.

 

[pixie cut]

I only found this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYkSrBhB6qw&ab_channel=VMSkating

Check the channel. There are two.

 

[Sylvia]

Any videos available of Kaitlin & Jean-Luc from their recent performances? I saw she posted some great photos on instagram but I haven't caught any videos yet.

Thanks for the tip @pixie cut!

"Elastic Heart' by Sia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYkSrBhB6qw

"Stand By Me" by Florence + the Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGfBMZK3gyw

I will cross-post in the Shows/Benefts thread.

 

[Debbie S]

Article by former Team USA ice dancer Morgan Matthews, for IDC. Mostly about the partner search process, focusing on her own, also with comments from Emily Bratti and Anton Spiridonov (who sounds like he found a new partner): https://www.ice-dance.com/site/how-to-find-an-ice-dance-partner-then-and-now/

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Article by former Team USA ice dancer Morgan Matthews, for IDC. Mostly about the partner search process, focusing on her own, also with comments from Emily Bratti and Anton Spiridonov (who sounds like he found a new partner): https://www.ice-dance.com/site/how-to-find-an-ice-dance-partner-then-and-now/

Oh wow, I remember her, they weren’t on the scene that long but she did make it to an Olympics. Didn’t they?

 

[Debbie S]

Oh wow, I remember her, they weren’t on the scene that long but she did make it to an Olympics. Didn’t they?

No, they didn't. Max received citizenship through the same legislation that gave Tanith hers, but they did not qualify for Torino. I think they were 4th or 5th at Nats.

 

[BittyBug]

Im very hazy on this, but didn’t he fall during one of their programs at Nationals? And when / why did they split?

 

[Dobre]

No, they didn't. Max received citizenship through the same legislation that gave Tanith hers, but they did not qualify for Torino. I think they were 4th or 5th at Nats.

4th in 2006 during the Olympic season.

5th in 2005 & 2007.

Fun fact: They defeated Virtue & Moir at the 2005 World Junior Championships and the 2006 4CCs.

 

[Andrea82]

Im very hazy on this, but didn’t he fall during one of their programs at Nationals?

They fell both in the Original Dance and in the Free Dance at 2006 Nationals.
It was between them and Jamie Silverstein/Ryan O'Meara for the third Olympics spot

Compulsary Dance: Matthews/Zavozin 33.98 Silverstein/O'Meara 32.24
Original Dance: Silverstein/O'Meara 54.46 Matthews/Zavozin 52.81

Then the FD went to Silverstein/O'Meara 91.76 to 87.74.

Silverstein/O'Meara were with Shpilband and they scored well in the TES in the FD (second highest, better than Gregory/Pethukov)

Silverstein and O'Meara 2006 Nationals FD

Silverstein and O'Meara 2006 Nationals FD

www.youtube.com