Subscribers to TFTI’s Weekly Protocol, and those who follow Twitter closely, will have heard by now many an opinion on certain of this season’s programs. But with this and with the diminution of the middle ranks particularly in dance since last season, it’s also difficult to present any “favorite programs of 2016” list that offers…
by Jacquelyn Thayer This week’s Grand Prix Final features a fair range of U.S. and Canadian teams. In pairs, Canada’s Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford and Julianne Séguin and Charlie Bilodeau will make repeat appearances; in dance, last year’s three U.S. entries — Maia and Alex Shibutani, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Madison Hubbell…
by Jacquelyn Thayer After a strong short program event for the Skate Canada International pairs field, the long brought a few more woes — though the top finishers managed to hang on for podium success. With their “Non, je ne regrette rien” free, Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford completed their third victory at Skate Canada…
by Jacquelyn Thayer A small field of seven, thanks to a late withdrawal, also makes the 2016 Skate Canada International pairs event a prime opportunity for teams seeking to establish or build their international reputation. Back on home turf – and looking to defend their previous two Skate Canada International titles – Meagan Duhamel and…
by Jacquelyn Thayer Victory at Autumn Classic International served as a successful first step of a two-year comeback plan for Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. And shortly after, the team were back to work with free dance choreographer David Wilson. “It was always part of the plan — you kind of create, try to make…
With Finlandia Trophy, the pre-Grand Prix — and most pivotal — stretch of the ISU’s 2016 Challenger Series has concluded, along with the debuts of most of the US and Canada’s international dance teams and pairs. Notable absences like Maia and Alex Shibutani (USA) and Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje (CAN) in dance, and Alexa…
There will be no extended analysis of deeper PCS meaning this go-round, but a quick overview of just how tight the race in U.S. and Canadian pairs — for those 3-4-5 spots at home, for international opportunities or top 10 Worlds finishes — looks after the work of last season. Two-time world champions Meagan Duhamel…
EDITOR’S NOTE: This interview was conducted on June 27 and published July 24, to approving response from both partners. On August 10, Aaron and Settlage announced the conclusion of their partnership. This feature stands to capture their comments and perspective as they initially stood in this off-season. by Jacquelyn Thayer For two-time U.S. pewter medalist…
by Jacquelyn Thayer Last season offered one particularly key lesson for 2016 U.S. national pair champions Tarah Kayne and Danny O’Shea: choose the music with which you connect and which, then, can connect with the audience. It led them to a successful free in skating warhorse “Music of the Night”; it led them further off…
With the dance field expanded to 10 couples apiece for the first time since the 2010-11 season, competitors saw additional opportunity — though some absences for those guaranteed at least one spot are also worth noting. Pairs, which remains at eight teams apiece due to additional regulations (only four teams allowed per warm-up session), was…
