by Jacquelyn Thayer With a quiet entry to the senior ranks in 2013, marked by a silver at their single international assignment at Cup of Nice and an eleventh-place finish at the 2014 U.S. Championships, American pair Jessica Calalang and Zack Sidhu anticipated a similarly modest schedule for 2014-15. And then, in summer, came the…
Category: Feature
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview
Behind the Program, Ep. 1: Paul and Islam, 2015 Free Dance
by Jacquelyn Thayer After disappointing results on the Grand Prix circuit, 2015 Canadian bronze medalists Alexandra Paul and Mitch Islam made a bold move to regroup before those national championships: swapping out a jazzy Frank Sinatra free dance, choreographed by Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, for a turn to the contemporary — an adaptation of…
Feature, Ice Dance, Lists, Pairs
2014: The Year in Elements
As 2015 approaches, a last look back at 14 of our favorite dance and pairs elements offered up in 2014, presented in (rough) order of debut. (Note: In interest of inclusiveness, no team or specific element was repeated.) Ice Dance Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir: 2013-14 short dance, no-touch midline step sequence A virtuoso display…
Feature, Interview, Pairs
Yankowskas and Gaman Take an International Path
by Jacquelyn Thayer Though they skate this week for British national gold, North America has proven a home for Caitlin Yankowskas and Hamish Gaman. After the American Yankowskas and British Gaman kicked off their international partnership at the dance-centered Arctic Edge in Canton in 2013, the two relocated in April 2014 to the more freestyle-oriented…
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview
Poulin and Servant Embrace the Bright Side
by Jacquelyn Thayer In the first four years together, ice dancers Andréanne Poulin and Marc-André Servant took a sober-minded view towards their work–an “intense, super-serious” mentality, in their words, that accompanied a 2012 Canadian junior national title and two Junior Grand Prix medals. But after those initial successes, which also included a decent sixth-place showing…
Feature, Ice Dance, Lists, News, Pairs
A Guide to the Off-Season: The Rules
In our second guide for the perplexed this off-season, a review of the major rule changes and revisions impacting your favorite sport and ours. 1. New Junior Age Limits Revoked A measure passed at the 2012 ISU Congress called for the upper age limits for junior pairs and dance men to be lowered from 21…
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview
For Edwards and Pang, Experience is the Teacher
by Jacquelyn Thayer Entry to the senior ranks proved a trial by fire for Canadian ice dancers and 2014 World Junior bronze medalists Madeline Edwards and ZhaoKai Pang. While still competing as juniors internationally, their 2013 national title meant a move up to the elite ranks for this year’s Olympic-qualifier Canadian championships. And for the…
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview
Lifted by Success, Paul and Islam Hold to Foundations
by Jacquelyn Thayer After dreaming of the Olympic Opening Ceremony as newly-minted members of Team Canada, the real thing proved no disappointment for ice dancers Alexandra Paul and Mitch Islam. “It was the most unbelievable feeling, walking into that stadium, having everybody cheering, just looking up into the stands,” says Paul. “It was butterflies in…
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview, News, Pairs
A Guide to the Off-Season: Departures
With the conclusion of another Olympic season come changing dynamics, from retirements, breakups, and new formations to the rise of younger couples and shifting fortunes for more established duos. For our first quick take on The Off-Season That Is, a review of the major American and Canadian teams who’ve taken their last bows — at…
Feature, Ice Dance, Interview
A Fresh Look for Ralph and Hill
(Updated 9/26/13) by Jacquelyn Thayer; photo by Danielle Earl Though maintaining a busy schedule as competitor and student, Kharis Ralph has recently added another title to her resume: Athlete Representative to the Skate Canada Central Ontario Section. “It entails me sitting in on board meetings and trying to provide the athlete’s perspective for the Central…