After the “Nationals hangover” wears off, we don’t have long to wait before the Four Continents Championship arrives (Twitter hashtag #4CC for anyone interested). But meanwhile, it’s always nice to see some skating from current competitors in the form of Nationals exhibitions, aired by NBC a week after the competition. There were some impressive programs, some forgettable ones, and more than a few adorable fluff segments, such as the return of the Truth Booth. What follows isn’t a summary of the show, because it’s best that you just watch it for yourself, but a few moments that you’ve got to watch for. Don’t use these programs as an opportunity to make a sandwich for lunch; otherwise you’ll miss out on these inspiring performances.
Nathan Chen: Folks, the hype is deserved. It’s his first year in Juniors and he wins gold. How many times does that happen? In his program to Gym Class Heroes’ “Stereo Hearts” he busts out a few beautiful triple jumps, exhibits well-placed spins, and genuinely connects with the audience. You may have a hard time not saying “awww” the whole program, but give it a couple years. Once he starts competing in seniors he’ll be a force to be contended with. What a showman.
Armin Mahbanoozadeh: Wearing a buoyant grin, Armin definitely entertains in this rocking exhibition program. He has such a fluidity to his style, which accentuates his unusual spins and footwork (the bent leg sit spin in his short program, anyone?) The commentators also note his progress up the senior ranks: 8th in 2010, 6th in 2011, and 4th in 2012.
Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier: Caydee Denney’s younger sister definitely channels a sense of poise and flair in the young pair’s program to music from “Chicago.” It’ll be so interesting to see if Haven and Caydee ever skate against each other; both are extremely sure-footed and expressive.
Maia and Alex Shibutani: In the intro for the sibling ice dance team, the announcer jokingly mentions that you should follow the two on Twitter. They laugh, but it’s true: Alex especially sends out ironic, entertaining tweets, which shows the team’s light hearted side to fans (in case you hadn’t already seen it from their relaxed attitude backstage at competitions). Their program to “The Prayer” is gentle, lyrical, and classy.
Alissa Czisny: We could say so much about the elegance of this skater, whether it be her costumes (has she ever worn anything less than gorgeous?), her music, or her off-ice demeanor, but really there is one part of this program that you cannot miss: her reverse Charlotte spiral. Amazing.
Jeremy Abbott: another entertaining Tweeter, Abbott has used this “Hometown Glory” program before, and each time it’s just as interesting as the last. Commentators have remarked multiple times that he skates on a different level from the rest of the competition, and you can see it in the way he finishes each of his movements so thoroughly inside the music. He displays such lightness and freedom.
Meryl Davis and Charlie White: We’ve grown to expect perfection from Davis and White, and they don’t fail to deliver with their moving program to Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Perhaps this could even be a music video for the song, their choreography is so intricate. No matter what characters they embody, you sense the emotional connection that they have forged over so many years of skating together, and it makes you wish that more pairs and dance teams would learn from their example. With experience comes rhythm.
Also watch for: Gracie Gold‘s juggling skills, a heartwarming introduction for Ashley Wagner by Adam Rippon, and some amazing lifts by both Denney/Coughlin and Evora/Ladwig.
See you at 4 Continents!
The Platinum Edge 