Ethereal movements, flawless spins, and the ability to draw in the audience are all desirable qualities for a ladies national champion in the figure skating world. Alissa Czisny’s long program to the Dr. Zhivago soundtrack possessed all these attributes and propelled her to her first national title at the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Skating with elegance and gentleness, Czisny is clearly engaged in the performance from the opening toll of the bell. Her utilization of delicate connecting steps and flowing edges creates an air of magical enchantment as the program unfolds. The program is choreographed to highlight her flexibility, as seen by her beautiful charlotte spiral, and to capitalize on her unparalleled spins. Although the performance was marred by a fall on a triple lutz, she displayed tenacity by coming back to land her closing double axel. In the wake of her championship, it is clear that Czisny’s elegant skating is matched by an equally gracious personality off the ice.
Having undergone surgery in the spring to repair a torn labrum in her hip, Czisny has been forced to sit out the 2012 Grand Prix season. However, we are hopeful that she will return to the competitive ranks and once again grace the ice.
The Platinum Edge 