Last weekend's Skate America was such a fantastic debut for the grand prix series! Going into SkAm, as a ticket holder, I'll admit I was apprehensive of it being held in such a small venue in Massachusetts, and not including the major Russian skaters. I was pleasantly surprised by the immense energy of the crowd and the overall quality of skating. So much noise, so much enthusiasm, I miss it already :(
Here were some of my favorite moments
Mens
1) Ilia's entire long program
The roof of the building almost blew off when he landed that quad axel. Seriously, the audience applauded for the entirety of the rest of the program- I'm surprised he could even hear his music. And even after the 4A, it was just quad after quad. Now, I did giggle a bit when he hyped up the crowd for that messy, edgeless step sequence, but nevertheless the program was the highlight of the weekend.
2) Jun's short program
Jun's fans are so loud and proud, and the energy for this short was pretty phenomenal. The quad salchow was spot on, and that step sequence is really great. Loved it! (Version from Finlandia :( Because NBC is Poopy)
3) Kao's whole weekend
I think many fans, including myself, were disappointed to hear that Yuma had withdrawn and Kao would be taking his place. But both of Kao's programs were so fast and so impressive, and he seemed just so happy with himself to have skated so well, when he originally didn't even have 2 Grand Prix assignments. Bravo! (Next step? Get him color matched at Sephora, because his foundation was WAY to light for his face...yikes)
Women's
1) Kaori's long program
Watching Kaori next to all the other competitors here was such a sharp contrast- her power and speed in and out of her jumps is unmatched. And these programs, particularly this Sia long program, fit her style so much better than things she's done in the past. Well deserved win!
2) AMBER GLENN
Watching Amber struggle for consistency these past two years has been painful, especially when her skating skills and jump quality can be so great. It's clear that having a new coach is really benefitting her- both her programs felt so much like the version of herself she shows on social media, and the new look with new costumes and new hair just made her feel like a new, better version of the Amber so many people have come to love!
3) Gracie Gracie Gracie
Did she medal? No. But these outings for Gracie were overall positive, which was everything I wanted to see. And her lutz toe combinations were still the best out of the whole discipline here in Norwood.
Pairs: Alexa vs. Deanna
The two main names in the pairs competition here were of course Alexa and Brandon from the US and Deanna and Max from Canada. To be honest, I don't think Alexa and Brandon deserved to win. Their programs were messier than the Canadians and, surprisingly, I thought the audience, despite being American, was almost more behind Deanna. I think with skating having an older audience, so many remember when Deanna skated for the US and the energy and support was so loud! It will be interesting if this develops into more of a rivalry as the season goes on...
Dance
1) Kaitlin and Jean Luc (should have won)
Hawayek and Baker should have won, and they should have won both programs. Their short dance is one of the more creative this year, and that free is a VISION! It was over way too fast. The one foot sequence at the beginning is STUNNING!
2) Daisuke and Kana
Just a pleasure to have watched Daisuke live, to be honest. No, but really, the energy the audience had for this team was crazy, and I think they seem to have the drive to improve. So excited for them!
3) Madi and Evan, I guess?
It was nice to see them live again, but to be honest..neither of these programs are really doing it for me. So much of their appeal comes from their story telling and connection, but maybe my opinion will eventually change? Idk, they won though...
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