Kurt Browning is one of the best skaters in the history of the sport. As a 4-time World Champion, 4-time Canadian Champion, and the first skater to be credited with landing a quadruple jump in competition (a toe loop at the 1989 World Figure Skating Championships in Budapest, Hungary), this Canadian skater's successful amateur career was merely a "warmup act for one of the most stunning professional careers of the century," writes Toller Cranston in his book Ice Cream: Thirty of the Most Interesting Skaters in History. What can Kurt do? A better question would be, what can't Kurt do? He's got it all. A prime example of his unmatched abilities and the special qualities he brings to the sport of skating are exhibited in this "Singing in the Rain" number that was featured in one of Kurt's made-for-TV specials back in the 1990s. The show originally aired in Canada, but I was able to catch it when it aired on PBS in the States many years ago. As Kurt explains in the video package that prefaces the number, he loved watching the legendary American song-and-dance man, Gene Kelly, while growing up in Caroline, Alberta Canada. Kelly became one of his idols. As a tribute to Kelly, who is well-known for his role in the 1952 comedy musical "Singin' in the Rain," also starring Debbie Reynolds, Kurt steps into the shoes, er, skates of his idol and creates his own version of "Singing in the Rain." (Skating in the rain?)
To honor the 11th day of Christmas, I've posted Kurt's fabulous program, and as added bonuses, I've posted a link to the scene from the movie "Singin' in the Rain" with the great Gene Kelly that inspired Kurt's program, and a clip from an episode of the TV show, GLEE of the glee club's very own hip,modern version of "Singing in the Rain," featuring guest star, Gweneth Paltrow! Lastly, I have posted a link to reigning Olympic Champion, Evan Lysacek's "Singing in the Rain" freeskate that he used in the 2004-05 skating season. This program helped put Evan on the map, as he won his first national and world medals (two bronzes) with this lively, jovial freeskate. This gives you an idea of how influential Gene Kelly's "Singin' in the Rain" was: it's inspired generations and myriad versions of the iconic musical number!
Without further ado, please sit back, relax, and watch Kurt skate up a storm!
Kurt's "Singing in the Rain" :
Gene Kelly's "Singin' in the Rain" : click HERE
Glee's version of "Singing in the Rain" :
Evan's version of "Singing in the Rain" :
You'll be happy to know that I prefer the Kurt Browning version to Glee's. :) He's so light on his feet!
ReplyDeleteAgreed Whitney, that Kirk Browning number is so joyous and free! Awesome!
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