Breaking Records: Yuzuru Hanyu's 2015 Grand Prix Final Freeskate

This is incredible. Can he get any better?

Day 1: Michelle Kwan's "East of Eden"

Luminous with joy.

Day 2: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir's "Symphony No. 5 " by Gustav Mahler

Enchanting.

Day 3: Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov's "The Man I love" by Ella Fitzgerald

True love.

Day 4: Evegenia Medvedeva's "We" and "Allegro" Freeskate

The present and future of skating. A talent that is bright and beautiful.

Day 5: Michelle Kwan's "Song of the Black Swan"

And this is how it's done.

Day 6: Tatiana Zolosozhar and Maxim Trankov's Olympic Gold-Medal-Winning Free Skate "Jesus Christ Superstar"

The gold standard.

Day 7: Meryl Davis and Charlie White's "Die Fledermaus" by Strauss

Another reason why I love ice dancing!

Day 8: Stephane Lambiel's "Poeta" from 2007 Worlds

I just listened to a TSL interview with the great skating champion Stephane Lambiel. Lambiel sites this 2007 freeskate to "Poeta," authentically choreographed in the Flamenco style, as being one of the programs that he's most proud of. Though there were some jumping mistakes in this performance, Lambiel was most proud of the new artistic style that he showcased at this championship. He's always one of my favorite skaters, and this is another example of his versatility, style, and skill as an artist and performer.

Day 9: Carolina Kostner's 2011 Worlds Free Skate to Concerto No. 23 by Mozart

Carolina's stunning 2012 World Championship win. Skated with class, grace, and that awesome pantsuit!

Day 10: Brian Boitano's "They Call the Wind Maria"

This is one of my all-time favorite Brian Boitano programs. Big, bold sweeping movements, majestic music, and flight over the ice. This is what good skating is all about.

Day 11: Lu Chen's "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Rachmaninoff

This is a thing of beauty.

Day 12: Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron's "Adagio from Concerto No. 23" by Mozart

This is why I love ice dancing. It is like something out of a dream.

Sixth Annual 12-Days of Christmas Skating Countdown

For the next 12 days, I will post some of my favorite skating performances in honor of the Christmas season. Thank you for reading my blog, and I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!

Yuzuru Hanyu's Mega Record-Breaking Skate: 2015 Grand Prix Final Short to the music of "Chopin"

This. Is. Insane.

Record-Setting. Chills-Inducing. Athletic Perfection. Artistic Gusto.

The commentators say he's "perhaps the finest figure skater ever."

What do you think?

Kurt Browning's "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce

Kurt Browning is timeless.

Matt Savoie is Amazing

Let's take a moment and appreciate the amazing, fantastical skater that is Matt Savoie.

This 2006 Olympian has got it all. Now THIS is good skating. I can't get enough of this program.


The fact that this performance was judged only fourth here boggles my mind and infuriates me. How anything could be better than this, I'd realllly like to know.

But I suppose if there's one thing we know about figure skating, it's that sometimes--actually, more than sometimes-- the judging doesn't make any sense and is unjustified.

Judging aside, Matt's skating and the mood of this performance is to be treasured. This is why I love figure skating.

Thank you, Matt Savoie, for giving your fans so many gifts.

Tonya Harding's "Much Ado About Nothing," and "Jurassic Park"

I'm a day late in posting, but better late than never.

Yesterday, Nov. 12, was Tonya Harding's 45th birthday. This is hard to believe, considering that I remember seeing her skate on TV as a 23-year-old at the Lillehammer Olympics in 1994. Crazy to think about how long ago that was, when in some ways, it feels like it was just yesterday. I remember the event, and my falling in love with figure skating, quite clearly.

I remember Tonya's Olympic skates well, but more for the negatives than the positives, to be honest. That was the first and only time that I ever saw Tonya compete. I decided to look back at her 1994 U.S. National's programs, to see how she did there. I know that she won, but I had never watched her performances, in particular, to see how they compared to what she did at the Olympics a short time later.

Of course, at those Olympic trials in Detroit, Nancy Kerrigan was sidelined by the attack, which Tonya was later accused of allegedly being involved in. But at the time, no fingers were poined at Tonya, and she cruised to her second U.S. title, defeating 13-year-old Michelle Kwan. After her knowledge of the attack on Kerrigan was proven, Tonya was stripped of this title, and banned from U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned events for life.

In Detroit, Tonya skated an impressive short program to music that would later prove to be ironic: "Much Ado About Nothing." Her triple Lutz, double-toe was as athletic as they come, and the overall presentation, speed on her spins, and delivery of this skate elicited far more excitement than it did when performed in Lillehammer the following month. If she had skated this same performance at the Olympics, she would have been much higher in the rankings. As things played out, Tonya was 10th after the short in Lillehammer, while Nancy Kerrigan was first.

In the freeeskate at Nationals, Tonya landed most of her jumps cleanly, but there were still some mistakes, and it really felt like there wasn't a lot of content. I like the Jurassic Park music, especially the slow section and the track at the end. In the past, Tonya's programs were a hodge-podge of mis-matched musical selections. I found the Jurassic Park program, given all the music was from the same score, to be a much more cohesive program. Even so, given that Tonya said she wanted to win the Olympics, and this would be her vehicle to do so, I'm surprised the program wasn't more impressive. But in the end, Tonya did enough here to win, and earn a ticket to the Olympics. Unfortunately, in Lillehammer, she only finished 8th overall.

The world may never know the truth of the extent of Tonya Harding's involvement in the Kerrigan attack, but we do know that in her prime, Tonya was a tremendous athlete, who pushed U.S. figure skating to new heights athletically in the early 1990s. No matter what people thought of her then, or think of her now, we can never deny her talent.

Though Tonya has gone down some interesting life paths in her time since being banned from figure skating, we can still tip our hats to her on this belated birthday, and remember her as a trendsetter for the sport we love.


Tonya's 1994 short program to "Much Ado About Nothing":




Tonya's 1994 freeskate to "Jurrasic Park" :

The Glitter and the Gold: Katarina Witt's "Robin Hood" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

While scrolling through the news this morning, I saw an article about the release of a new book by Katarina Witt called "So viel Leben" (So Much Life). The article is from a German news source, and upon further research, I found the book on Germany's Amazon, but I have not yet found out if the book will be published in English. The book is formatted like a scrapbook and highlights Witt's career and life for the last 50 years. Yes, 50. Katarina turns 50 in less than a month, on December 3. Keeping my fingers crossed that the book will be released in the U.S.!

While searching for information about Katarina's book, I found this lovely letter from a skating fan about Katarina that was printed in the New York Times nearly 22 years ago.

I loved this letter, especially the end. I will always remember Katarina's 1994 Olympic experience. She competed knowing that she wasn't in contention for a medal, but she wanted to compete to celebrate the Olympic experience and honor her Olympic experiences of the past. She dedicated her freeskate "Where Have all the Flowers Gone" to the people of war-torn Sarajevo, the country that hosted the 1984 Games, when Katarina won the first of her two Olympic titles. The feeling of of passion and hope that she created in Lillehamer was larger than the competition. I agree that Katarina is an example of what a true Olympian should be: an athlete of power and talent, humility and charm, someone with the inner strength and graceful panache..."

Katarina's 1994 Short Program to "Robin Hood":





Katarina's 1994 Freeskate to "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?":

Maia and Alex Shibuani's "Fix You" by Coldplay

After winning a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships, brother and sister team Maia and Alex Shibutani seemed destined for world prominence. However, that isn't how things have played out.

Without getting into too many skating politics, some feel that the Shibutani's were given that world medal "too early," and in subsequent years were held back by the judges. It sounds ridiculous even writing that, and I don't know if it's true, but I do agree that the judges haven't favored the Shibutani's since that world medal (which by the way, was totally warranted. The Shibutani's were fantastic in 2011 and their freeskate is still one of my favorites! Click here to see it: )

I will say that I don't think the "Shibs" have had a freedance that I've loved as much as their 2011 one, but the quality of their skating has certainly maintained the same standard of excellence that they had when they landed on the world podium. In fact, their quality has improved, as well as their maturity and sophistication.

Sure, it's easy to criticize a brother and sister team in a discipline that is all about a connection between the male and female partner, but a familial connection can still be strong and emote passion, just in a different way. I've always felt that the Shibutanis bring integrity and class to each program that they deliver. On top of that, their skating skills are supreme. You will not find better twizzles anywhere else!

This year, the Shibutanis have taken on a more personal theme--one that speaks from the heart and tells the story of their career. They are skating to "Fix You" by Coldplay, which starts out with the lyrics:"When you try your best, but you don't succeed.When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep. Stuck in reverse..."

The Shibutanis worked with the great Peter Tchernyshev, Russian-born 5-time U.S. ice dance champion with Naomi Lang, to choreograph the piece.

I just watched it for the first time, and I have to say that I love it. As gorgeous as the Shibutani's skating has been over the years, I've had trouble getting interested in some of their freedances. Their actual skating was always spot-on and breathtakingly beautiful, but too classic and safe. They weren't creating any excitement and buzz. There wasn't anything to make them stand out from the crowd. And I don't say that because of their skating itself, but rather, because of the musical selection and the very traditional look and feel of the programs.

Meanwhile, their coach/choreographer, Marina Zueva, was creating these groundbreaking, exciting masterpieces for Meryl Davis and Charlie White and Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. While it might not be the case, you have to wonder if Zueva was not putting all her passion and creativity into creating for the other two, while the Shibutanis got whatever mental energy was leftover. They were second fiddle, and it showed.

But "Fix You" is different. While I'd still love to see them emote and "bring it" more--especially Maia-- this program is one that I feel is authentic to them, and that translates very well on the ice. It feels very real and fresh. Tchernyshev was always a brilliant skater, artist, and performer, and his collaboration with this team is just what they needed.

I love the second half when the music starts to build and they perform their twizzles and highlight lifts. I could feel the momentum gathering and something inside me stirred. So happy to see the Shibutanis skate a program like this that really showcases not only their skating talents, but who they are as people. It's satisfying to see a team who has so much talent, finally have a vehicle that really suits them and can take them to new places artistically.

From anything I've ever see and read, the Shibutanis seem like exceptional people. Add that to terrific figure skaters, and well, I hope that equals their best competitive season yet!

Here they skate "Fix You" by Cold Play, en route to a silver medal at Skate Canada last weekend:

Ashley Wagner's "Hip Hip Chin Chin"

This girl knows how to bring the sass. Nailed it here!

This is the first part of Ashley's winning performances at Skate Canada last weekend.

The look--makeup, hair, costume, choreography--are impeccable!

Patrick Chan's Chopin Freeskate at 2015 Skate Canada

I just watched Patrick Chan's winning freeskate from last weekend's Skate Canada. It's sublime. Perfect musical selection to Frederic Chopin. The music complements Chan's smooth, quiet, subtle skating style. While watching this, all I could think about was the title of a book written by Dick Button: An Edge is a Lean of the Body. Chan is a master of deep edges, flowing running edges, and all the beauty that skating has to offer.


I loved this! Congratulations to Patrick Chan for winning his first competition after a year off. And he beat the 2014 Olympic champion, Yazuru Hanyu, whom Chan lost to in Sochi.

What a statement this makes to the rest of the world. He's back. And better than ever!

Scott Hamilton's "Hair" from 1996 Stars on Ice Tour

Last month I celebrated the five year anniversary of my blog! Somehow, this anniversary slipped my mind, until now. It's been five great years! I don't do much at all to advertise my blog, and surely it's not as popular as others, but I hope that in my own small way, I have been able to share my love of skating with those who read.

Admittedly, this last year hasn't been my best for posting new content. I started a new job, and now am in the midst of a job search. I haven't been swimming in free time, but still like to post when I can.


I hope you enjoy this Scott Hamilton performance to "Hair" from the 1996 Stars on Ice tour. Scott's entertaining routines, featuring storylines, props, and backflips galore, were a staple on the professional skating circuit in the '80s and '90s. But "tricks" aside, Scott had terrific basic skating skills--he always brought his "A-game" Triple Lutz, spins, and blurring footwork! Scott always showed us why he was such a decorated champion, both for his solid athletics, and his heart as an artist and performer.

I miss seeing Scott Skate today. He was such a warm and generous performer, who always brought his fans such happiness. There hasn't been another entertainer like him since.

Watching this program brought me back to my childhood and the glory days of watching professional skating on TV every weekend. I had no idea how lucky I was. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I catch one hour on TV.


I've said it once and I'll say it again: thank goodness for You Tube!

Celebrating a Skating Great: Happy Birthday, Paul Wylie!

There is no one like Paul Wylie. I feel so fortunate to have become a skating fan at the time when Paul Wylie was front-and-center on the professional figure skating circuit. He was known for skating themed-programs to grand soundtracks, filled with drama, passion, and all the best skating has to offer.

But before Wylie capitalized on skating his classics, such as "JFK," "Apollo 13," "Schindler's List," and "On the Waterfront," he won the hearts of the American people by winning silver at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Wylie, always a gifted skater, was never able to live up to his potential in competitions. Though he medaled at the U.S. Championships for five consecutive years (88-92), and made the Olympic team in 1988, he never won National gold or made it onto the world rostrum.

At the '92 Games, up against 3-time World medalist and 1998 Olympic bronze-medalist Victor Petrenko, Wylie finally skated two terrific performances, and captured the silver, just behind Petrenko, in what could be considered an upset. Other more credentialed skaters--Kurt Browning of Canada, and Christopher Bowman of the U.S.--were medal hopefuls, but did not deliver under pressure. In fact, some felt that Wylie's performances were as good as gold, given Petrenko's poor showing. Wylie's freeskate wasn't perfect, but his overall musicality and presentation was as good as gold, in my opinion.

In addition to his outstanding skating, Wylie has always been known in the skating community for being an all-around nice guy. I've been impressed in my own interactions with him. A few years ago, I was teaching a Holocaust unit to a group of 8th graders that I was student teaching. Having always loved Wylie's "Schindler's List," program, I decided that I wanted to show it in class. I emailed Wylie to get some insights from him on the interpretation of the program. I wasn't sure if I'd get a reply, but was so thrilled and appreciative when I quickly received one. Wylie went above and beyond to answer my questions and provide some great insights into the artistic interpretation of his program. My students were really impressed that the skater had written to me, for their benefit! Then two years later, I received the opportunity to interview Wylie (by phone) for an article I was writing on a skating show in which Wylie was a performer. It was surreal to be able to talk to interview one of my skating heroes. Very down-to-earth and insightful. Definitely one of my best moments as a journalist! To top it all off, a few months later, I got to meet him at the 2014 National Championships!

In honor of Wylie's 51st birthday today, here are his 1992 Olympic programs--the programs that helped cement his place in skating history. Enjoy these wonderful works of Olympic glory and join me in honoring this awesome American skating star! Happy Birthday, Paul!

1992 Olympic short program:






1992 Olympic freeskate:

Like-new Skating Books For Sale!!!

I know this might be a long-shot, but here goes. I am selling these beloved skating books because I have multiple copies. All three are great reads, and I'd recommend them to skating fans! In particular, I love Edge of Glory. I have had these books listed on Amazon, but haven't gotten any bites. Thought I'd reach out to fellow skating fans.

I'm selling the books for the following prices (includes shipping):

Robin Cousins book--It's a signed copy!: $30

Edge of Glory: $25

Johnny Weir: $25

If you're interested, email me at susanLfield@gmail.com

Today's Kwan-spiration: Michelle Kwan's "Lyra Angelica"

"One thing you have to note about this; how elegant this is, the fact that nothing is hard-edged, how honesty is central to her skating, the gentility of the positions."~ Dick Button


Luminous with joy.