Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Alena Kostornaia Bonus: Freeskate to the "W.E. Soundtrack" from 2020 Rostelecom Cup

This season, Alena Kostornaia skates to the music of Abel Korzeniowski from the "W.E." soundtrack. Some say she is following in the footsteps of fellow Russian, Evgenia Medvedeva, 2018 Olympic Silver Medalist, who used the same music in her debut senior season in 2015-16, but Kostornaia's rendition is not the same. Medvedeva's skating featured a lot of pantomiming, a style that worked for her; whereas, Kostornaia's artistry is more organic and flowing--she is a true artist on ice. The music's passion and likability matches that of Kostornaia.

Alena Kostornaia's "Departure Lullaby" and "November" by Max Richter Record-Breaking Short Program

Mesmerizing. Haunting. Powerful. A concrete rose.

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Todd Edredge's "Lord of the Rings" Olympic Freeskate

Six years removed from his World title, Todd Eldredge was still in championship form at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Plagued by the elusive Quadruple toe loop, the quad was Todd's only miss in an otherwise stellar freeskate. Gives me chills every time!

Brian Boitano's "Les Patineurs" Short Program

Me with Brian Boitano at the 2014 U.S. Nationals in Boston. Brian Boitano is a master of larger-than-life, bold, sweeping movements. Love the confidence he exudes in this program to "The Skaters Waltz." Have you ever seen a better Death Drop?!

Michelle Kwan's "East of Eden" Short Program

Pure magic.