Dance/Ladies

The Dance Event was incredible. PSA coaches, Igor Spilbond and Marina Zoueva can now add 2010 Olympic Champions and 2010 Olympic Silver Medalist to their very impressive coaching resume. Their 4 young students, Tess, Scott, Meryl and Charlie have reached a level never accomplished in Olympic Ice Dancing history.

Other dance history being made here in Vancouver includes; There was not one American, Russian or Canadian judge on the panel for the final Free Dance. North America has never had a first and second place finish. This is the first time since Ice Dancing was included in the Olympics that Russia did not win the Event.

My good friend Johnny Johns came to Vancouver and stayed with me during the dance Events. Johnny who also coaches with Igor and Marina in Detroit was fun to be around during this historic moment in ice dancing. We spent some quality time with Marina in Vancouver and I have to tell you that it was like hanging out with Picasso or a Rembradt, (although hanging out with Johnny was more like a George Carlin).

Marina gave me some thought provocative insight into her world of dance. She explained how Tess and Scott’s FD was more than a man and a woman, but a “…soul to soul.” Watching their FD and feeling their souls become one was breathtaking.
Marina also pointed out how her students at the Olympics were the first generation truly raised on IJS.

Just when I was really getting into dance, the Ladies began their Event with the Short Program. Both Rachel and Mirai were great. All week at practices I don’t think I saw the 2 of them miss any elements (and they did full run thrus on mahority of practice sessions). PSA coaches Tom Z. and Frank C. have prepared their students well. The teaching style of both coaches is similar yet I was most impressed with the non- verbal communication skills they had with their athletes all week.

The Ladies long program will be exciting. Korea is the heavy favorite but there is a great battle for the other 2 medals. Both Americans are in that hunt.

I think IJS has proven so far during these Olympics that our sport can be measured more accurately. I think the Ladies free skate on Thursday night will be as thrilling and emotional as every other event has been. It was my hope the 21st Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver would inspire more participation in our sport. Time will tell that answer, but I’m feeling very optimistic.

Enjoy the Ladies.