U.S. Ice Dance 2023-24 news & updates

[Karen-W]

Ohh Lorraine is desperate. They shoukd get someone decent from Russia

Lorraine is getting a bit long in the tooth, so to speak. Her options from overseas may be rather limited. I don't suppose it can hurt to try out with Jeffrey even though he is several years younger than her. I'm not sure this is a potential partnership that would get either of them to the Olympics.

 

[Debbie S]

Even if the height difference (lack thereof) won't be a problem, I can't see either Lorraine or Jeffrey wanting to leave their coaches. Lorraine has been with WISA since the beginning of her career and attends U of MD (unless she is graduating). Jeffrey seems happy at MIDA plus he is in school at U of MI. I guess we'll see what happens.

 

[Twizwiz]

Even if the height difference (lack thereof) won't be a problem, I can't see either Lorraine or Jeffrey wanting to leave their coaches. Lorraine has been with WISA since the beginning of her career and attends U of MD (unless she is graduating). Jeffrey seems happy at MIDA plus he is in school at U of MI. I guess we'll see what happens.

Yea I’m doubtful they will actually get together, just thought it was of note they are trying out

 

[Wyliefan]

If a coach gave me windmill arms and boy shorts, I'd be out of there like a shot, but that's just me.

 

[Rhumba d’Amour]

Ohh Lorraine is desperate. They shoukd get someone decent from Russia

I wouldn’t say desperate. I would say, under-utilized.
And though she’s not as young as some, neither can we consider her as past her sell-by date—especially in this, the Deanna Stellato Era

 

[PRlady]

Even if the height difference (lack thereof) won't be a problem, I can't see either Lorraine or Jeffrey wanting to leave their coaches. Lorraine has been with WISA since the beginning of her career and attends U of MD (unless she is graduating). Jeffrey seems happy at MIDA plus he is in school at U of MI. I guess we'll see what happens.

He’s kind of fun and goofy and she’s kind of serious and straitlaced in affect. I don’t see it.

 

[ice coverage]

USFS' 2024 Scholastic Honors Team (Jan. 17 press release): https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/us-figure-skating-announces-2024-scholastic-honors-team

... And Olivia Dietrich who also was an ice dancer:

Congratulations to all on the Scholastic Honors Team.

Side note that Olivia Dietrich went on to compete in solo dance last year. Maybe she will do the same this year?
Also: James Koszuta is competing in U.S. Solo Dance Series this year, and won his first competition of the series. He now is a coach in Nashville.

... she’s kind of serious and straitlaced in affect. ...

For me, Lorraine's own fun-loving side has been readily apparent.
For example: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkEY32uri3Z/
(Not sayin' that I think Jeffrey and she would be an obvious match. I do hope that each of them finds a good partner.)

 

[Lara111]

Lorraine is getting a bit long in the tooth, so to speak. Her options from overseas may be rather limited. I don't suppose it can hurt to try out with Jeffrey even though he is several years younger than her. I'm not sure this is a potential partnership that would get either of them to the Olympics.

She should try out with Eygor if he is still around.

 

[Karen-W]

She should try out with Eygor if he is still around.

Does he even want to skate competitively any more?

 

[SidelineSkater]

If a coach gave me windmill arms and boy shorts, I'd be out of there like a shot, but that's just me.

Is that @AngieNikodinovLove posting from your account?

 

[Dobre]

I'm not sure this is a potential partnership that would get either of them to the Olympics.

It would have a heck of a lot more potential than a partnership with most human beings on the planet.

Starting over is starting over. It's very hard.

Lorraine has been with WISA since the beginning of her career and attends U of MD (unless she is graduating). Jeffrey seems happy at MIDA plus he is in school at U of MI. I guess we'll see what happens.

Well, this is the big question, isn't it? Probably this is the reason they haven't tried out before now. But they are both of them reaching the point where you have to make tough decisions. What is the goal for their careers? Because if it's to compete in Senior Bs or GPs, they've already been there.

I doubt this partnership will happen because I would love for it to happen, and--therefore--it probably won't.

 

[Karen-W]

Hauer/Starr are no longer listed on the ISP.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Hauer/Starr are no longer listed on the ISP.

Nooooooo

 

[ice coverage]

This afternoon's gracious post from Jenna Hauer:

Jenna Hauer on Instagram: "I am saddened to announce that Ben and I are no longer skating together. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I am so grateful for all of the things we achieved and experienced. I’m also so proud to have reached many of my o

56 likes, 7 comments - jennask8s on April 5, 2024: "I am saddened to announce that Ben and I are no longer skating together. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I am so grateful for all o..."

www.instagram.com

 

[just tuned in]

This afternoon's gracious post from Jenna Hauer:

Jenna Hauer on Instagram: "I am saddened to announce that Ben and I are no longer skating together. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I am so grateful for all of the things we achieved and experienced. I’m also so proud to have reached many of my o

56 likes, 7 comments - jennask8s on April 5, 2024: "I am saddened to announce that Ben and I are no longer skating together. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I am so grateful for all o..."

www.instagram.com

Not what I wanted to see.

 

[her grace]

I really liked Hauer/Starr. Best wishes to them for future skating and/or life success!

 

[Sylvia]

Julia Epps & Blake Gilman recently spent some time in London, Ontario: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5d0_cXLoal/
They are pictured with their coach Slava Uchitel and Scott Moir, Madi Hubbell, Adrian Diaz.

 

[jlai]

If N/M moves up and there are ? by some of the other jr teams, there may be a bit of a transition year at the junior level.
Senior level, however, may be a blood bath

 

[Dobre]

I feel like some of these junior athletes are likely to show up with each other next season. There'll be some room on the JGP, for sure; but I still suspect some experienced athletes at the top.

Having said that, things are looking up for Ilin & Cain with some of those top athletes shuffling around.

 

[Belsornia]

Julia Epps & Blake Gilman recently spent some time in London, Ontario: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5d0_cXLoal/
They are pictured with their coach Slava Uchitel and Scott Moir, Madi Hubbell, Adrian Diaz.

"Looking forward to returning again soon" - potentially the start of a Browns-style split coaching situation?

This last season was a bit disappointing for Epps/Gilman so I'm not surprised they're trying something different.

 

[Dobre]

Is Horovyi aging up to seniors this season? (I'm thinking yes?)

The Peals, Mullens, and Ilin & Cain are still age eligible and still on the ISP. (And all did well on the JGP this season).

Does anyone know if Bland & Sperry are planning to make the leap to seniors?

 

[dancing_on_ice]

Is Horovyi aging up to seniors this season? (I'm thinking yes?)

The Peals, Mullens, and Ilin & Cain are still age eligible and still on the ISP. (And all did well on the JGP this season).

Does anyone know if Bland & Sperry are planning to make the leap to seniors?

Bland Sperry are not internationally junior age eligible next season

 

[Dobre]

Bland Sperry are not internationally junior age eligible next season

I know, but I'm still curious if they are planning to compete as seniors.

 

[azcalder]

"Looking forward to returning again soon" - potentially the start of a Browns-style split coaching situation?

This last season was a bit disappointing for Epps/Gilman so I'm not surprised they're trying something different.

Blake has been accepted at the University of Pennsylvania, which is basically in his backyard. If they go north, it probably will be on a short term visit situation...just a thought.

 

[Karen-W]

Is Horovyi aging up to seniors this season? (I'm thinking yes?)

The Peals, Mullens, and Ilin & Cain are still age eligible and still on the ISP. (And all did well on the JGP this season).

Does anyone know if Bland & Sperry are planning to make the leap to seniors?

Both are aging up - Helena's DOB is April 14, 2005 so she's 19 before the end of the season. Volodymyr's DOB is July 28, 2002 so he turned 21 this season.

Of course, that could change if the ISU increases the age max for juniors - it wouldn't surprise me if pairs/dance women are increased to 21 while pairs/dance men are increased to 23. I was looking back at the 2022 age proposals earlier today and there was a proposal to increase the pairs/dance women to 21 because of the change to the senior age minimums but the ISU Council was opposed at the time saying they wanted more time to study the impact of the senior age minimum increase on the junior ranks.

The Peals, the Mullens and Ilin/Cain are going to be contenders on the junior circuit next season, IMO. The Peals placed 5th at Jr Worlds. We always worry about contenders at the junior level until some new teams come up through the novice ranks and grab our attention the way all three of these teams were doing a few seasons ago, lol.

 

[azcalder]

Both are aging up - Helena's DOB is April 14, 2005 so she's 19 before the end of the season. Volodymyr's DOB is July 28, 2002 so he turned 21 this season.

Of course, that could change if the ISU increases the age max for juniors - it wouldn't surprise me if pairs/dance women are increased to 21 while pairs/dance men are increased to 23. I was looking back at the 2022 age proposals earlier today and there was a proposal to increase the pairs/dance women to 21 because of the change to the senior age minimums but the ISU Council was opposed at the time saying they wanted more time to study the impact of the senior age minimum increase on the junior ranks.

The Peals, the Mullens and Ilin/Cain are going to be contenders on the junior circuit next season, IMO. The Peals placed 5th at Jr Worlds. We always worry about contenders at the junior level until some new teams come up through the novice ranks and grab our attention the way all three of these teams were doing a few seasons ago, lol.

Both Bland and Sperry have aged out of juniors.

 

[Sylvia]

MIDA has just posted an Instagram story clip of Jean-Luc Baker teaching in Canton.

ETA that Charlie has reposted it. I counted 12 skaters on the ice with Charlie.

 

[PRlady]

MIDA has just posted an Instagram story clip of Jean-Luc Baker teaching in Canton.

ETA that Charlie has reposted it. I counted 12 skaters on the ice with Charlie.

I’d send any youngster to him to improve skating skills.

 

[coralline]

MIDA has just posted an Instagram story clip of Jean-Luc Baker teaching in Canton.

ETA that Charlie has reposted it. I counted 12 skaters on the ice with Charlie.

I think I‘m able to recognize everyone except the lady standing between Dima & Michael. Any idea who that is？

 

[Sylvia]

I think I‘m able to recognize everyone except the lady standing between Dima & Michael. Any idea who that is？

No but can you list everyone you recognize? I saw Green/Parsons, Bratti/Somerville, Mullen/Mullen, Tsarevski, Yahli Pedersen (between Michael & Caroline) and Jeffrey Chen (next to Brendan M.)...