U.S. Ice Dance 2022-23 news & updates

[Sylvia]

Just noticed that Chock/Bates' Worlds recap podcast episode (March 30) link has not yet been posted in this thread:

Unlaced with Chock and Bates: Episode 25: World Championships Recap

Madi and Evan return with a recap of their most recent competition at the World Championships in Saitama, Japan.

bleav.com

 

[Dobre]

I think it will likely be good for the Browns to work on their power and glide at IAM. I think it is a good thing they will still be working with their own team also, at least at the start, because it is easy for young teams to not get enough time in crowded rinks.

I am worried about the programs. Not so much from Haguenaur, but I didn't care for what Cizeron gave Lopareva & Brissaud this year. Less experienced choreographers often try to give their own look to athletes that don't fit them. I think the Browns' choreography over the years has done a good job of highlighting their own strengths, though a couple times they had to change their material after the season started when the music didn't fit the rules, which preferably shouldn't happen. Still, it is good to see choreographers take risks & in the long run this has worked for this team. The Browns have decent range, IMO. Their tango & their hip hop RDs were my two favorite programs. Their RDs often have a modern flavor, but they've also done successful lyrical FDs. I don't think this team has ever been stuck in a box.

Oona's dress in the RD this season was a dress. It was poorly designed, but it was just a costume; and I don't expect young teams to spend umpteen dollars changing a costume mid-season.

Anyway, the Browns do need to learn & grow. This move seems like a sign that they are dedicated to the task ahead. It's a big challenge they have ahead of them, and I wish them & their collaborative team the best in tackling it.

 

[4rkidz]

So happy that the Browns decided to make a change, but I'm surprised they went with Montreal. If anything, I could have pictured them in London with Scott.

Nevertheless, I'm glad they'll still be working with their old coaches. That combined with I.AM packaging has the potential to be really exciting.

From my understanding (which could be wrong), Scott is focused on technical whereas Browns need help with packaging with choreography an programs which would be Montreal. As they still have their actual coaches?

 

[Dobre]

From my understanding (which could be wrong), Scott is focused on technical

Maybe he is, but his teams aren't doing better technically.

 

[litenkyckling]

Maybe he is, but his teams aren't doing better technically.

On a year by year comparison they are?

 

[sap5]

Maybe he is, but his teams aren't doing better technically.

I think the technical improvements in Christina’s skating have been downright amazing.

 

[Sylvia]

USFS' International Selection Pool was updated recently and lists 18 teams right now [Grand Prix Final/Nationals/4CC/Junior Worlds/Worlds placement(s) included below]:

*Kristina Bland and Matthew Sperry [J6]
Emily Bratti and Ian Somerville [S5]
Oona Brown and Gage Brown [S9]
*Helena Carhart and Volodymyr Horovyi [J2/JW9]
Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko [S3/4CC4/W10]
Madison Chock and Evan Bates [GPF2/S1/3CC1/W1]
*Julia Epps and Blake Gilman [new addition to ISP; J8]
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons [S2/4CC5/W6]
*Jenna Hauer and Benjamin Starr [J3/JW8]
Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker [GPF5/S-wd]
*Olivia Ilin and Dylan Cain [new addition to ISP; J7]
Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov [S-wd]
Angela Ling and Caleb Wein [S11]
Lorraine McNamara and Anton Spiridonov [S6]
*Leah Neset and Artem Markelov [J1/JW5]
Eva Pate and Logan Bye [S8]
*Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal [J4]
Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik [S4]

* = ISU Junior age-eligible in 2023-24

Notes:
Isabella Flores/Ivan Desyatov [S10] are not included - he may not have received his release yet?
Teams that announced thair splits after Nationals have been removed: Wolfkostin/Chen [S7] and Pham/Rogers [J5]

 

[AYS]

Thanks Sylvia.

F/D are still training according to social media posts, so it must be the release situation. I really hope something happens on that front soon. They deserve to get out there! I deserve to see them out there!

 

[Wyliefan]

They're training like crazy -- Isabella posts new training clips practically every day, and has for months. I hope things work out there. I'm sure they're hungry to get out there.

 

[Stephanie]

From @Sylvia 's list above, Ilin/Cain are the only team age-eligible for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics (athletes have to be born between 2006 and 2009).

That being said, since the event clashes with nationals, we'll have to wait and see if USFS plans to send anyone and/or if any athletes under consideration will choose to skip nationals in favor of YOG.

Ilin/Cain profile: https://www.ice-dance.com/site/profile-olivia-ilin-dylan-cain/

YOG communication where age requirements are mentioned: https://www.isu.org/inside-isu/isu-communications/communications/30937-isu-communication-2546/file

 

[Karen-W]

I think it must definitely be a release situation - he's only been in the US a year as of last month.

 

[Sylvia]

From @Sylvia 's list above, Ilin/Cain are the only team age-eligible for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics (athletes have to be born between 2006 and 2009).

That being said, since the event clashes with nationals, we'll have to wait and see if USFS plans to send anyone and/or if any athletes under consideration will choose to skip nationals in favor of YOG.

Thread for 2024 YOG : https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...ames-jan-19-feb-1-gangwon-south-korea.110558/

 

[ice coverage]

From @Sylvia 's list above, Ilin/Cain are the only team age-eligible for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics (athletes have to be born between 2006 and 2009).

That being said, since the event clashes with nationals, we'll have to wait and see if USFS plans to send anyone and/or if any athletes under consideration will choose to skip nationals in favor of YOG. ...

It's possible that dancers not yet on the ISP list could end up being options for 2024 YOG?
(Wolfkostin/Chen went to 2020 YOG in their first season together, so stranger things have happened.)
One way or another, I hope that a young U.S. couple will have the opportunity to participate in 2024.

All in the realm of speculation, but maybe some novice dancers (who are age-eligible for YOG) will be moving up to junior for 2023-24?
Maybe Le Coq, if(?) he were able to start a new partnership??
Maybe third- and/or fourth-place novice couples at Dance Final?? They both have competed internationally in advanced novice. (I don't know ages of second-place couple.)

Nice to see an interview with Ben Agosto. It says he has four ice dance teams. I know of the Fishers in Intermediate, what other teams does he coach?

Katherine and Ben have been coaches for senior couple Klara Kowar/Thomas Schwappach in 2022-23.
(Other than the Fischers , I don't know who else is in Katherine/Ben's group.)

 

[Wyliefan]

Clip of the Browns working with Sam Chouinard: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cq-3fNZA1qi/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

[ice coverage]

Update re Klara Kowar/Thomas Schwappach:

Today they shared a bit of video previewing their 2023-24 James Bond FD.
No Time to Die, by Billie Eilish.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrO9PceMOEm​

 

[Sylvia]

October 17, 2022 in this thread:

Canadian-born Romy Malcolm, 18, and Noah Lafornara made their JGP debut for the USA at the Solidarity Cup JGP in Gdansk (finished 9th on Oct. 1) and she has an IPS profile as of 10/16, now based in Barrie, Ontario ("I can also represent Canada and am open to representing other federations.") update - her IPS profile has since been removed

Noah Lafornara has partnered with Noemi Tali and they plan to represent Italy, according to their joint Instagram post, linked in the Dance Hall thread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...11-movin-on-up-2023-2024.110662/#post-6425270

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Flores and Desyatov doing a Dirty Dancing tribute at the Dance Wonderland Grand Night for Dancing Showcase. They are

Dance Wonderland on Instagram: "Dirty Dancing performance at our 5th Annual Grand Night for Dancing Showcase this past weekend ✨ The dancers absolutely nailed it! Go to Part 2 for the final lift 🙌 #dirtydancingdance #grandnightfordancing #annualsh

1,254 likes, 14 comments - dance_wonderland_co on April 25, 2023: "Dirty Dancing performance at our 5th Annual Grand Night for Dancing Showcase this past weekend ✨ The dancers absolutely nailed it! Go to Part 2 for the final lift 🙌 #dirtydancingdance #grandnightfordancing #annualshowcase...

www.instagram.com

 

[ice coverage]

Update re Klara Kowar/Thomas Schwappach:

Today they shared a bit of video previewing their 2023-24 James Bond FD.
No Time to Die, by Billie Eilish.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrO9PceMOEm​

And ... "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS is 2023-24 RD music for Klara Kowar/Thomas Schwappach:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrgtbxbJRZp/​

(Apr 26)​

 

[chantilly]

I think the technical improvements in Christina’s skating have been downright amazing.

Sales and Wamsteeker also improved.
Sadly he retired because CDN ice dance is so deep and they didn’t have much hope of moving up even with their improvements.
But they did improve.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Part 2 of Flores/Desyatov Dirty Dancing with the big finale

Dance Wonderland on Instagram: "You asked for it… Here’s part 2 😍 Look at them hit that lift👏🎶🙌 Stay tuned for more from our 5th Annual Showcase! #dirtydancing #dirtydancingdance #dancewonderland #annualshowcase #coloradosprings #dancers #stunning

26 likes, 0 comments - Dance Wonderland (@dance_wonderland_co) on Instagram: "You asked for it… Here’s part 2 😍 Look at them hit that lift👏🎶🙌 Stay tuned for m..."

www.instagram.com

 

[Sylvia]

The Browns have returned home to NY: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cri7MOqLP9u/

Glad to be back home with our coaches @joeldear_coach and Inese Bucevica after our training in Montreal! We can’t wait to share our new programs with all of you. Thank you @iceacademyofmontreal for a great month

Leah Neset/Artem Markelov recently worked with Kaitlyn Weaver on their new Rhythm Dance (photo of them with Flores/Desyatov at the World Arena Ice Hall rink): https://www.instagram.com/p/CrPkyI1uFpr/

Neset/Markelov's FD was choreographed by Nikolai Morozov in Florida: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrBwOZfrFES/

 

[Sylvia]

Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov announced today that they have joined the Michigan Ice Dance Academy (last week she shared an Instagram story thanking Zueva/Tkachenko's group in Florida): https://www.instagram.com/p/Crl1qYcPTUY/

 

[Lacey]

Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov announced today that they have joined the Michigan Ice Dance Academy

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!

 

[Sylvia]

Kaitlin Hawayek's post yesterday ("Beginning that creative process again and it feels so good @mf_dubreuil"): https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtLvS7rbEP/

Flores & Desyatov continue to post off season training clips - on ice: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrtktbNPrJ-/ & off ice: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrvtapmsT-0/

 

[litenkyckling]

Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov announced today that they have joined the Michigan Ice Dance Academy (last week she shared an Instagram story thanking Zueva/Tkachenko's group in Florida): https://www.instagram.com/p/Crl1qYcPTUY/

with Kanadai retiring, it really does seem like Marina is too as I that leaves her with no teams (unless I'm forgetting someone?). Maybe next season it will fully be Tkachenko's group alone?

 

[Sylvia]

with Kanadai retiring, it really does seem like Marina is too as I that leaves her with no teams (unless I'm forgetting someone?). Maybe next season it will fully be Tkachenko's group alone?

AFAIK, the Carhart ice dancer sisters, Adrienne (AZE) and Helena (in USFS' ISP with Horovyi) are still there, along with their younger sister Marian (won Juvenile title with Denis Bledsoe at the U.S. Dance Final last November).

ETA: The 2022 U.S. Senior Solo Combined Dance national champ, Lucas Appel, is also based at the Estero/Fort Myers rink and he will start college at nearby Florida Gulf Coast University this fall.

 

[Karen-W]

Marina is also still the coach for Gamez/Korovin in pairs (yes, it makes no sense, I know, lol).

 

[flatfoot]

Kaitlin Hawayek's post yesterday ("Beginning that creative process again and it feels so good @mf_dubreuil"): https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtLvS7rbEP/

A sigh of relief could be heard across continents

 

[ice coverage]

Also in Marina's group: Zoe Larson/Andrii Kapran, ice dancers who represent Ukraine.

ICYMI: In observation of International Dance Day on Apr 29, USFS Fan Zone asked U.S. senior dancers about their favorite rhythm dance style, and published answers from nine couples, from (alphabetically) the Browns to Zingas/Kolesnik.

Let’s Dance! - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

Drawing from ballroom dancing, ice dance is competed in pairs and incorporates social dances. Teams complete difficult dance patterns, step sequences and maneuvers

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

 

[Lara111]

Also in Marina's group: Zoe Larson/Andrii Kapran, ice dancers who represent Ukraine.

ICYMI: In observation of International Dance Day on Apr 29, USFS Fan Zone asked U.S. senior dancers about their favorite rhythm dance style, and published answers from nine couples, from (alphabetically) the Browns to Zingas/Kolesnik.

Let’s Dance! - U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone

Drawing from ballroom dancing, ice dance is competed in pairs and incorporates social dances. Teams complete difficult dance patterns, step sequences and maneuvers

usfigureskatingfanzone.com

Interesting to see that most of the american born ice dancers picked hip hop.