Thank You, Canada!

As Tessa Virtue would say... Thank you, Canada! This weekend, or more accurately Friday and Saturday since Skate Canada insists on a 2-day event vs. a 3-day Grand Prix, saw triumph and tears, from a standout pairs performance (I know, who would've thought in the year 2023) to some...menning men's programs.

Pairs

Deanna Stellato is my idol. Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique. Both of her programs (and her partner's, thanks Max) were just so intensely powerful and well skated, and it's truly so inspirational to see this kind of performance from someone who has gone through such ups and downs in the sport over such a long period of time. To be 40, and to be performing at world champion level with that kind of dynamic performing ability is just insane. Loved every second of it.

Dance

This weekend's showdown between Fear/Gibson (GBR) and Gilles/Poirier (CAN) was highly anticipated and it definitely delivered. Although we've seen F/G in previous competitions, their programs have developed for the better over the last couple months. The rhythm dance seems a bit more controlled and the Rocky free dance, which I admit I am still opposed to, does feel a little more formal and competition-appropriate. I just think that if the general public were to see the boxing program be scored so highly, it would give them license to mock the sport for the rest of eternity...

Personally, I think G/P's programs are the best set of any team this season. The rhythm dance feels very authentic, and I think that's down to the fact that the team can really sell an oldies program (whereas I think the 80s theme feels a bit more put on by Chock/Bates). And I LOVE this Wuthering Heights free dance. It's beautiful, but also manages to incorporate the quirky movement and vibe that G/P do so well. The curve lift is the highlight of this program- just spectacular. Honestly, I have a vision of this program skated in front of a full Canadian crowd at the World Championships, and I see it winning.

Women

Kaori definitely stole the show during the women's competition this weekend. Although I don't think anyone loves these programs, I think the costuming and the commitment she's showing to the styles makes them enjoyable enough. Other than Kaori, Maddie Schizas's clean freeskate was a beautiful showcase- a shame the short went to poorly, she definitely would have gotten herself a medal if all had gone to plan. Both Lindsey Thorngren and Starr Andrews from the USA looked solid- Lindsey's short program choreographed by Sandra Bezic could be classic, and Starr looked strong in spite of recent health setbacks.

I also want to give a shoutout to Lara Naki Gutmann from Italy, who's repeating her Alfred Hitchcock free skate this year- probably one of my favorite programs from the last few seasons. Happy Halloween, I suppose!

Men

The men this weekend were...menning. Everyone's programs felt a little blah and everyone was falling all over the place. Congrats to Sota for winning gold, but...I didn't really feel drawn to either of his programs- he was just the one who screwed up the least. If I had to shoutout anyone, it would be Matteo Rizzo (ITA) who pulled himself together for a solid and energetic freeskate.