World Figure Skating Championships
Vancouver 2001
Click here for larger image More show business than sport, ice dancing is the least popular -- and least understood -- of the figure skating events; but it can also be the most creative.  Moving far afield from their roots in ballroom dancing, today's competitors look anywhere and everywhere for music and moves that will make them stand out.  I enjoy ice dancing more in the professional realm, where the dancers are free to explore their creativity without being judged.

Speaking of judging, "mysterious" and "arbitrary" are the nicest words I can use to describe the judging of international ice dancing.  "Crooked" is a less-flattering synonym.  How can I say that, you ask?  Well, scandals in recent years of foot-tapping signals and bribery speak for themselves.  And as for this particular competition, when twenty-four couples skate through four different events and the placements remain EXACTLY the same -- nobody moves up, nobody moves down -- well, you do the math.  From my own personal observations, I was completely puzzled by the results of this event.  While I acknowledge that I am not qualified to evaluate the technical aspects, my impressions of who was good and who was not-so-good certainly didn't line up with the scores! 


Fusar-Poli & Margaglio

Fusar-Poli & Margaglio
Gold Medal
Italy

 

Annisina & Peizerat

Anissina &  Peizerat
Silver Medal
France

Lobacheva & Averbukh
Bronze Medal
Russia

Lobacheva & Averbukh

Bourne & Kraatz
Fourth Place
Canada

Bourne & Kraatz
 
More Dancers

 

More Dancers

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