The women are true professionals. Not only do they have the patience to coach and encourage the players, but they’re courageous enough to be lifted by guys new to toepicks. The switch to figure skates from hockey skates makes such a dramatic difference to how these guys skate. It’s surprising how tentative and precarious they are on the ice.

I think what I like best about Battle of the Blades is watching Canadian figure skating and hockey greats share their love of skating. Having grown up as a figure skater who felt some animosity towards hockey players–and vice versa I’m sure–it’s nice to see the two sports come together, even if it’s just for a cheesy CBC show.

Boot and Blade readers know that I’ve never been a Sandhu fan. Still, I thought his So You Think You Can Dance Canada audition piece was wonderful. Take a look:

I love this piece. It shows off both Sandhu’s skill and passion for performance.

When Sandhu skated, I felt he was plagued by technical demands. While he could be a remarkable technician, it seemed he’d really rather be dancing than jumping. Take away the triple-triple combos and he’s a more relaxed performer and a joy to watch.

There’s another thing I took away from watching Sandhu’s audition piece. Apologies to all the dancers out there, but dancing is clearly much easier than figure skating. What you’ve really got is footwork without the toe picks. It’s no wonder Sandhu shines on stage, there are no required elements or death-defying quads to bring him down.

That’s my take. But, I really should ask you. Do you think Emanuel Sandhu can dance?

Want to brush up on the sport before the first Grand Prix event? Check out How Figure Skating Works by Keltie Thomas, a delightful book sent to me by Owlkids Books Inc. to review. Aimed at young fans, How Figure Skating Works takes a look at the science behind figure skating. Despite being packaged for kids, the book is full of fascinating scientific and historical facts that any adult can enjoy. Alongside short descriptions of how ice is made, how today’s skate blade evolved and why school figures lost out to free skating are historical photographs and whimsical illustrations that help to give this 61-page book lots of life.

I especially enjoyed the scientific lessons on how jumping and spinning work, and colourful anecdotes about famous skaters. Did you know Katarina Witt always tied her skated three times for luck?

The book mostly presents a mix of science, history and trivia. But, it also offers a solid foundation for understanding the judging system (complete with an annotated score sheet), as well as a lesson on how to tell the jumps apart.

How Figure Skating Works would be a great gift for any young (or young at heart) skating fan.

I’ll admit it, I was one of the first out to the theatres to see The Cutting Edge when it was released in 1992. It was a charming film about an ex-hockey player and figure skater who become a pairs team to win a big competition. And, I’m sure I’ll be one of thousands watching and enjoying the CBC series. Sure, it would be fun to see Kristi Yamaguchi and her hockey-star husband Brett Hedican successfully do a split twist. They’d be my choice for a winning team!

But, I’m a bit worried that the show will make figure skating even cheesier than most Canadians already think it is. What do you think? Will Battle of the Blades bolster the Canadian figure skating audience, or will it make even more eyes roll?

What We’ve Got Here is a Failure to Communicate
The pairs event was a tough way to start the competition for the Canadian team. But, I think Dube and Davison’s mediocre showing was a much-needed reality check for the young pair. The bronze-medal gift at last year’s Worlds was premature and the pair needs to step-up their athleticism and performance if they’re going to be competitive at 2010. The pair’s performances weren’t disastrous, but they lacked heart. And when ‘heart’ is your best weapon, you’ve got to bring it out at the most important competition of the year. Did it look to anyone else like off-ice issues were getting in the way of a cohesive pair on the ice?

Despite Duhamel and Buntin’s meltdown, I admired their fight. I appreciate their willingness to give every performance their all, even when it goes off the rails.

More Media Training for Patrick Chan?
Patrick Chan is a wonderful skater and he was adequately rewarded for his strong work at Worlds. I was, however, irritated by the side story of Joubert vs. Chan. While a little off-ice rivalry is fun, Patrick may have taken things a bit too far. Perhaps Skate Canada should invest in some media training for Chan. It’s hard to avoid answering off-topic or bullying questions from the press, but I think Chan may have gotten sucked into a media-made controversy that I felt distracted from the competition.

Tried and True Wins the Day
As I expected, the international judges rewarded the tried and true dramatic flailing about in the dance competition. Of course I’m a biased homer, but I believe Virtue and Moir’s avant garde free dance made strides towards making ice dance a relevant modern art form. After all, isn’t art meant to communicate something meaningful about the human condition? Pink Floyd’s “Money” was a thoughtful choice and an inspired performance, particularly during a worldwide economic crisis.

The Secret Sauce for Canadian Women’s Skating
Joannie Rochette is a test case for how to spot, train and nurture a skater to greatness. Her goal to peak at 2010 seems doable given a stellar performance at Worlds and a terrifically solid season. Her team of coaches, choreographers and sports pychologists have helped to mold an athlete at the top of her game. It didn’t always look so promising in the early days of Rochette’s international showings. Has Skate Canada finally found the secret sauce for women’s skating?

I’d love to hear what your favourite moments from Worlds were. Please send them in!

According to the article there has been some backlash from gay and lesbian advocates who say Skate Canada is trying to make the sport more straight.

Personally, I think Skate Canada is on to something. Not to trade too much on stereotypes, but the men’s team is a pretty effeminate bunch. Let’s be honest, Joannie Rochette could take them in a street fight. Some re-branding may be in order.

The Skate Bug doesn’t appeal to me–I like my own commentary just fine–but it’s a big hit with newbie spectators. A friend told me she initially had to drag her father to the competition, but once he was plugged in to the Skate Bug he was drawn in to the drama of the competition. In a time of rebuilding for the sport I’m in full support of any tactic that turns spectators into true fans.

The Skate Bug cost $20 and can be used for future events, which is a pretty good investment for those trying to grok the sport’s complex scoring system.

Skate Bug history: An early version of the Skate Bug was deployed at the 2006 European Championships by 1994 Olympic bronze medalist Philippe Candeloro to provide commentary to a group of friends. An official version of the Skate Bug appeared at the 2007 Four Continents and again in Vancouver last month. No word yet on whether it will be offered at Olympic figure skating events next year.

The event raises funds and awareness for Scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease that hardens skin and organs over time. Richmond resident, Denise Kostach, started the event in honour of her mother who lost her battle with Scleroderma last year. Donations raised at the skate go towards research for the disease.

Spencer Skate for Scleroderma
Forum Ice Rink, Richmond Ice Centre, 14140 Triangle Rd, Richmond BC
Sunday, April 5th, 2009 12:30 pm
Admission by donation ($10 and up will receive a tax receipt)

In my opinion, knowing there’s prize money at stake adds an extra element of excitement to the event. Here’s what was on the line for Four Continents skaters:

Men and Ladies

1^st place US$ 15,000
2^nd place US$ 9,000
3^rd place US$ 6,000
4^th place US$ 4,500
5^th place US$ 3,250
6^th place US$ 2,500
7^th place US$ 2,250
8^th place US$ 2,000
9^th place US$ 1,750
10^th place US$ 1,500
11th place US$ 1,250
12th place US$ 1,000

Pairs and Dance (per couple)

1^st place US$ 22,500
2^nd place US$ 13,500
3^rd place US$ 9,000
4^th place US$ 6,750
5^th place US$ 5,000
6^th place US$ 3,750
7^th place US$ 3,500
8^th place US$ 3,000
9^th place US$ 2,500
10^th place US$ 2,250
11th place US$ 1,750
12th place US$ 1,500

For more on cash prizes, this is an interesting article about bonuses the ISU awards to skaters who perform well each year.

Yes, this post was inspired by Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir’s free dance!

So, you can imagine my state when my mom and I ran into Jamie Sale on the concourse outside the arena yesterday. My mom chatted away asking Jamie about being a new mom and balancing her training and touring schedule. I barely managed a hello and a handshake. All I could think was, “you have an Olympic gold medal!”