SOI Signs Shen and Zhao

[PAskate]

Today's local Sunday paper had an ad for SOI. Much to my surprise, they announced that Shen and Zhao will be the guest stars at this stop. I am so excited.

[NJSk8Fan]

Which stop is that? I haven't seen anything about this on the SOI site or SOI MB. They were with COI last year and they are a thrilling and lovely pair to see live!

[NJSk8Fan]

This must be a very recent development. I checked the cast list within the past few days and Shen/Zhao were not listed, but now they are. They are listed as guests, so I do not think they are "signed" with SOI.
Shen/Zhao would make a great addition to the cast as regulars, but right now, SOI is hurting for ladies and dance skaters.
I'd still like to know which city you have this info for. I will be attending the Philadelphia show and as far as I know, the only guests in addition to the regular cast for Philly are Katia Gordeeva and Michael Weiss.

[PAskate]

It's the Erie stop.

[NJSk8Fan]

Thanks PAskate, for letting me know which city! Those Erie folks will be happy, I'm sure!
Are you going to the show?

[PAskate]

You bet - on ice, center rink. I have seen the news posted on another bulletin board and apparently it's now on the SOI web site in their cast listing. Shen and Zhao have been added to the last 13 stops on this year's tour.

[Alexa]

I think SOI has too many pairs....they do really need more ladies and a dance team. I guess I don't understand why they keep adding on more pairs, but limit the amount of ladies and men they have.

[PAskate]

They're definitely short ladies and have no dance team, but I don't think that they're short on men. There are 3 regular men on SOI - Alexei, Todd, and Steven, plus rotating men - Kurt, Paul, and Michael as guest skaters.

[Alexa]

They're definitely short ladies and have no dance team, but I don't think that they're short on men. There are 3 regular men on SOI - Alexei, Todd, and Steven, plus rotating men - Kurt, Paul, and Michael as guest skaters.

In terms of the men, you are right...what I was referring to is that when they brought Alexei on board, they did not re-sign Ilia (which I was disappointed with, by the way :cry: ) And they did not re-sign Steven for a while.

So, it just seems like they are careful about how many ladies or men they have on at one time, but they continue to add more pairs teams. Which frankly is strange since mens and ladies skating is usually more popular.

[NJSk8Fan]

Latest look at the SOI site and Shen/Zhao's picture has been removed from the guest section!
Congrat's on your on-ice seats, PAskate. I'm on ice for Philadelphia's show.
I think a big part of the problem with getting a good permanent cast is that not enough "top name" mens and ladies skaters have left eligible to go pro, and the pro's have gotten a bit older and started families and do not want to tour full time. But ice dance, geez, there must be somebody out there with a desire to tour. I believe Roca/Sur have declined or weren't invited back because Renee is coaching and Gorsha is going to law school.