View Full Version : Junior Dance Teams This Year?
Azam356
09-21-2002, 07:54 PM
I saw a thread with a list of senior dance teams and I wonder if anyone can start a list of junior teams we will be seeing at regionals .sectionals and then Nationals?
haribobo
09-21-2002, 08:03 PM
Absolutely hilarious that I posted junior pairs the same time you were posting Junior Dance! :) We must be thinking along the same wavelength... :P
There probably won't be much in the way of junior dance at regionals...usually they are so few that they all get byes to sectionals. I know that South Atlantics is not having a junior dance competition. Anyway, here are the teams I think we can expect to see at Sectionals. I know I am forgetting some, so please feel free to add in those I have forgotten.
Pacific Coast:
Russell/Metzger
Donowick/Ungar?
Ellis/Connelly?
Midwestern:
Steed/Hill
Davis/White
Wester/Bird?
East:
Frisch/Bommentre
Devins/O'Keefe
Solomon/Cohen
Matthews/Zavozin
Scheumann/McCullough (possibly PAC Coasts)
Rey/Rey?
Edited to make a few changes based on info gleaned from other posts/threads...
jenlyon60
09-21-2002, 08:27 PM
Rumor says Scheumann & McCullough may be skating out of Pacifics this year....
I thought that there would be some competition in junior this year, but after Placid and a few JGP, I think Frisch and Bommentre are going to run with the Junior national title this year.
Did anyone else notice that Davis and White did GREAT at thier first JGP??? I"m telling ya, this is the team to watch this year. I was so impressed by them at Placid. Their free dance is to Chocolat and it suits them perfectly. They have gorgeous comp. (which we didn't get to see owing to Charlie's foot injury at Placid) a beautiful CLEAN style. I jsut love this team. They are fantastic and def. a team to keep in your radar.
That said, Kirsten and Brent are going to kick some major boooo-tahy at Nationals this year!!! But look for Charlie and Meryl to pick that title up next year.
Aaron W
09-22-2002, 08:11 AM
Originally posted by Jack
I thought that there would be some competition in junior this year, but after Placid and a few JGP, I think Frisch and Bommentre are going to run with the Junior national title this year.
It'll be interesting to see how things pan out considering Solomon & Cohen just finished ahead of Frisch & Bommentre in the free dance at the JGP event in Scottsdale. Not really sure how either team skated. I would guess that F&B do appear to be front runners though.
Did anyone else notice that Davis and White did GREAT at thier first JGP??? I"m telling ya, this is the team to watch this year. I was so impressed by them at Placid. Their free dance is to Chocolat and it suits them perfectly. They have gorgeous comp. (which we didn't get to see owing to Charlie's foot injury at Placid) a beautiful CLEAN style. I jsut love this team. They are fantastic and def. a team to keep in your radar.
This team impressed me last winter when I last saw them. I've mentioned it before, but the number of years they've been skating together is very evident in their skating. They move with great unison and are extremely sure footed. There is a level of comfort between the two of them that translates to the audience and I'm sure the judges as well. I certainly hope this team remains together in the long run, but the one potential problem could be his height. They looked fairly close in height last winter and I just hope she doesn't grow too much more while he'll hopefully get taller. He's only 14 (soon to be 15) which is getting into a prime time for a growth spurt, so hopefully he'll grow soon. And maybe he has begun to grow considering I haven't seen them in about 9 months. I'm definitely looking out for this team though - especially for the 2003/2004 season as you point out.
NiceIce
09-22-2002, 10:04 AM
OH, the team that is going to be hard to beat will be Donowick and Ungar.
They have showmanship...something Davis and White simply do not have.
Davis and White are a very typical junior dance team, with a safe unemotional style.They are smooth and clean in compulsories, unemotional and boring in the freedance. The freedance is the same one they used as Novice, and while they do the steps competently they appear to have no feeling for the concept or the music.
They represent exactly what I dont want to see in icedance competition, but is perfection for icedance tests.
Donowick and Ungar, coached by the great Olympic champions from Russia, Klimova and Ponomarenko, already have star quality!
Considering they have skated together about 5 months, and Davis and White have had years and years to come up with something exciting and meaningful in their team is evidence to me that Carly and Leo have the potential to eclipse many of these teams that do indeed look "comfortable" together, like an old boring pair of shoes.
comfortable is not what icedance is all about
Itsirk
09-22-2002, 10:16 AM
What about Matthews/Zavozin? I haven't seen them at all this year as juniors, but I was quite impressed by them at Nationals last year. I'm interested to see how they stack up at their JGP.
travellingfan
09-22-2002, 11:57 AM
Wow Nice Ice! Can't possibly tell that you are related in some way to Donowick or Ungar! ;) They were very nice at Lake Placid but at the same time, Davis and White are very good too. I don't think its right to compliment one team at the expense of putting down another!
NiceIce
09-22-2002, 06:06 PM
I swear, I am not in any way related to Donowick or Ungar!
I just have very specific and strong preferences in dance, and I guess a little frustration that in the USA, at the Novice and Junior levels particularly, the judges keep rewarding those smooth, clean boring teams who are so competent with the basics of icedance but hugely lacking in presentation and real dance qualities that include performance capability.
If icedance was alll about the compulsory dances then Davis and White could be Junior champs for sure.
Fortunately for the audience, it involves so much more.
And since Donowick and Ungar have not been plugging along together for years, how nice that they already look special after only a few months! What does that actually mean then? That they have some of the most important qualities that seperate icedance performances from singles or pairs.
Dance, in all of its forms,whether on the stage or on the ice, is never about tracing steps deliberately and efficiently, but is about using the body to express music and emotion.
If an icedance team does that very naturally then thats the kind of team I prefer to watch and hope to see.
Really??? I was at Placid and I have to say that I thought Leo and Carly were pretty "blah" not bad, but not really "holy crap, THEY ROCK!" good either. In fact, I can't even remeber what their FD was too, they were so blah. Some of the intermediate teams stick out as more memorable in my mind!
Isn't it funny how people can view things so incredibly differently?? I think it's great that you saw this team as so great, but all I saw was just another boring jr. team... haha, yet, you see Davis and White as "average" and I see them as spectacular! lol... aahhh, c'est la vie!
habanero
09-23-2002, 12:16 AM
Donowick / Unger are good and are getting better from what I hear. I've come to expect this from K+P's teams. They should be expected to continue to improve right up to Nationals.
Ponomarenko was apparently very happy with how Russel / Metzger skated in Yugoslavia. There was some sort of other problem which led to the low placement. I was unable to get reliable / consistent details.
Big Guy
09-23-2002, 08:15 PM
Originally posted by Jack
Really??? I was at Placid and I have to say that I thought Leo and Carly were pretty "blah" not bad, but not really "holy crap, THEY ROCK!" good either. In fact, I can't even remeber what their FD was too, they were so blah. Some of the intermediate teams stick out as more memorable in my mind!
Isn't it funny how people can view things so incredibly differently?? I think it's great that you saw this team as so great, but all I saw was just another boring jr. team... haha, yet, you see Davis and White as "average" and I see them as spectacular! lol... aahhh, c'est la vie!
Wow such negative talk about young skaters. I know all these kids train and sacrifice so much to compete at this level. I think the tone of the remarks disrespectful to the kids that are doing all the hard work. As a father of a high level ice dancer I have seen all these teams compete. I think the coaches know when to push their skaters beyond a given comfort level. The armchair quarter-backing going on hear is ridiculous. I think Leo and Carly are being stretched with respect to their skill level. I would say Davis and White are staying in a comfort bubble for now but they are young and I'm sure you will see that in the future their coaches will push them to reach beyond what they feel comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with a Novice team that extends their novice program as they move to Junior. Depending on the team it can be a smart move. I don’t think that the first year of Junior plays any significant part in the overall development of quality ice dance teams. Ask any team that has gone through Junior - the trick is to survive the first year.
Icesk8dance
09-24-2002, 07:57 AM
Originally posted by haribobo
Anyway, here are the teams I think we can expect to see at Sectionals. I know I am forgetting some, so please feel free to add in those I have forgotten.
[/B]
Based on the competitors at Placid and information on other boards, I'll add a few:
Pacific's
Russell-Metzger
Donowick-Unger
Ellis-Connelly
Scheumann-McCullough?
Westenberger-Allapach
Evans-Wilson
Mid's
Steed-Hill
Davis-White
Wester-Harris?
Bos-Holdburg
Speltz-Coverdale
Steffey-Brown
Eastern's
Frisch-Bommentre
Devins-O'Keefe
Solomon-Cohen
Matthews/Zavozine
Rey-Rey?
Wester-Bird split after Placid along with Slattery-Harris. Wester and Harris are now rumored to be skating together. Any news on Bird or Slattery with new partners?
Mazurka Girl
09-24-2002, 08:23 AM
Originally posted by NiceIce
Dance, in all of its forms,whether on the stage or on the ice, is never about tracing steps deliberately and efficiently, but is about using the body to express music and emotion.
Besides my own dance training (15 yrs), I know many professional dancers with formal dance training & advanced degrees in the field who would disagree with the statement that the purpose of dance is only to use the body to express music & emotion. Sounds like narrow minded 'pseudo-expert speak' used to make a point for one team at the expense of others. :roll:
The armchair quarter-backing going on hear is ridiculous.
Well, yes, that's generally what skating boards are about! lol
adrianchew
09-24-2002, 09:20 AM
Originally posted by Big Guy
Wow such negative talk about young skaters. I know all these kids train and sacrifice so much to compete at this level. I think the tone of the remarks disrespectful to the kids that are doing all the hard work. As a father of a high level ice dancer I have seen all these teams compete. I think the coaches know when to push their skaters beyond a given comfort level. The armchair quarter-backing going on hear is ridiculous.
Having taken the time to go watch skaters at lower levels compete in club competitions, I can safely say that the average armchair fan doesn't really know enough enough about the sport, short of senior nationals/international competitions. What we really need is to get the word out, and some patience, to get fans involved at a more grassroots level and build a higher level of awareness and appreciation amongst the general skating fan population.
I do hope all the parents of skaters, the adult skaters, the skaters at various levels, etc - can contribute here without feeling too slighted by the comments sometimes, and help build the basic appreciation of the sport amongst more folks and fans. :)
Icesk8dance
09-24-2002, 04:48 PM
Originally posted by NiceIce
I swear, I am not in any way related to Donowick or Ungar!
I just have very specific and strong preferences in dance, and I guess a little frustration that in the USA, at the Novice and Junior levels particularly, the judges keep rewarding those smooth, clean boring teams who are so competent with the basics of icedance but hugely lacking in presentation and real dance qualities that include performance capability.
If icedance was alll about the compulsory dances then Davis and White could be Junior champs for sure.
Fortunately for the audience, it involves so much more.
I would have to disagree. Last season at the Novice and Junior level the judges gave first place in the FD to teams that had very weak CD's. Our judges are rewarding speed, as this has been a problem in the past with our teams competing on the international level.
You can hide a weekness and highlight a strength in a FD, but you can't disguise sloppy, week compulsories. The compulsory dances are so much more than simply tracing the steps, I find the true strenght of a team is how well they perform and present those tracings. JMO
viv64
09-24-2002, 07:56 PM
Habanero- for what reason did you hear that Russel and Metzger not do so well in Yugoslovia? Last year this team really amazed me in the origional dance and free dance. I was quite suprised by their low placement, but I am sure that they will dazzel us again at nationals. Ungar and Donowick also seem to be a very talented young team, IMHO. I think they will be a team to beat this year. Also, I think Mathews and Zavozine will be right up there this season, as their FD is quite poilished. I hear that they have improved a lot since LP, as they do normally improve rapedly between competitons. I believe that Westner and Harris are skating together, and that Both Bird and Slattery have been skating with foreigners. How does everyone think Frisch and Bommentry will fit into the mix this year?
viv64
09-24-2002, 07:58 PM
Also, does anyone know if Rey and Rey are representing the east or mids?
I think Frisch and Bommentre will win Nationals this year. My guess is that they had a fall during thier FD in Scottsdale and that is why Soloman and Cohen placed ahead in the FD.
I'm still shocked at Russell and Metzger's placement, something must have gone really wrong. I know he's still recovering from an injury, I am guessing that was a factor.
habanero
09-24-2002, 11:55 PM
I wasn't able to get a reason for the placement of Russel/Metzger in Yugoslavia that I trust well enough to repeat at this time. On the other hand, my source reported that R/M and the coach felt that the CD, OD, and FD was close to or at expectation.
Something unusual must have happened because, in the CD, they received marks from 2.9 to 4.5. That covers US levels from just under Juvenile through Senior. There was some scattering of the marks in the OD and FD as well, but less. The high end isn't consistent with poor skating, the low end isn't consistent with good skating.
Given the report is that they skated well, and I've heard elsewhere their Samba is excellent, I assume the reason for the scatter in the marks has to do with something other than how they skated per se.
The question is: What? And the follow on question is: Will whatever it is follow them to Nationals?
Jack~ I would be interested to know which Intermediate Freedances at Lake Placid you found to memorable!
JKlink
09-26-2002, 12:17 PM
Originally posted by Jack
I think Frisch and Bommentre will win Nationals this year. My guess is that they had a fall during thier FD in Scottsdale and that is why Soloman and Cohen placed ahead in the FD.
I'm still shocked at Russell and Metzger's placement, something must have gone really wrong. I know he's still recovering from an injury, I am guessing that was a factor. The report from Phoenix was that F/B skated clean and had a really amazing dance spin where they go down to a sit spin position together, but they didn't skate the whole program well. The program is still new for them and it just needs more time.
At the junior level you need to have enough time to get in shape and skate the programs without thinking. I just don't think R/M could be at the top of their game yet this season, but by sectionals/nationals they should be much improved. The coach was probably happy that they were able to at least get these programs in front of the judges.
JK
Originally posted by twiz
Jack~ I would be interested to know which Intermediate Freedances at Lake Placid you found to memorable!
Oh my gosh, all of them!! lol... I can't remember names, I just recognized coaches. The three (?) teams from Deleware were fantastic, the ones who skated to Moulin Rougue were great, they both had tons of showmanship, especially the girl (Michelle?? I think... I remember hearing her name being yelled a million times :lol: ) And then there was a team being coached by Beata and Charles that looked like they were about 8 years old that were also fantastic! (She was so teeny-tiny, I couldn't believe how great her edges and line were... very impressive for such a small kid)
What can I say? I'm a sucker for itty-bitty cutie-patootie's that can skate. lol :D
Icesk8dance
09-26-2002, 08:06 PM
Originally posted by twiz
Jack~ I would be interested to know which Intermediate Freedances at Lake Placid you found to memorable!
I was at Placid and generally I focus on the Novice and Junior levels, but I was able to watch some of the Intermediate Dance and I was quite impressed with the 3 top teams in the FD. The team that placed 1st (VonZabren/Marquardt) had a very entertaining FD that would have been competitive at the Novice level. JM0
viv64
09-28-2002, 04:03 PM
That is rediculious that there were better intermediate teams than carly and Leo. Don't get me wrong, there were some good intermediate teams, but Carly and Leo both are very good skaters and great kids. These skaters work so hard, why do you feel like you need to discourage these kids? It appears that your post is stemmed from some sort of jealousy whether you are a mother of a skater, or a skater. Why do the sipporters have to tear apart the children who are working so hard, why can't we show more support? I for one feel that Carly and Leo are two very young and talented skaters, who work hard so they can be their personal best!
viv64
09-28-2002, 04:04 PM
That is rediculious that there were better intermediate teams than carly and Leo. Don't get me wrong, there were some good intermediate teams, but Carly and Leo both are very good skaters and great kids. These skaters work so hard, why do you feel like you need to discourage these kids? It appears that your post is stemmed from some sort of jealousy whether you are a mother of a skater, or a skater. Why do the sipporters have to tear apart the children who are working so hard, why can't we show more support? I for one feel that Carly and Leo are two very young and talented skaters, who work hard so they can be their personal best!
Originally posted by viv64
That is rediculious that there were better intermediate teams than carly and Leo. Don't get me wrong, there were some good intermediate teams, but Carly and Leo both are very good skaters and great kids.
I'm assuming you're refering to my post and I didn't say that there were int. teams that were better than Leo and Carly, I said I thought that some of the int. teams were more memorable. Huge difference.
viv64
09-29-2002, 10:41 AM
Not really, Jack. The general point of my post was there is no need to discourage skaters who read this board most likely. I mean, I think you would be able to figure that out, after all, it was posted two times. sheesh!@
Originally posted by viv64
Not really, Jack. The general point of my post was there is no need to discourage skaters who read this board most likely. I mean, I think you would be able to figure that out, after all, it was posted two times. sheesh!@
:lol:
viv64
09-29-2002, 11:03 PM
Jack, don't u mean :oops: !!!!!! Jack = jealous mother! :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Mazurka Girl
09-30-2002, 07:56 AM
Is this going to be another thread that takes a downhill turn due to petty parent bickering rather than objective discussion about skating? Too bad. There are always so many like that to choose from once the season gets started. I would much rather read about actual skating.
adrianchew
09-30-2002, 09:19 AM
I'm not sure what's up with this topic, but it seems off on a tangent. Can we please be respectful of other posters? Thanks. ~adrianchew~
Originally posted by viv64
Jack, don't u mean :oops: !!!!!! Jack = jealous mother! :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Ok, I don't know what's going on here either, I posted a smiley because I thought that viv was making a joke about the double post. I guess I'm used to gym boards where a sense of humor is encouraged. and believe me, I'm no mom :roll: just a fan with an opinion.
And here's another opinion. I think teams from Boston are over-rated. :D
viv64
09-30-2002, 04:06 PM
Jack, ok, i came on strong too. Well now I'm going to state some of my opinions too.
1. Bonston teams are overrated
2. Teams with American coaches seem to be overrated for the lack of technical content, just because they have american coaches.
3. Why do teams that are the same height continue to skate together for so many years. :roll: :?:
Originally posted by viv64
Jack, ok, i came on strong too. Well now I'm going to state some of my opinions too.
1. Bonston teams are overrated
2. Teams with American coaches seem to be overrated for the lack of technical content, just because they have american coaches.
3. Why do teams that are the same height continue to skate together for so many years. :roll: :?:
Oh yea! We're not fighting anymore!! I totally agree with everything you said! :D
what?meworry?
10-02-2002, 12:53 AM
ok viv, here's my take on the subjects you raised:
boston teams: they are not "overrated" but represent a traditional style of the early england/usa style of skating. elegant and safe.
partner of the same height: the converse of partners of extreme height differences, too. if they still look good, why is it a problem? it isn't the height as much as the image they present on the ice when in motion. cases in point, forsythe/neusser and frisch/bommentre. both teams managed to look terrific and do well. relative height is not as important as the overall presence and ability to "dance" and perform as a unit. the same could be said for tall vs. short teams. open-mindedness of the judges is welcomed and refressing.
NiceIce
10-02-2002, 01:36 PM
I have to agree with whatmeworry...Boston does represent a certain understated style of icedance that was popular in the USA and Great Britian. Also, a dancing couples height is of little importance to me if they are great dancers. I am very excited about the new team of Nussear and Gates and they are very similar in size, with neither being tall.
viv64
10-03-2002, 08:59 AM
I found N and G's height to not be a problem whatsoever. In fact, they compliment one anothers body types quite well, IMHO.
Louis
10-03-2002, 02:08 PM
Originally posted by viv64
I found N and G's height to not be a problem whatsoever. In fact, they compliment one anothers body types quite well, IMHO.
I agree with this sentiment. Nussear and Gates look *better* together than either did with their previous partners, where there was more of a height differential. After seeing their Lake Placid free dance on video, I have very high hopes for this team.
It's so nice to have an embarrassment of riches in U.S. senior dance at the moment. What a change from previous years!
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