B&k?

[margbutter]

I just rewatched B&K's FD from Canadians. They are so sharp this year. Putting politics aside, are they unbeatable at Worlds?

On a side note. I am so pleased for them - they have dramatically improved since being with Tarassova and now they are truly as good as they will ever be. They have reached their potential. What a way to end their amateur career - at their very, very best. They must be so proud of what they have accomplished.

It seems to me if B&K skate well they will deserve the Gold medal in DC.

Has anyone seeing both B&K's and L&A's programs? Politics aside, who is the stronger team this year?

[Artemis]

I've only seen "highlights" from L&A's FD (since ABC in their infinite wisdom decided that dance and pairs from Euros weren't worth showing ... and TSN in their infinite wisdom won't show COR and NHK until later in the month), but from what I've seen so far, B&K's FD is more difficult than L&A's. L&A's is highly entertaining and very "dancy," though, so they'll probably get a great crowd reaction and may get bonus marks from the judges who want to emphasize "dance."

L&A have always been excellent in the OD so I expect that to be a tight race, but B&K's OD is their best ever this year, and I'm having a hard time imagining anything that could beat it!

[Excidra]

I have seen B&K's free dance and I have seen L&A's "Rock and Roll" program. I don't think L&A stand a chance if B&K skate clean, which is likely to happen. I thought L&A's free dance from last season was one of their best, a lot better then B&K's "Michale Jackson" free dance.
If The Canadians didn't get any bonus marks for their "Michale jackson" free dance, I don't expect the Russians to get it..

I have not seen B&K's original dance, but many people are raving about it. I like their last seaosn's Original dance. It was very fresh, different and difficult.

If both teams skate their best in DC, it's goin to be tough for the judges.

[BKLuver]

Originally posted by Excidra
I have seen B&K's free dance and I have seen L&A's "Rock and Roll" program. I don't think L&A stand a chance if B&K skate clean, which is likely to happen. I thought L&A's free dance from last season was one of their best, a lot better then B&K's "Michale Jackson" free dance.
If The Canadians didn't get any bonus marks for their "Michale jackson" free dance, I don't expect the Russians to get it..

I have not seen B&K's original dance, but many people are raving about it. I like their last seaosn's Original dance. It was very fresh, different and difficult.

If both teams skate their best in DC, it's goin to be tough for the judges.

Excidra, where did you see L&A's FD?...cause apparently they've improved A LOT since the GP events. If you saw it at Europeans, then WOO HOO!! :D ....B&K are going to win GOLD! LOL!...that'd be awesome!!
I remember everyone saying that B&K could beat L&A during the Grand Prix, but since then, because they've improved...I don't know...I'm getting a little nervous :S

Whatever, I hope B&K win :D

~Bourne and Kraatz for GOLD in 2003!!~

[Skatingsarah]

I really hope your right. It hard not to bring politics into this but when you think about after all of these problem in Ice Dance. There is no more deserving team out there in ice dance then Bourne and Kraatz. They have with through so much Sh*t and I really think that it they get the gold it sure wouldnt be an olympic medal but it would really mean alot to the sport of skating

[Excidra]

BKluver, I had a person send me a tape of their Cup of Russia performence. I was not impressed. I thought their costume didn't fit the program well. Whether they have improved a lot by than, I don't know. I have not seen their Europeans performence. But some I doubt that program can be improved..
But I will cut L&A some slack and say that they have what it takes to win at worlds, but so do B&K.

A&P's "Carmina Burena" program is one of the best program I have seen. B&K's "Adiago of 21 Century" would rival that.

[AnnieD]

I've not seen B&K's free yet, but I did see L&A's from Europeans and I have to admit that despite liking the fact that it was a 'dancey' program, it just seemed to totally lack difficulty. There were a lot of showy moves (a leapfrog, dancing around on the spot etc), and a decent amount of speed but I didn't think all that much footwork. Definitely at the time I remember sitting waiting for the footwork to get going, and being surprised that it didn't seem to happen. Presentation-wise I thought that they sold it really well, and it looked fast enough across the ice (though you never can tell unless you're there), but as far as rock n' roll dances go, I felt that I'd seen better. From all the reports I've read I can't imagine that B&K's dance isn't better (everyone seems to think it's their best ever), but L&A's program was well-received by the judges, so I guess it just depends on whoever skates the best when it comes to Worlds (Why do I feel incredibly naive writing that?!!). Unfortunately we didn't get to see the ODs, so both will be a surprise come March.

[Excidra]

Annie,

Not to put down L&A, but they had no competition at Europeans, Offcourse the judges are going to shower them with 5.9s adn 6.0s. When B&K are added to the mix, don't be surprised to see 5.7 and 5.8s for L&A.
I'm just not impressed with L&A this season, I loved them last season. I hope some one can give them a tape of B&K's nationals performence, so they can see what they are up against..

Also, B&K are going to 4CC. I'm sure you will see their free dance there.
If they skate like they did at nationals or better, expect them to receive 6.0s for the free dance.

:D

[AnnieD]

I know that L&A had no competition at Euros, but still I'm doubting that all the judges are going to drop their marks come Worlds. Unfortunately I won't get to see B&K's programs at 4CCs, it isn't televised here :x I guess I'll just have to wait for Worlds, I don't know if I can hold out that long!!!

[Blue Ridge]

I think it is a bit of an exaggeration to say that L&A had no competition at Europeans. Granted they are the best of the teams, and the only other team in the World at their level is B&K, nonetheless, there are some very good Dance teams who competed at Euros, including the Silver medalists, D&S, Bronze, N&K, the 4th place finishers, G&G and last year's World Bronze medalists, C&S. I think it would be fair to say that L&A had a lot more competition at Euros, than B&K will at Four Continents.

[Excidra]

BlueRidge, I totally agree that B&K have less competition at 4CC, then L&A had Europeans.
I will say that the reigning Europena silver medallists in dance, are very much talented. But they are not up there with L&A, thus making L&A the clear favorites to win Euros. Even if L&A had a few mistakes, they would still win, they are that much better then their European competition.
Same thing can be said of B&K, they rule ice-dancing in North-America. There is no team that is up to their level in North-America.

As much as L&A and B&K are the two most talented ice-dancers skating today, there is going to be a time when only when one team stands on top of the world podium.
Worlds is going to be very interesting this year. The ladies competition is so deep, as is ice-dancing.