2008 Central Ontario Summer Skate – Senior Original Dance Report

Hann-McCurdy & Coreno’s standout element was their level-four twizzle sequence, highlighted by excellent unison and speed. They earned +.50 GOE for this element. Their level two midline step sequence was also skated very well, earning them +.75 GOE. The dance, choreographed by Pasquale Camerlengo, was a great program, and Hann-McCurdy & Coreno skated it with a lot of polish for so early in the season. However, they did not seem to have the energy and speed yet that is needed to really make the program stand out. With 45.93 points, they won a very close original dance competition.

Patricia Stuckey & Christopher Mior — music included “Puttin’ on the Ritz”

In their second year together and first year as seniors, Stuckey & Mior’s effort held up well against the more experienced teams in the competition. They struggled with the twizzles, but they excelled on a level four rotational lift, using a creative variation where Mior holds onto only one of Stuckey’s blades while she clasps her hands around his elbow. The program had a lot of character, and although their skating was not fast, they had energy through the end and gave a lot to the choreography. With 44.56 points, they were third.

Siobhan Karam & Kevin O’Keefe — “Ding Dong Daddy”

Right away, the most obvious thing about Karam & O’Keefe’s programs was how much faster they skated than last season. They also had trouble with the twizzle sequence, and their spin was messy, but they got through both elements and continued pushing through their peppy program. Their components score was actually a point higher than Hann-McCurdy & Coreno’s, which reflects the improvements that they have made. They finished second in this dance with 45.30 points.

Claire Tannett & Wendell McGrath — “After You’ve Gone”

Tannett & McGrath went for the charming angle with this program, complete with a hat and short wig for Tannett, who skated at Thornhill on a sprained ankle. However, it was McGrath who made the obvious mistake on their level one diagonal footwork, almost falling over, but managing to catch himself. The dance does not feel secure yet, and they were quite a bit slower than the other teams. It will certainly improve throughout the season, and this seems like a program that they will perform well as they have more time with it. They were fourth, earning 32.28 points.