Day Five - The Final Day *sniff sniff* That's one thing when you attend shows/competitions, they go by so quickly, and your so sad when its all over. You just can't wait till the next one comes along.
Sadly the practices today were NOT opened to the public, so at least it was time for me to catch up on some sleep. Since its been early mornings for met the entire week. The arena was opened at 11:00 to the public, with the Ice Dancing Final starting at 12:00pm. We arrived at the arena shortly after 11:00am, and as soon as we walked in, we had received a program for the days final events. The starting orders for the Free Dance and who will be skating during the Parade Of Champions. To much surprise, when I saw in the program that B&K were going to be special GUEST skaters during the Parade of Champions, I was sooo thrilled and couldn't wait!!
Jennifer Robinson was signing autographs for people at 11:00 - so of course I took the opportunity to meet her one last time, and have a quick little chat. She had photo/postcards to sign there as well, which was nice. There was even a selection too :)
She asked me what my name was and when I told her "Andrea" she replied telling me it was a lovely name. How sweet of her. We chatted a bit about her performance on Sat. night. I have to say that Jennifer is a DOLL to meet. She is so down to earth, happy and always is very sweet to chat with. I wish her all the best this year.
Ice-Dancing Final
Hmmmm well judging by the final standings I am not surprised with the end result. I am VERY happy with our Canadian dance team of D&L. Their free dance is so wonderful, with MANY wonderful and unique lifts. I quite enjoyed their free dance. Come Nationals defiantly the Ice-Dancing event will be interesting to watch.
Wing & Lowe did a fantastic job - I really love their new free dance this year, they are adding a bit more drama to their program, and when I watch, I see the emotion and feeling that goes through the program.
A&P's free, was kinda shocked that the costumes I raved about during their practice, was actually THE costume they were going to wear. Like I said Gwendal can to without the frilly wing material on his costume. Just because I find it gets in the way. While they were doing a lift, it was just in his face, I can't see how he can actually see where he is going. As for the music they are skating to this year, I just don't like the music selection. However I am sure everyone is going to be comparing their other programs (such as Man In The Iron Mask) to this program. That is difficult to do when you go a different direction with the music. I realize as well that this program will just get better as the season goes on. However I'm not sure if I am a fan of their Free Program yet.
So the Ice-Dancing competition was predicable. I knew A&P were going to win, coming into this event. I applaud our Canadians who took home the Bronze Medal at their very first international competition. During the medal ceremonies, Patriuce Lauzan sister was sitting beside us. She was so happy - he was waving to her while on the podium. So wonderful to see that.
After the medal ceremony was over, the Champions all took a victory lap around the arena, and it was time to set up for the Parade Of Champions. During the wait, they had announced that Fedor Andreev would be signing at the merchandise booth and well guess who HAD to be there? ME ME ME!! I couldn't miss the opportunity to meet Fedor and have my photo take with the cuttie. He is such a sweetie and I have to say I had this real big SMILE on my face. Such a charmer!
Parade Of Champions
What a way to end a wonderful week, having all the top 4 skaters to skate for us one last time. It was defiantly was more relaxed for the skaters skating as well as for the fans that were watching. I honestly enjoyed everyone's performances.
All good things must come to an end. Skate Canada International has left me some wonderful memories that I won't soon forget.
Now I am just in the middle of trying to decide if I can come up with the money to attend the next competition - ISU Champion Series Final which will be held in Kitchener, Ontario next year. One thing with all these events, the tickets go on sale way to soon - lol. Hopefully that will be the next competition I'll be attending. Until then, thanks to all who came to visit Ice World to read my reports. Like I said before I am in no way of a journalist, or a professional. These reports are all based on my views and what I saw only. Thanks again. And please stay tuned for my Skate Canada Photo Gallery. Something you won't want to miss!!!
Sunday, November 5, 2000