pairs' shorts: no, not ice dancing

I had once thought that Ice Dancing and Figure Skating were synonymous.

They are not.

Both are done with pairs of skaters on ice, but the technical bits differ. 

In Ice Dance, at least one member of the pair must be in contact with the ice at all times, so there are no jumps of any kind.

The emphasis is on synchronicity, with twizzles and choreographed step sequences, as well as lifts, used to supply dramatic tension. 

In Figure Skating, the technical aspects of axels and toe loops and fancy jumps returns, as well as throws of one partner by the other.

There's also a requirement for hand-holding at certain times.

I really like that one.

(smile!) 

Here's the German team of Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin, executing a perfect lift and spin.

I really love that overhead shot on this one!

They were dancing to "El Abrazo", a song written just for them... wow!!!

They amply deserved their first place standing at the end of this program!

This time, I have the couple from Georgia - the country, not this state.

Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava were skating at high speed to "Bolero" as they performed this fabulous lift.

Just look how blurry the sidelines are as they whiz on by!!!

This clearly shows his strength, too, as well as hers as she holds that stance.

Second place they secured, though almost five points below the Germans.

Third place belonged to this pair from Canada, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud.

Such a lovely display of hand-holding by this couple, as well as highly synchronized movements of their arms and legs, as shown here.

That merits the high points for sure!

This is the team from Hungary, making fourth place with their short program.

Here, I captured the moment when Alexei Sviatchenko was in process of lifting Maria Pavlova to his shoulders.

Their performance used Michael Jackson's "Earth Song", which I don't know that I've ever hear before.

Nice to associate it with this skate in Italy!

Time for the pair from Japan, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who gained fifth place!

I don't know why "Paint It Black" was their choice, but that seems to be a popular one this year.

I guess it's those Euro-Asian-Indian accents that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards imbued into it that makes it so appealing across the globe.

I like that their outfits remind me of "Star Trek" uniforms!

As for Sui Wenjing and Han Cong of China, their Short program wasn't included in the blocks aired for the USA tonight.

All I have for that 6th place team are their names and standings.

Maybe I'll get to see their Free Skate!

I did, of course, get to watch the 7th place performers - they represent the US!

They are the 35-year-old Danny O'Shea and 22-year-old Ellie Kam, as disparate in age as they are in height and appearance - but both big smilers!

Their song choice?

"Hallelujah", a song of praise and gladness!

Good choice... and perhaps an inside joke?

(smile!) 

Behind them by less than two-tenths of a point was this Italian team of Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii.

What fun they were having with "The Wild Bull"!!!

That was some definitely fancy footwork they had going on!

The home crowd truly loved them... and so did I!

Before I leave, special mention must be made for the Canadian team who skated to an operatic bit, "Carmen Burara", placing tenth.

Maxime Deschamps and his partner truly classed up the joint. 

Deanna Stellato-Dudek wore an Oscar de la Renta skatesuit of gold that caught every bit of light in that arena.

Here's the highlight for me: she's the same age as my first niece.

Good for her for still chasing that Olympic dream!

They may not have made the top 9 on this leader board, but they'll have another chance in just a day or so.

I'll be watching... and hoping... that their dreams come true!

(smile!)