GPF 2014 - In the Ballroom

Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje are very close to accomplishing their lifelong dream of winning a Grand Prix Final. Starting the final on second, Madison Chock & Evan Bates can do little to prevent the Canadians' win, but they will try. Meanwhile, the Shibutanis are back up there with the top couples and will hope to remain in that position.

Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron are not just dancing to Mozart's Adagio from Concerto No. 23, they've created a love story to go with it. It is complex by being both uplifting and heartbreaking. Their score: 100.91. Overall: 162.39.

Is this podium a preview of the World Championships?
Photograph: David Ramos/
Getty Images Europe
It doesn't get closer to a ballroom atmosphere than Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani's waltz. And perhaps that's a bit of a problem; the music doesn't really allow them to express any real emotions (unless you're counting the smiles glued to their faces like a Halloween mask). They could do with more difficult elements too. They get 95.04 points. Overall: 158.94.

For all the times I've praised Madison Chock/Evan Bates' sophistication, it's time to talk about what their An American in Paris theme is missing: the whimsicality. They are far too serious throughout the programe. Their score: 102.03. Overall: 167.09.

Kaitlyn Weaver/Andrew Poje's Four Seasons is all about moments and picking the perfect time for every single element. The effect of that is not only creating a clear structure for the presentation (which can be ambiguous on classical music), but also helping viewers listen to the music, observe every little nuance and, consequentially, understand it better. They are breaking all sorts of personal records by getting 109.80 points. Overall: 181.14.

 Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje secure Canada's second victory in Barcelona after a magnificent skate that's also put a milestone in their careers. Madison Chock & Evan Bates remain second, but the Shibutanis are 'outskated' by a couple who have already earned the title of 'Best Breakthrough Skaters' of the season: Gabriella Papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron. Many congrats to every single one of them.

For more comments on the other events, go to: http://crystalskate.blogspot.co.uk/.

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