Crystal Skate

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker's Tango Romantica The biggest news about the NHK Trophy this season was the withdrawal of superstars Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, due to his having injured his back. As sad as this left all figure skating fans, the media immediately filled headlines with the opportunities their absence brought for other couples. Boy, were they right! With none of the big names attending, the rhythmic dance left the ice rink wide open for up and coming skaters. Tiffani Zagorski/Jonathan Guerreiro  had the most to gain from the absence of the French, Although I personally think they still have a lot to learn about presenting anxious music, they were super fast throughout the routine and displayed great basic skating skills. They took the lead with 75.49  points, which was a season's best for them. Right after, with 70.71  points, came Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker . The two had the tinniest trouble when he stumbled during the first ...

The ice-dance podium Photo: Getty Images North America The rhythmic dance was a pretty laid back affair. No drama, no shocking results. As I said previously, the top two spots are likely to stay as they are right now, while the bronze medal is up for grabs. Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom are all in positions to climb the third step of the podium, so we'll have to see who skates that extra mile to get there. Karina Manta & Joseph Johnson  are the first to skate. Their energy fills the arena, but most of their lifts are a bit slow and awkward, and they're not in sync during the twizzles. The repeating motive of their choreography seems to be cartwheels. Score: 84.44 . Overall: 139.33 . Robynne Tweedale & Joseph Buckland  skate to Ghost , the musical. The flow of their elements is better than that of the Americans, and they are faster too. Love her beautiful pink and gray sheer dress. I don't know if it's a reference to the film or gho...