Magic and Skating: A Russian Ice Show
Part I
By Vera Alexandrova
Photos © NPLana
It was the 5th annual Ice Show dedicated to the “Day of the
City” as we call it here in St. Petersburg - the day of the
city’s foundation, May 27.
Like the previous years, this year’s shows gathered almost
all Russian figure skating stars – the headliners were 2005
World Champions Irina Slutskaya, Tatiana Navka & Roman Kostomarov
as well as many other renowned skaters. It was a great (and unfortunately
a rare) chance to see on ice, Olympic Champions Elena Berezhnaya
& Anton Sikharulidze and Alexei Urmanov, who have already left
the amateur sport.
It was a much anticipated show, since it was announced that three
times World Champion Evgeni Plushenko would appear on the ice, the
first time since his injury and withdrawal from 2005 World Championship
in Moscow. Plushenko, an absolute favourite of the St. Petersburg
audience, and his coach Alexei Mishin had promised to choreograph
two quite special programs especially for this event. They kept
their promise and justified all the expectations.
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Actually, this year there were two shows, on
June 2nd and 3rd. As those were special events and not a part
of a tour, there were no group entries, however the organizers
tried to think of something that could make the skating show
look more unusual. As a result, the show combined skating
with magic tricks, although it was questionably if that was
a good idea. |
The June 3rd show was more like an exhibition gala, but of course
some features (like the magic tricks) of the previous show remained.
Although it was the second show, the 14-thousand Ledovyj Dvorets
was full. Most people were attracted by a wonderful opportunity
to see all their favourites in one event.
The event started with a short laser show (skater’s silhouettes
and images of the city) and a short opening when all skaters did
a trick - pairs & dance a lift, men 3T, ladies a spin.
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Evgeni Plushenko,
arguably the main star of the show, stepped on ice with help
of a crutch and Alexander Abt. Sasha quickly went away leaving
Plushenko alone with his crutch in the middle of the rink. |
Next on ice was Varya Timofeeva, a young and obviously talented girl who skated to “Kalinka”, people welcomed her with very warm applause. The presenter talked of her as a future star of Russian figure skating and then announced Viktoria Borzenkova and Andrei Chuvilaev. They skated a smooth and gentle program with some interesting lifts and a triple throw.
The assistants brought forth a box and
Vakhtang Murvanidze seemed to appear from it. He performed
a spectacular breakdance program, entertaining and funny. Then he
performed some magic tricks (rather silly and trivial), and in one,
Julia Obertas and Sergei Slavnov assisted him.
Julia and Sergei performed “The Wedding March”, the
same program as they had skated at the Worlds 2005 Exhibitions.
It was very energetic and difficult as always.
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The public welcomed the next skater with special enthusiasm. This
was Alexander Abt. No matter that he
had finished his eligible career with fewer titles than other participants
of the show – people love him a lot. And this gorgeous guy
really deserves it! He skated to a club dance styled program by
Benassi Bros’ “Satisfaction” with great power
and energy. He was definitely enjoying his skating, flirting with
the very responsive audience. It was a pity that he didn’t
appear in the second half.
The show continued with Maria Petrova & Alexei Tikhonov skating
to “Ty darila mne rozy” (“You gave me roses”)
– the same program as at the Worlds 2005 Exhibitions. As always
it included spectacular lifts, two triple throws and their trademark
- the breathtaking headbanger.
Next on the ice were Tatiana Navka & Roman Kostomarov, two time World Champions, who presented a brand new program to the music of a South American ethnic flute piece. Exceptional choreography (every beat of music was used) was combined with perfect performance. It was definitely one of the highlights of the show.
Alexei Urmanov miraculously appeared with a red cape and sword. This time the trick was appropriate and it was the only one that worked really well. He skated his old routine “The Phantom of the Opera”. It was a very solid performance with three triples. He is obviously in good shape and his participation in the show brought much joy to all his numerous fans. |
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This year's World Champion Irina Slutskaya skated to “Oops,
I did it again”
She was cheery and her performance was vivid and energetic, as well
as difficult, with two triples and 3+2 combo and, of course, gorgeous
Biellmann spins and spirals. However it seemed like the public was
a bit disappointed that she hadn’t chosen her Worlds exhibition
“Catwoman”.
Then the presenter announced Elena Berezhnaya & Anton Sikharulidze
on to the ice. Their routine “If I could” was just what
everyone expected - elegant, graceful and artistic - even a few
minor mistakes didn’t spoil the truly magical impression.
Their act was followed by a trick which unfortunately didn’t
work well. Nevertheless, people easily forgave them this messy idea
– they are appreciated as skaters and not as illusionists.
The first half was concluded by St. Petersburg's synchronized skating
team “Paradies” who performed their “Matrix”
routine. Maybe it could (and should) be better. Their act was dynamic
but they obviously lacked synchronism.
