Marissa Castelli & Mervin Tran: 2014-15 short program, death spiral
While this new team continues to refine the jumps, throws and twists, they didn’t feint from bringing out the flashier tricks as of their unveiling at August’s Quebec Summer Championships, including this choreographic lift of a death spiral entrance, seen here at November’s Eastern Sectionals. (A tip of the hat too for the bluesy on-the-beat step sequence.)
Julianne Seguin & Charlie Bilodeau, 2014-15 short program, side-by-side double lutz
Poised to make their senior debut at Canadian Nationals in three weeks, and likely to accordingly make an adjustment to this element in the process, let’s still take a moment to celebrate the young team’s lovely and well-synced side-by-side ‘Tano double lutzes.
Madeline Aaron & Max Settlage, 2014-15 short program, side-by-side spins
The mundane is enlivened in the duo’s Coppelia program, with these original side-by-side spins less a necessary element than an actual component of a choreographed and musically nuanced narrative program inspired by the classic ballet of a dancing doll.
Alexa Scimeca & Chris Knierim, 2014-15 long program, choreographic sequence
While the pair at their best might be particularly noted for the amplitude of their twist and throws, it’s a more superfluous sequence that adds to the interest of their An American in Paris free — a very specific trend among couples on this list.
Haven Denney & Brandon Frazier, 2014-15 triple twist
Their Lion King long is a solid piece in itself, but the standout for Denney & Frazier is really one of cross-program consistency: their high-flying triple twist achieved Level 4s in both segments of competition at Skate America, while still executed to great (+ GOE-snagging) effect at Rostelecom Cup.
Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford: 2014-15 long program, quad throw salchow
Arguably the most talked-about element in this season of pair skating, and more than anything a testament to the power of perseverance — and its ever-improving execution doesn’t hurt.
Lubov Iliushechkina & Dylan Moscovitch: 2014-15 long program, star lift
The lunge entrance is one Moscovitch carried over from his prior pairing with Kirsten Moore-Towers; the catch-foot attitude position adds a new twist. Though a work still in progress, the element is one of several moments across programs demonstrating an eye towards intricacy.