Tanith BELBIN & Benjamin AGOSTO Cup of China 2009 FD

[nolaughingmatter]

I wish they wore these costumes to the Olympics.

[mdawg69x]

I wish I knew why I was so interested in watching this

[jam63112]

she's a true beauty

[NashfanVash]

Ben is a very good skater. I don't care for Tanith much. That's why I am not in love with this pair.

[thankallahalltime]

thenoblequran(Ctrl+Enter)

[whitespirit26]

Simply brilliant grace and style

[whitespirit26]

I LOVE this! Thanks so much for uploading!

[swallowstreak226]

Belbin could do better...

[GFoladi]

so is the number of toys dropped in the rink show how much people didn't like it?

If so then the rink should've been filled

[icedance07]

I don't really like this performance, there are interesting lifts but some of the transitions look like if they were a mistake. However, the last lift, at 4:15 it's almost the same as Delobel-Schoenfelder did in their 2006-2007 Free Dance! Pity..

[13monkeysrcool]

no jumps

[NicoleMarree]

Hmm not so good. Very lacking in flow and emotion, just skating choppily through from one fancy (tacky) move to the next. And no *real* emotion - just a hollow performance through and through. Pity.

[NicoleMarree]

Hmm not so good. Very lacking in flow and emotion, just skating choppily through from one fancy (tacky) move to the next. And no *real* emotion - just a hollow performance through and through. Pity.

[AstridSGarcia]

i dont mind the music but jeez at least dont bor us with the dancing! they should watch jessica dube and bryce davidson, they make you keep your eyes on em or even meryl davis and charlie white

[Porporinablu]

@AstridSGarcia Dube/Davidson are a pair skating team, not ice dancing couple

[HattieLovesCattie]

I bet they will retire,nothing else to do in their career.

[IneZR]

This is my favorite version of this program - both choreo and costumes wise. I wish they had kept these costumes for the rest of the season.

[gusboysf]

I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!! It's elegant and inspiring, but I can see how someone with no class could hate this program.

I still can't believe the Canadians and other Americans won Gold and Silver at the Olympics - with their stupid circus moves and sloppy skating.

[sayomsskiver]

OMG they retired! Aww, thats sooo upsetting. Anyway I wish them the best. They were awesome and so beautiful!

[Marta28083]

On this music had to dance Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski in Vancouver!

[narniaprincess05]

Actually I don't think that ropes were cheating, but I heard the ISU is going to think about changing the rules to disallow it in the future. If the judging had been rigged in favor of the Russians, they would've gotten higher than third, even though Meryl/Charlie and Tessa/Scott were much better obviously. I think this pair did well, mayber more than the Russians, but the gold and silver medalists had it wrapped up by the end of the OD in my opinion just a matter of who would get what medal

[beauty2392]

After seeing this I think their preformance did deserve the bronze but I think after lookin at this that their costumes they wore in vancouver were a bit distracting from their great preformance but that is my opinion I think if they had worn sumthing simple like wut their wearing no would hav helped.

[maliburide]

They are so great...They didn't do as well as they usually do in Vancouver?

[vederchi]

The judging was rigged in favor of the Russians at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Belbin and Agosto got robbed and should have won the Bronze Medal. The Domnina and Shabalin cheated with ropes attached to their costumes that allowed moves that they could not have done with out those ropes.

[fallonhadley]

Are you SERIOUS???!! I agree, Belbin & Agosto definitely should have medaled, but I didn't know about the ropes. That's really unfair :(

[vederchi]

@fallonhadley

Yes I am serious. The NBC comentators made comments about the ropes just before they went on the ice but I have not been able to find the video of that. I did find this on the web.

Google "Almost, But Not Entirely: Russian Ice Dancers and Ropes that Help Them." and you will see the pictures.

[MikeWong888]

Canada won Gold for the Ice Dancing Competitions!!!

[fallonhadley]

I love this. Belbin/Agosto are my favorite ice dancers.

[plzwakeup]

Kiira Korpi is hotter. Plus she's younger.

[crayzidesi]

what track are they skating to?

[Wolstenholution]

Ave Maria and Amen by G. Rossini

[crayzidesi]

thanks =)

[rshestakova]

Ave Maria by Vavilov and Amen by G. Rossini

[stelladion]

i love this program

[gusboysf]

I love this program. We must remember this was a new program at the time and thus the occasional awkward transitions. By the time the Olympics rolls in this should be a gold medal performance!

[xturntofade]

I agree with the lack of connection. It's dissapointing because I felt that this team was full of emotion in their older programs. It's part of why I love their skating so much. I also think they look like they were trying hard where as before, the moves appeared effortless. Still, I love the music and the program is nice.

[mnopqr99]

The girl's awkwardness is strange for this level.There's no tension in her posture or elegance in the way she holds herself her transitions are strange her legs and feet always look loose.Her partner has much cleaner lines.Too bad cause they have great speed have the technical stuff down and technically work great together.Not much emotional connection though.And in an event where the man "presents" the woman for the most part, the sloppiness of her lines kind of spoils it, which is a pity.

[figskafan]

I agree she is not the strongest lady out there but she has shown a lot of technical improvement this season compared with years before. Her extension now is more polished.

And about the presentation, I don´t know what you would expect from a program like this. They must keep themselves from sensuality or tender romantic looks, they´re skating to sacred music!

[blitzkanone]

All I can say is: This is SO damn boring.

I really don't mind if I get critisized for this, but what I've seen by all the american and canadian pairs and even elsewhere is nothing new, we've all seen programms like this before. Damn, people, these are the Olympics! Where is the spirit? Where is the innovaton? People don't pay those high ticket prizes to go to the opera! All I can see is the hunting for the next best high level. Damn, I really really hope that ice-dancing will change one day -.-

[figskafan]

I don´t agree with you but just to know, what kind of ice dance programs have you enjoyed so far this season?

[blitzkanone]

I personally prefer the programm of Davis/White. Their technique is stunning, they really do skate with power and passion and their theme "Phantom of the Opera" is a worldwide known choice of music, it's not as boring and ennoying as the music of the other pairs. But as I sad: For me, there is no real favourite. I'd even like to make Torvill and Dean 20 years younger and let THEM compete in Vancouver :D

[ChachouMiaou]

I agree with you, even without going back all the way to Torvill and Dean, you could stop in 1999-2002. I'm always trying to figure out if the creativity has really gone down dramatically, or if it's just because I've seen so many ice skating routines that I've lost the ability to enjoy them (when something has been done before, I notice it, whereas when I was younger I didn't know it had been done before so I thought it was wonderful!)

[TheHoliday555]

especially the canadians. I think their FD are the most boring out of all the ice dancers. I could hardly hear the music lol. B/A are okay.

[Kevindl1985]

@blitzkanone You will get no criticism from me. This team definitely lost something this season. They didn't have the spark that made them so much fun to watch in years past. This free dance was weak.

[HattieLovesCattie]

@blitzkanone Its either that or its back to Russian ice dancing.We saw enough that thru the years.

[BestFiction00]

@blitzkanone Okay so why are you blaming the pairs? They're not the actually the choreographers, rather their coaching team who control their students aspiration. You don't have to like it and I'm iffy on it too but the fact is that an overwhelming amount North American teams are coached by the same two coaches.Belgosto happened to have left them and gone to another set of very popular coaches.

[BeeVan19]

@blitzkanone Can I just point out.. even though this was a year ago... people do pay VERY high prices for tickets to go to an opera. in fact alot of tickets to go to the opera are double what sporting events are and those houses are never empty, and are always full. Just saying...

[Porporinablu]

@BeeVan19 I don't really think he was criticizing the opera. Just pointing out that are two different things: if I pay a high priced ticket to go to the opera I want to see the opera, but if I pay a high ticket to see ice dance, I want to see ice dance. Try to read before answering...

[BeeVan19]

@Porporinablu Why can't people just appreciate a classic art for what it is? Like, they obviously like the piece they are skating to and it is easier to get into a classical piece in ice dance than Lady Gaga...

[Porporinablu]

@BeeVan19 I still don't think that the music is the real issue here: I love classical music, I'm simply saying that if I want to "just" listen to music I actually go to the opera, not to the rink. The music can be fine but I also want to see the skating. Ave Maria or Lady Gaga aren't a problem when the skating is a high level. Here, their skating is really not at high level, so I pay the ice dance ticket but I'm just listening to some good (or not) music, and it's not what I've paid for.

[jamarsano]

I've said before that their skating is elegant, delicate and beautiful but that it has a hesitant quality - like they don't quite know where the other skater is - always a millimetre off.

This is what gives them their delicacy, oddly enough. I've just realized they almost never look at each other. If they did, I think it would be more charismatic and they would unconsciously pick up cues from each other.

Their music is gorgeous. It's Sumi Jo's Ave Maria at the beginning (took forever to find).

[muscleboi4use]

Jamarsano, that's a comment I think EVERYONE can agree with.

Well said! We, as spectators, are very lucky this season!

[jamarsano]

This is lovely.

Can you imagine how fabulous the Olympics is going to be? Last time it was so awful and vulgar - we are back to clean lines and actual dancing for all 4 top teams.

[Luukashism]

It's too bad that they had to withdraw from the Grand Prix Final... :(

[muscleboi4use]

Can anyone tell me how long a lift should be for? I thought it was max 6 secs. If so B&A's 1st lift starts at 1:42 and finishes at 1:53.

Have to say I think V&A, D&W (and even K&K) far superior edge-work, speed, flow, soft, knees, technical difficulty and good old fashioned artistic impression. Really feel B&A have never been better than they were in 2006.

Please don't hate me for my opinion!!!

[figskafan]

There must be 1 long lift and 2 shorts in the free dance this year and the long one can last up to 12 seconds.

I´m afraid I don´t agree with you, Belbin and Agosto have improved a lot under Linichuk, especially she. They have now a very nice leg extension although not as good as DomShab IMO plus they got the most mature free dance so far. I think they can go very far this year but they need to keep working hard because it´s gonna be fierce competition in Vancouver.

[muscleboi4use]

Thank you for the information, much appreciated.

And thank you for your considered and thoughtful reply. I've rewatched this FD, and you have a very good point especially the leg extensions.

I think though I prefer V&M's FD this season and the originality of D&W's OD.

Agreed: fierce and talented competition in Vancouver.

It'sa shame they've pulled out of the GP Finals. Whatever our views I am sure we all wish Ms Belbin a speedy recovery from her operation.

[LiveCreative]

I honestly think that Belbin and Agosto are getting worse over time. They can't seem to find their own style. They don't have the maturity to pull off this kind of music and this style of dance. They seem rough around the edges, and stiff. And just don't seem happy anymore. Where is the joy and the passion? It seems forced. And Tanith especially seems like her basic skating skills are getting worse, or just less smooth. Does anyone else seem to see this too? or is it just me?

[j55h4h6h3]

Im wondering if you know anything about skating regarding your last topic... Tanith's skating skills are far superior to that of Tessa, as Tessa can't even do a clean foot work sequence. not only that but Scott and Tessa barely skate. all they do is twizzles and little running steps with some cool lifts. they don't skate... Tanith and Ben are the true definition of how to skate.

[Ezrateach]

I absolutely agree with you. I used to love this couple, who really seemed to be the future of ice dancing, banishing all the cliched overwrought emoting of the Russians and some Europeans. They, along with other Americans and the great Canadians teams, were leading the way. Now its like B & A have become Russians. Very sad to see this happen. They never should have left Igor, their wonderful coach. Look what he has done for Virture and Moir and Davis and White.

[twilliams223]

The gold medal should go to the pair that skates the best on that night! Period.

[tiffrob88]

it will be better before nationals.olympics

[Luukashism]

I hope they do extremely well this season!!!!!!!!

[FutureChampion222]

whoa, davis and white got a lot higher score as rostelecom... but tanith and ben are so much better to watch. I agree with abracodabra, the chopin was wonderful. I like this dance, but it could get better before olympics. :)

[AmourAmour70]

I love this FD, never tougth that B/A could do something like that after some disapointments in the past. Great lifts, great music (orginal!) and I can wait to see this program by Nationals...they will improve!

[Abracodabra100]

Lovely Russian style dance, but Shopin was much better. This one is boring, I would prefer to hear this music on a concert or in church.

[cangp08]

Lovely edges and difficulty in that Level 4 circular step (gorgeous free leg extension 0:44-0:46). Definitely needs polishing. I know they're going for speed, but I would like to see them cut down on the crossovers and add more difficulty to the transitional choreography.

[stunnedpuppy]

This was a beautiful program. Obviously, it needs some polishing, but I can't wait to see it at the Olympics.

[bachadmirer]

What are the Russian commentators talking about?

[cangp08]

Looking at the protocols, that 2nd to last lift seems to be considered a nonscoring lift - no points. I would love to see them take out one of the earlier lifts since that straightline lift where Tanith is riding on the boot is absolutely gorgeous! It could easily get positive GOE.

[mishkite2u]

I'll stand by my words: V/M FD is cool and intricate again but this one is inspiring. Linichuk know what she is doing!

I actually want to watch this FD again and again - its flow is flawless. Thank you, Ms. Linichuk for blessing Tanith and Ben with the winner program. I haven't been a fan for 2 seasons now but I love them again. Beautiful amd mature reading of music, Tanith - thank you.

[twilso96]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. They are much improved and with work this free dance is gold medal material. Love the lifts.

[wushuang122]

It is a really beautiful programme. IMO, it is also far better than DW VM's programme. You can argue DW VM won the technique. But for the programme itself this piece is much better choreography. Amazing lifts which fits the music better.

[courtneysk8s]

Oh I really like this! It still looks new and not quite polished yet in some places, but overall it is a really nice program. About 100x better than D&W IMO. Can't wait to see how it looks once it has a little more mileage.

[GreekOrca]

I agree. I like it far more than V&M or D&W, or anyone else I've yet to see for that matter. And I am *NOT* traditionally a B&A fan. Well done Belbin, Agosto, Linichuk, and Karponosov!!!

[courtneysk8s]

I've not always been on the B&A bandwagon, either, but there is a beauty in their skating that I just don't see with D&W, and V&M are technically good but very boring this season. And B&A's maturity helps, too.

[wailuawendy9]

Wow! Between Belbin & Agosto, Davis & White and Virtue & Moir, the Vancouver Olympic competition for ice dancing is going to be outrageous! Can't wait!!!!

[figskafan]

Dont forget the world champions in 2008 and 2009, DelSchoe and DomShab

[MikeWong888]

Canada Won!!!!

[sochioly]

the judges at the gp events are right: davis and white and virtue and moir are the 2 best teams in the world--these 2 have been passed by superior skaters under the new scoring system. This is a bore compared to d/w and v/m. Simple as that.

[cutecaramelboy8]

very slow and boring, nothing special... D&W will likely beat them.

[DebateKari]

great for their first competition i can see this program being a contender for the OGM!

[JeremiVW]

I'm tired of seeing Ben wearing shirts which makes him look as if he weighs 300lbs.. I understand the dramatic effect.. But he has a great body.. and there are ways to show the effect of the music and Tanith while still looking great!! Overall.. I'm tired of over used music and I think skaters of now are afraid of taking a real risk with music.. Or they think they're taking a risk and really choosing a bad choice of music.. I'm not impressed with the top team choices this season..

[Haley452]

Neither am I. The only FD I really like so far is Davis/White's (even if the music is overused, this is the only dance actually telling a story, and telling it in a beautiful, unusual way). The Kerrs took the risk with the music, but the dance doesn't stand out. The rest of them could do so much better... I'm still hoping for Del/Sch to come out with sth that will blow me away, though you never know after her giving a birth. I miss season 2007/2008, there were so many wonderful FDs then...

[figskafan]

I´m just curious to know what FDs you miss from that season ;)

[Haley452]

Delobel/Schoenfelder (one of the best FDs ever), Faiella/Scalli (the only one of their FDs I really loved so far), Davis/White & Cappellini/Lanotte had great FDs too (although both teams did great last year as well ;)), the Kerrs, Pechalat/Bourzat, and even less known teams as Copely/Stagniunas. It was a great season for ice dancing, really ;)

[purplevictory]

This is a wonderful program and they will do well with it, but I have to agree with toplay4fun2003. Davis and White are the better team at this point in the season. However, things can change and after all, this is ice DANCE!

[figskafan]

What lift are you talking about?

All of them took level 4

[mishkite2u]

At 1:52 -1:53 Tanith rotates around and steps down on Ben's skate but seemed to have failed (IMO) to stay there for a completion. I didn't looked at the protocols but assumed that lift had to be downgraded (given their PCS score). I was wrong. The lift was level 4.

[toplay4fun2003]

interesting that Belbin/Agosto's final score was 6+ points less than Davis/White's from last week... did Belbin/Agosto leave something out of the program, does it need that much improvement, or will Meryl and Charlie give Tanith and Ben a real run for their money? I think Nationals this year will be very close this year... Also, I think Meryl and Charlie will be a big wild card team in Vancouver, watch them snatch a medal!!! So far, Meryl and Charlie's program to Phantom, much better!

[Haley452]

Only the judges can still be afraid of ranking D/W higher... But it's so obvious their FD is kicking everyone's asses for now.

[figskafan]

There´s not a single judge who was both at COR and COC so the differece doesn´t mean very much yet. We´ll have to wait until GPF

[OapostropheC]

The camera work was not the best on this. I'd love to see it live or at least shot by someone who knows how to present it.

[DhayanneD]

3:57 - WOW!

[danceorama123]

Thanks for uploading. Nicely skated with lots of difficulty and good speed overall, but program is a medieval dirge. Ben looks like and dressed as a medieval Russian monk - wild hair and large cowl collar. Kind of depressing music - not uplifting. Fairly low program component scores as a result - lowest of the top 3 GP winners so far. Not a good sign. Will have to see how this program fares at the Grand Prix Final.

[figskafan]

Program components are not given taking into account if the music is depressing or not. This is not a party.

We shouldn´t take very seriously these scores when comparing them against V/M and D/W because judges where all different at the three GP events so far.

[TheEwita]

Very classy and beautiful program, but needs some smooth improvements - especially the speed in the first half. But all the lifts - just exquisite!

Good luck for them on WC and Olympics!

[AmourAmour70]

This program have so much potential. Good luck for them on this season! Good start