Toller Cranston - 1974 World Championships SP and LP

This is a segment from the 2006 ESPN Classic Canada program "Best on Ice: Toller Cranston" (2006). I will post the entire program in time. However, this probably should come first. The footage actually was excerpted from another TV special dating from 1975; since the Canadian TV network had destroyed or disposed of their original coverage.

This is the reason why early competitive video is so rare and highly sought after by all of us who admire Toller and his skating. We have been told that video doesn't exist; so such a "find" is "Gold" - just as he is! He really deserved to win the overall championship here...but his placement in figures cost him. He won both free skating segments.

The commentator here is Toller's collegue and supporter, Debbi Wilkes.

Enjoy!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Toller
• Cranston
• Figure
• Skating
• World
• Championships

[jackieogee]

He was a revolutionary and was such a wonderful influence on figure skating. After more than 35 years, all of his performances stand the test of time - never appearing dated! He was so innovative and really left his mark. His skating is a thing of beauty to watch - for the athleticism, the stunning artistry, and the feelings it evokes. Thank you, Toller!

[skatesindreams]

I couldn't agree more!

[chadladdy]

This is skating as it should be...thank you so much for posting..like watching a dream..and floating along with him!

[skatesindreams]

Absolutely true!

[morgenshmorgan]

The greatest dancer (and at his time also the most accomplished technically) who changed the face of the figure skating. What a shame for me was to watch Abbott, Mroz & Co. who showed in 2010 a prehistorical awkwardry.

[skatesindreams]

It's easy to forget that Toller had as much technical difficulty in his programs as anyone of his era.

[jagd1964]

What music does he use starting at 5:03?  Sounds like Russian balalaika music, but I can't find it anywhere? Does anyone know how I can get my hands on it?

[joe11880]

Heard of Toller Cranston but never saw his skating before. Wow, it is so interesting to watch. Compared to today where they skate, jump, spin, jump.... Toller is amazing!

[RAFAAMARILLAS]

No more to say.......perfect take-off's, wondeful edges and very light spins......a remarkable artist!!! WOW!!!!! He truly deserved a GOLD!!!

[formersk8ter]

@topartistry Very surprised at your comment. You really don't see an interpretation of this music? Jumps are landed on climactic beats of the music, the choreography definitely reflects the spirit of each section of the music. And what's wrong with a little posing here and there? I think it adds some nice touches. If you truly don't see this as an artistic program, I'd like to know what skates you do consider artistic.

[fishsauceman]

Ive met this guy personaly. Hes a nice guy.

[topartistry]

Again... more posing.... one dimensional... flexible non the less. Any choice of music could be played over his skating and it would make no difference. The energy that comes from his movements.... sorry "posing" are frustration without clarity. Most people only see the surface or the packaging.... look deeper to see the truth. Don't be blinded by the propaganda.

[amalistelus]

I forgot how really good he was. I remember watching him on TV and he was certainly innovative at the time. I was trying to describe him to my kids as he was a judge on Battle of the Blades and they didn't know who he was. My description really didn't do him justice, so I'm back here trying to find clips to remember. He was really good, and certainly see his influence on skaters from the 90s. Or even Johnny Weir!

[nightswimmer99]

I wish I could have seen him skate live. In these film clips, he never looked like he was prepping for his jumps; everything just flows. You can see where skaters like Paul Wylie were influenced by Toller Cranston's artistry.

His camel spins were so beautiful - as special as any triple jump.

[rodentcafeteria]

It's too bad that men's figure skating these days is more about jumps and doing quads. It's very rare that you see any sort of artistic expression these days. It's all jump, jump, jump.