Komatsubara and Koleto dazzled with their Dreamgirls routine on the opening day of the NHK Trophy ©International Skating Union (ISU)
Japanese Champions Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto danced to a strong lead in the Rhythm Dance at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trohpy in Osaka (JPN) Friday. The new team of Kana Muramoto/Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) edged Rikako Fukase/Eichu Cho(JPN) for second place.
Dancing to Blues, Swing and Disco from “Dreamgirls”, Komatsubara/Koleto produced a level-four curve lift and level-four twizzles as well as a level-three Finnstep pattern and pattern dance step sequence. However, the diagonal footwork garnered a level two. The Japanese Champions received 70.76 points.
The Japanese Champions danced to Blues, Swing and Disco for a top score of 70.76 ©International Skating Union (ISU)
“This year has been such a tough situation for everyone and I know that everybody has been working very hard. This competition, we were able to perform to a (live) audience and we are very lucky,” Koleto said. “It has been only a week since I obtained Japanese citizenship and it was great to share this moment with the Japanese audience,” the American-born skater added.
Muramoto and Takahashi received a great reception from the audience in Osaka ©International Skating Union (ISU)
Muramoto/Takahashi, who debuted in competition, put out an upbeat performance to “The Mask”. They picked up a level four for the rotational lift and a level three for the twizzles. The Finnstep pattern was graded a level one while the pattern dance step sequence was rated a level three for her and a level one for him. The 2010 ISU World Champion in Single Skating and his partner earned 64.15 points.
“It is very special to perform for a live audience. Not everything was the way we hoped and it was not a 100 percent, but the Rhythm Dance was good,” Takahashi commented. “I did not realize how difficult ice dance is. So hat off to all ice dancers,” the former Single Skater shared.
Fukase and Cho finished third in the Rhythm Dance competition at the NHK Trophy ©International Skating Union (ISU)
Fukase/Cho collected a level for their lift and the twizzles in their dance to “La La Land” for a score of 63.46 points.
“We had a lot of challenges to overcome. Coming to Japan, we first had to practice under quarantine conditions. This is the first time we scored above 60 in the Rhythm Dance and we are very happy,” Fukase said.
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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020
· 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America, Las Vegas (USA) – October 22-24
· Shiseido Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN) – November 6-8
· Rostelecom Cup, Moscow (RUS) – November 20-22
· NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN) – November 27-29
· ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final postponed
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season.
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Due to the current situation, the usual selection criteria do not apply. Please see the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating page for further information.