20 of the Best Skating Programs from the Fall of 2016
By Isobel Moody
20. Rachel & Michael Parsons (USA): Free Dance
When most people think of Singing in the Rain, they think of either the classic MGM movie, or the song of the same name from it. And indeed, that was the first music choice of Rachel & Michael Parsons for their final junior free dance. But when they found that song wasn’t working out, coaches Elena Novak and Alexei Kiliakov found a very different song of the same name, arranged by Sophia Sin and Alexander Goldstein.
It’s song that combines timeless wistfulness, with some very modern percussive touches. The choreography reflects this well, combining grace and that mix of joy and sadness with modern dance moves. Sound effects, even sometimes as simple as rain, can sometimes go awry when they accompany skating. But the Parsons respond well to the rain here, and without disrupting the program. Indeed, everything is so seamless, this free dance feels like a single breath in and out, from start to end. Not that you want it to end when it does.
As well as a getting standing ovation or two, the Parsons, with their training mates and main rivals currently faltering, have inched their way to the top of the junior scene. They will likely be favorites for gold at the World Junior Championships this year. If they win it with this free, that will be a moment to remember.
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Are there any programs you wanted to see make the list? Let us know in the comments below!