There's Still Time to See Stars on Ice 2009

On the Edge: The Heart of a Champion Tour Continues

Mar 11, 2009 Timbre Beck-Murphy

Here are some of the highlights from this year's Stars on Ice tour of figure skating champions.

Note: Catch a sneak-peek video of the t.v. intro, and visit the Stars on Ice website for “Skater Cam” videos.

During the show, expect a variety of entertaining pieces that vary in emotion and execution.

One very long ensemble instrumental piece showcased a crack-the-whip and heel slide final move. Unison issues were slightly distracting, but the group’s faux tap number was playful enough to keep the audience interested.

Bon Jovi’s “We’ve Got it Goin On” brought the skating hotties back out in tight pleather pants and cut-off blue shirts. Skating’s dominant males partied with a lot of playful arm pumping and leaps. Weiss lay belly-down on Zimmerman’s head in a star spin variation partner move that boasted both champions’ impressive balance and strength.

Before taking the ice for her solo, Yuka Sato stepped up to the microphone briefly to speak about commentating at the last Olympics in front of her parents who had skating students competing there. Yuka, the 1994 World Champion, skated to a soft vocal number that channeled Dorothy Hamill’s lilt and edges. Although her smile made this a pleasant program, her performance was not as dynamic as we’ve come to expect from this veteran performer. Only two jumps, both doubled, made me wonder if her training and health are withstanding the pressures of life and touring.

When Todd Eldridge isn’t on the ice, he’s on the golf course or race car track – which is had to assimilate both sports with ice skating. This man feels his music to his soul and displayed that still-competitive artistry in his solo to “Is Nothing Sacred Anymore.”

Sasha Cohen’s beautiful bird costume lifting her already striking visage to new heights – for about 30 seconds before the enchantment was interrupted by a sixty’s number that left me wondering: what the heck? Not that the ladies weren’t great to watch, but I felt caught between both worlds. That’s when Zimmerman entered and the ice got so steamy I forgot about the… what was I saying?

Oh yeah, John. US pairs champ goin it solo to a sexy blues number. I guarantee not a single woman in the arena breathed consistently during that skate. His tight black t-shirt forced me to forgive him for the lame double-toe. Innovative knee-slides and excellent choreography seduced the audience until his final pose. Zimmerman says skating is his expressive outlet, especially when he’s “riding and holding position.” Silvia? Silvia who? (His beautiful skater wife has nothing to do this.)

Sasha spoke about cooking for her family and friends, and about keeping up with her fitness routine. Her piano solo showed a more relaxed Sasha whose technique remains at a competitive level. But it’s hard to judge because this broadcast of Stars on Ice was made for TV, so that means their woopsie jumps may have been reshot. Make no mistake, however, her extension and expression in this short were as breath-taking as ever. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her vying for a place on the Olympic team next year.

The athletes let loose and had fun during another jamming ensemble piece. It was great to see familiar favorites like ice dancers Punsalin and Swallow. Stars on Ice rarely disappoints, and this year’s tour is no exception. Its theme is about the joy of competing, of bringing a high level of artistry and athleticism to the ice.

The champs shot a PSA promoting families eating meals together regularly.

Stars on Ice Tour runs through April.

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