With the Olympics currently in full swing, millions tune in from across the globe to cheer on their home countries. As a girl who absolutely loves the Olympic Games, the thrill never gets old when it's finally time again to watch the world's greatest athletes compete — even if it's just from the comforts of my living room.
Looking back on my personal favorite athletes of the 2014 Sochi Games, Meryl Davis and Charlie White — the first Ice Dance duo to bring home gold for America — I enjoy reminiscing on their elegance and grace.
I hope I'm not the only Olympic-skating-fan-extraordinaire out there who still can't get over their exquisite performances from years past.
Regardless of your skating history, chances are if you follow the Olympics, even just in the slightest channel-surfing-type-of-way, you probably have stumbled upon a skating pair performing at least once.
What many may not be aware of is that "ice dancing" is not the same as the traditional pair figure skating one typically thinks of. While they might look similar to the untrained eye, there are several differences that set the two apart.
Ice dancing is often described as ballroom dancing on ice because the ice dancers do many of the same movements that are seen in ballroom steps. Musical interpretation and rhythm are at the core of this discipline.
While ice dancers have many difficult lifts, twists and spins that they gracefully execute, none of the lifts go completely overhead according to Ice Skating Resources, nor is the female partner ever thrown in the air.
The key focus of this form of skating is all about precision between the partners and their ability to connect with the music. Davis and White’s Free Dance that led them to gold in 2014 beautifully displays a flawless connection with both the music and each other.
Pairs skating routines, on the other hand, are more focused on the jumps, tricks, and overhead lifts. This category of skating has very similar tricks that the solo figure skater would do; the only difference is there are two people skating in unison with the added in lifts and throws.
Both disciplines are equally rigorous, just unique in their own ways.
Alexa Scimeca-Knierim and Chris Knierim are the sole pairs team representing USA this year. What’s particularly neat about this duo is that they are the first married couple for the US since the 1998 pairs team of Jenni Meno and Todd Sand. As the reigning National Champions for pairs, their Short Program is a perfect example of what pairs skating looks like.
While Davis and White will not be competing to defend their title, this year's lineup for Team USA looks promising. According to Time, Madison Chock/ Evan Bates, Maia Shibutani/ Alex Shibutani, and Madison Hubbell/ Zachary Donohue are the three ice dance teams for the US.
Here’s to hoping this year’s skaters on Team USA can live up to the spectacular duo of Davis and White. Fingers crossed some skaters finish with podium placements again, or better yet, bring home gold just like the Davis and White duo.
