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VIDEO: #44 of 2016-17 - A breathtaking transformation

May 3, 2017

44. Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker USA
NHK Trophy free dance

I'll be the first to admit - I love this piece of music. But that means it also makes me even more uber-critical about the programs that use Libestraum. Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker, the 2014 World junior champions, were coming off a less-than-stellar sophomore season. But there was to be no stagnation for them, as they took their skating up another level with this free dance.

It's a seamless program, and it completely plays to their strengths as a team - smooth, light, and ethereal, with all the elements interwoven so well together. It was really too bad that their last impression of this program was at the U.S. Championships, with multiple mistakes that left them off the podium once again.

But enjoy the NHK Trophy instance of this free dance. It really is breathtaking.

Embed from Getty Images

In 41-45
← VIDEO: #43 of 2016-17 - Still ready to prove her mettleVIDEO: #45 of 2016-17 - Returning to form, and a personal best →
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ROCKER SKATING  |  Real, level-headed figure skating analysis  |  jackie@rockerskating.com