A Worthy Zamboni Break: Stephanie Rosenthal

Stephanie Rosenthal at 2006 U.S. Nationals made me as giddy as a young child getting two scoops of rocky road ice cream. In the midst of the overpowering hype of an Olympic season and Kwan's injury, Rosenthal's presence brought a release of tension to the whole competition. She truly was the shining light at the championships and created such a stir that people still remember her programs and contagious joy.






In her short program, the ever-insightful Dick Button gave a quote that is especially important for all skaters to hear:

"Everybody is so scared to death of getting off centered in this sport, and in this world of formal figure skating that it is just a delight to see this."

What made this program so great was that it had no boundaries. Her movement appeared as if she was just doing whatever her body felt like at the moment - and that's a good thing when it's done correctly! The best choreography should not like contrived or choreographed; it should appear spontaneous and free. Other skaters doing these same moves may look totally pathetic doing the dance moves she performed, but she puts her whole body and soul into them that they are believable and fun.



Even though this long program is of a totally different style, the abandon she puts into her movement is similar as to the short program.

What baffles me is that this woman is always doing something unique. Her program is loaded with intricate choreography that weaves inside and out the program. Of course Dick again brings another classic moment when Stephanie starts to raise the leg and immediately he chimes, "Oh good...another catchfoot." Dick Button's commentating + Stephanie Rosenthal's skating = world class television.

The final step sequence is the total "Hell ya" moment of the program and boy, does she make a statement. I'm gonna say it - this is the best footwork sequence I have ever seen. Who really cares about what level it was - this is a representation of what skating is truly about - flow, creativity, expression, and intricacy. In my book, she has all of these things down to a tee.