Boot and Blade

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World Championship Reporting on Pause

For those of you looking to BootandBlade.com for analysis of Worlds (bless you!), it will be a little late coming. I’m on a much-needed holiday this week and am hoping to make it back to my PVR chock-a-block full of World’s coverage before hearing the results, and blogging about them.
So, if you can wait a [...]

Reporting from Vancouver…

During the Olympics I got the chance to chat with some local and international media about the figure skating events, the outcomes and the sport’s appeal.
I made some predictions about the Ladies event on the Global TV’s morning show and chatted with Lisa Christiansen on CBC 3’s “Appetite for Distraction” about my favourite Olympic moment [...]

What Not to Wear, Figure Skating Edition

Last week I spoke with ABC News for their story about Olympic figure skating costuming, Vancouver Olympics: In Figure Skating, Women Go Classy, Men Stay Flashy. The article asks this question: Why are men donning outrageous costumes while the women are toning it down with sophisticated dresses? It was fun to weigh-in on the discussion [...]

Send Joannie Rochette Your Support

Watching Joannie Rochette battle through the short program last night was inspirational and, of course, heartbreaking. Her courage is astounding.
Many fans have expressed their support for Joannie with messages and texts. In this statement, she says that she appreciates all the support:
We both want to thank all the people here and across Canada for their [...]

Manley and Witt Reunited at Robson Square

Last weekend I went to Robson Square to see Elizabeth Manley and Katarina Witt reunited 22 years after the Calgary Olympics. Hundreds of fans came out to get a glimpse of the figure skating icons. For so many Canadians, Manley’s flawless free program in Calgary was the highlight of the ‘88 Games.

Manley and Witt certainly [...]

US Nationals Through a Fashionista’s Eyes

I often wonder what non-fans think when they happen upon a figure skating competition on TV. Are they amazed by the athletic feats? Do they marvel at pairs skaters’ willingness to be hurled into triple split twists? Do they appreciate artistic achievements?
Over at Go Fug Yourself, Jessica reviews US Nationals with an entertaining costume critique. [...]

Why Such a Gap in the Women’s Competition?

As regular readers will know, the Canadian Championships are my favourite competition of the year. I’m thoroughly enjoying this year’s competition in London, Ontario and think the Olympic roster is stacking up well.
While watching Joannie Rochette put together the error-free program she’s been grasping for all season, my husband asked a very good question: “Why [...]

I’m a Sucker for Battle of the Blades

At the end of last season I wrote about CBC’s Battle of the Blades, which has now been running for a month. In truth, I didn’t want to like the reality TV show. I thought it would be way too cornball. Now, well into the series, I admit that I’m enjoying the show. Now, the [...]

How Figure Skating Works: The Science Behind the Art

First off, hello! The figure skating season is about to begin which means it’s time to start blogging here on Boot and Blade. Thanks for joining me again this season.
Want to brush up on the sport before the first Grand Prix event? Check out How Figure Skating Works by Keltie Thomas, a delightful book sent [...]

It’s ‘The Cutting Edge’ on CBC Next Season

Battle of the Blades is Dancing with the Stars meets The Cutting Edge for figure skating fans. Next year, the CBC will launch an elimination-style TV competition featuring some of the “biggest names in hockey and figure skating,” according to CBC executive director of network programming, Kirstine Layfield. During each show, hockey players and figure [...]