I spent part of Sunday evening geeking out over a video of new Canadian pair Lubov Iliushechkina and Dylan Moscovitch. Moscovitch represented Canada in the 2014 Sochi Olympics with former partner Kirsten Moore-Towers, placing fifth. He teamed up with former Russian World Junior champion Iliushechkina three months later, and they haven’t let their lack of experience together become an obstacle. They won the final qualifying event for the Canadian National Championships this weekend with the free program I’ve embedded below.
Pairs skaters who are relatively young in their partnerships – and unfortunately, some several years in – lack the comfort with each other to work on aspects of skating outside of not falling on each other. In a new couple, that’s totally understandable. I, too, would not be focusing so much on pointing my toes, leg extension and hit positions if someone I just started working with was tossing me several feet above their head and then catching me.
The difference with Iliushechkina and Moscovitch is that the attention to detail is there even when the familiarity with each other isn’t, particularly on her part. She extends her limbs, points her toes and follows every arm movement with her eyes (which helps give it purpose instead of looking like you’re flailing about in rushing water.) Despite being together mere months, they have the confidence to perform intricate spins and lifts that would look messy if not hit precisely.
What sold me was their pairs spin halfway through their long program (approximately at the 2:15 mark). Her free leg placement on the camel part of the spin – wrapped around his leg – is so neat. Even between positions, they don’t rush to set up the next part of the spin and throw away the movement. They both extend their free legs.
Are they perfect? Oh, far from it. Those early side-by-side jumps are iffy, and there is a odd catch-foot lift in the program’s second half that made me cringe. But is this some of the most inspiring pairs skating I’ve watched since started watching figure skating hardcore again? Definitely.
Luba Illyusheshkina / Dylan Moscovitch – Senior… by skatecanada