At The Copa...Cup of Russia Copacabana...The Hottest Spot North of Havana...


To tie up my Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 USU Grand Prix Season in a neat little Costume Bow, I'll finish with the Ice Dancers. And to narrow my "Nick Two Cents" Review even further, I'll discuss only the Short Dance "Latin" costumes. For this season, in case you want to know, the International Skating Union/ISU chose "Latin Dance" as the format to which all the Ice Dancing competitors were required to do for their Short Dance. It's led to a wide variety of Cha-Cha-licious "At The Copa...Copacabana" "Princess Cruises Does San Juan!" costumes. And so it may come as no surprise, it's been Costume HEAVEN for me, in terms of commentating here on my little ol' Style Blog. So, let's get to it:

Carron & Jones of France: Pernelle Carron and Lloyd Jones finished 6th overall in Moscow. They skated to "Mambo, Rhumba, and Mambo" for their Latin Short Dance. These definitely meet the "Latin Theme" requirement however, there's just not a lot of sophistication in the designs and overall presentation. They look like costumes that were left in a back Costume House closet from a forgotten 1940's Carmen Miranda Movie--Let's just say there's a lot more SASS than CLASS.

Tobias & Stagniunas of Lithuania: For their Short Dance, they skated to a "Shakira Medley" which included some "Samba and Meringue" sounds. I like the gold and black color combinations and it is a breath of Ice Dance "fresh air" to see something other than the ubiquitous BUBBLEGUM pink, CANARY yellow or ultra bright TURQUOISE in a Latin Short Dance costume. While I like the gold beaded "fringe", I'm not so sure about those bedazzled bust cups: they seem TOO BIG! They look like the bust cups of a woman who has size 40DD's and something tells me that Isabella Tobias is NOT 40DD. In terms of HIM: I'm glad he wasn't just in an all-black shirt-and-pant look (with nothing else to it) but their costumer wisely decided to tie it back to her by adding some gold beading on the shirt and pant outseam.

Pushkash and Guerreiro of Russia: For their Short Dance , these two young Russians (he's from Australia originally), skated to a "Samba, Rhumba, Samba" Medley including "La Vuelta" and "Mujer Latina" by Thalia. Alright, since there's not that much I can say about Jonathan Guerreiro and his black shirt-and-pant costume--other than well, the shirt had an interesting devore effect to it--it is all about her. Her Mantilla shawl-influenced halter dress was original and still retained a "Latina" flavor, but instead of going the "Princess Cruises San Juan" route, she went for Sevillana. The fringe is great, so is the sequined mesh bust half-section and the embroidery and aquamarine-green color is subdued and elegant.

Riazanova & Tkachenko of Russia: These two finished 7th (last) overall at the Rostelecom Cup last weekend. They skated to "Paxi Ni Ngongo" by Bonga and "Cuba" for their Short Dance. Her black costume was a SEX-a-licious Spanish Contessa! It featured an asymmetrical ruffled skirt and an (almost) completely exposed back and side: LOVED it! She really should have finished the costume with an over-the-top Peneita (hair comb) on top of her hair, but then again, that may not have worked during the spins and twizzles (can someone pick up the PEINETA on the ice???!!!). Last but not least: her partner Ilia Tkachenko is one good-looking human being! Seriously, he is like a Russian male supermodel. He could be in a GARBAGE Bag and look H.O.T.

Bobrova & Soloviev of Russia: These Russian Ice Dancers garnered the Bronze Medal overall. They skated to "Eres Todo En Mi" by Ana Gabriel and "Ooh La La" by Chicadee. I am DYING for her costume: It's like a Cirque du Soleil performer got into a collision with a Drag Queen from Rio de Janeiro! The neon peach/orange and black color combination is striking and makes for a "You Can't Miss Her from the Nose-Bleed Seats" effect. She should be on top of a very FABULOUS--and very CHA-CHA--Christmas tree is all I can say! I want MORE of her and that costume. More!

Davis and White of the USA: Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the Gold overall at the Cup of Russia. and boy, was it well-deserved: they were INCREDIBLE! At one point, during their winning Free Dance, I caught myself wide-eyed and in silent awe while watching them. It is mesmerizing to see them skate. OK, enough of the "Nick Ovations to Davis and White", let's discuss their Short Dance Costumes--and the COSTUME CHANGE--for BOTH of them! (I love when that happens):

For their Latin Short Dance-at the Cup of Russia last weekend--they skated to "Butucadas", "Life is a Carnival" and "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez. She wore a very modern electric orange ensemble featuring an original neckline with a "one-sleeve" detail, beading throughout and fringed skirt. Charlie had a bronzed and black metallic shirt with black pants. I quickly realized "Wait! That's not the same costumes they wore for the same Short Dance number when they competed at Skate America back in October". Well, I was right:

Davis and White at Skate America two months ago: You see!! They did change their costumes. Above, at Skate America, the neckline was completely different than the new "Cup of Russia" costume: it was a more simple halter. They did, however keep the same multicolored beading and fringed aspect of the skirt section. I ABSOLUTELY love the NEW one. It's much more directional, much more sophisticated, and oh-so-chic on Meryl! Even Charlie got a do-over as seen from his Skate America shirt. The original was Black Striped "burn out" Stretch Velvet as opposed to the newer "abstract" jacquard. I actually like the original shirt better. It is tighter and more fitted (Hello! Of course I like it!) and gives a more "Latin Dance Vibe". Watch both skates and you'll see he is MUCH sexier in the first. I wonder which Costume they will wear to next weekend's Grand Prix Final in Quebec City? I'm hoping for a combination of the two! Please!!! I'll be watching...