I often say, CBC Radio 2 is the soundtrack to my life! It is always playing in my home from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep, my house is filled with the familiar sounds of Mornings, Tempo and Drive. As a young skater I was inspired by the music I heard on the ice. I spent a great part of my teenage years choosing, and editing music that I then choreographed for myself and other skaters around Nova Scotia. When I hear an iconic piece of music like Puccini’s Turandot, it takes me back to the first time I watched that piece being skated so brilliantly by Jenny Meno and Todd Sand at the US Nationals in 1995.
As an incredible skating season comes to an end there are a few programs and pieces of music that were really memorable for me. So memorable, that the music is now a staple on my Youtube playlist. I would love to share these with you so you can enjoy them as well.
1. SYML – Where’s My Love
Charlie Bilodeau and Julianne Seguin skated their long program to this piece. Beautiful lyrics and a folky acoustic sound combined with their genuine connections made this program a real win for me this season. Check it out here
2. Nemesis – Benjamin Clementine
Nathan Chen skated to this jazzy, contemporary piece in his short program this season. The combination of brilliant choreography and Benjamin Clementine’s unique vocals made this so enjoyable. Take a listen here.
3. Sound of Silence – Disturbed
Elladj Balde resurrected this short program for his final competitive season. I had the pleasure to meet him and watch him skate this with incredible passion live at Nationals. Although this music has been skated to by others, no one brings the authenticity and emotion to it quite like Elladj! Watch it here.
4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Joseph Morgan
Nam Nguyen skated to a really cool version of one of my all time favourite pieces of music, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. When skaters choose new and unique versions of classics it makes me appreciate that lyrics are allowed. Check it out here.
5. Lighthouse – Patrick Watson
Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot skated to this piece last season but I still can’t stop listening to it….so it deserves an honourable mention. This program, this music catapulted them into the stratosphere of pairs skating for me. One of the BEST pairs programs I have ever seen. (listen to the commentators gush) Although they struggled technically last season, this program really highlighted how incredible they could be. I have been addicted to Patrick Watson ever since! Watch here
Until next time,
keep your brain in the game!
Hi, I'm Rebekah. I help skaters improve their performance by strengthening their mindset. Please check out my blog, sign up to my mailing list, or follow me on social media for inspiration. 