April 3, 2004
STARS ON ICE (Grand Rapids, MI)
by skatefan
I have been a long time lurker here but just recently posting on the new forum. I had the opportunity to purchase on ice seats for the GR show a few days ago and was thrilled that I would get to see Katia skate live again but even more thrilled that I was going to take my 11 year old daughter with me. We have been every year for the past few years but she hadn't had the opportunity to see Katia. We arrived at Van Andel a few hours before the show as we had some other things to do before hand but were fortunate enough to have the bus pass by us so we meandered over and watched them get off the bus. We saw Paul, Katia, Elena and Anton as they arrived. Later while we were waiting in line to get in we had the opportunity to see Jason Dungjen picking up his ticket and chatting with someone who seemed to be a friend of his. The whole time he did this, the entire crowd seemed oblivious to the fact that he was standing right there. A couple of years ago at SOI, my daughter and I sat in front of him and Yuka and she just thought that was the thing to do but now she was seeing people up close and personal. My star struck child!
The whole on ice seating is new to us, as we have been a couple of rows back before but this was at the skaters level! WOW! My daughter was in awe of the male skaters....lol but then out came Katia. Her ribbon number was beautiful. She stayed on her feet for the whole number but it was just too short to satisfy this fan! I saw her a few years ago in East Lansing during her first tour back and she was beautiful but she sparkles now. Motherhood is agreeing with her!
I know I am missing alot....really only wanted to see her skate so I will leave out the rest of the cast. Her second number was just as beautiful as her first. Again, just mesmerizing.
I happened to be sitting next to someone who had brought a copy of My Sergei to possibly get autographed. I thought it was a little out of sorts given the fact that so much time has passed but at any rate this person placed this book in front of her on the floor and hoped that Katia would see it. Well....to all of our amazement....she did. After the group number she came over and picked up the book and signed it. My daughter and I stood up as well as a few others in the vicinity. She said she couldn't sign anything else but then....she took my daughters hand and held it for a moment. I don't know who was more struck by this, my daughter or myself. What a moment! She is still talking about it. Katia is just beautiful! She has given my daughter (and mom too) something to remember!
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