October 25, 2005
Kristi Yamaguchi Friends and Families
by TouchOfPink
Hi all, I haven't posted for quite some time. I'm somewhat of a lurker...Anyway, I just returned home from the taping of Kristi's show here in Albany. It was so much fun, I had a blast! All of the skaters that were performing had their kids in the front row which was great! I had a diagonal view of them all from where I was sitting. There was Kristi's daughter Kira, Scott's son Aiden, Daria and Liza of course, Meno and Sand's son Jack, and other kids were there as well, unfortunately I don't remember their names :-(. The costumes were beautiful, as usual and the skating was great. There is so much to remember, but for you all I will try. :-) First was the group number with all the skaters, set to "Islands in the Stream" sung by Kenny Rogers. When Katia and Ilya skated out they were so cute, they were looking into eachothers eyes while skating around and smiling big smiles. It was nice to see. Ilya skated first and he did a really creative number I know I have seen several times where he is skating like a robot, but I don't remember what it's called. His jumping was phenominal and cleanly landed. Then Katia came out and skated to "Mother's Prayer" by Celine Dion. As always her lines and skating were beatiful, there was one little bobble on the landing of her axel jump but other than that the program was exquisite. In the second half of the show Ilya skated to a number set to Kenny Roger's song "Lady" Again the jumping was superb and he was skating with so much emotion, it was really great to see. Then Katia and Dasha (Who was announced as Daria Grinkova) Skated to "Children of the World" By Amy Grant. It was such a great and special experience to see them skate togather in person it was really cute. I was so happy for Daria because she did a fantastic job. So, to those who are cynical or bitter towards Daria's being in these telivised shows, watch NBC on 12/31, take a look. She and Katia got a RESOUNDING standing ovation from the crowd (myself included ;-) I'm sorry that some are jealous that Daria is given the opportunity, perhaps they should seek help for their jelousy issues. Dasha is earning her spot on that ice. I know we will see great things from her in the future, should she decied that she wants to continue skating. The Final number was set to a medly of Kenny Roger's songs and the skaters all went over to the front row and picked up their kid. It was ADORABLE. Dasha was already on the ice so when Ilya came out he went over and scooped up little Liza and skated with her, and she waved to the crowd. The final pose was all of the skaters lined up with thier kids like in a family portrait kind of way all togather. Katia ,Ilya ,Daria and Liza were on the end. For re-skates, Katia tried to fix the bobble on her axel jump twice but it turned out that her original try was the best one. Also, it was so cute to see the kids reactions as their parents were skating, the older one's that is because some of them are still infants. Daria was sitting with Liza on her lap for most of the night, it was ADORABLE, they must be close. I'm still hyper from being there, I don't mean to ramble, lol! I will try to remember more, if anyone has any questions ask away! :-)
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