If you’ve ever given ice skating a go, you’ll know just how incredibly difficult it is.
It’s not one of those sports you can pick up in just a couple of sessions. Most people can spend hours on the ice and still struggle to stay on their feet during that time.
You can typically expect to pick up the basics in around two months of once-a-week sessions. But even then, you’ll probably just be able to skate forward semi-confidently, backward very unconfidently, and nothing else.
Reaching the professional level of Madison Chock and Evan Bates is something that takes years.
These world-famous skating superstars have been competing on ice for nine years. They’re a couple on the ice and off the ice, and their bond brings an extra dimension to their routines.
Masidon had sustained an ankle injury in the 2018 Olympics, and took the last season off to recover – but this year, the pair were are on the rise once more.
She and Evan took to the ice in January 2020 to prove to their competitors that they were now stronger than ever.
The two-time world medalists had clearly trained incredibly hard for their free-dance performance, and it’s hardly surprising that it won them their second national title at the U.S. Championships.
As the couple skate onto the ice to the cheers of the crowd, they both have their game faces on.
They look the part in paired outfits; Evan in black pants and a khaki skating top adorned with gold glitter to match Madison’s glittery gold dress.
As “snake charming” music starts up, Evan launches into the routine, elegantly skating around Madison.
Madison rises up onto one knee, placing her palms together and moving them from side to side to imitate a snake.
When Evan spins around Madison and lifts her up to standing, it becomes clear pretty quickly that this is going to be an unforgettable routine.
Most ice performers would need music with a beat to follow, but not Evan and Madison.
Dancing to the exotic sound of a snake charming instrument called the “pungi”, the couple spin, glide and twirl in perfect synchrony.
The song is “Yearning” by Raul Ferrando, and it’s the perfect sensual backing track for Evan and Madison’s performance.
The couple are so smooth and fluid in their movements that they almost seem to be gliding through the air.
There are no jarring position changes here, as you often see with newbie skating couples.
Evan and Madison flow smoothly from one move to another, blending each individual component of the dance into one.
They make use of the whole ice rink, skating from one end to the other in a matter of seconds, wowing the audience with lifts and twirls as they go.
It’s obvious that they came to win – and that’s exactly what they did!
Both skaters clearly have incredible strength and stability to stay upright on the ice while showcasing moves that most people would find difficult to do on solid ground.
You know you’re watching a fantastic performance when the couple on ice manage to make extremely hard choreography look so easy that you believe you can do it.
But the majority of these moves would put the average person in hospital. Don’t try this at home, kids!
If you love beautiful ice skating performances, this video is a must-watch. We’ve shared it below for your enjoyment.
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