Battle of the Blades returning but will now start on Oct. 22nd, 2020

[happyheini]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Come on Thursday!

[Elizabeth]

Some articles leading up to the premiere episode:

• Agosta returns to figure skating roots in Battle of the Blades competition
  https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news ... ompetition
• Duhamel Skating for more than just bragging rights
  https://www.thesudburystar.com/sports/l ... n-thursday

This photo, posted on Twitter by Meagan, is related to her chosen charity and support she experienced because of it a year ago

[Elizabeth]

The premiere is tonight.

How to vote: https://www.cbc.ca/television/battleoft ... -1.5771575

[Elizabeth]

And the actual voting link: https://www.cbc.ca/battlevote/

[fred]

Episode 1 is up on Gem now. https://gem.cbc.ca/media/battle-of-the- ... 134b342975

[Elizabeth]

Tonight is the Halloween edition and it will be followed by PJ's "Blade This!" on her social media accounts.

Tune in at 10pm EST on PJ’s YouTube Channel or Facebook page as @pjkwong @trenntmichaud and our very own @charlenekbailey dive into all things skating and fashion and of course, @cbcbattle ⛸
•
We hear there are some exciting surprises up PJ’s sleeves so don’t miss out! Join in, say hello and tell us where you’re from!

[Elizabeth]

Episode 2 on CBC GEM: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/battle-of-the- ... 135155e2d8

[Elizabeth]

Have you ever heard of Mathieu Caron? Perhaps you're not familiar with his name but I know that you are familiar with some of his designs for skating costumes! Think of Tessa's Olympic FD dress (and the Barbie costume)...

Mathieu is doing all the costumes for the current season of Battle of the Blades!

Check out this interview with him: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1813224515956

[happyheini]

Here is my take on this year's season (so far). I am delighted and happy that CBC pulled it off. The skating is amazing and will only get better. I wish they would tell us who the coaches and choreographers are for each pair. And in my opinion it should have stayed a sport-type competition, to me this is turning into a "Dancing with the Stars" affairs. I don't like the piped-in audience noises, they sometimes overpower the music. No offence to Keshia but she doesn't add much to the show, other than the glamour factor. Ron and Kurt worked well together on the ice, now Kurt is away from everything and gives one or two commentaries. Oh well, just the musing of an old lady who has a hard time giving up on traditions. Please don't bite my head off.

[fred]

One of my favourite skaters is Violetta. It's a shame she lost again this year. She's been on the show so many times and never won yet. I am sure she could with the right partner.

[Elizabeth]

Some articles of interest:

• Eric about choosing music to skate to: https://t.co/u6pp7AqTku?amp=1
• Meagan cleared to skate despite suspected nose fracture: https://t.co/3qcnf71A8j?amp=1

Episode 3 on CBC GEM: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/battle-of-the- ... 1357d65d95

Tonight PJ's "after show" will have Violette & Elladj as guests - on her YouTube and Facebook. There was another surprise guest - Katia Gordeeva. Here's the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um40pdaPPwk

[fred]

Thanks for the Gem link, Elizabeth, and I'll try to take in the interviews as well. I have a little time today to follow some skating.

[Elizabeth]

You might want to check out PJ's "Blade This!" after show tonight (or later)....

[Elizabeth]

Based on a tweet & photo from Battle of the Blades, it appears that Kurt will be on skates in this week's show.

[Elizabeth]

Here's a link to the episode on CBC GEM: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/battle-of-the- ... 135ccc4c5c

[Elizabeth]

And here are a couple of shots of Kurt doing what he does





Although she is not given credit, Danielle Earle is the official "on site" photographer for Battle again this year.

[happyheini]

Oh boy, that head is very close to the ice. Danielle is a great photographer.
As I said earlier I think the coaches/choreographers should be given credit too.

[happyheini]

Is he wearing hockey skates, or ice skates mounted on hockey boots?????

[Elizabeth]

Is he wearing hockey skates, or ice skates mounted on hockey boots?????

I think the white laces are meant to make them look like hockey skates.

[Elizabeth]

Potential spoiler, if you haven't watched the most recent episode: https://www.cbc.ca/television/battleoft ... -1.5800959

[fred]

I was wondering about those skates myself. I can almost see toe picks on them, or is it ice crystals getting in the way. I can't imagine that he's doing back flips in hockey skates, but this is Kurt, you know.
I think you're right about the white laces, and those are certainly figure skating boots. Look at the heel. I've never seen raised heel hockey skates.

[Elizabeth]

The semi-final episode of Battle of the Blades is tonight. PJ Kwong has another episode of her Blade This! after show

[Elizabeth]

Before tonight's finale, you might want to check this out:

A Day In The Life: That Figure Skating Show x Battle of the Blades | THAT FIGURE SKATING SHOW
Dylan and Asher took us behind the scenes and showed us what their typical day making the show looks like.

Find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Yt_mM ... e=youtu.be

[Elizabeth]

A Sudbury Star article focusing on Meagan before tonight's finale: https://www.thesudburystar.com/sports/l ... the-blades

[Elizabeth]

The judges are "glamed up" for the finale





And the set is ready....