Journaling: At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose CA on Jan. 27-28, 2012, World Champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White left no doubt why they are the gold standard in ice dance these days, routing their “competition” and easily winning a fourth straight U.S. title. Their final score of 191.54 points was nearly 13 points ahead of the 2nd place Shibutanis and set a U.S. record. Davis and White were so dominant, their free dance score of 114.65, also a U.S. record, was higher than three couples’ total scores. Skating their free dance to "ie Fledermaus," Davis and White transported the audience back to 19th century Vienna, when grand balls were the height of fashion. They had such a big lead after their Latin themed short dance set a world record, and they are so far ahead of everyone else in the United States, they could probably have simply stroked around the rink and still won. But, they put on a show worthy of their status as Champions.
Unlike so many other couples, whose programs are a series of elements needing to be checked off, Davis and White skate as ice dance was meant to be done. One element flows right into another, the entire program a seamless performance. The lean of their bodies was matched perfectly and their edge quality is magnificent, carving deep, crisp patterns into the ice that look like a piece of art. Their speed was breathtaking and their lifts innovative - she wa