#Kurt Browning

[figureskatingcostumes]

Kurt Browning performing on tour with Stars On Ice in Vancouver in 2023.

(Source: kurtfiles.com)

[thepermanentrainpress]

REVIEW: STARS ON ICE AT ROGERS ARENA - MAY 18, 2023

Of the four cast numbers, my favourite was the sentimental “To Build a Home” that preceded intermission. It really solidified Browning’s role as a guide and respected leader in the sport as he individually embraced each skater/pair at song’s end. The pairs and ice dancers had a brief spotlight, and the number felt warm and nuanced. 

It was Madeline Schizas’ first full tour, and I enjoyed her skates to “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “Everybody Wants to be a Cat.” I really think Stars On Ice has been beneficial for Schizas to work on her expression in a low stress environment. It was nice to see her embrace her playful side (cat ears and all!). She also has some very impressive spins! Patrick Chan was a crowd favourite, having called Vancouver home for the past six years. In his tour return for the first time in four years, he didn’t show much rust to “Wicked Game” and “I Hear a Symphony.” He’s such a staple in Canadian figure skating, and the ‘Pchiddy’ appreciation was evident in the room. 

Keegan Messing performed a redux of this season’s short program to “Grace Kelly” and a skate to Tophouse’s “The Mountain Song.” His quick footwork and spins were in full force, as was his unwavering warm spirit. I will miss Messing on the national team, and hope he continues to do ice shows while spending time with his beautiful family, who figure skating fans have grown to know from afar. 

World Bronze medalists Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier were sensational in their “Evita” and “Annie’s Song/Thank God I’m a Country Boy” routines. I’d watched them many times on television from this season, but nothing compares to the live event. They were fighters this season, notably Gilles after a surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in the winter. Their poise and ability to transform into character is something I always admire, which extends into their “Evita” bows towards the audience. 

Alexa Knierim & Brandon Frazier are coming off their best season yet. Their throw jumps and height on the triple twist are outstanding! They performed their exhibition routine to “Shallow” and short program “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Their steady and sure demeanor was on display, and I was happy to see them skate in-person. One of my favourite skates of the night was Alissa Czisny’s “Chasing Cars.” It was proof that you don’t need jumps to make a program special. She used the song (version by Tommee Profitt and Fleurie) to emote through movement, graceful skating and spins that spanned the ice. The cover song had a really cinematic build that Czisny used to her advantage. 

Jason Brown is having the most fun on tour, uncontested. His Backstreet Boys routine was a joy. In an all-white ensemble, Brown even demonstrated ‘the worm’ on the ice, among some impressive jump splits. Even his bows had energy, with waving and jumping abound. In his Act II skate to “The Impossible Dream,” I was reminded of his gorgeous triple jumps, some of, if not the best, on tour. As a side note, I had a brief interaction with Brown as the skaters arrived at the rink, and he could not have been friendlier! 

Satoko Miyahara was a returning cast member from last year. Her elegance and interpretation of the music was stunning to watch. “Jenny of Oldstones” and “Ne me quitte pas” were her programs of choice, and I can confidently say her elegance is missed on the circuit. There’s a confidence and calmness in how she glides on ice, and I hope she’ll continue to be a mainstay in the cast. 

A breakout season for Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx, we were graced with her presence in her debut Canadian tour. As girls behind me whistled and hollered “get it, girl!” Hendrickx skated to Britney Spears’ “Circus” and Loni’s “Loneliness.” She had attitude and was fierce, and it’s easy to see why she will continue to be a top contender next season. Her arms overhead jumps are flawless! Madison Chock & Evan Bates are technically immaculate, if we didn’t know already from their consistently high scores in competition. Their performance is also top notch, and they’re very innovative skaters in their lines and elements. Their skate to “Nightcall” was a highlight (the chemistry!), and I was excited to see #ChockBates in action for the first time! 

Elvis Stojko’s bringing old school rock back. Skating to Shinedown and Van Halen, Stojko looked casual and collected with hands in his pockets, denim and black fingerless gloves. His mature and slightly edgy presence is always popular, drawing favourable cheers from the crowd. Even though he ended his competitive career over twenty years ago, he still has a power in his skating that is magnetic to watch. He joined Browning for an interactive skate as friendly rivals to “Raise a Little Hell,” where they sported matching shirts in admiration of each other. They joked about who was supposed to give the music to production (“on cassette”), did a quick bout of the chicken dance, and still had a raw synchronicity. Truly a memorable duo with heartfelt words of their memories together on tour.  

Kurt Browning received too many (well deserved) standing ovations to count! His animated personality shone and I loved the extra long looks he’d direct at the crowd in his skates. It felt personal. Skating to “Please Forgive Me” and “Who Are You,” his smooth skating ability is unparalleled. Yes, there are still jumps, and a backflip too! His aura is just so pleasant and it felt like a night celebrating Browning, with multiple montages or clips of his past performances played throughout the night. 

I loved the costumes! Between the gold-detailed military inspired fits for The Killers’ “All These Things That I’ve Done,” to the rainbow pop of colour in the closing routine to “Brand New.” And, who could forget the sleek James Bond outfits - black suits and metallic dresses that screamed ‘diamonds are forever.’ They complimented the music well, and many of the skaters brought their pre-loved, familiar outfits from their signature skates this season.  

You can tell the cast enjoyed each other’s company, sharing camaraderie and grace towards the encouraging audience. Browning is leaving behind an unmatched legacy, but Stars On Ice remains in good hands. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy Photographed by: Timothy Nguyen

[doomduck]

Kurt Browning was at the rink today for a three day seminar. It looked like he was having an absolute blast and I am massively irritated that I didn't get to go. Next time damn it. Next. Time.

[persimmonlions]

alissa czisny and kurt browning married last year? 🫥

[miamaimania]

Kurt Cobain - "First Kitten" ~ Seattle (1993)

[twinklerei]

Im convinced a lot of you "comic fans" arent really comic fans at all and just like participating in fanon

[cryscendo]

Here, in the 11th hour, I've decided to go in a different direction. Something that's a little more out there, but much more me.

@giftober 2024 | day 3: gold

[eira-kuso]

I feel like comic book writers are always one moment of distraction from the editors from making all the characters queer

[oldmanbracket]

Sexiest Old Man Tournament: Round 2

Who is hotter?

[figureskatingcostumes]

Kurt Browning skating to Feeling Good in the Golden Moment show in 2015.

(© Tina Tyan)

[spirit-fingers22]

I don't know how to write it or where to find it but I pitch to you

Fictional boyfriends

Fictional girlfriends

Fictional Partners

Fictional Best Friends

Making you friendship bracelets

We already have the reader making them one why not the other way around?

Share it with a friend

[teaganrae15]

Tarantino is my fav director ever

[sisaloofafump]

Kurt Schaffenberger style study feat. Stephanie Brown

Because he’s my favourite early artist and I’m sad he never got to draw her

Click for a maybe decent resolution! Coloured version below :)

She’s based off of various Supergirl references and her suit is a whole mixture of stuff she’s worn before. Yup yup.

[yourlocalpolishguy]

Art dump #6

[cryscendo]

“Every morning I get to wake up next to you. I get to walk you to the subway. Then walk you to class. And most days I get to have lunch with you. And even after all of that amazingness, I get to come home to you.”

@giftober 2024 | day 2: in bed