Ice Dancing Fashion: Hits and Misses

This past week or so, I’ve loved getting to watch ice dancing during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Athletes compete in pairs and perform a choreographed dance on the ice with a specific style (folk dancing, tango, etc.). While the beauty of the ice dancing can’t be denied, there were certainly some fashion fiascos that took attention away from the actual performance. However, there were also gorgeous creations that shined on the ice and accentuated the dances. Below are my top three BEST dressed couples, and my top three WORST pairs.

BEST

Sinead Kerr and John Kerr of Great Britain

This brother and sister duo took on the competition in a fierce ensemble of black for their performance. While many pairs opted for brighter colors, this sparkly look stood out, and the cut of Sinead’s dress was anything but bland. Special props for the lace-like material and backless aspect of the gown.

Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto of the United States

This American skating pair rocked a white and black costume set for their dance. The design mix of black and white was tasteful so as to avoid looking like a jail romper, and the necklace detail on Tanith’s dress added some Hollywood glamour to her one-shouldered gown. Special props go to Benjamin Agosto’s black frock coat that gave him an elegant but masculine edge.

Charlie White and Meryl Davis of the United States

These Indian-inspired outfits were outstanding. The bold reds, blues and golds brought some spice to the rink and were authentic enough to justify their folk dance. Special props go to Charlie White for having a traditional but complimentary outfit that didn’t distract from his partner.

WORST

Oksana Dominina and Maxim Shabalin of Russia

What on earth were these two thinking? Their “aborigine” inspired costumes were just short of belonging in a Tarzan musical. Dominina and Shabalin should have focused more on the culture and apparel of the aborigine people instead of trying to create a flashy compromise. I appreciate the colors, but this get up comes off a bit offensive.

Sinead Kerr and John Kerr of Great Britain

I realize they were going for cowboy folk dance, but these costumes look cheap. Daisy Dukes do not belong in an elite ice arena and a bare midriff doesn’t offer any protection in the event of an unlucky tumble. I like John’s cowboy hat, but his shirt could’ve used another button or two.

Anna Zadorozhniuk and Sergei Verbillo

She is wearing a flowered bathing cap with streamers…that’s all I could look at during their dance. Sergei’s outfit isn’t awful, but the material of his shirt is too shiny/polyester looking to emit an elegant vibe. I have to admit that I love Anna’s boots though…good shoe cover choice!