Dance defined: Belbin, Agosto
Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto have taken Championship Dance to a level it has never been in the United States, but they’re not done.
They plan on taking U.S. skating higher, even as other skaters are taking time off from the Grand Prix circuit – or even retiring – after last year’s Turin Olympics.
“We’ve only just done our best to keep up with the demands of our sport and try to remain creative,” said Belbin. “Our youth and our energy has helped us fit into that mold of that that new generation, that new wave of skaters and we’re proud to be a part of that. But it has a lot of room to grow and a lot of exciting events to come.”
They continue to skate to adoring audiences, but even more so since their Olympic silver medal made them the poster children for U.S. skating. They are one of the most recognizable couples in figure skating, which is elevating their discipline within the sport.
“Never before would a national championship be advertised with a poster of dance team,” said Belbin. “It says a lot of how far the sport has come. We’re happy to be the progression of the sport.”
The pair understands that it’s not just about an athletic event, but also a connection with their fans.
“We always try to make as much effort as possible to be out there for the fans, to meet the fans; meet people who enjoy our staking,” said Agosto. “It’s very special. We really want to try to give back as much as we can.”
His partner agrees and adds that it’s also about keeping things going and building for the future.
“On a personal level, it’s important for us to be out there for everybody at nationals, because it’s important that we make a statement as a team that we are in it for the next four years, because so many skaters are unsure at this point to what the future has in store for them and what they want to do in skating,” said Belbin.
The pair had to withdraw from the International Skating Union Grand Prix Final in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December. Agosto injured his back while lifting Belbin during practice. His strain is expected to be fully healed for nationals.
They are among the few U.S. ice dancing teams to have won multiple World medals, having captured a silver and bronze in the last two championships. They would like to add a gold in this year’s event.
It will all start with nationals, where they are the three-time defending champions.