Team Savchenko-Szolkowy-Steuer made history in the pairs’ event

For years on end, the pairs’ event was all about these talented skaters representing Germany – and about Ingo Steuer, their innovative coach, bronze Olympic medalist in Nagano-1998, alongside Mandy Woetzel. In the last decade, this fabulous trio made wonders on the ice and their programs were to me the highlights of the entire discipline. In a figure skating event dominated by technique, Aliona and Robin were artists – and it couldn’t have been a better way to end their career together than a ballet on ice, skated on music from “The Nutcracker”. Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy will skate together for the very last time at the gala “Imagine on Ice”, in Chemnitz, on the 26th of April – but what stays in the minds of many are their gorgeous performances that changed the pairs’ event forever. Take, for example, masterpieces like “Pina” or “Out of Africa”, but also courageous, delightful programs like “Send in the clowns”, “The Pink Panther” or “Flamenco Bolero”. As a farewell to their amazing career, here are some colorful glimpses into their story on the ice, in the last couple of years. Enjoy.

by Florentina Tone

At the 2010 Worlds in Torino, in the short program, Aliona and Robin played the part of two clowns (music: “Send in the Clowns”, program choreographed by Ingo Steuer)