Figure Skating 101

I really liked what Kurt Browning said about Oda and Lysacek before the Men's long program during the ESPN broadcast. I liked it so much, I'm quoting it here:

They're the only two guys that really skate, and when I say skate, I mean they actually can get across the ice in a fashionable manner that shows ice skating skill. Now, they also can take that and transfer it to music--Figure Skating 101. These guys are good.

I think that's really true. I would add, though, and this is something that was discussed some in this competition, that "Figure Skating 101" has become even more complicated in the last few years because of the new scoring system. Now, skaters have to keep in mind the points, and create programs that fulfill the requirements, and try to earn as many points as they can. And keep the theatre, beauty, and drama of figure skating. It sounds difficult, and when a skater pulls it off, I admire him or her.