As I watched pair after pair compete as I tuned into icenetwork for the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, I kept thinking to myself that what I was watching was great, but not entertaining.

(Believe it or not, I missed the commentary!  I didn't realize, until today, that commentary helps viewers enjoy an ice skating event by bringing drama to a competition. )

Then...

The German pair team, Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy, took to the ice.  They were dressed in bright hot pink and blue costumes and skated to The Pink Panther.  They made interesting "faces" and gestures, and they danced as they performed.   They did more than the usual pair skating moves such as throw triple jumps, twist lifts,  death spirals, pair spins, and incredible pair skating lifts.

I think the German pair team's example needs to be followed by all figure skaters.  Our sport should not just be about the technical; otherwise,  there will be less and less figure skating fans watching skating events.

What are your thoughts on this issue?  Is it just my opinion, or was the pair skating at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships kind of boring?

• Icenetwork and Universal Sports Will Broadcast the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships

_{2011 World Pair Skating Champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy  - Photo by Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images}

_{Patrick Chan of Canada Wins the Men's Short Program At the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships - Photo by Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images}

• Patrick Chan Profile
• Patrick Chan Photo Gallery
• What Is the World Figure Skating Championships?
• Icenetwork and Universal Sports Will Broadcast the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships
• 2011 World Figure Skating Championships Results - From the ISU International Skating Union
• 2011 Worlds: Video of Patrick Chan's Short Program - From Universal Sports

I wish I had unlimited funds and time so I could be at this year's World Figure Skating Championships that is taking place in Russia, but I can at least get a bit of a feel for what it is like to be there through Universal Sports.  For only $9.95, viewers can see the entire event live and on demand.  Also, those who have Universal Sports cable television can watch the event from the comfort of their couch and on TV!   Today I got to see Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-Na practice her short program via Universal Sports!

Watch the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships On Universal Sports Television - All Times Eastern - Schedule Subject to Change

• Wednesday, April 27, 2011 6 pm  Men's short program, pairs short program
• Thursday, April 28, 2011 6 pm Men's free skate
• Thursday, April 28, 2011 8 pm Pairs free skate
• Thursday, April 29, 2011 6 pm Ladies' short program, Ice Dance short dance
• Friday, April 30, 2011 6 pm Ladies' free skate
• Friday, April 30, 2011 8 pm Ice Dance free dance

_{Mao Asada's Wining Performance At the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships Was Shown On Universal Sports - Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images}

Happy Easter!  Many ice and roller rinks hold special events related to the holiday.  What could be better than skating with the Easter Bunny?  Also, since Easter should be a day of happiness, it is a perfect time to watch inspiring figure skating performances. Happy Skating and have a wonderful holiday!

• Ice Skating Is Fun!
• Ice center lets kids skate with Easter Bunny - From Pantagraph.com, Bloomington , Illinois
• Skate With The Easter Bunny - Casper Ice Arena, Casper, Wyoming
• Skate with The Easter Bunny - Pueblo Plaza Ice Arena, Pueblo, Colorado
• Roller Skate with the Easter Bunny - United Skates of America Roller Skating , Seaford, New York
• An Easter Tradition: Watching the 1994 Men's World Championships - From Susan Feld's Figure Skating Blog

_{Ice Skating With the Easter Bunny - Photo by Carlos T. Miranda/Pantagraph.com}