Battle of the Blades goes Hollywood

From a media release:

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! BATTLE OF THE BLADES HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD THIS WEEK

• GUEST JUDGE: TOLLER CRANSTON
• THEME: STAGE & SCREEN

BATTLE OF THE BLADES is bringing the Stage and Screen to life this week, as the five pairs resume the regular competition. The skaters’ favourite theatrical music will be used to interpret stories or characters as Toller Cranston, considered one of the most creative skaters of all times, joins the judging panel this week.

Born in Hamilton, ON, Toller Cranston is among the most influential figure skaters of this century. Although he never won a world championship, he paved the way for future generations of male figures to be freer and more expressive by adding a higher degree of artistry to the sport. Today, Cranston resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he is an internationally renowned painter and illustrator.

After winning Olympic bronze medal in 1976, Toller Cranston was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1976, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1977, Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame in 1977, and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2003, in addition to being made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1977 and receiving a Special Olympic Order from the Canadian Olympic Association in 1995.

Cranston joins head judge Sandra Bezic and Jeremy Roenick on this week’s judging panel as the five remaining pairs compete in the hopes of winning a $100,000 donation for their charity of choice. This week’s theme is ‘Stage & Screen’ and audiences can expect heightened theatrical elements in each routine as pairs vie for top marks.

Viewers can learn more about the competitors at www.cbc.ca/battle, the official online portal for the BATTLE OF THE BLADES. In addition to videos, blogs and behind-the-scene photos, the site offers viewers the opportunity to become fans of their favourite pair and track each participant’s activity as they strive to be the final pair remaining at the end of the series.