[rock_lobsta]

It is so close to dance that she could do this in her sleep.

She's graceful - that's her figure skating. However, the footwork is different and she's never worked with a partner.

Still, her background does give her an advantage, but her drive and attention to detail make the real difference.

[skateman]

Your comments about Yamaguchi are spot on. I am an iceskater, strictly amateur, but nevertheless I can attest that there is a world of difference between ice skating and dancing.

[myprecious]

her drive and attention to detail make the real difference

I agree with you. She is wonderful. I am just saying that the voting may not always be with her.

[bootless]

I have a lot of DWTS catching up to do. But I remember that Kristi had partnered with Rudy Galindo early in her career - is that the case?

Also, the ballroom studio where I taught would have the occasional ice dancer come in for technique and styling lessons. They often had a little trouble executing the differences between the two art forms, but were generally very quick students. The toughest part for them was not laying ice dancing over the ballroom steps, resulting in a weird mutant art form.

But yeah, she’s got years of experience of memorizing routines, phrasing, executing difficult moves and competing at the world’s highest level. Can’t wait to see her dance!