World Junior champions in 2019, multiple medalists at the Canadian Championships, and finalists in the 2023 Grand Prix series, Canadian ice dancers Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha unfortunately had to withdraw from the Nationals in early January in Calgary, Canada, and also missed the 2024 Four Continents Championships in Shanghai due to health issues.
The skaters gave this interview in December following the Grand Prix final in Beijing. We wish Marjorie and Zachary a speedy recovery and successful performances on their home ice in Canada at the World Championships.
Zachary, this season your rhythm dance is set to the compositions of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. About a year ago in an interview, you mentioned your dream of creating a program specifically to Jackson, even though you believed you would never persuade the coaches to agree to it. How did you manage to do it?
Zachary:
I simply approached them and said, “Coach, I agree to skate to Michael Jackson”. And he was like, “What?” (laughs). But I persisted, and in the end, they agreed, although they were still skeptical.
Now that you’re well into the season, what are their thoughts?
Zachary:
We absolutely love this program. It’s a joy to perform. At the Grand Prix Final, though, we weren’t at our best. We were both feeling drained and exhausted that day.
Marjorie:
Our scores for the rhythm dance at the Grand Prix final were lower than usual. Despite not having high expectations, being in sixth place was still quite stressful for us. It was our first final, and we wanted to make a good impression. The pressure sometimes affects our performance, leading to less than perfect execution. But it’s all part of the learning experience. It was our first final, so it’s all good.
Regarding the free dance, you both pulled it off.
Marjorie:
Yes, the free dance felt much stronger and more polished compared to the rhythm dance. Although the rhythm dance wasn’t a disaster, we felt that we truly gave our best in the free dance. We were very satisfied with our performance. It felt like a solid ending to our competition.
Your free dance is set to the beautiful composition “Roses” by Jean-Michel Blais, performed by pianist Karl Hugo. Zachary, given your professional piano skills, have you ever attempted to perform this piece yourself?
Zachary:
I believe I could, maybe. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s a possibility for the future.
How do you manage to balance figure skating and playing the piano, especially considering your active participation in piano competitions where you achieve high rankings?
Zachary:
When I have a piano competition coming up, I just don’t have time for anything else. For instance, I would start my day with skating practice, then from 7:00 to 10:00, I focus on piano practice, and then I go to sleep.
Every day?
Zachary:
Every day. That’s when I have a competition planned. Currently, I don’t have any piano competitions lined up, but when I do, that’s how I manage my time.
Do you feel that your piano skills benefit your performance on the ice?
Zachary:
I do think so. Playing the piano helps me understand the music better and enhances my musical sensibility during performances.
I’ve heard that you also play chess. Is it also professional?
Zachary:
It’s not professional. I just really like this game.
What’s your current Elo rating?
Zachary:
My level is around 1,300 (roughly equivalent to the third adult rank in chess – Blossom on Ice).
That’s quite impressive. By the way, have you watched the TV series “Queen’s Gambit”?
Zachary:
No, I haven’t watched it.
Marjorie:
You should give it a try; it’s really good.
Why have you not watched it?
Zachary:
I’ve been playing chess long before the show came out, so whenever people mention it, they assume I started playing because of the “Queen’s Gambit” (smiles).
Marjorie, since we’ve been discussing Zachary’s hobbies for a while, let’s shift the focus to yours. It’s noted in your profile that you are a professional actress.
Oh, no, that’s a misunderstanding (laughs). I’ve been trying to get the ISU to update this information for a while now. Yes, I did some acting as a child, but since the age of 15, I’ve been fully dedicated to figure skating. While I haven’t completely abandoned my acting aspirations, I began turning down offers, skipping auditions, and putting my acting career on hold. It’s still incorrectly mentioned in my profile, and the organizers seem hesitant to correct it. Every time I step out for a five-minute warm-up, I hear the announcers bringing it up. Probably everyone thinks that this fact is very interesting (smiles).
I bet that experience has been beneficial to your performance on the ice?
Marjorie:
Absolutely. It taught me to handle cameras, remember lines, and be comfortable interacting with people. So, it has indeed been helpful.
Your profile also mentions your interest in diversity and inclusion.
Marjorie:
Yes, that’s correct.
Could you share more about that?
Marjorie:
My mom has been heavily involved in this area; she’s a psychologist who assists companies in fostering inclusivity. I find it fascinating to delve into different backgrounds and understand people’s stories, and psychology as a whole captivates me. It’s a subject close to my heart.
Lastly, the coaches fondly refer to you as “super kids”. Any thoughts on why?
Marjorie:
I think it’s because we joined the team at a young age. Typically, newcomers are much older. When we joined, I believed we were around 15, and we put in a lot of hard work despite our youth. We were dedicated and diligent. So, I suppose that’s the reason. We appreciate being called “super kids” (smiles).
Lyudmila ORLOVA, Beijing.