Chock and Bates lead U.S. Championships with Lenny Kravitz-inspired dance

Madison Chock and Evan Bates led the ice dance after a Lenny Kravitz–inspired rhythm dance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, scoring a season‑best 91.70. Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik were second with 85.98.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates delivered a Lenny Kravitz–inspired rhythm dance Thursday at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis and built a sizable lead. The three-time defending world champions posted a season-best 91.70. They are pursuing a record seventh national ice dance title and remain focused on the upcoming Winter Games in Milan. Other segments of the championships, including the men's short program, continued later the same day. Key details: - Chock and Bates scored a season‑best 91.70 in the rhythm dance and led the field. - Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik placed second in the rhythm dance with 85.98. - Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko were third with 83.29. - The International Skating Union set the rhythm dance theme around mainstream 1990s music and styles, giving skaters broad room for interpretation. - Raffaella Koncius and Alexey Shchepetov experienced a music interruption during their program but were allowed to resume and finished without visible disruption. - Maia and Alex Shibutani changed plans after feedback and performed a program to "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai that they assembled in six weeks. Summary: Chock and Bates' rhythm dance put them in front as they aim to break the tie for most U.S. national ice dance titles with Meryl Davis and Charlie White. The Olympic team selection will be announced Sunday, and the first medals at these championships are scheduled to be awarded Friday night following the pairs and women's free skates.