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Toller Cranston

That's our Ellen

September 24, 2016 By 2 Comments

It feels like a seismic shift, the death of Ellen Burka on Sept. 12. Yes, she was 95 years old, so she left us eons of spirit, of blunt observations, of tough love, of excellence, of great parties. But it’s a wonder that Miss Ellen lived to 95, especially when she faced death in concentration […]

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Astra Burka, Dorothy Hamill, Ellen Burka, Karen Preston, Petra Burka, Toller Cranston

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

December 2, 2015 By 11 Comments

About 24 years ago, Freddie Mercury died of AIDS. But he’s far from forgotten. He’s everywhere, even in television commercials for a pet mart.  Playing in the background as pug-nosed, bow-legged little dogs chow down on kibbles, is one of Queen’s early hits: “You’re my best friend.” Honestly, Queen is like wallpaper, stuck firmly to […]

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Adam Rippon, Freddie Mercury, Kristi Yamaguchi, Queen, Sandra Bezic, Toller Cranston

Toller memorial fund

July 15, 2015 By 1 Comment

A story I wrote for Skate Canada on the gala announcing the Toller Cranston Memorial Fund. It was a happening.   http://skatecanada.ca/2015/07/skating-community-celebrates-tollers-artistry/

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Ellen Burka, Toller Cranston

Tea for Toller

April 25, 2015 By 1 Comment

  For a decade, Toller Cranston played the strawberry  violin. Picasso had his Blue Period. Cranston had his Strawberry Period. Cranston always subscribed to the maxim that “If something is worth doing, it is worth overdoing.” In 1970, he walked into the home of a California coach and his psyche was ignited by her over-the […]

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: John Curry. Haig Oundjian, Toller Cranston

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