The most exiting moment of the year. When one of them finishes their last movement and salute :) This time I had a clear jurisdictiın thet Virtue & Moir was going to get this one either. No matter how little difference there is in terms of the quality of the skating skills and performance between the two teams there are some weak points an strong points in every of them and there are mistakes in executing and perfection. I always think that luck, is a very big factor t when it comes to teams like this you can't determine which one of them is actually better. Because Davis & White's luck might've gone better and V&M's might've encountered some misfortunate events. You can never know. On any given day one can be simply better than the other. But there is one thing that is very clear; Davis &White started the season unbeliavably strong and Virtue&Moir were mediore and disapointed us then, something happened to them, instead of improving and closing to perfection D&W started going down, inability of making some of the movements impeccably has occured. On the other hand, you could feel the desire and ambition in V&M's eyes, they were editing the whole program from beginning moves to the end everytime we see
them to catch up the
perfection. They were enthuisiasted about every single step they made and working so hard. This program was ceased to be boring. I've felt the exact same amazing vibe watching them when I was feeling for D&W in the beginning of the season. Coming to worlds performances, I've felt especially Meryl had been demoralized since V&M were ahead after the SD. When she's in such a mood like this, it always reflects her performance in a negative way because she's not concentrated well, not looking enthusiasted as always and very nervous.
V&M have began the program with glory and enthusiasm. And they opened the program with a diagonal step sequence which is the only primary difference between them and D&W causing their total base value point to be higher. If D&W would've executed a "level 4" diagonal step seq. the only difference between the element scores would be 0,3. The reason behind this is;
1) V&M were performing tightly connected, D&W were performing it a bit apart from each other
2) V&M were looking effortless as always and D&W's effort was visible
3) V&M made deeper edges, D&W were not looking secured in turns
Attaining a level 4 requires absolute presicion by both skaters and D&W only earned a level 3.
In their Curve lifts, V&M earned higher points again. In my opinion V&M executed the lift impeccably but D&W's is more difficult. So both teams should've earned the same points. In their spins, D&W earned slightly higher points which I agree, their spin contains 3 different parts ( +1 apart from V&M) and they were a bit faster. So it was expected for them. No suprise D&W got this either, it was in the bag.Twizzles... what a shame Scott lost his balance for a moment, but he recovered it quickly. This costed V&M a slightly lower points. We all can see without a doubt that D&W are the best in the twizzles so they earned it, big time. In their circular footwork sequences both teams were scored in level 3 which was fair and they both got the exact GOE's. Both bend in the waist a bit evident and blades were not completely secured perfectly so I couldn't see any difference between the teams. Coming to Rotational lifts, D&W's first rotational lift compared to V&M's was scored higher. Yes, that lift is sensational and yes that lift is heavenly and yes they executed it flowingly & perfectly but V&M's has no difference in terms of difficulty and performance. Their lift was tremendously done either. In my opinion V&M' were just a little bit better because no matter how D&W's lift is looking faboulous and glamorous, this doesn't make it more difficult than V&M's. Because the speed in the transition of V&M's is absolutely unbelievable.
Comparing D&W's second rotational lift + Straight line lift with V&M's combination lift of the two. V&M's straight line lift part was without a doubt spectacular in terms of both difficulty and execution. Comparing it to D&W is pointless because I believe their straight line lift was their weakest element this season. But V&M's rotational part was looking a bit rushed and incomplete comparing to D&W's rotational lift because their lift is more speedy and expeditious.
Last but not least the program components. I want this to be quick and painless. Skating Skills; equal, Linking footwork; V&M, Performance; D&W, Choreography; equal, Timing; V&M.
I believe %90 of you agrees with me. Overall V&M displayed a slightly better performance. Part was because if D&W can't catch up the perfection in their transitions, turns and twists their performance looks a bit rushed and hectic. So they may try to keep it a bit slower and cool the next year.
Congratulations again to Tessa & Scott they did their best and Won. Can't wait to see next year.
twizzles, footworks, synchronization, patterns, step sequences, lifts, turns, styling, choreography, timing, skating skills, technicality, chemistry, passion, talent, effortlessness, effort, requirements,rules, content, posture, stage presence, championships, coach wars, ambitions, competitiveness, injuries, surgeries, sweat, love affairs, insiders, outsiders, break-ups, make-ups, history, scandals.. It's another world on ice that blows your mind
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Worlds 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White SD Comparison
This is the hardest comparison I've ever written about the two teams. They were both so close, only minor unsynchronizations, stumbles, artistical little movements and usage of extremities differ. Thats it.
When Teesa & Scott finished their sd program the moment of obscurity appeared again. Which of them were better? I couldn't think of anything except for the rhumba pattern at that time because they were not performing one after another, there were teams between them which was making it ever harder.
Davis & White opened it with speed, the tempo and great transitions and Virtue & Moir's opening is not that strong but artistically it is more sensual and tithe and they get straight into the rhumba pattern which was a bit better than Davis & White's. Here is why;
1) V&M got into the sequence with much speed and control
2) V&M were making deeper edges
but the rest was the same. Synchronization was amazing for D&W either and they executed the steps with harmony. About the twizzles. It is so hard to compare because both Charlie and Tessa stumbled, lost balance for just a moment and other than that, D&W were faster as usual and V&M did one more part +1 as usual. So in my opinion there is nothing to differ them from each other but apparently one judge thought V&M were better so their element GOE was higher. In the second
part of the rhumba pattern D&W got
into the sequence as fast as V&M and made deeper edges than their first sequence but even though V&M were a bit more better. In the free dancing parts V&M's was a rhumba and movements&transitions were slower and in some parts they were dancing really apart from each other but they were much in control of them, while D&W were faster but Meryl lacks elegance and a great stance sometimes her movements look so hectic and hurried. Tessa has that "it" makes all of the movements look so simple when actually isn't. In the step sequence D&W were more synchronic and well executed. Tessa stumbled and lost her sync with Scott two times, she
recovered it quickly but D&W were much better. In the lifts I understand why most of the judges gave V&M higher scores but there was a minor difference, V&M's was more difficult but D&W executed so well and their lift is so difficult either. Here comes the tricky part; They have to mark 2 or 3 nothing between so, when they think if the one is better they automatically should give 3 and that leads to a great gap between the teams. There should be at least half scores that they can give out so the gap wouldn't be this much bigger. In my opinion Tessa & Scott were a bit better but I think they should've been seperated with a 0.2 or 0.1 in the element scores. Both of the teams did a fantastic job as always and Tessa & Scott won fair.
free dance review will be coming shortly after..
When Teesa & Scott finished their sd program the moment of obscurity appeared again. Which of them were better? I couldn't think of anything except for the rhumba pattern at that time because they were not performing one after another, there were teams between them which was making it ever harder.
Davis & White opened it with speed, the tempo and great transitions and Virtue & Moir's opening is not that strong but artistically it is more sensual and tithe and they get straight into the rhumba pattern which was a bit better than Davis & White's. Here is why;
1) V&M got into the sequence with much speed and control
2) V&M were making deeper edges
but the rest was the same. Synchronization was amazing for D&W either and they executed the steps with harmony. About the twizzles. It is so hard to compare because both Charlie and Tessa stumbled, lost balance for just a moment and other than that, D&W were faster as usual and V&M did one more part +1 as usual. So in my opinion there is nothing to differ them from each other but apparently one judge thought V&M were better so their element GOE was higher. In the second
part of the rhumba pattern D&W got
into the sequence as fast as V&M and made deeper edges than their first sequence but even though V&M were a bit more better. In the free dancing parts V&M's was a rhumba and movements&transitions were slower and in some parts they were dancing really apart from each other but they were much in control of them, while D&W were faster but Meryl lacks elegance and a great stance sometimes her movements look so hectic and hurried. Tessa has that "it" makes all of the movements look so simple when actually isn't. In the step sequence D&W were more synchronic and well executed. Tessa stumbled and lost her sync with Scott two times, she
recovered it quickly but D&W were much better. In the lifts I understand why most of the judges gave V&M higher scores but there was a minor difference, V&M's was more difficult but D&W executed so well and their lift is so difficult either. Here comes the tricky part; They have to mark 2 or 3 nothing between so, when they think if the one is better they automatically should give 3 and that leads to a great gap between the teams. There should be at least half scores that they can give out so the gap wouldn't be this much bigger. In my opinion Tessa & Scott were a bit better but I think they should've been seperated with a 0.2 or 0.1 in the element scores. Both of the teams did a fantastic job as always and Tessa & Scott won fair.
free dance review will be coming shortly after..
Friday, March 30, 2012
2012 World Figure Skating Championships Short Dance Review
Firs of all I've got to say that this was one hell of a competition. There were disapointments, there were under-scoring, there was a fight and you could feel the intensity from here.
To start with the champions Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, What a temptation between them. I think I haven't seen them this much strong and good for maybe 1,5 year. This SD was fast and flawless. From the beginning till the end you could feel the energy in your marrows. All of the transitions were polished and there was a magnificent intensity during the whole program. I will be analysing in details when I compare them with Davis & White. But overall it was breathtaking.
As for the Meryl Davis & Charlie White, I love this program. I think its amazingly structured and both of them were looking so spontaneous like they were coming from the street and someone invited them over and they were improvising the whole choreography, incredible speed in transitons always blowing my mind and they did their best.
Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat; The words are never enough about how I get excited during this program. That fever that glow that rhapsody that enthusiasm is simply magical. This was their best at performing this program. The beginning of the program was so well done with the speed and turns you could see in the rhumba sequence that they could have been better. Fabian had a little stumble on the second part of the twizzle but they handled it well, then comes the fantastic part, the last 45 seconds, impeccably done.
As for the Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje my sentimental favorites are progressing so well I can't believe it how fast they do it anymore. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level. Their opening movements had weaving footwork and intricacy. Their speed level was spectacular. They have amazing content, transitions and difficult positioning ( thanks to Bourne) which they accomplished with strenght. In the Rhumba pattern their edges were so deep, very good.
Elena Ilinykh & Nikita Katsalapov were below their average performance. Transit
ions were not well done and something happened I can't point it out about their speed. Overall it was a great performance. I loved seeing them as the number one Russian couple on ice that's for sure. But I believe Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte should've ranked higher than them. Their SD was sensational. They make me feel the passion and romance. The softness betweet the turns & transitions is immense. Amazing synchronization between the two was hypnotizing. They haven't stumbled even once. Hands down it was their best performance and they deserved to be ranled 5th.
About Shibutani's, I don't know what happened there. They certainly have been under-scored, not much but a bit. In terms of technique they are not behind neither the Italians nor the Russians. While examining their scores it is obvious that rhumba pattern was the main reason behind it and this element was certainly considered as a below the average for the judges, especially the first one. I believe they were not that good on the pattern either.
Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue are so in love. I love how they quickly started a relationship and this reflects their dancing makes it delicious to watch them and how they sink into each other makes all the movements more delightful. This couple is fast and they were certainly fast enough to impress the judges either.
Ekaterina Bobrova & Dimitri Soloviev, with their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture, untight execution of footwork well, it was ok for me them being 9th. A shame on that fall but looking at their scores you can clearly see that it's not all about that fall.
My newbies Penny Coomes & Nicholas Buckland did the best they could. What a shame her blade slipped out of her hand during the first part of the twizzles but one way or another I enjoy watching this program.
To start with the champions Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, What a temptation between them. I think I haven't seen them this much strong and good for maybe 1,5 year. This SD was fast and flawless. From the beginning till the end you could feel the energy in your marrows. All of the transitions were polished and there was a magnificent intensity during the whole program. I will be analysing in details when I compare them with Davis & White. But overall it was breathtaking.
As for the Meryl Davis & Charlie White, I love this program. I think its amazingly structured and both of them were looking so spontaneous like they were coming from the street and someone invited them over and they were improvising the whole choreography, incredible speed in transitons always blowing my mind and they did their best.
Nathalie Pechalat & Fabian Bourzat; The words are never enough about how I get excited during this program. That fever that glow that rhapsody that enthusiasm is simply magical. This was their best at performing this program. The beginning of the program was so well done with the speed and turns you could see in the rhumba sequence that they could have been better. Fabian had a little stumble on the second part of the twizzle but they handled it well, then comes the fantastic part, the last 45 seconds, impeccably done.
As for the Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje my sentimental favorites are progressing so well I can't believe it how fast they do it anymore. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level. Their opening movements had weaving footwork and intricacy. Their speed level was spectacular. They have amazing content, transitions and difficult positioning ( thanks to Bourne) which they accomplished with strenght. In the Rhumba pattern their edges were so deep, very good.
Elena Ilinykh & Nikita Katsalapov were below their average performance. Transit
ions were not well done and something happened I can't point it out about their speed. Overall it was a great performance. I loved seeing them as the number one Russian couple on ice that's for sure. But I believe Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte should've ranked higher than them. Their SD was sensational. They make me feel the passion and romance. The softness betweet the turns & transitions is immense. Amazing synchronization between the two was hypnotizing. They haven't stumbled even once. Hands down it was their best performance and they deserved to be ranled 5th.
About Shibutani's, I don't know what happened there. They certainly have been under-scored, not much but a bit. In terms of technique they are not behind neither the Italians nor the Russians. While examining their scores it is obvious that rhumba pattern was the main reason behind it and this element was certainly considered as a below the average for the judges, especially the first one. I believe they were not that good on the pattern either.
Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue are so in love. I love how they quickly started a relationship and this reflects their dancing makes it delicious to watch them and how they sink into each other makes all the movements more delightful. This couple is fast and they were certainly fast enough to impress the judges either.
Ekaterina Bobrova & Dimitri Soloviev, with their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture, untight execution of footwork well, it was ok for me them being 9th. A shame on that fall but looking at their scores you can clearly see that it's not all about that fall.
My newbies Penny Coomes & Nicholas Buckland did the best they could. What a shame her blade slipped out of her hand during the first part of the twizzles but one way or another I enjoy watching this program.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
2012 World Figure Skating Championships Quick Notes on FD
Will be comparing the Mery / Charlie & Tessa / Scott after my detailed review about the short dance...
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir; They brought the magic
As much as I love Meryl & Charlie's program so much. It was obvious that this wasn't their best .
Meryl was slowing down a bit and transitions were not fitted well like they usually are.
But except the disharmony on the twizzles, this was the best performance of Tessa & Scott. They were mesmerizing. They deserved it.
In my opinion, Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje shouldn't have done a better job.
This program is so well executed technically and artistically the combination of the two not only made me cry but also left me speechless!
Angelika was all over the place, they hit the audience and the whole world so hard!
Today I've decided that Fabian Bourzat is the sexiest man ever in the ice dancing history. I usually can't take my eyes of him but this time I was so worried about Nathalie's nose she was my priority to watch, without breathing. It was their country. This was their best shot. And they made it. And Fabian didn't break her nose :) Gladly
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir; They brought the magic
As much as I love Meryl & Charlie's program so much. It was obvious that this wasn't their best .
Meryl was slowing down a bit and transitions were not fitted well like they usually are.
But except the disharmony on the twizzles, this was the best performance of Tessa & Scott. They were mesmerizing. They deserved it.
In my opinion, Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje shouldn't have done a better job.
This program is so well executed technically and artistically the combination of the two not only made me cry but also left me speechless!
Angelika was all over the place, they hit the audience and the whole world so hard!
Today I've decided that Fabian Bourzat is the sexiest man ever in the ice dancing history. I usually can't take my eyes of him but this time I was so worried about Nathalie's nose she was my priority to watch, without breathing. It was their country. This was their best shot. And they made it. And Fabian didn't break her nose :) Gladly
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
2012 World Figure Skating Championships Quick Notes on SD
Detailed review will be coming soon...
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
Wow, Tessa definitely lost weight, it was the time for it but this outfit does not suit her at all. I like the blue one
Is it me or Scott is looking hotter than ever ;)
They are certainly better prepared than ever! Loving their aura
Everything is in its right place, amazing harmony, great energy level, they are giving me this magical vibe today like they used to did back in 2010. They are looking so confident and their pattern sequence was without a doubt the best. They have made polished deep edges
This was their greatest SD performance of this season. definitely deserved to be the 1st but they were under-marked either
Nathalie Pechalat / Fabian Bourzat
Amazingly structured transitions!
Their energy was over the top!
Just a litttle bit unsynchronization on the twizzles there... Something quite expected from them so no surprise
A quite sensational ending movements executed impeccably
Meryl Davis & Charlie White
Great opening movements, no prob
Charlie is looking flawless as usual :)
Before coming into pattern sequence I sensed a bit lack of energy on Meryl
They've changed the ending movement AGAIN. I love the one before this the most.
Not their best but judges certainly under-marked. They deserved higher points
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
Wow, Tessa definitely lost weight, it was the time for it but this outfit does not suit her at all. I like the blue one
Is it me or Scott is looking hotter than ever ;)
They are certainly better prepared than ever! Loving their aura
Everything is in its right place, amazing harmony, great energy level, they are giving me this magical vibe today like they used to did back in 2010. They are looking so confident and their pattern sequence was without a doubt the best. They have made polished deep edges
This was their greatest SD performance of this season. definitely deserved to be the 1st but they were under-marked either
Nathalie Pechalat / Fabian Bourzat
Amazingly structured transitions!
Their energy was over the top!
Just a litttle bit unsynchronization on the twizzles there... Something quite expected from them so no surprise
A quite sensational ending movements executed impeccably
Meryl Davis & Charlie White
Great opening movements, no prob
Charlie is looking flawless as usual :)
Before coming into pattern sequence I sensed a bit lack of energy on Meryl
They've changed the ending movement AGAIN. I love the one before this the most.
Not their best but judges certainly under-marked. They deserved higher points
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Four Continents 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White Comparison
I sure wasn't expecting that. Wasn't expecting for Tessa and Scott to be this fascinating at all. They were striking in the transitions and turns and there is no doubt that this program has been edited tremendously. They added some transitions that were missing. Finally! I'm so happy that they've seen the missing parts that needed to be filled. The beginning of the program was just so boring now it has amazingly fluent movements that are enchanting. Tessa looks radiant. As much as Tessa and Scott's first 45 sec. of the program was eye-chatching Meryl and Charlie's program seemed so flat. I couldn't live that feeling which I usually have when I watch them. I believe as much as they are technically exellent when they don't have the energy to bring the dance alive the adjective magical flies away from the window or this program. All of the lifts were accomplished tremendously in Virtue & Moir's Funny face. Especially the long lift was best that I've ever seen from them. I used to think that there was always something wrong with this lift where she struggles in the transition of different positions but this time it was solid and flowing. They really risen up high and took the peak point of the music above with it then callobrate it. But somehow Meryl and Charlie struggled in their circular lift and they usually used to take the music where it belongs to when Meryl rises up and like I used to say "she flies and touches the blue sky" but she had difficult moment up there leaving her hands from Charlie's shoulders. What a shame to a wonderful lift. They were both great in footwork sequences but Charlie and Meryl were outstanding as always in the twizlles but they both unsynchronized just a little tiny
bit so were both teams were equal to me in this segment. By the way, Meryl and Charlie were literally out of breath at the end of the program. I have never seen them like this. They both leaned foward and it was an awkward moment because performers usually doesn't aware the jury that they are exhausted especially Mery and Charlie. Just look at the picture. Something obviously didn't go well for them but they hold it together. Well done Mery and Charlie' Overall, just to make a quick summary their performances and timing were both in the right place but in terms of scoring Tesa and Scott deserved to be higher this time and they have +3,5 Base value so it was inevitable for them to win Gold.
bit so were both teams were equal to me in this segment. By the way, Meryl and Charlie were literally out of breath at the end of the program. I have never seen them like this. They both leaned foward and it was an awkward moment because performers usually doesn't aware the jury that they are exhausted especially Mery and Charlie. Just look at the picture. Something obviously didn't go well for them but they hold it together. Well done Mery and Charlie' Overall, just to make a quick summary their performances and timing were both in the right place but in terms of scoring Tesa and Scott deserved to be higher this time and they have +3,5 Base value so it was inevitable for them to win Gold.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Four Continents Championships 2012 - Short Dance Overview
First of all I really think that no one performed full of their capacity. They were all lacking energy and especially speed. Aso for the Davis and White. They were undeniably the best but still they lacked synchronization in some twisted parts. I really liked Mery's outfit in the nationals and I think this one sucks the light out of the dance. She should not wear it at all. So distracting. But her outfit was not the worst. Tessa's outfit shows all the weight she gained. Its not a bad dress. I don't think we can ever see her testeless but it is a wrong choice for her body. She gained a lot of weighed and it showed most of it. Loved her dark bue one. It was the best represented this program. Se was looking absolutely stunning with it but this time I could not see that "Tessa and Scott light" in this program. They were slow and unsure about some of the movements. Scott is having a hard time trying to lift her up. What a shame for great dancers. Tessa should do domething immetiately. I'm not telling all this to offence but to show reality. We cannot deny this. If they don't pull themselves together, they will continue to fall. We all they are so much better than this. Don't start with the whole she had so many surgeries, bad times defention. She had surgery back in 2009 but they returned like a bomb in 2010. They are loosing it. They are not creative anymore. Don't take this all to Zueva and Shpilband. Look how Meryl and Charlie adding their signature movements and speedy, edgy transitions to their programes.
Weaver and Poje were the only ones with full speed. Although Kaitlyn was really nervous and looked a bit uncomfortable about something Her concentration is so high that nothing can get on her way and she shows it. I feel like their chemisty as a couple is getting better everytime I see them. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level throughout the season. I believe they have recieved lower scores than they deserved it. So did the Shibutani's. Its ok for me to both of the teams to be rated close but not this low. I may still consider them as teenagers and the fact that they are siblings is a bit disturbing to me in ice dancing but this has not prevented my point of view to be objective. In terms of speed they are better than Weaver and Poje. In terms of twizzles they can even be better than Davis and White in the future! so even thought Weaver and Poje are my sentimental favorites, Shibutani's were much better. I have to admit. But should they really have to dress her upthe same as Tessa's dark blue outfit? I bet she is not wearing it because of this. This is kind of the same dress and I hate these kind of situations. They are both team canton so they should have thought about this. I hate emulation. Everyone has the same hair style as the trend Tessa started; straight flat ponytail from the top of the head.
Tessa is a pioneer of fashion in ice dancing. Tessa and Scott are always the ones followed by the others. Their music is being used by other teams this year. They have started the unique, difficult and high end lifts in ice dancing. They are "high ice dancing" even thought they are not as good as they used to be. Madison Hubbell and Alexandra Paul are one of them. I was expecting much from Hubbell and Donohue. But they lacked speed and they were missing all the deep edged transitions. I thought that they were going so strong but they dissapointed me big time. Alexandra and Paul were almost in slowmotion. They are perfection in terms of executing technical elements but they were boring. This program feels like its not even latin. It just doesn't gives the vibe.
Weaver and Poje were the only ones with full speed. Although Kaitlyn was really nervous and looked a bit uncomfortable about something Her concentration is so high that nothing can get on her way and she shows it. I feel like their chemisty as a couple is getting better everytime I see them. They are more passionate and don't afraid to look or touch each other, this has taken the program into the next level throughout the season. I believe they have recieved lower scores than they deserved it. So did the Shibutani's. Its ok for me to both of the teams to be rated close but not this low. I may still consider them as teenagers and the fact that they are siblings is a bit disturbing to me in ice dancing but this has not prevented my point of view to be objective. In terms of speed they are better than Weaver and Poje. In terms of twizzles they can even be better than Davis and White in the future! so even thought Weaver and Poje are my sentimental favorites, Shibutani's were much better. I have to admit. But should they really have to dress her upthe same as Tessa's dark blue outfit? I bet she is not wearing it because of this. This is kind of the same dress and I hate these kind of situations. They are both team canton so they should have thought about this. I hate emulation. Everyone has the same hair style as the trend Tessa started; straight flat ponytail from the top of the head.
Tessa is a pioneer of fashion in ice dancing. Tessa and Scott are always the ones followed by the others. Their music is being used by other teams this year. They have started the unique, difficult and high end lifts in ice dancing. They are "high ice dancing" even thought they are not as good as they used to be. Madison Hubbell and Alexandra Paul are one of them. I was expecting much from Hubbell and Donohue. But they lacked speed and they were missing all the deep edged transitions. I thought that they were going so strong but they dissapointed me big time. Alexandra and Paul were almost in slowmotion. They are perfection in terms of executing technical elements but they were boring. This program feels like its not even latin. It just doesn't gives the vibe.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Moves of 2012 - Pechalat & Bourzat's Egyptian
Pechalat & Bourzat's Egyptian movements are interspersed into this free dance intellegently and right on the spots where it needs to be. This is hard work. The use of their extremities is magnifical and stupendous. Dancing played a vital role in the lives of ancient Egyptians. Even the laborers used to work in rhythmic to the sounds of percussion. So forming the traditional and typical usage of using extremities in a significant way is performing unision symmetrical and dramatic movements. Pechalat and Bourzat integrates these movements in every deep edged transition and change of direction. We are not talking about a few, they are in almost every 5 seconds of this free dance. This makes it internalize
and you taste the essence of this program with Egyptian flavors. This is how you can feel like you are in the theme and when it captures you that's what ice dance is all about. It is choreographed by Kader Belmoktar, she is Egyptian so they wanted to make this right and as it should be. Remember Domnina and Shabalin critisized for offensive aborginal dance which was not their purpose, ofcourse they didn't knew that they were doing something wrong. To execute traditional dances is a bold move. They worked this right and relied on hard work. I always loved Pechalat & Bourzat's innovative approach and to me, they are a synthesis of both modernist and traditionist. Hope to see this routine in its best and see as the 2nd ranked FD of the Worlds.
and you taste the essence of this program with Egyptian flavors. This is how you can feel like you are in the theme and when it captures you that's what ice dance is all about. It is choreographed by Kader Belmoktar, she is Egyptian so they wanted to make this right and as it should be. Remember Domnina and Shabalin critisized for offensive aborginal dance which was not their purpose, ofcourse they didn't knew that they were doing something wrong. To execute traditional dances is a bold move. They worked this right and relied on hard work. I always loved Pechalat & Bourzat's innovative approach and to me, they are a synthesis of both modernist and traditionist. Hope to see this routine in its best and see as the 2nd ranked FD of the Worlds.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Moves of 2012 - Davis & White's Rotational Lift
It used to be a Virtue & Moir thing. To make difficult and dangerous lifts. But in the last 2 years that title is Davis & White's.What a glorious joy you feel watching that lift...It's like you can reach and touch the sky and feel all the clouds, stir them to gain your power to fly up higher. This lift is musically superb in its construction. Look how they hit the changes of tempo, there is such sensitivity, they take an amazing piece of music and deliver it. This lift is the peak point of this whole program and you just forget to breathe...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Moves of 2012 - Fully Extended Free Leg Twizzles
I love twizzles because they are one of the few moves you can subjectively compare teams performance in it. You might be thinking "What is she saying? Doesn't she know they are not a couple anymore?" Well I do.. But lets look at what Hubbell&Donohue and Gilles & Poirier twizzles this season. What a coincidence that the first part of their twizzles are unique and quite the same. They are performing the first set of twizzles with a fully extended free leg. In my opinion Donohue and Hubbell's is much better. But thats not the point. This is very unusual. I love the fact that people are trying to renovate the twizzle concept and go beyond borders to make something dissimilar. Absolutely loving these twizzles. Not only they are difficult to execute they also require a great balance indeed and even the slightest unsynchronization is out there, clearly you need to be bold to include this kind of movement into a program. My God I love this flash of dazzle called twizzle don't I :) Sorry for the terrible print screens
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Moves of 2012 - Virtue & Moir's Funny Faces
I love this theme. And the funny faces they make. They constantly make funny faces and that is a great way to represent the theme, the idea of it and to reflect. I love when couples do associated certain "moves" to integrate it with the program. This is certainly out of Virtue & Moir's league because even though when they make a hardcore Pink Floyd theme program, they always superimpose intimate actions. But this program is just about fun. Pure fun and the "moves" they make are "funny" even when their intentions are not to be. The opening in itself is delightful and funny! He tries to make her smile but she looks funny faced :) Representing the whole dance in the most pertinent way. And there is the part when they tap dance a little bit Scott makes this "funny face" and they just constantly make it. Great move Tessa & Scott. Appreciated..
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Notes on the U.S. Nationals 2012
The king and queen of the twizzles..
Meryl and Charlie are exceptional this season. The way they use music is supreme. Collecting rises and the falls, the usage of every tone of it and turning it into enchanted movements is a gift. Their Free Dance is going to be legendary, I have to admit that I wasn't into it just like last season. But I've noticed once again when I watched the U.S. Nats. this program is not only impeccably executed in terms of technicality but also a way of turning a masterpiece music to vision. I was also pleased the way they edited the SD. The end of it is so much better loved the sliding move. It was their best seasons best performance of this SD. So much choreographed that you cant track the contents of this program its amazing. PS: Loved Meryl's new outfit. Hope she keeps this one
Definitely attracted...
After I've seen Chock and Bates in the U.S Nats performing their FD, there was only one thought on my mind "They are definitely attracted to each other, its maybe even love". I't is so obvious. Here is what I see; Madison always giggles in a shy way when he talks and her eyes sparkle when she looks at him. They definitely seem to love being close to each other and take every opportunity while they are performing and they have an amazing chemistry which I'm not even talking about because these are the obvious ones that we have been aware of since the beginning of the GP, there are little details supporting my theory which is him whispering her at the en of the FD. Come on.. offcourse you can talk to your partner but what is so urgent that you cannot even wait the performance to end you just picked the most intimate part (she lies on his knee and he almost kisses her) of it to whisper her something by chance ha? Sure.. I'm dying to know what he said to her because that moment was so adorable and she was pretty happy about it but this is not it. Then when she lets her head down in the end, look at Evan's right hand, you'll see what he does. I'm not going to tell :).
Meryl and Charlie are exceptional this season. The way they use music is supreme. Collecting rises and the falls, the usage of every tone of it and turning it into enchanted movements is a gift. Their Free Dance is going to be legendary, I have to admit that I wasn't into it just like last season. But I've noticed once again when I watched the U.S. Nats. this program is not only impeccably executed in terms of technicality but also a way of turning a masterpiece music to vision. I was also pleased the way they edited the SD. The end of it is so much better loved the sliding move. It was their best seasons best performance of this SD. So much choreographed that you cant track the contents of this program its amazing. PS: Loved Meryl's new outfit. Hope she keeps this one
Definitely attracted...
After I've seen Chock and Bates in the U.S Nats performing their FD, there was only one thought on my mind "They are definitely attracted to each other, its maybe even love". I't is so obvious. Here is what I see; Madison always giggles in a shy way when he talks and her eyes sparkle when she looks at him. They definitely seem to love being close to each other and take every opportunity while they are performing and they have an amazing chemistry which I'm not even talking about because these are the obvious ones that we have been aware of since the beginning of the GP, there are little details supporting my theory which is him whispering her at the en of the FD. Come on.. offcourse you can talk to your partner but what is so urgent that you cannot even wait the performance to end you just picked the most intimate part (she lies on his knee and he almost kisses her) of it to whisper her something by chance ha? Sure.. I'm dying to know what he said to her because that moment was so adorable and she was pretty happy about it but this is not it. Then when she lets her head down in the end, look at Evan's right hand, you'll see what he does. I'm not going to tell :).
2012 Canadian Figure Skating Championships Overview
I enjoyed watching this season's Canadian Nats., maybe its because most of my sentimental favorites are from Canada. First of all Scott was looking like interesting with his wierd printed shirt but I'm kind of realizing that they are growing up and they are mature human beings. I dont find their SD was as good as it should be. Because we all have been seen them performing this program with so much energy and this performance lacked enthusiasm. But I certainly find them beautiful and I admire their demeanor. About their FD. I've seen some editing. Especially on the first lift which is a terrible idrea because they were fine with that innovative lift and they were progressing on it so why change now? If they can handle that streight line lift they had in 09' and 10' seasons they certainly can handle this one. They've changed it into this ordinary lift that has nothing exciting about it and as much as I love Tessa and Scott I don't think that they are going to be World champions this season. I appreciate Tessa's interest in Funny Face theme but this program is to be honest...boring. Let's give some credit to Meryl and Charlie, they are a lot better and their program contains variety of transitions and quick changes and edgy movements, Tessa and Scott are just hanging around the ice and this choreography lacks everything M&C has in their program. So I wish that they would just come up
with new ideas instead of rehersing the same moves on and on.. It all comes down to them, this is not about the coaches they can easily look at Meryl and Charlie and say " They have a lot of technical stuff that we don't have" and try to change this program. Ok enough of Tessa and Scott..As for the Weaver and Poje. They blow my mind. Their SD was hands down the best performance I have seen this season. Jusst perfection. No suprise they were so close to Tessa and Scott after the SD. They deserved it. And their FD was absolutely astonishing I love this program but once again I told myself "they really need to edit this last lift" they need to cancel the 3rd lift and combine last two lifts in the end because that straight line lift needs something and that is a rotational lift with makes it a long combination lift. It would be perfect because it just seems awkward. Thak God they have these amazing movements aftarwards in the end that changes the mood but there is still 2 seconds screaming for help.Coming to Gilles and Poirier, as much as I loved their SD, I hated their FD. I thought that is was going to be choreographed by Christopher Dean but if it is then I'm disappointed. Because it is great till the end of the first minute then off.. its boring.. sorry but I would expect more from him. Maybe it will progress but draft is there and unless it doesn't have lot of editing on it then certainly this program is not taking them anywhere. But
their SD was impeccable yet innovative. I loved Piper's energy and gleam. I didn't know that she was this much talented Im suprised in a good way and they have a great chemistry, nice choice there Paul! Go with it. Loving loving loving their twizzles! very creative and hard to execute. Loving Piper's yellow outfit. I think it is the best outfit this season. But I can't say the same to their FD outfits. They are terribly lame! I understand their funny look with a tough song like Sweet dreams but they don't need to look childish. İf they would look the opposite ( tough) to their actions (sweet and funny) then it would be clicked but I'm not feeling it like this. Coming to Paul and Islam, they executed clean, poished and solid work out there. They were impeccable but they need some action to at least one of their dances because they are dancing with a rhumba part mostly in their SD and performing to a slow music piece in their FD. I'ts just not right. Ralph and Hill deserved to be 4th. I'm not really into this couple although I adore Asher and his posture and stage presence I believe Kharis being a bir over weighted constitutes as an obsticle for them. But they are passionate and enthusistic so.. wish them the best.
with new ideas instead of rehersing the same moves on and on.. It all comes down to them, this is not about the coaches they can easily look at Meryl and Charlie and say " They have a lot of technical stuff that we don't have" and try to change this program. Ok enough of Tessa and Scott..As for the Weaver and Poje. They blow my mind. Their SD was hands down the best performance I have seen this season. Jusst perfection. No suprise they were so close to Tessa and Scott after the SD. They deserved it. And their FD was absolutely astonishing I love this program but once again I told myself "they really need to edit this last lift" they need to cancel the 3rd lift and combine last two lifts in the end because that straight line lift needs something and that is a rotational lift with makes it a long combination lift. It would be perfect because it just seems awkward. Thak God they have these amazing movements aftarwards in the end that changes the mood but there is still 2 seconds screaming for help.Coming to Gilles and Poirier, as much as I loved their SD, I hated their FD. I thought that is was going to be choreographed by Christopher Dean but if it is then I'm disappointed. Because it is great till the end of the first minute then off.. its boring.. sorry but I would expect more from him. Maybe it will progress but draft is there and unless it doesn't have lot of editing on it then certainly this program is not taking them anywhere. But
their SD was impeccable yet innovative. I loved Piper's energy and gleam. I didn't know that she was this much talented Im suprised in a good way and they have a great chemistry, nice choice there Paul! Go with it. Loving loving loving their twizzles! very creative and hard to execute. Loving Piper's yellow outfit. I think it is the best outfit this season. But I can't say the same to their FD outfits. They are terribly lame! I understand their funny look with a tough song like Sweet dreams but they don't need to look childish. İf they would look the opposite ( tough) to their actions (sweet and funny) then it would be clicked but I'm not feeling it like this. Coming to Paul and Islam, they executed clean, poished and solid work out there. They were impeccable but they need some action to at least one of their dances because they are dancing with a rhumba part mostly in their SD and performing to a slow music piece in their FD. I'ts just not right. Ralph and Hill deserved to be 4th. I'm not really into this couple although I adore Asher and his posture and stage presence I believe Kharis being a bir over weighted constitutes as an obsticle for them. But they are passionate and enthusistic so.. wish them the best.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
European Championships 2012 - Recap
We all knew that this battle was going to end with the victory of the French. But I shall remunerate Bobrova and Soloviev for their FD performance either. I thought for a sec that they were going to win because ther FD was nowhere around I've expected from them. After being in first place after that SD which they didn't deserve at all with this strong, clean FD program I've told my mom "See that, they might win. I cannot believe this" But this time jury was fair. The whole ranking in the FD was as it should've been so I'm pleased.
Short Dance
You could say, among the top 6 or even 7. Bobrova and Soloviev were the worst. With their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture and irritating choreography that SD was far away from being the best. But somehow they've managed to be the first. I know that the the French lost timing a bit in the beginning of the program but they've managed to chatch it up before the lift and they were making deeper edges in the GPF so I can understand how their score was lower than the GPF. But other than that two facts, they were full of energy and they were fast with no mistakes. They showed us how great skating skills they have as always. Looking at Riazanova and Tkachenko I find them technically impeccable. I wish that they would just seem a bit effortless. Regarding to what they accomplish I'm not saying that they look like amatures but if they can manage
to look confident and include some theatrical looks, they might even be considered as the best couple from Russia. Because they are. They just need time to convince public about it. Coming up to Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland. You know how I love this couples demeanor and their vibe and how much I'm into this SD. I love Aguilera's El beso del final and all of the movements just melts in this song. What a shame that they've missed it in the twizzles. It was going to be excuisite. They were fast in the step sequence and transitions were great in the mirror steps because they are trained by the one and only Evgeny Platov. After the Kerr's retirement I'd never thought a couple would come from GB with this much talent. All of their lifts are containing speed and innovation. When the music needs a lift, they give us the lift and their speed level is significantly adding values into their performance. So they deserved to be 4th. Tobias and Stagniunias are not in my favorite list and they need a way go. Unsynchronization on the twizzles and poor skating skills gives them away. I bet they are going to be so much better with team Canton but not there yet. As for the Italians, They
had a trouble but at least should've been ranked above Coomes and Buckland. If they would have been magical just like in the GP they would have been 3rd. They weren't expecting all these series of sync loss and tripping. Was their worst performance but even performing their worst, they always seem fascinating and enchanting. Love their chemistry. Ilinykh and Katsalapov on the other hand were remarkable. Great speed with transitions made with amazing edges. Hands down it was their greatest performance. Them and the italians ranked below so many couples because their movements base values are very low. Cappellini / Lanotte were 25 and Ilınykh / Katsalapov were 24.5 compard to other couples high base values this is the reason they got behind. French could've pass on but their base value was lower than Russian either. So this
is very important. I say this every year. They should not let anyone cross them with their higher base values because when GOW is added to it no matter how great points you have from the Jury you might get behind when it multiplies with base values. Carron and Jones, they are my sentimental favorites! I love this program. And they handled it amazingly. Beginning movements were so cute and well done. Just a bit loss of synchronization on the step seq. but thats all. Even Bobrova and Soloviev tripped there. But they were ranked first. So how come Carron and Jones presents a tremendous program and becomes 8th. This is not the first injustice they experience this season. It happened before in the GP. They were solid and this program is polished beautifuly. Their lifts were hard to accomplish and its transitions were real quick They made deep edges in the pattern sequences. What did they want from them? Last but not leas Zhiganshina and Gazsi wore the same outfits again, which has nothing to do with latin but hands down it was their greatest performance this season. I love this couples deep edges. They were the only ones to accomplish step sequence with deep edges and quick transitions. They never unsynchronized. The main problem with Guignard and Fabbri; either she's taller and bigger or he is too small because they look a bit awkward. I love when women looks tiny near men in ice dancing and the opposite always bothers me. They are a self-improving couple and they were ok. I believe they see Virtue and Moir as idols because usage of their extremities (espesially Charlene's) look alike them. I'm not saying this as a bad thing I think its cute and not annoying at all they look lovely. In years to come we might see them in top 10.
Short Dance
You could say, among the top 6 or even 7. Bobrova and Soloviev were the worst. With their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture and irritating choreography that SD was far away from being the best. But somehow they've managed to be the first. I know that the the French lost timing a bit in the beginning of the program but they've managed to chatch it up before the lift and they were making deeper edges in the GPF so I can understand how their score was lower than the GPF. But other than that two facts, they were full of energy and they were fast with no mistakes. They showed us how great skating skills they have as always. Looking at Riazanova and Tkachenko I find them technically impeccable. I wish that they would just seem a bit effortless. Regarding to what they accomplish I'm not saying that they look like amatures but if they can manage
to look confident and include some theatrical looks, they might even be considered as the best couple from Russia. Because they are. They just need time to convince public about it. Coming up to Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland. You know how I love this couples demeanor and their vibe and how much I'm into this SD. I love Aguilera's El beso del final and all of the movements just melts in this song. What a shame that they've missed it in the twizzles. It was going to be excuisite. They were fast in the step sequence and transitions were great in the mirror steps because they are trained by the one and only Evgeny Platov. After the Kerr's retirement I'd never thought a couple would come from GB with this much talent. All of their lifts are containing speed and innovation. When the music needs a lift, they give us the lift and their speed level is significantly adding values into their performance. So they deserved to be 4th. Tobias and Stagniunias are not in my favorite list and they need a way go. Unsynchronization on the twizzles and poor skating skills gives them away. I bet they are going to be so much better with team Canton but not there yet. As for the Italians, They
had a trouble but at least should've been ranked above Coomes and Buckland. If they would have been magical just like in the GP they would have been 3rd. They weren't expecting all these series of sync loss and tripping. Was their worst performance but even performing their worst, they always seem fascinating and enchanting. Love their chemistry. Ilinykh and Katsalapov on the other hand were remarkable. Great speed with transitions made with amazing edges. Hands down it was their greatest performance. Them and the italians ranked below so many couples because their movements base values are very low. Cappellini / Lanotte were 25 and Ilınykh / Katsalapov were 24.5 compard to other couples high base values this is the reason they got behind. French could've pass on but their base value was lower than Russian either. So this
is very important. I say this every year. They should not let anyone cross them with their higher base values because when GOW is added to it no matter how great points you have from the Jury you might get behind when it multiplies with base values. Carron and Jones, they are my sentimental favorites! I love this program. And they handled it amazingly. Beginning movements were so cute and well done. Just a bit loss of synchronization on the step seq. but thats all. Even Bobrova and Soloviev tripped there. But they were ranked first. So how come Carron and Jones presents a tremendous program and becomes 8th. This is not the first injustice they experience this season. It happened before in the GP. They were solid and this program is polished beautifuly. Their lifts were hard to accomplish and its transitions were real quick They made deep edges in the pattern sequences. What did they want from them? Last but not leas Zhiganshina and Gazsi wore the same outfits again, which has nothing to do with latin but hands down it was their greatest performance this season. I love this couples deep edges. They were the only ones to accomplish step sequence with deep edges and quick transitions. They never unsynchronized. The main problem with Guignard and Fabbri; either she's taller and bigger or he is too small because they look a bit awkward. I love when women looks tiny near men in ice dancing and the opposite always bothers me. They are a self-improving couple and they were ok. I believe they see Virtue and Moir as idols because usage of their extremities (espesially Charlene's) look alike them. I'm not saying this as a bad thing I think its cute and not annoying at all they look lovely. In years to come we might see them in top 10.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Condemning the jury
Please wake me up.... wake me up.. A bad dream about the Russians performing as bad as always as being first on the short dance. Oh no.. I'm not talking about Ilinykh and Katsalapov. They were amazing as always. I'm not talkin about Riazanova & Tkachenko either beause they were flowing and beautiful.Way better than Bobrova and Soloviev. Elena and Nikita should have been ranked above Bobrova and Soloviev. Please.. Are they really serious?. I condemn the jury. Can't believe it. How come Pechalat and Bourzat not ranked as first? What is going on here? I'm actually asking this really.. not kidding. How can you look at the Russians and cannot say "Jury made them a favor" This is the most innocent answer that you can give in a situation like this. Pechalat and Boutzat were the best. I'm not going to even criticize their program. We all have seen it. This is about Bobrova & Soloviev ranked 1st. It happened before with their poor skating skills, unsynchronized movements, Ekaterina Bobrova's hunch backed annoying posture and irritating choreography. Do they really think we are stupid? Guess what we are NOT! Did they really think that we would see this and say "Well they were ok, I guess they deserved to be 1st... I'm not an expert anyways... Jury is". Well clearly they are not. Becouse the whole top 6 were way better than Bobrova and Soloviev.
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