Worlds 2012 - Virtue/Moir & Davis/White FD Comparison

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.

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..

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.

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

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

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.

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.