- Joined
- Feb 14, 2014
I think dramatic fluff pieces are missing, they are so much fun !
I'm going to repost another comment of mine elsewhere here... as this is a "how to fix figure skating thread"...
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...r-like-Cohen&p=1058202&viewfull=1#post1058202
In Eastern European (including Russian) culture it's easier for guys to participate in "feminine" activity, like ballet or figure skating, because there are specialized schools for such kids starting at 6 years and going all the way to adulthood. In those environments the boys are within their own subcultures and are not exposed so much to those outside stereotypes you were talking about.
In USA those schools are rare and expensive, or at least here where I live. Those boys still have to go to regular schools and survive the brutality of public teenage jungle. Yes, recently bullying has been reduced significantly and is now perceived as "uncool", but the stereotypes still exist. And it discourages the boys from going after "feminine" activities.
I think dramatic fluff pieces are missing, they are so much fun !
I would go even further: make the Grand Prix mandatory for Worlds qualifications. Just like in tennis: to take part in ATP/WTA finals you have to collect enough points through the entire season.
the music which needs more of an update than the ability to use lyrics (why so many warhorses this season?),
the over-the-top costumes (yes, seen as "gay")
And I will remind the figure skating was huge in the U.S. no more than two decades ago.
As to the "cool" factor, maybe it's time to try to exploit it. Figure Skating can have it too. It just needs to have an open mind...
And like or not, the U.S. is dominating the popular culture around the world. And sports are part of popular culture. And no, we are not talking about Africa, South America, Australia or Middle East. We are talking about the Northern Hemisphere.
And no, I am not a born American.
Please don't tell me that is something men wear.
Figure skating doesn't come across as a cool sport when male skaters are wearing clothes that are often only worn by women. here is an example: http://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2014/12/329545.html
Please don't tell me that is something men wear.
I find it interesting that the people advocating for these changes are fans of big country skaters and automatically assume that all little-country skaters suck.
You'd be the sort to see Brendan Kerry land a 4S or a 4T-3T and immediately claim he must be an American who just went off to Australia because. Or see Brooklee and Kailani smashing out 3-3s and claim they're not really Australian and they're obviously from somewhere else and they have no right to be at worlds.
Normally I would agree, but I guess it's a convention, just like gstrings in sumo, or speedos is swimming.
If I were a figure skating dictator with unlimited power, I would probably put a restriction on overly flamboyant costumes by both genders, imposed some standards maybe. I remember when in the 70s men had to wear tuxedo-like uniforms, and that would be fine with me. With some extra creativity, but still strictly defined. I would allow some bare skin for women too, I hate those skin color stockings.
It's too cold not to wear stockings.
I am devastated about the Russian ladies because all of them are too good and only 3 will be sent to Euro and WC. I would love to see more of them.
hwell: She couldn't move to Ukraine given the political weather there, not to mention that fed is so weak. She couldn't move to US either and in Russia she's just their 4th or 5th.Pogo needs a Frank Carrol'ish skating makeover. She's stunning facially, yet she has the typical Russian tackiness. Plus she has skills. Her now coach is holding her back IMO. Pogo could be Russian No.1 since she's past puberty and she's the deal. She just needs refinement. It seems she's going to get the short shrift in the Russian Federation.
But it should be an option, not requirement.
As far as I know, Surya Bonaly was the only top skater who skated bare-legged. She couldn't find tights that matched her skin tone.
But it should be an option, not requirement.
Funny you should mention this, because a thing I have noticed over the past few years is that for most skaters, the skin-coloured portions of costumes hardly ever match the actual skin colour. :disapp:
BUT, for Vanessa James and Mae-Berenice Meite, the match is nearly always perfect.
So, the current dress makers must be putting in more of an effort in getting it right for coloured skaters than they were back in Surya's day!
And besides, I'd rather us not go to modern music. Figure skating doesn't need 15 year olds out on the ice skating to songs about drugs, alcohol, rape, sex, and disrespect to women, which seems to be all modern music is about.