- Joined
- Dec 16, 2006
Janetfan's reply on another thread prompted the start of this one:
Some would argue that since skating and dance are similar yet different, it would be best to go to a former skater. Also, a former skater knows the nuances of the rules and how to get around those (if I remember correctly, David Wilson had Kim Yu Na hold the opening of her Miss Saigon program five seconds longer, so that her double axel/triple toe would get the bonus, since it would fall after the halfway point).
However, a former dancer could bring a fresh perspective on a piece of music. They also have a different idea of how the character should be portrayed, perhaps based on what they know of the history of that particular ballet, or piece of music (Charlene Franks' choreography for Rudy Galindo in 1996, or the late Elena Tcherkaskaia's choreography for Angela Nikodinov).
What do you think?
Do you see that as a bad thing? An "outsider" doing skating choreo......:think:
My feeling is that Lori and David might be doing too many programs and we see too much of the same style - I call it the "mini Yuna syndrome."
It is not really fair to compare Christina or MJ to Yuna - but we see such similar looking choreographic gestures that if is hard not to think of them as little Yuna clones at times. Some have even mentioned the same thing after watching Rippon skate.
No doubt a choreographer with a skating background can make the job of the coach alot easier since most of the choreo will have been conceived by a former skater.
But what about creativity and new ideas? Let's consider a good Dance choreographer working with a skater. What if some of the ideas do not translate so well or easily to skating? Isn't that something for the coach to consider since he/she knows his skater's abilities quite well?
I find it really strange that so many posts lament the use of yet another "Carmen," "Firebird" and other music that is used so often without ever hearing a peep about so much recycled choreography.
I am not a Dancer and don't pretend to have choreographic expertise. I do think part of the argument that the CoP has made too much of the skating look the same has much to do with the levels. But isn't it also possible some fresh new ideas for choreo and general presentation are needed?
Some would argue that since skating and dance are similar yet different, it would be best to go to a former skater. Also, a former skater knows the nuances of the rules and how to get around those (if I remember correctly, David Wilson had Kim Yu Na hold the opening of her Miss Saigon program five seconds longer, so that her double axel/triple toe would get the bonus, since it would fall after the halfway point).
However, a former dancer could bring a fresh perspective on a piece of music. They also have a different idea of how the character should be portrayed, perhaps based on what they know of the history of that particular ballet, or piece of music (Charlene Franks' choreography for Rudy Galindo in 1996, or the late Elena Tcherkaskaia's choreography for Angela Nikodinov).
What do you think?