- Joined
- Aug 27, 2003
Go Christina and Ashley!! For once, a great showing by the American ladies. I'm so happy for them.
Ashley skated great and deserved the win. Yes, she still needs to add a triple/triple, and should do it in the next GP, but what a start to her season. I was really impressed by the choreographic detail in the program and how well she presented it. Yes, she's getting some "rep" points in PCS, but she's also genuinely improved in this area. In years past, her programs were always so girlish and run-of-the-mill. Now it's totally different. Everything is carefully thought out, from music choice to costume design to conception of the program, and it really shows. I'm just so impressed with her whole approach to this season. There's a real professionalism and maturity to Ashley's skating now. I just hope she can keep it going for the whole season. Anything is possible if she does. (And, just a side note, but I think her LP costume is terrific. It's eye-catching, memorable, and totally fits the character she's portraying.)
Christina was terrific! Definitely the best I've ever seen her skate. I'm thrilled for her. And, as with Ashley, I see a lot of artistic growth. In this performance, she really hit the musical accents very nicely and made much better eye contact with the audience and judges than I've seen in the past. I loved that she was able to hit not one but two strong programs in this event--that's been rare for American ladies in recent years--even if one program is good, usually the other one is not. Seems like the move to Boston is working out very well for her.
As to Adelina Sotnikova, I thought she was overscored. I did not agree at all with her 3-point PCS lead over Christina in the long. I can see the argument that Adelina's basic skating skills are better than Christina's. However, Christina had an elegance and attention to detail totally lacking with Adelina. I do not like Adelina's LP at all. The music is loud and OTT, plus there are too many separate cuts within it. The choreography does fit the music, but it feels like a show number, not a competitive program. There is something a bit tawdry and inappropriate about the whole thing. The costume doesn't help matters. It's too sheer on top, and the feather skirt is a bit trashy. It has the effect of making Adelina look older than she is--but not in a good way. Nonetheless, for those posters ready to give up on Adelina, it's way too soon for that. Remember how young she is. She has many years yet to improve and find consistency and a style that works for her. Just look at Ashley and how long it's taken her to reach her present level.
I also wouldn't write Leonova off just yet. She seems to be a late-season skater who peaks for Worlds. (Although she'll have to peak earlier this year just to make the Russian world team.)
As to Flatt, apparently she once again decided to compete despite injury. Once again, a competitive spot that Mirai Nagasu or someone else could have competently filled is held onto instead by Rachael, for yet another disastrous result. Does she really think she did herself or anyone any favors by competing and placing 9th out of 10??
Ashley skated great and deserved the win. Yes, she still needs to add a triple/triple, and should do it in the next GP, but what a start to her season. I was really impressed by the choreographic detail in the program and how well she presented it. Yes, she's getting some "rep" points in PCS, but she's also genuinely improved in this area. In years past, her programs were always so girlish and run-of-the-mill. Now it's totally different. Everything is carefully thought out, from music choice to costume design to conception of the program, and it really shows. I'm just so impressed with her whole approach to this season. There's a real professionalism and maturity to Ashley's skating now. I just hope she can keep it going for the whole season. Anything is possible if she does. (And, just a side note, but I think her LP costume is terrific. It's eye-catching, memorable, and totally fits the character she's portraying.)
Christina was terrific! Definitely the best I've ever seen her skate. I'm thrilled for her. And, as with Ashley, I see a lot of artistic growth. In this performance, she really hit the musical accents very nicely and made much better eye contact with the audience and judges than I've seen in the past. I loved that she was able to hit not one but two strong programs in this event--that's been rare for American ladies in recent years--even if one program is good, usually the other one is not. Seems like the move to Boston is working out very well for her.
As to Adelina Sotnikova, I thought she was overscored. I did not agree at all with her 3-point PCS lead over Christina in the long. I can see the argument that Adelina's basic skating skills are better than Christina's. However, Christina had an elegance and attention to detail totally lacking with Adelina. I do not like Adelina's LP at all. The music is loud and OTT, plus there are too many separate cuts within it. The choreography does fit the music, but it feels like a show number, not a competitive program. There is something a bit tawdry and inappropriate about the whole thing. The costume doesn't help matters. It's too sheer on top, and the feather skirt is a bit trashy. It has the effect of making Adelina look older than she is--but not in a good way. Nonetheless, for those posters ready to give up on Adelina, it's way too soon for that. Remember how young she is. She has many years yet to improve and find consistency and a style that works for her. Just look at Ashley and how long it's taken her to reach her present level.
I also wouldn't write Leonova off just yet. She seems to be a late-season skater who peaks for Worlds. (Although she'll have to peak earlier this year just to make the Russian world team.)
As to Flatt, apparently she once again decided to compete despite injury. Once again, a competitive spot that Mirai Nagasu or someone else could have competently filled is held onto instead by Rachael, for yet another disastrous result. Does she really think she did herself or anyone any favors by competing and placing 9th out of 10??