Change of edge was short on the flying camelOriginally Posted by draqq
The jump didn't count
Change of edge was short on the flying camel
The jump didn't count
What I think is that artistic part of a program is not a IT factor of defining the program's class.
I don't think it is a good criticism to set some programs as B-level at the first sight, depending on criteria such as music cut or choreography.
I do have preferences when it comes to 'artistic' side of a program but really, I don't see it as a strong total-score determinant. The system should not be working that way - if so, skaters will have to try to meet the judge's taste to get high PCS.
And I always like to believe that all programs have potentials to come, and that happens from time to time to give me pleasant surprise.
That's what I wanted to say. Maybe my words were way too abbreviated.
Last edited by creme cup; 12-10-2012 at 01:53 PM.
It's amazing how long Menshovs career has been going on and that now, with 29! years of age, he suddenly becomes a real contender. If Russia is scared for their second starting place at the Olympics maybe they should focus on him.I really liked Menshov's skating at SkAm
Definitely, Russia should give him some respect. He has been skating consistenly well this season.
You're welcome. I don't think it was very detailed, considering I spent my whole weekend there and I live 3 hours away from Dortmund, so I had to go there early in the morning and leave late at night. But there aren't many skating events here and I definitely wanted to see one. Skate America had 10 starters or what? NRW Trophy was even larger than worlds. There were 34! Ladies and 27! Men. (And 9 Pairs) It went on for hours and hours and hours. I feel bad for some starters, but sometimes you cannot even concentrate anymore. Michal Brezina got the female attention of some ladies who went crazy for him and he shouted "Wanna kiss?" to them at the end of his FS, that was funny.Thanks for the report, MaiKatze! I agree with you that watching figure skating can be exhausting! Was surprised at how much it consumed my weekend when I went to SkAm. ( I guess I shouldn't be though, CoyoteChris warned me as such, LOL. And I didn't even go to the practices!)
So happy to see that Menshov is continuing to do well. He was a pleasant surprise to me as well at SkAm. He definitely doesn't have the components of other skaters, but when he hits his jumps, wow!I'm glad Misha Ge did well at this competition as well. Odd to hear about Brenzia getting beat by a bunch of folks.
Yep, Menshov. Like I wrote I'm so impressed. I wouldn't really count Gachinski out but Menshov really has amazing jumps.
Aw, that's nice of you. For me the atmosphere and general impression are what counts, because I'm not much into the technical elements of the sport. And everything is so fast, I recognise a jump, but cannot even see if it's underrotated or something I leave that to the experts and concentrate on the costumes.
Concerning S/S like I said I was utterly exhausted when they were on so maybe I was just tired. They were both running around and were practising and warming up in the venue the whole day, during the ladies competition as well. It was really small so you could see the skaters face to face and watch them do their thing. Which was amazing and cozy. You don't have that in a stadium. Of course, Yuna was the exception......Generally everybody was smaller than they look on TV. I think movie stars also look bigger on screen.
I just watched Misha Ge's FS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAivn...nZkICg&index=2
What the heck was the last minute? I thought the music screwed up ---but no, it was part of the program we went from City Lights to hip-hop?! I'm surprised he didn't get a vocal music deduction. And the judges loved it--he got +1.93 GOE for that step sequence. I'm not sure if judges at an ISU championship would be that generous, but I admire the guy for trying something new. The audience clearly loved it.
^Yes, I remember thinking that there was something wrong with the music. I was sure he would get a deduction for this, I wonder why he didn't. The audience who is screaming so loudly consisted mainly of the other skaters at that point, it was late and he was the last one to skate.
I think it's just 1 point for a vocal music deduction?
He should have gotten one, but what an entertaining routine!
Wow I'm impressed with Yunas 1A+1T+1Lo and 2.20 points for it
I always think it's terrific when someone starts shining after toiling away for years under the radar. It's a similar situation with Akiko Suzuki; suddenly everything seems to click into place, and the skater becomes amazing. Who knows why, but it's a joy for skating fans: like finding treasure that was hidden in plain sight. And we can just imagine how thrilling it is for the skater.
Well, I would give +3 GOE to Yuna if she was just standing there and reading a phone book on the ice.
:-))) LOL...but as Yu Na is an Olympic Champion it is perhaps she stood that combo in training that they let her go away with it;-))))....I watched Yu Na in training in Essen at the ice rink and she nailed it there in one go, and in the next it was a bit shaky...she needs just time to go to 100% like she did at Olympics 2010 IMO. Otherwise her skating skills and footwork are largely unchallenged at this point;-) just watching her floating around the ice is something special. And I agree about the phone book......well, she asked me where the name Moskitos comes from for our local ice hockey team that trains at the rink in Essen too;-))) and sb from another forum just said: well Yu Na Kim going to the NRW Trophy in Dortmund is just like the pope going to ALDI (big German supermarket chain with inexpensive, good products) LOL
Well, I would give +3 GOE to Yuna if she was just standing there and reading a phone book on the ice.
LOL that is freaking hilarious.. and uhmm .. hey i like Aldi (love the fresh veggies) :P
How was it like for the skaters training at Essen? You guys did great to keep it a secret.
I have to take my hats off to the Germans for being excellent hosts, accommodating and very hospitable to all the foreigners. I went to NRW Trophy in Dortmund, and everything just went extraordinary smoothly and efficiently, easy going and relaxed, German style. Met alot of happy Germans (maybe something to do with Christmas Market?) all spoke good English which makes it extra easy to go around.I especially want to thank Thomas who manned the door hehe...
By the way your ice hokey team is seriously called Moskitos? Like Mosquitos in English? I can see why she's a bit curious, the nearest comparison I can find in the UK is team Wasp/stinger, but I can't think of any insect team smaller than a wasp.
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Oh yeah Misha's FS music edit was definitely weird, I think maybe it wasn't compressed properly, it seems to have lost the bass part when it changed rhythm into vacal/Rap. I like the premise of the program (like a modern chaplin in tux), and even got a kick out of the quarter Pink Tux costume, but the music really took me out of the program so I am not sure if worked. I even saw one of the judges scratched her head going 'ayiiieeiyayaya... what to do', I sympathies with her. However it is nice to see bit of a personality on these competitions and with Misha there's always plenty.
I was impressed with Menshovs, I am not familiar with him and at the beginning I thought this program might be something Artur Gachinski might do, choice of music & choreography. But his presence is mature, masculine, and classical. I like it alot.
And MaiKatze, i empathise with you, I a still recuperating from my trip. May be I was too nervous for Yuna (who succeeded beyond my expectations), I am now simply exhausted.
Last edited by os168; 12-12-2012 at 02:00 PM.
Imo this is a great kitschy vintage program very untypical of figure skating programs. Think Yuna as this icy scream queen from 60s British B-movie since the soundtrack was not really OST of today, but more like acoustic orchestral sound effects from a Hammer's Horror film that does not follow a melodic arc that makes it easy listening or to skate to. In a way, this gives her something to work towards to in her future performances, since the unfamiliarity and the unfriendliness of the music and genre definitely makes it an hard sell, but it could really highlight her ability to perform and express.
There's no easy-listening melodies, rhythms or motifs which she can latch on to. This choice is certainly the antithesis of Les Miserable. This is not some familiar well recognized 'master work' that everyone already knows by heart which could make skater's life so much easier. It is the same principle on what makes Dai's FS last year so great, it is not what they do, but how they do it. A good elite challenge would be making the least appetizing ingredients work and how to turn it into a credible program. So of course it is totally jarring to those who are perhaps used to certain style of presentation. B-movies tends to be over melodramatic and a bit hokum, where everything is just a bit bigger than life and twisted and yes 'totally off'
On the other hand, this style guru seems to like it
http://www.nickverrreos.blogspot.co.uk/
Maybe it is a UK thing, we are just a bit twisted
Last edited by os168; 12-12-2012 at 01:25 PM.
Have a nice recovery too...i was exhausted too on that Saturday night;-9 getting up at 4 am at the crack of dawn, walking over to the rink (it is only 8 mins walk away from my flat - Hihi I chose my flat for that reason;-))) and having those amazing 3 hours in all to keep Yu Na and her team company because but us 2 and the ice master (who cant speak English) there was nobody else there. my friend and I made tea for them at the rink because there was no cafe open or anything of course....I brought tea with me luckily, too. I just found the official practice at Dortmund on YouTube too and so I could compare what she did in Essen. Her team booked the rink 3 times for an hour before the competition so that she and her team mate Jin Seo Kim, could practice in peace. the practice rink in Dortmund was too noisy, without a roof and crowded, their manager said. And considering the temperatures we had in the last few days, this certainly was a good idea! That is nice that you enjoyed your trip to Dortmund and your stay there. Yep, and it may well be that Glühwein cheers us Germans up at this time of year, they sell it at every christmas market here u see - it is a very popular drink!LOL that is freaking hilarious.. and uhmm .. hey i like Aldi (love the fresh vegies) :P
How was it like for the skaters training at Essen? You guys did great to keep it a secret.
I have to take my hats off to the Germans for being excellent hosts, accommodating and very hospitable to all the foreigners. I went to NRW Trophy in Dortmund, and everything just went extraordinary smoothly and efficiently, easy going and relaxed, German style. Met alot of happy Germans (maybe something to do with Christmas Market?) all spoke good English which makes it extra easy to go around.
By the way your ice hokey team is seriously called Moskitos? Like Mosquitos in English? I can see why she's a bit curious, the nearest comparison I can find in the UK is team Wasp/stinger, but I can't think of any insect team smaller than a wasp.
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Oh yeah Misha's FS music edit was definitely weird, I think maybe it wasn't compressed properly, it seems to have lost the bass part when it changed rhythm into vacal/Rap. I like the premise of the program (like a modern chaplin in tux), and even got a kick out of the quarter Pink Tux costume, but the music really took me out of the program so I am not sure if worked. I even saw one of the judges scratched her head going 'ayiiieeiyayaya... what to do', I sympathies with her. However it is nice to see bit of a personality on these competitions and with Misha there's always plenty.
I was impressed with Menshovs, I am not familiar with him and at the beginning I thought this program might be something Artur Gachinski might do, choice of music & choreography. But his presence is mature, masculine, and quite classical. I like it alot.
And MaiKatze, i empathise with you, I a still recuperating from my trip. May be I was too nervous for Yuna (who succeeded beyond my expectations), I am now simply exhausted.
My coach tipped our group off - she also was an Olympic skater once and went to Innsbruck at 1976 and shared the ice with Toller Cranston! (I asked her whether she knew that he hated figures really so much that he threw his figure skates in the pond there.....;-))Ah well, she was only 15 years old skating at pairs at the time...and now she is 50 years old and still teaching;-))) she has got connections of course - knows Aljona and Robin as well as Ingo Steuer and all of their coaches......Yesterday we celebrated her b-day and Advent party so we all thanked her for that wonderful opportunity we got. She works part time at the rink and is a member of the club that manages the rink. i sometimes do volunteer work as well there.
Oh yes, and Yu Na Kim signed my skates! they are lucky skates now and i hopefully will learn that darn 3-turn now;-))))
Yes the ice hockey team is called after the insect mosquito: and their slogan is (so I translated it for her): We fight, sting and are victorious;-))) ah well, but they arent too good..they lose often!
be as it may, in the saturday evening I went to listen to the Christmas Oratorio at Essens Philharmonie and nearly dozed off in my seat through Ingeborg Danz alto aria singing Sleep my dear jesus....I was so exhausted! But I enjoyed it anyway, as the choir under helmuth Rilling (a household name for Bach concertos, he also won a Grammy) was excellent. Simply a perfect day.
I find the LP of Ge actually quite entertaining....it is a mash up of Chapiln with Rap, why not and he put on a real good show, too at the beginning.....we will see how he will do at Europeans. Some programs need time to grow....same with Aljona and Robin's LP. i liked the SP with their new costumes, it gels now. But hey ok, how can you top "Pina"?? They kicked V/T's butt last year and so they will do this year...LOL. But what is the matter with Trankov? IMO he hurt himself at the first fall and completely lost it at that lift and fell again. Pairs is dangerous indeed.
Last edited by TarAncalime; 12-12-2012 at 01:32 PM.
Wow it is so cool you get to train with an Olympic coach, best luck to you. Do you do singles, or pairs? Robin jogged past me a few times, and Aljona went through a seat railing like a world champion right next to me. It is extraordinary really how close you can get to the skaters. It was very cozy and friendly atmosphere so no wonder all the skaters looks rather relaxed and seems to enjoy themselves. Walk around and was like 3-5 feet from all everyone. But I thought it was cool how every one behaved nonchalantly as if it was nothing.... as it should be I think. Except when Yuna walks in, and the rink is immediately buzzing.
Thanks for confirming the Mosquito ice hockey rink. Actually thinking about it, I can't help but get a bit of a giggle, because Mosquitos are vampire insects who kisses to survive, so Yuna's practice was at a vampire insect rink (the place to be kissed by vampires in Germany)!? Good lord... a nice omen for her return??
Yeah the Dortmund practice rink is more like a Ice Hocky rink and is too cold for practice, it is like -1 degrees these 2days, especially with the snow hail on Sunday, and it is a standard open rink, basically 2 walls, 2 open sides. It DOES have a roof, but I'd imagine not ideal for someone used to warmer conditions. I did see a few skater there practicing, all wearing very warm clothing.
Misha need to pump up the bass for the rap part of his music track. Yeah crowd love him, who doesn't like Misha :P
Last edited by os168; 12-12-2012 at 01:56 PM.
thanks...Kerstin placed 6th with her partner 1976;-))) I do the basics first and I want to concentrate on ice dance later. So Robin jogged past you. Yep thats Dortmund, nowhere else you can stand in skaters' ways while they warm up - and nobody minds because it is just family;-))) to all. Aljona had a sinusitis and they needed to go to another competition before Euros and Worlds...that is why they were there. They just phoned up the comitee a week ago and asked whether they could join - no problem. Thats Dortmund.Wow it is so cool you train with an Olympic coach, best luck to you. Do you do singles, or pairs? Robin jogged past me a few times, and Aljona went through a seat railing like a world champion right next to me. It is extraordinary really how close you can get to the skaters. It was very cozy and friendly atmosphere so no wonder all the skaters looks rather relaxed and seems to enjoy themselves. Walk around and was like 3-5 feet from all everyone. But I thought it was cool how every one behaved nonchalantly as if it was nothing.... as it should be I think. Except when Yuna walks in, and the rink is immediately buzzing.
Thanks for confirming the Mosquito ice hockey rink. Actually thinking about it, I can't help but get a bit of a giggle, because Mosquitos are vampire insects who kisses to survive, so Yuna's practice was at a vampire insect rink (the place to be kissed by vampires in Germany)!? Good lord... a nice omen for her return??
Yeah the Dortmund practice rink is more like a Ice Hocky rink and is too cold for practice, it is like -1 degrees these 2days, especially with the snow hail on Sunday, and it is a standard open rink, basically 2 walls, 2 open sides. It DOES have a roof, but I'd imagine not ideal for someone used to warmer conditions. I did see a few skater there practicing, all wearing very warm clothing.
Misha need to pump up the base for the rap part of his music track. Yeah crowd love him, who doesn't like Misha :P
LOL about that connection about Essen's ice rink. Yep could be the reason why she asked me that...she really thinks a lot about what she does with her choreo. Actually I sent her an mp3 with a wonderful instrumental cover of Adeles Rolling in the Deep as a thank you this morning;-)))
Ah I see about Dortmunds practice rink. Well, Essen's rink was above zero at least as it is in a building - though not heated. We all practise with fleece anoraks and trousers. i bought a second set of them recently;-)))) Actually Essen's rink is used regularly as a practice venue for competitions that are in Dortmund. We have a very impressive skater's wall of fame in the bosses' office. Yu Na and Jin Seo were added this weekend.......
I am sure Misha will work at his routine. It has a lot of potential IMO.
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