2013 Skate America - Short Dance Report | Golden Skate

2013 Skate America - Short Dance Report

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
2013 Skate America
Ice Dance – Short Dance

Quickstep plus one or two following rhythms: Foxtrot, Charleston, Swing
Pattern Dance: Two Sections of Finnstep skated one after the other (Section 1 followed by Section 2 with Step #1 skated on the Judges’ side)

Detailed Classification
Judges Scores
http://www.isuresults.com/results/gpusa2013/gpusa2013_IceDance_SD_Scores.pdf

Links to other Reports:
Ice Dance – Free Dance
Ladies – Short Program
Ladies - Free Skating
Men – Short Program
Men – Free Skating
Pairs – Short Program
Pairs – Free Skating

Disclaimer: The GOE values listed next to the elements are ones I would award if I was a judge and they’re intended to give you a general impression of how each element was executed. I try to describe each of the elements but there's not always time to be as detailed as I would like and a numbers can sometimes say a thousand words.

I am generally very nitpicky, try to pay a lot of attention to detail and attempt to notice various errors that judges might have missed. I realise that I’m being very harsh but I try my best to apply the same high standard to all of the skaters.

Any questions, comments, criticisms and discussion are all very welcome.

1. REED Cathy / REED Chris /JPN/
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin
Foxtrot: Harlem Nocturne
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin

twizzles: arm above and catch into bent arms clockwise (a little off) into moving arms [0] - rotation speed was decent enough
finnstep 1 [-1]
finnstep 2 [-1]
midline not touching step sequence [0]
catchfoot rotational lift [0]

A competent performance. No major errors - secure and confident throughout – but nothing outstanding either.

Their basic skating looked a little heavy for elite senior ice dance standards and it really showed on the finnstep which lacked lightness and bounce.

As far as the choreography is concerned, again it was decent enough, they spent a fair amount of time in closed hold, but it wasn’t particularly original or exciting.

It was a good performance, for their standard, however and it appears they are bouncing back after the last couple of unsuccessful seasons so well done to them.

2. Isabella TOBIAS / Deividas STAGNIUNAS /LTU/
Foxtrot: A Fine Romance by Marilyn Monroe
Quickstep: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friends by Marilyn Monroe

twizzles: arm above and catch(fast and sharp) into clockwise arms folded (a tiny bit off-synch) [0]
finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [-1] – a little scratchy
diagonal not touching step sequence [1]
split rotational lift [-1] – his footwork a little messy, a very ungainly position; throwing sacks of potatoes kind of lift, not aesthetically pleasing in the slightest (and didn’t really seem to fit the character of the music either)

A decently choreographed program with a strong concept. Very perky throughout. Tobias might be limited technically but her performance skills are fantastic. She sold it really well from start to finish. Stagniunas looked a little lost, in comparison, but then she was probably successfully directing all the attention to herself.

3. Madison HUBBELL / Zachary DONOHUE /USA/
Quickstep: Mr. Pinstripe Suit performed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddies
Foxtrot: Maddest Kind Of Love performed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddies
Charleston: Diga Diga Doo performed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddies

finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [0]
twizzles: clockwise arm above into arm folded and catch [1] – fast and sharp
spread eagle straight line lift with changes of position [1]
circular not touching step sequence [1] – good flow

Performed well and skated with decent power and flow. A much sharper performance than at Nebelhorn. The choreography could have used some more creativity, however. It was a fun, upbeat program but it looked like a pretty generic ballroom dance.

4. Pernelle CARRON / Lloyd JONES /FRA/
Foxtrot: De-Lovely by Cole Porter
Quickstep: Anything Goes by Cole Porter

circular not touching step sequence [0]
spread eagle curve lift with change of position [0] – a little hesitant on the position change
twizzles: three sets [-2] – first off-synch, last a little insecure, could have used more speed throughout
finnstep 1 [-1]
finnstep 2 [-1]

Strong start with quite light basic skating but the program didn’t really go anywhere. They went for a classical, ballroom look but the choreography was quite basic and the performance quickly fizzled out (really not a good idea to choreograph your own programs in an Olympic season).

Technically it was a little subpar also. Weak twizzles and a sluggish Finnstep.

I’m afraid that despite more coaching changes (adding Shpilband and Fusar Poli to their team), they are continuing to go downhill. If Papadkis/Cizeron are in good shape this season, they should be able to beat them at Nationals.

5. Julia ZLOBINA / Alexei SITNIKOV /AZE/
Foxtrot: Pink Panther by Henry Mancini
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima

midline not touching step sequence [0] – decent speed but edges a little scratchy
twizzles: arm above and catch (she stopped moving at the end) into arms on chest clockwise (his a little insecure) into arms folded (both a little bit insecure) [-1]
finnstep 1 [0] - bouncy
finnstep 2 [1] - sharp and bouncy, very much in character even if it was a little off in places technically
rotational lift with changes of position [2] – fast, sharp, in character of the music

Fun choreography and heaps of expression as usual from those two. I wish the program had a stronger concept, however, instead of just being a series of fun movements.

It will be interesting to see how having relocated to Shpilband will affect their technical ability.

6. Maia SHIBUTANI / Alex SHIBUTANI /USA/
Foxtrot by Michael Buble
Quickstep by Michael Buble
Foxtrot by Michael Buble

twizzles: three sets [2] – solid, well-synchronised, quite fast
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1]
midline not touching step sequence [1]
rotational lift with changes of position [1]

Strong technically and very solid throughout (although they didn’t manage to get all of the key points in the quickstep). Whilst elements looked sharp, the choreography was generic and lacked creativity and originality. They skated well and moved in time to the music most of the time but there was nothing unusual in the program and the performance aspect didn’t go far beyond pretty smiles.

Which is exactly where they have been last season. They have a really solid foundation to build on but but they need to develop a style and personality and show more depth and attack in their performances. Unfortunately, Zoueva doesn’t seem to have an idea what to do with them (Michael Buble and Michael Jackson?) and how to take them to the next level.

7. Anna CAPPELLINI / Luca LANOTTE /ITA/
Quickstep: 42nd Street
Foxtrot: Lullaby of Broadway
Quickstep: 42nd Street

steps to twizzles: arm folded above and catch into arm above and to the side clockwise into moving arms [1] – first and third set very fast and sharp but second a little insecure
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1]
circular not touching step sequence [1]
split rotational lift [1]

Light and bouncy skating, very much in character of the music. The choreography was detailed and they used their whole bodies to interpret the music down to their fingertips. Great expression throughout. All technical elements were solid as well. A very good performance.

In the past they've been criticised for their skating being 'small' (shallow edges, not a lot of power) and their performances being quite introverted. I believe those criticism were fair and they still apply to an extent but it's clear that they have worked very hard to address those issues. The fast and bouncy character of the quickstep suited their basic skating well and they've shown more projection than we've seen from them in the past.

Working with Shpilband seems to have pushed them to the next level. Whilst Davis/White and Virtue/Moir are out of reach for them, barring unexpected disasters, the battle for the bronze medal at the Olympics just got really exciting.

They’ve beaten their personal best by almost two points.

8. Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE /USA/
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Quickstep: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe

not touching midline step sequence [2] – very strong
twizzles: arm above and catch (very sharp and fast) into clockwise arms behind (his a little insecure) [1]
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [2] – fast and powerful
rotational lift with changes of position [2]

Technically, they are on a completely different level to anybody else here. The speed, the power, how light they moved over the ice, how effortless their elements there - those qualities were simply unmatched. Their movement was strong and confident throughout.

The choreography itself, however, was quite generic. Again, it seemed that Zoueva lacked interesting and original ideas. It was a pretty ballroom dance, there was a fair amount of closed holds and it was performed very well but it lacked creativity and originality.
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Thanks for the report, Ziggy!

While I get what your'e saying with Maia and Alex, it was best to go straight forward here. If you compare their FD from 2011 to their performance here today, you can see a difference in the execution. They are both matured and added extra nuances to their classical/elegant style. There's something to be said to doing something really well rather than try to force yourself to be something you're not (Exhibit A: Last year's SD).

As for their Michael Jackson FD, I too was skeptical, but from the clips I saw, I think they show a lot more of their quirky personality there.

Again, I appreciate your very detailed reports, even if we don't see eye to eye. :biggrin:
 

WeakAnkles

Record Breaker
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
I totally agree with you about Tobias. She has that "it" factor in spades, at least performance-wise. He's a bit of a lox though. (I see the same issue with the American pairs team of Castelli/Shnapir:she's so compelling to watch; he's like a truck driver barreling through whipped cream).

Yes, I think the battle for bronze got very interesting. Can't wait to see the Russians, so we can get a clearer picture. I'm not as big a fan of C/L as you appear to be--I find their skating lacks a kind of explosive excitement--but there is no question that Shpillband has done wonders for them. But to argue that they're a serious threat to beat Voir--nope, I don't see it.
 
Joined
Jan 22, 2004
If you compare their FD from 2011 to their performance here today, you can see a difference in the execution. They are both matured and added extra nuances to their classical/elegant style. There's something to be said to doing something really well rather than try to force yourself to be something you're not (Exhibit A: Last year's SD).

I didn't want to say that they aren't improving at all as far as PCS go. The performance was elegant and they were smiling and trying present the program the best they could.

I can see the benefits of playing safe but I wish their team would try to really push them to the next level, de-infantilise them and give them programs that are different and make a strong statement.

Shibutanis seem to have a great personality off-ice and I also wish that we could see it on the ice as well.

I guess I should reserve judgement on the Michael Jackson music until I see the actual program performed in competition (but if it's yet another 'oh look how cute and clean cut we are oxox' routine: :slink:).
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
I didn't want to say that they aren't improving at all as far as PCS go. The performance was elegant and they were smiling and trying present the program the best they could.

I can see the benefits of playing safe but I wish their team would try to really push them to the next level, de-infantilise them and give them programs that are different and make a strong statement.

Shibutanis seem to have a great personality off-ice and I also wish that we could see it on the ice as well.

I guess I should reserve judgement on the Michael Jackson music until I see the actual program performed in competition (but if it's yet another 'oh look how cute and clean cut we are oxox' routine :slink:).

I don't think it will be (FD be cutesy). Again, it's only based on a few clips: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/114752713093749901763/albums/5935884852951395553 But I think they're actually trying to do the choreography some justice here.

I think part of the challenge is that they've had to deal with a lot of big changes/injuries in the last few years, namely Alex's injuries and Maia's growth spurt. I really feel that really held them back from really performing or going the next level artistically.

I think right now, they need to hit the levels and execute the programs well. Once they do that, then they can take the next step.

ETA: Upon further thought, I do think Maia was trying to be fierce with that SD (with all those modern dance arm movements), but given that it's a Polka SD, it just did not work. Now Michael Jackson on the other hand, she be a lot more fierce there. :biggrin:
 
Joined
Jan 22, 2004
I'm not as big a fan of C/L as you appear to be--I find their skating lacks a kind of explosive excitement--but there is no question that Shpillband has done wonders for them.

I think that this is a very fair criticism to direct at them but I feel they have really improved over the last two seasons, got to the next level technically, built more confidence and became more 'outward' as far as their performance skills go.

But to argue that they're a serious threat to beat Voir--nope, I don't see it.

They're not. ;)

I said V/M and D/W are obviously out of reach - unless they fall four times ;) - but if C/L continue to skate at this level they could potentially challenge Bobrova/Soloviev and Pechalat/Bourzat for the bronze medal. It'll be a very exciting season. :)
 

samba

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
I love C/L this year! I thought they out skated D/W tonight. D/W was so predictable and nothing really excite me, not meaning that they did not skate well but it's kinda blah...same old same old....however, I love their new lift though....If this was not ice dance, the result could be like the Men's short program ! Full of surprises!...unfortunately, this was ice dance....no surprise here...
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
So interesting to see the wide-range of reactions to C/L, both here and on Twitter.
 

WeakAnkles

Record Breaker
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
I think that this is a very fair criticism to direct at them but I feel they have really improved over the last two seasons, got to the next level technically, built more confidence and became more 'outward' as far as their performance skills go.



They're not. ;)

I said V/M and D/W are obviously out of reach - unless they fall four times ;) - but if C/L continue to skate at this level they could potentially challenge Bobrova/Soloviev and Pechalat/Bourzat for the bronze medal. It'll be a very exciting season. :)

LOL - I was referring more to the main SD thread, where a number of people were arguing that C/L could really compete for the silver, that they are the only real competition to Marlie, etc. I was like, Maybe I'm watching a different Youtube channel because I sure don't see it. LOL! This is not to say that they haven't really improved over the last two seasons, upped their technical ability, etc.--it is quite clear they have. But my reaction to watching them was "well that was a nice performance" and "wow, that choreography really uses the music in a way I haven't seen other programs do." I do agree that Marlie's SD is a bit predictable choreographically, but technically no one can touch them at this competition. One thing I think they've improved by leaps and bounds is their synchronicity. It's really a joy to behold.

I don't read Twitter, Mrs. P. What's the reactions over there? People tend to get a bit too bitchy for my taste over there (and in 160 characters or less!).

I think Charlie White has some really good instincts when it comes to music. Philip Glass would be a composer whose work is well-worth exploring. I'd love to see the Shibs do something really out of the box and tres moderne to his work.
 

samba

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Why so many empty seats? This is Olympic year with World champions there, no spectators!!
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
It makes me sad. Considering every team in the ice dance event has ties to the Michigan area, one way or another (born there, live there, train there, get choreo there) you'd think you could get some butts in the seats.

Ziggy, thanks so much for your detailed reports. I really appreciate the care and thought you take with them.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2009
Why so many empty seats? This is Olympic year with World champions there, no spectators!!

As some people have said, Detroit is not a place with a lot of local skating fans, even casual ones. It's in such financial distress. Is the arena in metropolitan Detroit? The city is perceived as dangerous, so it's not a place one would visit as a tourist, the way one would visit Boston.
 
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
The arena is right smack down town. Probably played a role. But lots of people from the suburbs go downtown regularly for various entertainments, like Lions football, Tigers(baseball, Red Wings hockey, casinos, concerts, and night life. This article in the Detroit Free press opines that one of the problems was that too much was going on at the same time this weekend.

http://www.freep.com/article/20131018/COL38/310180036/skate-america-meryl-davis-charlie-white

Meryl and Charlie did their part, bringing along a contingent of 140 family and friends. :)

http://www.freep.com/article/20131019/SPORTS17/310190037/skate-america
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jan 22, 2004
LOL - I was referring more to the main SD thread, where a number of people were arguing that C/L could really compete for the silver, that they are the only real competition to Marlie, etc. I was like, Maybe I'm watching a different Youtube channel because I sure don't see it. LOL!

Ah yes, I didn't read through that thread yet. I don't see it either. ;)

There just aren't any other teams - not only here but in general - capable of delivering the technical elements to the extremely high standard that Davis/White are showing (other than Virtue/Moir). And a clean, strong execution of your elements is going to result in very high PCS as well.

We haven't seen Pechalat/Bourzat and Bobrova/Soloviev yet but it seems pretty clear that there will be two battles in Sochi. One for the gold and another for the bronze.
 
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