COI vs. SOI

[Joesitz]

I've watched a few of these shows on TV and actually attended one (COI) to watch MK. She was not skating all that interestingly. So I've hesitated to go live to other shows.

However, on TV, I noticed that SOI has more ensemble numbers as well as singles and pairs/dance, and COI is basically just exhibitions with a finale ensemble.

Am I correct? If so, I see that as the main difference between the two. (I would prefer the variety in SOI over the straight exhibitions of COI.)

Also neither of these shows is exactly what John Curry had in mind, and maybe John's futuristic idea is just not possible.

Joe

[Dee4707]

Joe, I really prefer SOI, primarily from what you said about more numbers from the various skaters. COI was always for me, like herding cattle. Move them in and move them out---quickly.

Dee

[Pookie]

I prefer SOI also. I think the show has more personality with the group numbers rather than just the exhibition numbers of COI. I think SOI takes skaters beyond what they are used to doing on the ice. It brought Tara a comedic side that I really enjoy watching when I didn't care for her skating at all before. I think it has broadened many skaters where COI is just kind of do what you normally do.

[KwanFan1212]

I haven't seen COI yet to really compare them this year, but comparing last year's COI to this year's SOI, I vastly preferred SOI (even with MK skating at COI! LOL). I got to see more numbers from all my faves and the group numbers were a lot of fun. If there is any female out there who didn't enjoy Studz, then we have to talk.....LOL I liked the atmosphere of SOI better than COI. SOI is more of a show. COI is just like watching a Nats or Worlds exhibition, and although I enjoyed seeing MK skate live for the first time last year, I really just enjoyed SOI this year a lot better. There are good things about both shows but for sheer enjoyment, SOI is where it is at for me. :D

[THIZfiyaVIETgrl]

I don't think we can compare COI with SOI. It's like Apples and Oranges. COI is allowing the eligible skaters to put their hair down and have fun and make money.
SOI has a smaller cast and is more about showy skating and ensemble work.

Most ppl go to see COI to see their favorite skaters skate and see moves that probably only skating fans can appreciate. For the skaters themself, they do their number and finale, and that's it. It's like a party for them.

Most ppl go to see SOI for entertainment and show stopping numbers. They have more "eye candy" moves for the audience to appreciate. For the skaters themselves, this is hard work. It's not only for them, it's for the audience and they have give it their all. Sometimes it's great to see the numbers, sometimes it's cheesy and embarassing to watch.

I think both are great, but you can't compare them.

[Bleuchick]

The difference is

SOI - professional skating, emphasis is on creativity, show productions, choreography, ensembles, and versatile styles.

COI - ISU exhibitions or programs, emphasis is on having fun, great technique but not as artistic as a pro skater.

A typical pro skater does 8 programs a year with little practice and help from a coach whereas an eligible skater does 3(sp,lp and exhibition). Makes you appreciate these pro skaters alot more, doesn't it?

[Joesitz]

So far no one wants to comment on John Curry. His vision was to develop a repertoire of skating programs designed to be first: appreciated; and second: to be repeated by others if not the original cast.

Not an easy concept to produce and even more to "catch-on" with the public.

Joe

[THIZfiyaVIETgrl]

Joe, is it kind of like a Broadway show where they make it with an original cast with all the dance numbers and musical segments, then new ppl come in to replace the original cast?

[heyang]

I definitely prefer SOI. It's a smaller cast and most skaters perform more than 1 number and participate in the ensemble numbers. Although last year's SOI (Gold) was a bit bland (who chose the Carpenter's medley for the finale? Too mellow for a closing.), it definitely encourages creativity.

I attended COI for the 1st time this year. I enjoyed seeing the current eligibles and some of the older pros, but there wasn't a sense of the skaters working together.

I really wish Kazakova and Dimtriev could skate with SOI. They are very creative and powerful.

[Bleuchick]

Joe - All I know is that he was a legend admired by many former skaters such as Lori Nichol. I have heard her talk about John's choreography with so much emotions as though he was a close friend of her who passed away. He must have really influenced her. In any case, she got the idea of blending dance with pairs skating from John Curry. Unfortunately, I don't have a link or transcript for you. It would have been nice to have something like an article. *sigh*

[jesuiscanadienne]

OMG---COI bore me to death on Sunday....if I wasn't with friends, and for Shae and Vic and Elvis in the 2nd half I would have walked right out.

[Lcp88]

I like SOI becasue it has the pro's that you don't see very often, but they have SO many group numbers that it gets a little old, IMO. I'm going to COI on April 25th. Its my first live skating event. I'll let you know how it go's...
Laura

[Grgranny]

I guess I would have to say SOI. At least I don't have to watch Phillippe's strip routines. :rollin:
But I really do like seeing both shows. Can't make it to COI this time. Not good timing and not close. Maybe the winter tour. Haven't checked to see if it's listed yet. Seems like both companies have less shows or at least none very handy for me. Sometimes I wish I were back in Sacramento!
(Except in the summer!) (For the grammarians, were is correct with the word wish)
I do hope SOI can come up with some more women next time. Oh, how I miss Christi.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">

[ATW76]

THIZfiyaVIETgrl, I think you've hit the nail on the head! I agree with the apples andoranges analogy.
If I want to see my favorite eligible skaters, like Michelle, Tim, Naomi & Peter, and Irina, then its COI!
But if I want to see my favorite pro skaters, like Todd, Kurt, Scott, Jamie & David, and Elena & Anton, then SOI is the answer!
In the end, I would say I like them both, because they are in many ways two different things. And both have different elements that would appeal to different people.

Andy

[Sundancer61]

I seem to be the only one who prefers COI, even if I usually love pro skating. My main problem with SOI are the cheesy group numbers and that I have to watch the same routines on t.v. over and over again. Most skaters are IMG clients and are on all the shows like Gotta Skate, Scott Hamilton & Friends, Valentines Special, Ray Charles Tribute...Cannot agree with Lcp88 at all, because these are the pros we see ever so often, but almost none of the COI pros such as Nicole,
Viktor, Rudy or Kazakova & Dmitriev. Also don`t agree with Bleuchick, none of the typical pro skater has 8 programs a year! Most have two or three and when they skate to a live performance i.e. in Divas or any of the tributes, they ususally skate one of this numbers and just use other music. When you pay really close attention and know their routines well, it is easy to spot.