Anything GOEs have started a series of articles on the future of pairs, split into 3 parts:
Part 1 is available now, and I'll link the other 2 parts into the thread once they are published:
https://anythinggoe.com/the-future-...Wisb2S9JqOL4opnj42tFR0P8PLawc6R5GyC9YKdcil85E
I thought this was a really interesting and in depth article about the current pairs field. There are lots of quotes from current and recently retired skaters and coaches, as well as some interesting data analysis.
A couple of quotes that stood out to me on how to grow the popularity of the discipline:
Increasing the value of quads:
Improving lift rules (especially for junior skaters):
Improving artistry:
Combining pairs and ice dance:
Looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts on the article and the points raised within it.
Part I puts the state of the pairs discipline in 2023 into context and looks at rule changes that have been proposed.
Part II looks at the development of pairs expertise worldwide, and how to support the emergence of new coaches and teams.
Part III examines the dark side of pairs, and how relaxing the discipline’s restrictive gender roles could contribute to a healthier culture and mitigate the risk of abuse.
Part 1 is available now, and I'll link the other 2 parts into the thread once they are published:
https://anythinggoe.com/the-future-...Wisb2S9JqOL4opnj42tFR0P8PLawc6R5GyC9YKdcil85E
I thought this was a really interesting and in depth article about the current pairs field. There are lots of quotes from current and recently retired skaters and coaches, as well as some interesting data analysis.
A couple of quotes that stood out to me on how to grow the popularity of the discipline:
Increasing the value of quads:
2018 Olympic Champion Aljona Savchenko: “I was always going for the full risk. I like the challenge." ... [However] the valuation of the elements is so low, you ask yourself, why [am I] doing that? Why, when there is no point? Others are doing double or triple and they get more points.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek argued that high-risk elements are an important part of what attracts audiences to pairs and that as well as including them in programs, there could be additional opportunities for teams to show off their best elements head-to-head.
Improving lift rules (especially for junior skaters):
Maxime Deschamps argued that the ISU should, for example, adjust rules to prioritize the execution of lifts, to encourage safe development for younger skaters... "Just do a nice one arm, one rev, with good basics.” His partner Stellato-Dudek agreed: “You need to be able to do the most basic of lifts and cover the rink at that speed before you’d ever be able to do a level four like that"
Improving artistry:
Bianconi added that she would support the addition of a choreographic lift or spin in the pairs discipline, which would have fewer restrictions and be judged on the grade of execution alone. “Our idea is always to be a little bit different on the ice, to create something that stays in the memory of the public.”
Combining pairs and ice dance:
Matteo Guarise expressed perhaps the most radical view. “I think one day it will be only one thing, pairs and ice dance. I have this vision because ice dance, they’re always [getting] more acrobatic, and pairs should have more choreography. It’s too much [focus on] elements. So why not? Maybe in 100 years, but one day. Because if you start really with the kids – because now, like you can’t ask [ice dancers like] Marco [Fabbri] and Charlène [Guignard] to do throws…but if you start with the kids already, it’s easy. Maybe you can do like the short program of ice dance, and then the free program for pairs!”
Looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts on the article and the points raised within it.