State of US Ladies in skating III: 2014-15 Season | Page 48 | Golden Skate

State of US Ladies in skating III: 2014-15 Season

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The one in bold (see, I refuse to even type it again...)

Although I have to say that I wasn't a huge fan of the Grace Kelly comment either.

I actually agree with you there - the expression "the whole package" annoys me as well. It makes it sound like the skater is some kind of... artificial product. (I know that isn't what people mean when they use it, but... it just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry about being a bit OT.)
 
Well Frank Carroll is about 80 now, and Grace Kelly/Princess Grace WAS the standard of beauty and poise back then. Yes, it's old fashioned, and yes we all noticed the Carroll Transformation within months of her going to him. Anyway, I took that comment as a compliment, though in today's age, none of these kids probably has any idea of the Kelly Effect.
 
^perhaps this is something where it's time to make a new thread for it, but I don't think it's reached this point yet, but I think finding an alternative term or word to replace "packaging" might be valuable. Never underestimate the influence the words we use can have on our own subconscious!

I can't yet think of an alternative the still gives a similar idea or concept yet. Anyone use an alternative?
 
@samson - I don't know... even though I never use the term myself! I've no idea what I say instead? :)

@LiamForeman - Nothing wrong with Grace Kelly in my eyes, and it doesn't bother me at all that it is old fashioned (I'm terribly old fashioned myself), but... I just don't feel that this is a style that brings out the best in Gracie. She has potential to be so much better than this. (Note: I've already expressed my feelings on the issue before, so I shan't go harping on it too much again. :) )
 
^perhaps this is something where it's time to make a new thread for it, but I don't think it's reached this point yet, but I think finding an alternative term or word to replace "packaging" might be valuable. Never underestimate the influence the words we use can have on our own subconscious!

I can't yet think of an alternative the still gives a similar idea or concept yet. Anyone use an alternative?

On ice persona?

Image

Totality of skater

first to last impression

presentation

desired impression

Competition identity
 
I don't see anything wrong with the word "packaging."

To me packaging refers to (a) the skater's appearance on the ice, (b) music, (c) costuming, and (d) choreography. All of those things are combined together into a "package." Essentially, it's how the skater is presented on the ice to the judges/audience.

That's my perception of the word anyway...
 
On ice persona?

This is the term I tend to use most when describing how a skater skates/performs. That's essentially what it is - a persona that the skater takes within the time allotted for their performance period. Off the ice I wouldn't expect them to act the same way...Glad I'm not alone here in wanting to use different terminology!

Anyway, we're really getting OT, didn't mean to derail the convo like this...but it would definitely be good fodder for another thread.

Next up, I suppose, is Wagner at GPF (too bad there's no Gold, I did want to see her there). Does she have any inkling of a chance?
 
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^perhaps this is something where it's time to make a new thread for it, but I don't think it's reached this point yet, but I think finding an alternative term or word to replace "packaging" might be valuable. Never underestimate the influence the words we use can have on our own subconscious!

I can't yet think of an alternative the still gives a similar idea or concept yet. Anyone use an alternative?

May I suggest the Olympia tribute forum as a suitable place if you want to start a new thread?

IIRC, she loved discussed words and language.

I don't see anything wrong with the word "packaging." ...

:agree: I myself have no problem with the terms "packaging" and "whole package" -- which are applied also to individuals in a zillion other fields unrelated to skating.

"Whole package" is typically used as a compliment.

And I've heard many people (incl. some skaters) use the words "total package" to describe themselves -- as something they want to be. (Or already are. ;))
 
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While I understand why people cringe at the word "packaging," I think it has its place. When you put yourself out there--whether you're a skater, singer, actor, ect.--you do make yourself a product in some way. It's the same reason we talk about people "selling" their programs. It sounds commercial because it kinda is. I don't personally find anything wrong with that, but...

Well, if we had to pick an alternative, I think "image" works. It's succinct and refers to nearly the same thing.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ashley medals at GPF... though I'm personally predicting Russia 1-2-3-4.
 
Well Frank Carroll is about 80 now, and Grace Kelly/Princess Grace WAS the standard of beauty and poise back then. Yes, it's old fashioned, and yes we all noticed the Carroll Transformation within months of her going to him. Anyway, I took that comment as a compliment, though in today's age, none of these kids probably has any idea of the Kelly Effect.

Just my two cents:

When I think of Grace Kelly, sophistication is the dominant attribute that comes to mind.

Gracie Gold has positive qualities in her own right -- but sophistication is not one of them, IMO. Don't think it is fair to Gracie for Carroll or anyone else to expect her to evoke Grace Kelly.
 
At this point I think Ashley should be able to comfortably come in 5th, and has a shot at 4th. She CAN'T under-rotate the triple loop in the short though, and she needs to put her strongest effort in the long this season - plus her levels. She needs level 4s if she's gonna hang with the Russian juggernaut here. I think bronze is kind of a long shot here, but this grand prix has been anything but predictable so who knows...
 
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I wished they packaged Gracie differently. She is an athletic skater, I don't find her a graceful-princess-y skater at all. I felt like if they marketed her better and worked with her strengths she would look better on ice.

I agree. I feel that the "packaging" (or whatever word you like) matches her look when she standing still, or in photos, but not her personality when it comes to her actual skating and performance. I think she's more fun and tough than her current programs require her to be. I like Gracie but would be a much bigger fan if there wasn't that discrepancy.
 
At this point I think Ashley should be able to comfortably come in 5th, and has a shot at 4th. She CAN'T under-rotate the triple loop in the short though, and she needs to put her strongest effort in the long this season - plus her levels. She needs level 4s if she's gonna hang with the Russian juggernaut here. I think bronze is kind of a long shot here, but this grand prix has been anything but predictable so who knows...

I agree with this. I'm thinking Elena, Liza T and Julia will be top 3 after the SP but if Ashley is a solid 4th she could have a chance to sneak onto the podium if she has a great skate...of course that's assuming she beats Anna in the SP. Anna is the expendable Russian. That sounds mean but it's the truth, especially when she's around the higher ranked/better Russians. Her scores plummet drastically when she doesn't skate well b/c the rest of her skating is lacking quite a bit. Based on TES Anna can soundly beat Ashley if she's clean, but if Ashley is clean I think she could place ahead of a clean Anna, if not right on her heels.

Ashley has to get rid of the URs in the SP and max her levels otherwise she'll put herself in a hole she will have no hope of getting out of in the FS.
 
Ashley Wagner:
“The Grand Prix Final is an opportunity for me to go out and experience new jumping passes in competition. I put in a triple loop-half loop-triple Salchow in the second of the program. It’s a very difficult jumping pass so this is a chance for me to try out the new elements and the adjusted jumping layout to get prepared for nationals.”
http://skatingmagazineblog.com/2014/12/10/wednesday-update-from-the-grand-prix-final/ (Dec 10)​
 
^ If there's any time to experiment, it's now. The status quo wasn't quite working for her, so team Wagner needs a new strategy to maximize her point potential.
 
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