I trust them and I'm sure that by now they know their strengths and weaknesses and what suits them. On the one hand, I'm glad they are doing something different and want to stand out, on the other hand, I don't want them to be the new Z/G. I just hope they can find some middle ground.
Elena Ilinykh & Ruslan Zhiganshin
- Thread starter OrdinaryDreamer
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
I think Frida was a very good choice. It`s known music, but not overused. A lot of people loved Delobel/Schoenfelder`s version from 2005, but that`s 10 years ago, so I think I/Z can make this piece their own. The SD is a risk, but it could work. Someone posted this on the navka forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtRBR0H-GOQ
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2014
The assignments are exactly what I wanted, so a very happy fan here.
I`m not sure what to think about the SD music, but Elena was able to sell that awful Polka SD she had in the 2012/2013 season, so I guess she will also make it work this time. I`m just glad they are working with a choreographer who comes from the modern dance niche. At least it won`t be generic.
Same here. I'm very happy about the assignments they got. That's exactly what we were all hoping for.
About the SD, I'm a bit traditionalist when it comes to certain things like waltz in this case, so I don't know how this will work out. It's very interesting idea for sure but I have to see the choreography and the music version used before making any judgment. Could be a great program or failure. We'll have to wait and see.
I'm glad they are making efforts to stand out. The idea and the music was their choice, so they must be happy and that's also very important.
- Joined
- May 4, 2015
Reg. GP assignments, I'm very glad that they got COR and COC like we all hoped. They won't have to meet any of their strong rivals on said rivals' home ground, and they got the home GP like the national champions should (while BS didn't) - I think this sends a message whom the Fed considers no. 1. I don't think competing against their "exes" at COR would be a problem either - they've done it twice already and did fine, and after such a season together the switch probably feels like history to them.
On the other hand, I'm a bit worried that they'll have to face not only a current medalist team at each event, like everybody else, but also 2014 WC CL at both (!) events. In this respect BS have it easier, I think. Yes, I know that CL didn't get to the podium in Shanghai, and that IZ would have beaten then at Euros if it hadn't been for the FD accident, but the underscoring of IZ in Tokyo at the last competition of the season makes me worried that while the judges may not strive to uphold CL in respect to the other leaders, they may hold them up against IZ. What do you think?
Reg. SD music, I love beautiful classical music and am indifferent to most pop music, so, of course, I was hoping for a gorgeous traditional waltz from them, but if it helps them stand out, and if that's what they enjoy - and they seemed very enthusiastic - then that's certainly the way to go. I'm sure they'll sell it brilliantly, and I'll enjoy seeing them do so. It happened to me enough times before when I didn't like the music, but enjoyed the program and the skaters' artistry regardless. Their expressiveness will make up for the music's deficiencies (as I can't help seeing it), and if the choreography is innovative and inspired (as it seemed from the photos), all the more so. I don't think the judges will hold their music choice against them either. After all, they've heard so many Masquerades in their lives - and will undoubtedly hear them aplenty in the coming season, that they'll probably be sick of the piece
. At any rate, they'll probably welcome some variety, if it's well done and presented with spirit. Honestly, I've never met anyone more reluctant to accept the music of his/her generation than myself (and Queen is even before my time!), so if I can look forward to it (after the photos), I think the vast majority of judges will be fine with it .
.) I mean I don't see anything wrong with their taste. Also, ZG said as much in interviews that their music choices were designed to cover up their technical deficiencies, and IZ don't need to do anything of the kind. Elena said that they just want to try different styles. Well, let them. At least, it'll be something interesting. And maybe they'll still do another timeless program to timeless music someday.
On the other hand, I'm a bit worried that they'll have to face not only a current medalist team at each event, like everybody else, but also 2014 WC CL at both (!) events. In this respect BS have it easier, I think. Yes, I know that CL didn't get to the podium in Shanghai, and that IZ would have beaten then at Euros if it hadn't been for the FD accident, but the underscoring of IZ in Tokyo at the last competition of the season makes me worried that while the judges may not strive to uphold CL in respect to the other leaders, they may hold them up against IZ. What do you think?
Reg. SD music, I love beautiful classical music and am indifferent to most pop music, so, of course, I was hoping for a gorgeous traditional waltz from them, but if it helps them stand out, and if that's what they enjoy - and they seemed very enthusiastic - then that's certainly the way to go. I'm sure they'll sell it brilliantly, and I'll enjoy seeing them do so. It happened to me enough times before when I didn't like the music, but enjoyed the program and the skaters' artistry regardless. Their expressiveness will make up for the music's deficiencies (as I can't help seeing it), and if the choreography is innovative and inspired (as it seemed from the photos), all the more so. I don't think the judges will hold their music choice against them either. After all, they've heard so many Masquerades in their lives - and will undoubtedly hear them aplenty in the coming season, that they'll probably be sick of the piece
. At any rate, they'll probably welcome some variety, if it's well done and presented with spirit. Honestly, I've never met anyone more reluctant to accept the music of his/her generation than myself (and Queen is even before my time!), so if I can look forward to it (after the photos), I think the vast majority of judges will be fine with it . Thank you very much for posting this! I found it difficult to imagine a traditional waltz to this, but now I see that it can be done. Loved the dance, if not the music.
I have a very high hope that they will. I couldn't listen to ZG's FD last year even once, because that was a horrible, bastardized (IMO) version of a timeless classical piece, but IZ are not doing anything of the kind - they're taking original contemporary music, as it was written. (Granted, it doesn't appeal to me, but at least it's listenable
.) I mean I don't see anything wrong with their taste. Also, ZG said as much in interviews that their music choices were designed to cover up their technical deficiencies, and IZ don't need to do anything of the kind. Elena said that they just want to try different styles. Well, let them. At least, it'll be something interesting. And maybe they'll still do another timeless program to timeless music someday. Indeed! And lots of thanks to you for reposting it here!
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- Joined
- Feb 26, 2014
I think if I&Z skate well and have good program they can beat them. I'm glad they will actually meet at the GP's. They need to establish themselves against some top teams before Euros. The judges are not gonna hold up C&L agains them. I'm almost certain about that.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
Me too. They were already ready to push I/Z before C/L at Europeans with the bad starting order and all. I think, regarding the SD, they just have to nail the technical part, which seems to be tougher this season compared to the PD.
I hope they don't use cheesy singing like this though.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2014
Exactly!
You make a very good point here. I wasn't thinking about TES but that's crucial actually.
I just checked current starting orders bc I like spending my time on useless things (as this will change by the time of the events lol):
CoC
Chock/Bates #2 (3633)
Cappellini/Lanotte #6 (2621)
Hawayek/Baker #11 (2076)
Testa/Csolley #20 (1654)
Ilinykh/Zhiganshin #22 (1470)
Wang/Liu #24 (1428)
Zhao/Zheng #61 (516)
CHN TBA
CoR
Weaver/Poje #1 (4006)
Cappellini/Lanotte #6 (2621)
Guignard/Fabbri #9 (2297)
Monko/Khaliavin #10 (2124)
Hurtado/Diaz #13 (1985)
Ilinykh/Zhiganshin #22 (1470)
Kim/Minov #23 (1458)
RUS TBA
So if they could win Saransk it might be possible to start in the later group at CoC. And then they'll pick up points there... It may not help to get a higher starting position at CoR but it sure won't hurt.
CoC
Chock/Bates #2 (3633)
Cappellini/Lanotte #6 (2621)
Hawayek/Baker #11 (2076)
Testa/Csolley #20 (1654)
Ilinykh/Zhiganshin #22 (1470)
Wang/Liu #24 (1428)
Zhao/Zheng #61 (516)
CHN TBA
CoR
Weaver/Poje #1 (4006)
Cappellini/Lanotte #6 (2621)
Guignard/Fabbri #9 (2297)
Monko/Khaliavin #10 (2124)
Hurtado/Diaz #13 (1985)
Ilinykh/Zhiganshin #22 (1470)
Kim/Minov #23 (1458)
RUS TBA
So if they could win Saransk it might be possible to start in the later group at CoC. And then they'll pick up points there... It may not help to get a higher starting position at CoR but it sure won't hurt.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2006
I LOVE how Elena used the hastags #IamNotaPrincess #IamaRockstar when unveiling the SD music. 
Big Kudos to them for going outside the box with the music and for trying a new choreographer as well. Can the season start already?!?! SYTYCD Canada had a contemporary/jazz routine to "Somebody to Love." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFKO9s-D51I
Big Kudos to them for going outside the box with the music and for trying a new choreographer as well. Can the season start already?!?! SYTYCD Canada had a contemporary/jazz routine to "Somebody to Love." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFKO9s-D51I
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2009
I am thrilled for the Grand Prix assignments! Even more thrilled for their music selections. This is music they believe in and we have all seen what that can do. While the waltz is a very traditional piece I am excited to see them put their own touch on it. The match up with Chock/Bates will be interesting. I don't feel Madison can pull off a waltz, she doesn't have the edges and I think they will lose ground in the SD. The Weaver/Poje match up will be interesting as well. I base that off not only the skating skills but the energy/emotion of a program. I feel like W/P are weak in this area. I am not concerned with C/L the judges would have given Ruslena silver at Euros had they skated clean. Can skating season start now!
Their SD selection is actually quite Beatlesesque. Everything will hinge on the setting and their ability to hit the right note, in terms of performance. I fancy their chances to make a good impression. How bold, Go for it I say
I wouldn't say so, for me Weaver/Poje had the most emotional program at Worlds (though I'd never liked it before). But did those emotions help them? No way. C/B lost connection with the audience after their twizzles mistakes. They did well with the rest of the program, but it factor was totally gone, they won over W/P but they didn't get standing ovation, at least among the people I could see. The Frenches were mechanical as if they were not living the story but precisely repeating the pattern. I think their FD shouldn't be watches from very close (like ballet where you'll see only dust and bruised legs from close but not a beautiful pattern). Gabrilla's robotic orgasm three meters away from me didn't help to believe in emotions behind the technic as well. But I was mesmerized with their unison.
I think that emotion are great but technic and stability still come first and this is IZ's weak spot since they've had very little time together (unfortunately, we can't sum their personal abilities as they have to skate as a pair and here they're a few years behind the others). I hope that IZ can hit the level with their new programs otherwise the other teams will surpass them regardless of emotions and chemistry.
But if they are able to show the technical side of the program then they... will rock. ))) because they abound with energy, emotions & chemistry.
Now I am over my initial surprise at the SD choice, I've decided to focus on the costume possibilities for our rockstars! I want something like this dress: http://www.insideskating.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0901-copy.jpg it was for Swan Lake but she only ever wore it in practice. Less feathers needed this time round, but something like the cut outs on the skirt would be perfect for adding some edge.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
I am an IZ fan but I'm unhappy about both of their choices. The SD especially. I am all for trying new things, but... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall when dance judges last rewarded modern music, unless your name is Virtue/Moir. I am worried about if this is a right move on IZ's part as this is still early in their career and they need to establish themselves firmly. I see this as a big risk. Call me 'negative' if you want, though I prefer the term 'sceptical'. I'm still wishing IZ the best though, and especially so against their former partners.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2013
I've never been a fan of Queen's we will rock you. Far too many basketball games in high school were plagued with it in the student section cheers...like all game game long. That said...now I'm looking forward to finding a reason to like this song! I think they'll do just that for me. Plus..I might be a bit cheesy here but I think they can sell anything they believe in. Im not as concerned with the judges. I'm well aware that I am more concerned with my own happiness than the judges after all
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- May 4, 2015
I'm hoping that, as national champions, they keep in more or less regular contact with their fed, and that they discussed this choice with some fed representatives before settling on it as their SD music and making arrangements with any choreographer. I don't think it likely that everybody in the fed learned about their SD choice from the press. Besides, IZ and their coaches live in this world, have regular conversations with its insiders, including judges and various functionaries, and most likely know these people's attittude towards music in general and SD music in particular. At any rate, I would find it strange if a team whose ambitions go far beyond participation in competitions and pleasing the public didn't think how their fed officials at the test skate and the judges at competitions would receive their program.
