Gabriella Papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron
- Thread starter breathesgelatin
- Start date
Some of you asked me what I could notice from the arena during the Europeans.
Well, it was quite fascinating to watch Gabriella and Guillaume. As long as they are in the rink, everything – and I really insist on “everything”- is about dancing. Each move of their body (legs, arms, head, etc) is an artistic dance move. At the warm-up prior to SD, they started with two skate laps in a very soft way looking to each other as if they were alone in an empty arena. That was really amazing believe me! Then, while other couples were doing things here and there on the rink, they were systematically getting instructions from the coaches and performing specific parts of their SD, totally focused on the technical performance and the artistic side of it.
On Saturday (FD), when the speaker announced the warm-up was over, all couples of course exited the rink… So far so good… But all the people seating next to me (and I guess many others in the arena) suddenly brought their attention to Gabriella and Guillaume… as they reached the exit of the rink while performing dance moves (starting by a very class and nice arm move) which was completely unexpected, especially at this moment where all skaters were simply invited to leave the rink. All those little things and details tell a lot about their approach of the ice dance, moreover when they are not even performing their programs.
As soon as they are in the rink, everything they do is about dance, class, softness, brotherhood, passion and feelings.
Well, it was quite fascinating to watch Gabriella and Guillaume. As long as they are in the rink, everything – and I really insist on “everything”- is about dancing. Each move of their body (legs, arms, head, etc) is an artistic dance move. At the warm-up prior to SD, they started with two skate laps in a very soft way looking to each other as if they were alone in an empty arena. That was really amazing believe me! Then, while other couples were doing things here and there on the rink, they were systematically getting instructions from the coaches and performing specific parts of their SD, totally focused on the technical performance and the artistic side of it.
On Saturday (FD), when the speaker announced the warm-up was over, all couples of course exited the rink… So far so good… But all the people seating next to me (and I guess many others in the arena) suddenly brought their attention to Gabriella and Guillaume… as they reached the exit of the rink while performing dance moves (starting by a very class and nice arm move) which was completely unexpected, especially at this moment where all skaters were simply invited to leave the rink. All those little things and details tell a lot about their approach of the ice dance, moreover when they are not even performing their programs.
As soon as they are in the rink, everything they do is about dance, class, softness, brotherhood, passion and feelings.
Gabriella and Guillaume dance together since they were 8 (Gabriella) and 9 (Guillaume) years old. Skating and dancing together is their life, their story. And what a fabulous story! Being at the top since so many years, winning medals and titles but moreover being friends and having a lot of fun. When you see them training in Montréal or in a warmup prior to a competition or performing their programs, you feel that the frozen floor is their home, the place where their story started when they were kids and it's really all about art and fun, much more than anyone else. Just my personal feelings.
- Joined
- May 21, 2014
What I hope for them is to skate as free as they're able to without letting the atmosphere get to them. Let's face it, the whole arena will cheer Shibs's FD like mad so if they skate after them for instance, it will be tough mentally. I also hope they don't tense too much about their SD just because load of people claim it's weaker than the rest of the top teams. They're tough competitor, well trained with supportive coaches but even the best can crumble, see W/P and C/B at 4CCs.
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
Boston is a kind of away for them and shall have a totally different atmosphere from China or Europe... Oh, i'm getting nervous...
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
Wow, t's nice for their body conditions! :agree:
Oh, I was just happy to cry when I was able to see them skating at Nationals and EURO, after the long concern of injury of Gabriella. Nothing beats her health. But now, at the same time, I aspire to see them hold the World title.
Hey! Come on guys!!
What’s going on?
Many of you said S/S will get a huge applause in Boston but I really expect they will get it because they deserve it. I love Maia and Alex, they are both great skaters and their FD is fantastic. BTW, I hope the same huge applause for W/P, C/B, C/L and B/S. All those couples are top world class ice dance couples, they will all compete to win the gold medal in Boston, that’s for sure. It’s exactly what I expect from them! I expected exactly the same from them last year hence I found Gabriella and Guillaume’s performance in Shanghai tremendous, as they managed to win the gold medal in a competition with so many talented challengers.
Many great ice dance couples from the US, Canada, Russia and Italy will compete in Boston. Now, Gabriella and Guillaume deliver performances which can’t be really compared to others because they have such a modern approach of ice dance (including the costumes and the music). Their FD is an invitation to indulge in a world where sport/athletic/technical performance and art/fun/class/passion cohabit in spectacular fashion. No one else offers something like that. That's the point.
The last time I watched C/L FD, I was just thinking “well, Gabriella and Guillaume would certainly not move or dance like that”. I reached that conclusion so many times during C/L FD. Then I watched again and again W/P, C/B, S/S, C/S and it was so obvious that Gabriella and Guillaume would perform their programs in a totally different way. Try once to watch for example C/L FD and imagine Gabriella and Guillaume dancing on the same music and you’ll quickly understand what I mean and you’ll come to the same conclusion.
Gabriella and Guillaume are 20 and 21. They’re so young. Interviewed in Bordeaux, Marie-France Dubreuil said they need to be challenged and I fully agree with her. Some of you may be surprised but I would really like them to perform their FD right after Maia and Alex Shibutani at Worlds simply because Gabriella and Guillaume know how to captivate the audience and have it dive into their story. This is probably one of the most interesting thing I learned during the Europeans. Let me explain a bit…. In Bratislava, I was really stressed during the SD as it was their very first time of the season competing in an int’l event. Given they ended at the second place after the SD, I was even more stressed for the FD …
Now… This being said… I experienced something truly unique which I did not expect … Everything started when Gabriella and Guillaume were about to perform their FD. There was a huge silence in the arena. It was really amazing and it’s almost impossible to describe that moment… May be you felt it while watching it on TV? Inside the rink, I could feel the tension and the expectation from the crowd surrounding me. That was really impressive… Really impressive! Guillaume posted 3 weeks ago on Instagram a photo of their FD starting posture and he commented this pic by the following words “That incredible moment when the arena becomes totally quiet and the music starts”. Well, I can tell you one thing which you may find wierd but this is something many people (and not just me) felt: All the silences during their FD were very deep silences. In between each applause, the arena, which was almost completely full, was quickly becoming heavily silent. Of course I was impressed by the huge applause they got but I was even more impressed by the silences in between. It was just like the audience was totally mesmerised by the sublime beauty they had in front of them. The FD started and… after a few seconds, people simply forgot it was a sport competition event because they were fascinated by the genuine masterpiece ongoing on the ice. From time to time, especially between the last two lifts, the music became so quiet. I don’t know how Gabriella and Guillaume lived those silent (or almost silent) moments but it was so intense for me and for the people around me. The arena was totally soundless in such moments simply because the audience was completely speechless. That was really magical.
You see… deep silences speak louder than huge applause and it’s exactly what happened in Bratislava.
Be prepared to the same stunning silent moments in Boston simply because it has to happen. It has to happen because it’s a human thing to be captivated by the sublime beauty and Gabriella and Guillaume have this intrinsic talent to irradiate beauty, class, passion, softness, feelings and.... fun! Of course, not everyone can create such magical moments. A lot of work is required to be able to do that, work on yourself in first place and also a tied connection with your partner.
So even if the Shib’s (or W/P or C/B, etc) get a huge deserved applause in Boston, I don’t mind if Gabriella and Guillaume skate right after them. I even wish they will…
As I said, deep silences are much more telling than huge applause...
What’s going on?
Many of you said S/S will get a huge applause in Boston but I really expect they will get it because they deserve it. I love Maia and Alex, they are both great skaters and their FD is fantastic. BTW, I hope the same huge applause for W/P, C/B, C/L and B/S. All those couples are top world class ice dance couples, they will all compete to win the gold medal in Boston, that’s for sure. It’s exactly what I expect from them! I expected exactly the same from them last year hence I found Gabriella and Guillaume’s performance in Shanghai tremendous, as they managed to win the gold medal in a competition with so many talented challengers.
Many great ice dance couples from the US, Canada, Russia and Italy will compete in Boston. Now, Gabriella and Guillaume deliver performances which can’t be really compared to others because they have such a modern approach of ice dance (including the costumes and the music). Their FD is an invitation to indulge in a world where sport/athletic/technical performance and art/fun/class/passion cohabit in spectacular fashion. No one else offers something like that. That's the point.
The last time I watched C/L FD, I was just thinking “well, Gabriella and Guillaume would certainly not move or dance like that”. I reached that conclusion so many times during C/L FD. Then I watched again and again W/P, C/B, S/S, C/S and it was so obvious that Gabriella and Guillaume would perform their programs in a totally different way. Try once to watch for example C/L FD and imagine Gabriella and Guillaume dancing on the same music and you’ll quickly understand what I mean and you’ll come to the same conclusion.
Gabriella and Guillaume are 20 and 21. They’re so young. Interviewed in Bordeaux, Marie-France Dubreuil said they need to be challenged and I fully agree with her. Some of you may be surprised but I would really like them to perform their FD right after Maia and Alex Shibutani at Worlds simply because Gabriella and Guillaume know how to captivate the audience and have it dive into their story. This is probably one of the most interesting thing I learned during the Europeans. Let me explain a bit…. In Bratislava, I was really stressed during the SD as it was their very first time of the season competing in an int’l event. Given they ended at the second place after the SD, I was even more stressed for the FD …
Now… This being said… I experienced something truly unique which I did not expect … Everything started when Gabriella and Guillaume were about to perform their FD. There was a huge silence in the arena. It was really amazing and it’s almost impossible to describe that moment… May be you felt it while watching it on TV? Inside the rink, I could feel the tension and the expectation from the crowd surrounding me. That was really impressive… Really impressive! Guillaume posted 3 weeks ago on Instagram a photo of their FD starting posture and he commented this pic by the following words “That incredible moment when the arena becomes totally quiet and the music starts”. Well, I can tell you one thing which you may find wierd but this is something many people (and not just me) felt: All the silences during their FD were very deep silences. In between each applause, the arena, which was almost completely full, was quickly becoming heavily silent. Of course I was impressed by the huge applause they got but I was even more impressed by the silences in between. It was just like the audience was totally mesmerised by the sublime beauty they had in front of them. The FD started and… after a few seconds, people simply forgot it was a sport competition event because they were fascinated by the genuine masterpiece ongoing on the ice. From time to time, especially between the last two lifts, the music became so quiet. I don’t know how Gabriella and Guillaume lived those silent (or almost silent) moments but it was so intense for me and for the people around me. The arena was totally soundless in such moments simply because the audience was completely speechless. That was really magical.
You see… deep silences speak louder than huge applause and it’s exactly what happened in Bratislava.
Be prepared to the same stunning silent moments in Boston simply because it has to happen. It has to happen because it’s a human thing to be captivated by the sublime beauty and Gabriella and Guillaume have this intrinsic talent to irradiate beauty, class, passion, softness, feelings and.... fun! Of course, not everyone can create such magical moments. A lot of work is required to be able to do that, work on yourself in first place and also a tied connection with your partner.
So even if the Shib’s (or W/P or C/B, etc) get a huge deserved applause in Boston, I don’t mind if Gabriella and Guillaume skate right after them. I even wish they will…
As I said, deep silences are much more telling than huge applause...
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 21, 2014
are you trying to rally our spirits ? :agree:
I just want to add sg to my comment about shibs standing O, I did not mean it in a negative way, they deserve it, they had a breakthrough year. But when you're on your turf, people want to cheer you on whatever happens and it's a nice thing too. All those skaters are great athletes and I wish them well.
As for your take on the skating order, you might be right. It could be even better for P/C to skate after S/S. Both programs induce very different type of reactions so the contrast should be striking to witness.
I just want to add sg to my comment about shibs standing O, I did not mean it in a negative way, they deserve it, they had a breakthrough year. But when you're on your turf, people want to cheer you on whatever happens and it's a nice thing too. All those skaters are great athletes and I wish them well.
As for your take on the skating order, you might be right. It could be even better for P/C to skate after S/S. Both programs induce very different type of reactions so the contrast should be striking to witness.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2012
I think that alain06fr said very important and even crucial thing about Gabriella and Guillaume's skating - they can capture spirits and command attention of many, if not all, while performing due to that huge difference/contrast in way they skate, the style and approach they present in Ice Dance. This is the reason of their success (backed by so much improved technique and skating skills in general if we compare it with one presented 2-3 years ago), but it is also the reason of all this critic directed towards them which I really can't understand.
Their true uniqueness, pure modernity of themes chosen, music picked, movement presented is outstanding on the field where most of teams are choosing soundtracks, classics or try to get that 'modern' vibe by experimenting with music/themes. It dares you to think about them because of these qualities I mentioned, because literally NO ONE is doing that kind of stuff nowadays and moreover - in that style/fashion.
Wish them only lots of health, calm and focus going to Worlds - I'm fairly confident about them, they are one of a kind and that will make them always outstanding wherever they'll skate and no matter before/after who they'll skate. For me, they are not the one who're chasing - they the one to be chased right now, even taking Shibutanis rise and Worlds in Boston.
Their true uniqueness, pure modernity of themes chosen, music picked, movement presented is outstanding on the field where most of teams are choosing soundtracks, classics or try to get that 'modern' vibe by experimenting with music/themes. It dares you to think about them because of these qualities I mentioned, because literally NO ONE is doing that kind of stuff nowadays and moreover - in that style/fashion.
Wish them only lots of health, calm and focus going to Worlds - I'm fairly confident about them, they are one of a kind and that will make them always outstanding wherever they'll skate and no matter before/after who they'll skate. For me, they are not the one who're chasing - they the one to be chased right now, even taking Shibutanis rise and Worlds in Boston.
About standing ovation, i was a little afraid because it's not easy to skate after such a standing ovation.
But I hope (and think ) that the audience will be silent during their programme because it's a magic moment that you want enjoy and because you don't want interfere not to break this moment.
You have the opportunity to be in arena Alain, in the TV we feel less the audience reaction.
But I hope (and think ) that the audience will be silent during their programme because it's a magic moment that you want enjoy and because you don't want interfere not to break this moment.
You have the opportunity to be in arena Alain, in the TV we feel less the audience reaction.
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Yeah, was just trying to evangelize the forum readers
... Just joking of course! You know, I simply spoke with my heart and my own sensitivity but this FD in Bratislava was such a brilliant moment I will never forget. That's for sure.
I knew your comment about the Shibs was not negative but I wanted to tease you a bit
We definitely need to laugh and have fun when sharing our opinion and feelings I completely share your opinion. Being able to deliver performances able to captivate the audience implies that they are highly talented technically speaking. They are so gifted that they sublime all technical elements.
As the Eurosport British commentators said: "You can not comprehend how difficult that was and how easy they made it look". Well, this sentence summarises everything.
- Joined
- May 21, 2014
I watched their Mozart again, it had been quite a while and then watch this year's FD right afterwards. My god, they matured so much and their skating has improved in smoothness if that was even possible. Gaby's lines in particular are even more exquisite. They are indeed so special.
@alain06 of course, we can have, love a bit of joking around. And please, keep evangelizing us, you speak about them in the most beautiful way.
@alain06 of course, we can have, love a bit of joking around. And please, keep evangelizing us, you speak about them in the most beautiful way.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2012
always on my weekend figure skating playlist to get my mojo back after whole week of work
I agree - there's a sense of more mature, composed and sophisticated program and performance this year comparing to Mozart. Of course, Mozart is still a brilliant thing - the music, the feel, the simplicity of movement yet so complicated, costuming, expression...But I feel like this year's FD is a step outside of that yet staying in their style, but much polished/sophisticated. This feel of airiness so connected for me with Mozart is more transformed into emotional interaction between them in this year's FD - everyone not only can see the magnificence, masterfulness of their work, but more like feel it and revive it live with them (at least that was my impression during Europeans).
After the masterpiece mozart i thought that this year it will be impossible to make another masterpiece since a masterpiece is something of rare like bolero or missing 1, a thing you can't product year by year.
What a surprise for me, build a home is another masterpiece and I prefer build a home because you see that there is more maturity and connexion. Too bad that we can only see this programme 3 or 4 times (whose 1 with a horrible condition in France).
So guys it was so special, thank you very very much :agree:
What a surprise for me, build a home is another masterpiece and I prefer build a home because you see that there is more maturity and connexion. Too bad that we can only see this programme 3 or 4 times (whose 1 with a horrible condition in France).
So guys it was so special, thank you very very much :agree:
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