Technique as a means to acquire artistry!!!

I’m learning, mostly by hanging out on GS, that contrary to popular belief, artistry and technical expertise are NOT mutually exclusive categories. Rather, good technique frees you up to be more artistically expressive. So, all artists have good technique as their foundation. Therefore,
the “technical skater” vs “artistic skater” is a false dichotomy. Unfortunately, usually “technical” is used as shorthand for “good at executing quality jumps regularly, especially quads, 3As, and 3-3s.” In that narrow sense, the dichotomy does exist and there is a big divide between various skaters. So it can be hard for people, myself included, to realize how “technical” good-quality step sequences, good-quality spins, and good-quality transitions actually are. That’s why step sequences and spins are part of TES. Patrick once said something like, “Skating is what leads you to your jump.” Skating skills aren’t simply there as part of artistry; they’re there because they lead to everything worthwhile in the program. Patrick uses his solid technique on the ice to show us the musical nuances. His musical sensitivity, plus his technique on the ice, plus his maturity of expression gained through experience makes for a truly lovely combination!!!

Okay, I’ll get off my soap box now.