- Joined
- Nov 12, 2012
well, I'd rather say (from my observation about their last season, first after 2-year hiatus from competition) that the Ice Dance scene has changed with its optics, hence they are simply viewed through different factors and in much broader 'scope' of top teams than before I think. This with the fact that they are one of the most experienced teams out there plus their 2-year old break taken into consideration, could result with the impression that there's always something new and original demanded/expected from them - especially looking at their versatility and how they've taken so different themes/styles and aesthetics throughout years. From my point of view, I'd say that last season proved that they 'fit' into current Ice Dance scene just fine, with all they presented - and they were pretty much highly praised for what they've done in terms of material and performance. I think that it could be, because they put the stress/attention on strong, cohesive and personally-engaged concepts of programs and boldness of their presentation instead of freshness/originality or innovation of material or elements. To be honest, for me their elements - recycled or not - are usually executed very strongly and going well with the music, so my pinpoint watching them is never too much focused on what they recycle; if e.g. the lift is fitting and they used it before - why not to use it again (especially if the element was successful levels-wise and felt comfortable for the team)?
To sum up, I'd say that Tessa and Scott maybe are not judged 'harsher' that everyone else, but the perspective watching them is just different than before, especially taking into consideration their vast experience and people's personal expectations (e.g. comparing them to other teams with totally different background, style of way of expressing themselves). There is also this argument of constant comparison made between them and French team Papadakis/Cizeron - for me, neither of teams should mould themselves into another's aesthetic just because some 'public expectation' says so; Tessa and Scott are totally different from Gabriella and Guillaume and they do not need any 're-branding' or identity/style change to still going successful, like they proved last season.
to add something (being much in agreement with what you've said) - the most important thing for me with re-using/re-creating some elements from previous programs is to make them look naturally fitting into this new program: going well with general flow of the dance, the music, the vibe of the program. Each element is a part of something bigger - recycled or not, it has to be integrated into this wholesome which has to do the right impression and feel cohesive as a package - for me, the key is to make us not really/meticulously pay attention to elements separately, but to focus on how nicely dance flows, how well they interpret the music/theme, how engaging the performance is.
Focusing a bit on Tessa/Scott's 'recycled lifts gate'
- while those 2 lift are taken from their past programs, I think that they have a very good fit inside 'Moulin Rouge' concept of a program. Both are very effective and create some kind of 'bold statement' about movement and performance, which in my opinion goes so well with the idea of the program. Besides, both lifts were altered to match music closely and to give out the feel of it. I am waiting for Skate Canada to see how this FD has grown in various areas.
, thanks VIETgrlTerifa for bearing the info
hwell:
