Alena Kostornaia

[chopinskate]

There isn't a program there yet. There are bad music cuts, and then there is some random pleasant movement applied frivolously to create a hodgepodge of texture against the music.

 

[Shayuki]

In the interview she said she was very satisfied with both programs, I don't think she will present something that will disappoint us.

"Very satisfied"... She said the programs aren't quite complete yet and she hopes they could improve them. Does that sound "very satisfied" to you?

And yeah, she couldn't just say she dislikes them. But I don't think the FS is that bad... Outside of the latter parts(Even the voiceovers aren't that bad...). I just can't get past the fact that they use Gubanova's FS's best highlight moment music cut and do absolutely nothing with it.

 

[atsumiri]

What do you expect her to say, "my programs seriously suck"?

why would she lie? because you said so? LOL
Her FS is amazing. Very classical and it suits her elegant skating.

 

[TGee]

There isn't a program there yet. There are bad music cuts, and then there is some random pleasant movement applied frivolously to create a hodgepodge of texture against it.

I agree...in part...

While one can see that the coach and choreographer would want to profile her skating skills, there just isn't much other than cross-cuts, 3-turns and mohawks between elements until she hits the choreography sequence.

Now with her silky skating, it is a joy to watch nonetheless, and it shouldn't get too full of complicated steps just for the sake of it...but there's just not much in there but arms yet.

Not even some of the classic facial expressions and arm gestures from ballet and theatric tradition that might naturally fit with the theme.

But does the program have strong bones and do I want to see how it evolves. Definitely.

 

[yoloaxel]

Wait until you see the program from a better camera angle and with a costume.

I'm sure there will be improvements in the performance because she is incredibly, amazingly talented and I expect her to be as wonderful as she can be, but the program imo is just pretty bad, it's not like a costume will make it a better one.

Regardless, I wish Alena a wonderful and successful season because she deserves the best

 

[charlotte14]

We haven’t had video of her SP yet?

 

[Yatagarasu]

Her FS is amazing. Very classical and it suits her elegant skating.

Goodness, if we're calling that amazing these days


Her FS is not a disaster, no, but it committed the biggest crime of being dull. The cut is not perfect but it has some nice moments; moments that aren't being used at all. Of all the Russian juniors, Kosto is the exceptional skater and they wasted it there. It's being saved to a degree precisely because she is so exceptional but it shouldn't be that way, she deserves better. Hopefully it'll evolve further as time passes but even if it does, it'll still end up being her using little to make a lot.

 

[chopinskate]

It's being saved to a degree precisely because she is so exceptional but it shouldn't be that way, she deserves better.

Basically this. She salvages it, but I don't think choreographers should phone it in to this degree (or, well, any, but that's hoping for too much). There isn't even a visible concept there, to me. Hopefully they will have a good long look in the coming weeks.

 

[madison]

Basically this. She salvages it, but I don't think choreographers should phone it in to this degree (or, well, any, but that's hoping for too much). There isn't even a visible concept there, to me. Hopefully they will have a good long look in the coming weeks.

I totally agree... the program is, at best, average. It's a shame cause there are so many styles to explore and interesting music.

 

[flanker]

"Deserves better". Probably the most overused phrase I've heard for the last week

When you check last season, you will find one interresting thing. The overwhelming amout of dislikes and bad comments at first performances of programs skated by Eteri girls (Tarakanova in Salzburg, Panenkova in Riga, Alyona in Gdansk, maybe Sasha was an exception). And then, somehow, it completely turned over, at next competition, not to mention JGPF there was love and everything. Thats an example why not to rely on opinion of the internet crowd

I honestly think we are at the phase one. Many people had their expectations and now see that it is not that. That is a strike. This is maybe positive, because till competitions we can get to phase two, so it will be earlier this time

 

[dante]

The overwhelming amout of dislikes and bad comments at first persormances of programs skated by Eteri girls

There were a few very active Korean haters, just ignore them.

 

[atsumiri]

There's a reason why this event's supposed to be closed to the public. The main purpose of this test skates for skaters to get reviews and corrections for the programs and elements from professionals not comments from some .... trolls on the internet who saw programs from low quality video... :sarcasm:
but... anyway You'll never be able to please some kinds of people. Doesn't matter what you will do.

 

[bewitched]

flanker is right.

I think people here are overreacting, the bare fact that people are angry at the coaches for not providing Alyona and other Eteri girls with 'proper' programs proves that our expectations are already so high because of the pure perfection we witnessed last season. Last season we saw the polished skating of Alyona and now we compare it to this raw version of NEW programs. Guys, new means it was made a few weeks ago, how do you expect it to be polished to the last detail like for a competition like a JGPF or JWC...when we get to this moment, then we can and should compare the new programs to the old ones.

For now we should be thankful that we could take a glimpse at the state the juniors are right now.
I am very curious how Alyona will perform this season and hope that she will show off her elegance on ice once again. She hasn't added 3Lz-3Lo and 3A yet but I guess she saves them for later. She looks like a perfectionist and doesn't want to ruin a program if an element isn't ready yet. She also is cautious and wants to preserve her body, that's also very good. Striving for longevity is one thing that one should bear in mind as a junior.

I can't wait to see her dresses <3

 

[flanker]

our expectations are already so high because of the pure perfection we witnessed last season. Last season we saw the polished skating of Alyona and now we compare it to this raw version of NEW programs.

:clapper:

 

[Li'Kitsu]

I think people here are overreacting, the bare fact that people are angry at the coaches for not providing Alyona and other Eteri girls with 'proper' programs proves that our expectations are already so high because of the pure perfection we witnessed last season.

Eh, no, I'd think most of us not liking Kostos LP have been around long enough to know very well what early stage means and that programs evolve throughout the season. That doesn't mean you can't judge or have an opinion on what is there right now. And I doubt they'll change much about the music cut or selection, which is already... underwhelming.
And "and other Eteri girls"? Which? Because the directly named problem is how weak Kostos LP is compared to the programs of Sasha & Anna. Or are the programs of these 2 not early stage? Did they get a magical head-start of a few months?

why would she lie? because you said so? LOL

No, but because criticizing your own team and coaches so openly could be seen as disrespectful and get you at odds with your coaching team. Something I'd think most skaters would like to avoid, especially when your team is as stacked with strong competition and your coach doesn't exactly... well, need you.

And you know what's actually 'lol' about this? If Kosto would openly speak out against her team in any form or way, I'd bet you were among the first to eat her alive.

 

[atsumiri]

And you know what's actually 'lol' about this? If Kosto would openly speak out against her team in any form or way, I'd bet you were among the first to eat her alive.

What about you? Do you know what's actually 'lol' about this?
You, when you're trying to project your issues onto other people. And pretend you know something) That's really funny) And at the same time, it's a shame.

 

[Yatagarasu]

"Deserves better". Probably the most overused phrase I've heard for the last week
When you check last season,

When you check last season I adored Kosto's programs right from the start (and I saw them before her JGP appearance). And not just hers, I still think Daniil's work with Tarakanova last season was bloody brilliant, both in concept and how well he caught on to Tara's personality and then tailored both to her. The one person whose programs I wasn't sold on last season were Trusova's, most especially that SP and I remained that way until the end.

And you may find the word overused, I think it's a perfect fit for Kosto's programs.
It's the 8th of August and the JGP starts on the 22nd so no, I don't really think these are some super early versions of them at all. They will evolve, as a lot of programs do and Kostornaya is going to get used to it even more so I am sure that come JWC they will be better than they are right now. Doesn't mean that overall my opinion will change in re to what Daniil gave her this time around. It's average.

Thus not adequate for someone of Kostornaya's abilities, not even remotely. She will make it good because she is so exceptional but when you have such a huge talent on your hands, then the idea isn't to get her to bail out your programs; the idea is to give her a program that is so good, that it is her exceptional talent that is being showcased.

Don't tell me Daniil cannot. He can, he has done it before and even this season Anna S' SP is very strong.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

What about you? Do you know what's actually 'lol' about this?
You, when you're trying to project your issues onto other people. And pretend you know something) That's really funny) And at the same time, it's a shame.

Who am I protecting my issues on?

 

[flanker]

When you check last season I adored Kosto's programs right from the start (and I saw them before her JGP appearance). And not just hers, I still think Daniil's work with Tarakanova last season was bloody brilliant, both in concept and how well he caught on to Tara's personality and then tailored both to her. The one person whose programs I wasn't sold on last season were Trusova's, most especially that SP and I remained that way until the end.

And you may find the word overused, I think it's a perfect fit for Kosto's programs.
It's the 8th of August and the JGP starts on the 22nd so no, I don't really think these are some super early versions of them at all. They will evolve, as a lot of programs do and Kostornaya is going to get used to it even more so I am sure that come JWC they will be better than they are right now. Doesn't mean that overall my opinion will change in re to what Daniil gave her this time around. It's average.

Thus not adequate for someone of Kostornaya's abilities, not even remotely. She will make it good because she is so exceptional but when you have such a huge talent on your hands, then the idea isn't to get her to bail out your programs; the idea is to give her a program that is so good, that it is her exceptional talent that is being showcased.

And what exactly should be "adequate for someone of Kostornaya's abilities", what elements instead of those involved in it. I still hear only completely empty words, this not, that not, what is the great thing that is missing there? Or there should be more transitions (that is definitely matter of training) or what else? What can be added is 3A, if she will be able to jump it reliably, maybe even some quad? That is what I wish for her. Otherwise I don't know what I should miss there.

Don't tell me Daniil cannot. He can, he has done it before and even this season Anna S' SP is very strong.

I don't tell anything because I absolutely don't share your opinion on the program. But what are you trying to imply? That he intentionally gave her "average" choreography? Is it a complot now or what?

 

[flanker]

And you know what's actually 'lol' about this? If Kosto would openly speak out against her team in any form or way, I'd bet you were among the first to eat her alive.

Yes, you got it. There was a gun pointed at Alyona's head during interview. "C'mon girl, speak about your happiness"

We made those jokes throughout the season, I didn't know somebody would take it seriously

By the way, I consider Alyona the first who would openly speak about her dislike for something. Last season, just around JWC she said something like "I'm bored of my programs already, I'm looking forward for the new ones."