2019-20 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

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New Alina SP in full just without an added 3Lo to 3Lz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAd-vMdYmI

What can I say - I am impressed. I am impressed by the program and by Alina's getting into the image. And the season has not started yet. New transitions - they are at least as difficult as they were before.

If she skates it consistently - 83-84 can be expected. She can face quad and triple axel girls with such a score.

As people said already I would also think that she could hold Ina Bauer longer. She can do it - she showed it during the show. it's just the choreo. Another thing that is a bit dissappointing to me is her keeping the same spins. She is such a powerful spinner - a little variation would not hurt.

All in all I am happy to see our Olympic champion in a battle-ready form having a powerful program she is comfortable to skate.

 

[Mawwerg]

Nastya T. made a video from Novogorsk.

 

[nussnacker]

I didn‘t say Daniil doesn‘t deliver masterpieces. He does. I loved lots of them in the past. It‘s just that he‘s more hit and miss than people like to admit and I personally think that might be exactly because he has so many programs to choreograph each season.

Also, I think Averbukh and Wilson are two very different choreographers in their style and I can‘t find one argument where I could lump them together. Wilson is more old-fashioned and I’m the first one to admit that his recent programs just haven’t had the it factor. From the few that come to mind last season, I only enjoyed Zhenya‘s tango. And that wasn‘t because of the choreography (which was pretty bland other than the step sequence) but because she made it work when she delivered.

Averbukh, however, kind of started the whole character and story driven programs for Eteri girls with Yulia and then mostly Zhenya (not saying he invented them, obviously but that they became more frequent in ladies afterwards) He was criticized a lot for his abstract programs, too many transitions, relying on “gimmicks“ to tell a story (with which I can agree to a certain point), similar to what Daniil gets criticized for today. So, I’d say he still is quite up to date. I don’t see where he’s not modern when people have always criticized him for being too modern and abstract. And from the skaters you mentioned - Alina, Sasha and Elizabet - no I cannot imagine Averbukh programs for them either. For Anna and Aliona, however, I can. I think it might actually fit quite well for them, like it did for Evgenia. But since Averbukh doesn‘t seem too interested in choreographing competitive programs anymore, I doubt something like this will happen soon. Also, because you mentioned Tuktik, Averbukh did Sofia‘s Burlesque program and a recent exhibition for Liza. So....

I “lumped” them together not because of their style, but because I think they’re both imo a little old fashioned. They do good ones now too, generally though, I think they did better before than now Averbukh always has done his choreos the same way, and I’m not talking only about the “story” concept, but generally how he approaches choreography. and Ex program isn’t the same thing as competitive one, isn’t it he can do good ones too, I’m not saying he’s incapable of delivering a nice choreo, and so does David.
Similarly, I don’t think Richaud or Daniil are alike at all, I think they’re similar in that, that although they have their own style, they’re more modern in their views compared to some older choreographers.
I mean, look at Richaud, some of the moves he does are sometimes looking weird, esp. on Bradie. But somehow, it also fits her well, I don’t know why I have no idea how to explain it, it’s very unusual, but still somehow makes you want to watch it and it works well for her and helps her to do well and then he has some masterpieces like Piano too.
I mean, after all it’s a matter of personal taste, I’m sure there are people who would prefer their style of choreo any day.

 

[atsumiri]

I think the programs that Eteri choreographed (Alina's Don Q, Alyona's Adios Nonino, Kamila's Picasso) are the best that have come out of that camp. Daniil's choreo just hasn't done much for me.

They're always doing all choreography together.

Daniil:

In our group, the choreographing period starts from the end of April - as soon as the last competition ends - and to September inclusive. The biggest difficulty lies in the number of programs, but we share this burden with Eteri Georgievna, who always participates in the choice of music and is always on the ice during any choreography work. First, we create programs for the main athletes, then for juniors, and then for 9-10 years old children, who we also have in the group. As a rule, this happens at the training camp in Novogorsk, where we have four trainings a day - two for the older group and two for the younger one. From the inside, this process looks like this: we set up programs all day, in the evening we are going to listen to music in the room and sketch some ideas. Therefore, camp in Novogorsk requires endurance and strength. We are saved by the fact that we are all rested before it, after holidays, although after the choreographing period, there is a desire to rest somewhere in a quiet place. But around the end of August, the first competitions are already going, and we are entering the main season.

 

[nussnacker]

Does anyone know, when channel 1 will release all of the content they’ve been filming? They seem to have a lot of figure skating content for the upcoming season from different Russian skaters, I’m looking forward to it.

 

[Edwin]

Does anyone know, when channel 1 will release all of the content they’ve been filming? They seem to have a lot of figure skating content for the upcoming season from different Russian skaters, I’m looking forward to it.

Piece by piece probably, to keep us in suspense, LOL

Juniors now, and then building up to the senior Test Skates.

I wonder, will they give Sankt Peterburg skaters the same kind of coverage as Moscow skaters?

Russia’s men’s FS isn’t at its best this season. But ladies singles, pairs and ice dance is.

 

[Tolstoj]

New Alina SP in full just without an added 3Lo to 3Lz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAd-vMdYmI

What can I say - I am impressed. I am impressed by the program and by Alina's getting into the image. And the season has not started yet. New transitions - they are at least as difficult as they were before.

If she skates it consistently - 83-84 can be expected. She can face quad and triple axel girls with such a score.

As people said already I would also think that she could hold Ina Bauer longer. She can do it - she showed it during the show. it's just the choreo. Another thing that is a bit dissappointing to me is her keeping the same spins. She is such a powerful spinner - a little variation would not hurt.

All in all I am happy to see our Olympic champion in a battle-ready form having a powerful program she is comfortable to skate.

Very nice.

This is probably her best SP for theme and costume, or on par with Samson & Delilah.

It is impressive to see the full program at this point of the season, spins included.

The weaknesses/issues are all still there: the posture (notice the sloppy Radionova-esque crossovers) and the skating skills very noticeable in the steps sequence.

It's not a complain since there is still time but hopefully they'll try to fix eventually.

 

[Arbitrary]

Piece by piece probably, to keep us in suspense, LOL

Juniors now, and then building up to the senior Test Skates.

I wonder, will they give Sankt Peterburg skaters the same kind of coverage as Moscow skaters?

Russia’s men’s FS isn’t at its best this season. But ladies singles, pairs and ice dance is.

Only ladies. Pairs lost almost beyond repair, ice dancing on the way down. Men FS still may be recovered in few years with some luck.

 

[neud]

Kamila Valieva 1tv sneakpeek -
https://www.1tv.ru/sport/figurnoe-k...-valieva-o-tom-kak-polyubila-figurnoe-katanie

 

[Edwin]

Kamila Valieva 1tv sneakpeek -
https://www.1tv.ru/sport/figurnoe-k...-valieva-o-tom-kak-polyubila-figurnoe-katanie

Thanks.

Valiyeva's quotes are a bit patchy and hard to understand:
Did she come from rhythmic gymnastics into figure skating?
She likes being a ballerina but above all likes figure skating?
"I feel content when I complete my jumps and understand I can do more"

I hope Valiyeva will be the revelation of the JGP season.
She has this special quality of artistry the skating world hasn’t seen often in a child.
She’ll be the youngest GP contestant from Russia in JGP?

Even at the Test Skates they might not reveal the true potential of Kamila, for #TeamTutberidzeForProgress might still keep some of her new elements or combinations under wraps until actually needed in competition to secure a win.
My feeling is they’ll gonna set up Kamila the artistic way, going for max SS and GOE etc., much like they did with Kostornaya and hope stability and experience pays off. For if she had a solid and reliable quad, it must have leaked by now. AFAIR, she didn’t throw anything particular in the Tutberidze Show of Champions last April.
A “triksel” (Russian short for 3A) wouldn’t go amiss though.
Given that at Khrustalniy and Novogorsk they teach all kids at the same time, a 3A ‘production line’ isn’t unlikely at all.

Tomorrow and Tuesday are going to be so exciting.

 

[SkateSkates]

Thanks.

I hope Valiyeva will be the revelation of the JGP season.
She has this special quality of artistry the skating world hasn’t seen often in a child.
She’ll be the youngest GP contestant from Russia in JGP?

Even at the Test Skates they might not reveal the true potential of Kamila, for #TeamTutberidzeForProgress might still keep some of her new elements or combinations under wraps until actually needed in competition to secure a win.
My feeling is they’ll gonna set up Kamila the artistic way, going for max SS and GOE etc., much like they did with Kostornaya and hope stability and experience pays off. For if she had a solid and reliable quad, it must have leaked by now. AFAIR, she didn’t throw anything particular in the Tutberidze Show of Champions last April.
A “triksel” (Russian short for 3A) wouldn’t go amiss though.
Given that at Khrustalniy and Novogorsk they teach all kids at the same time, a 3A ‘production line’ isn’t unlikely at all.

Tomorrow and Tuesday are going to be so exciting.

Maya and Dasha are both about 1 month younger than Kamila, but all 3 having recently turned 13 in April/May will be the youngest of known participants.

 

[starla16]

New Alina SP in full just without an added 3Lo to 3Lz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAd-vMdYmI

the music choices, dress are very Sotnikovalike
forward butt skating even resemble Sotnikovas

 

[monochrom3]

Very nice.

The weaknesses/issues are all still there: the posture (notice the sloppy Radionova-esque crossovers) and the skating skills very noticeable in the steps sequence.

Sorry, Sloppy Radionova-esque crossovers? Her crossovers have never been a problem, and has never been flagged as a problem ever even by her critics? She may not be the one top in terms of figure skating skills, but even then crossovers has not been a usual weakness or issue for her. And it isn't here either. And she's not really even doing crossovers, most of her skating is on one foot in fact, other than when setting up for jumps.

Also regarding the posture, in all honesty go back and take a look at this performance and its actually way better than a lot of her other ones before. The only times she's bent over in this performance is pretty much only when she's going into the entry of the jump i.e. with crossovers. If you take Alina in this performance, she's honestly no worse than most skaters out there? If you take a look at Evgenia, she also has to bend over to build up into the jump entry, same with Rika. It's physics, and every skater physiologically bends to some degree when they're doing crossovers (your knee is bent at 90º) and setting up for a jump. I think criticism can be valid, and yes she was pretty bent over in seasons past, but I also believe in giving credit where credit is due. And her posture isn't really a glaring point in this particular program, unless you're looking for it of course.

 

[Edwin]

Maya and Dasha are both about 1 month younger than Kamila, but all 3 having recently turned 13 in April/May will be the youngest of known participants.

Khromikh and Usachyova? Those three Russians from Khrustalniy will be the youngest and strongest contestants. Lets hope they all strike a bond of camaraderie with Alysia Liu and the other 13 year olds, for they will likely meet each other in competitions for some time to come.

Generally it is positive for kids that age to make international friends and talk and learn a little about each other. The top of the figure skating pyramid is a lonely and cruel place, esp. when your are the only elite in your rink. Learning to relate to each other will help you to accept a defeat graciously, because not everybody can be a winner at all times.

 

[cohen-esque]

Alina’s crossovers aren’t brilliant... and Radionova’s SS are a little underrated... but c’mon, Alina’s posture isn’t *that* bad.

 

[Fluture]

Alina’s crossovers aren’t brilliant... and Radionova’s SS are a little underrated... but c’mon, Alina’s posture isn’t *that* bad.

Well, she still always bends forward while skating. Imo, it‘s a bit better than Radionova’s was but still noticeable and distracting. But the judges don‘t particularly mind, so whatever, I guess. I still hope she‘s working on it and I think she does. Alina isn’t one to just ignore her flaws, we all know how hard she works. In this SP her upper body was still stiff but it did look a bit better, at least to my subjective eye. So.. that‘s good.

But I‘m mostly looking forward to tomorrow! Finally, test skates for our brilliant junior ladies. Short question: Will there be a Youtube stream or will we have to watch the official one with VPN? It‘s always a bit wonky for me, so I hoped I could avoid it if possible.

 

[BossT]

Kamila VALIEVA - About how she loved figure skating (Novogorsk 08/2019) [ENG Subs]
https://youtu.be/UwOs_TkipQk

 

[Vandevska]

Test skates are a highlight of my day tomorrow and Tuesday, can't wait to watch it after work ^^

 

[Scott512]

New Alina SP in full just without an added 3Lo to 3Lz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAd-vMdYmI

What can I say - I am impressed. I am impressed by the program and by Alina's getting into the image. And the season has not started yet. New transitions - they are at least as difficult as they were before.

If she skates it consistently - 83-84 can be expected. She can face quad and triple axel girls with such a score.

As people said already I would also think that she could hold Ina Bauer longer. She can do it - she showed it during the show. it's just the choreo. Another thing that is a bit dissappointing to me is her keeping the same spins. She is such a powerful spinner - a little variation would not hurt.

All in all I am happy to see our Olympic champion in a battle-ready form having a powerful program she is comfortable to skate.

Thank you for that video. Alinas new SP is remarkable on different levels. I commend her for doing a very different program and a very mature program too. it would be easy for her to just sit back and rest on her laurels and do an easy short program. But she didn't. And Alinas interpretation has come so far so fast as well. Bravo bravissimo!

 

[Tolstoj]

Alina’s crossovers aren’t brilliant... and Radionova’s SS are a little underrated... but c’mon, Alina’s posture isn’t *that* bad.

Sorry, Sloppy Radionova-esque crossovers? Her crossovers have never been a problem, and has never been flagged as a problem ever even by her critics? She may not be the one top in terms of figure skating skills, but even then crossovers has not been a usual weakness or issue for her. And it isn't here either. And she's not really even doing crossovers, most of her skating is on one foot in fact, other than when setting up for jumps.

Also regarding the posture, in all honesty go back and take a look at this performance and its actually way better than a lot of her other ones before. The only times she's bent over in this performance is pretty much only when she's going into the entry of the jump i.e. with crossovers. If you take Alina in this performance, she's honestly no worse than most skaters out there? If you take a look at Evgenia, she also has to bend over to build up into the jump entry, same with Rika. It's physics, and every skater physiologically bends to some degree when they're doing crossovers (your knee is bent at 90º) and setting up for a jump. I think criticism can be valid, and yes she was pretty bent over in seasons past, but I also believe in giving credit where credit is due. And her posture isn't really a glaring point in this particular program, unless you're looking for it of course.

Disclaimer: Opinions are mine not from critics, that's things I notice. It's not a criticism, like I said, we're still early in the season, they can work on it and I don't expect changes in a matter of weeks, it takes time.

I can't gif it because I don't have the laptop with me but you can clearly notice in the crossover from

0:39-0:45

1) The hunch from the back
2) the sloppy arms very Radionova or Slutskaya.

You are supposed to stay straight during crossovers.

Yes there were last season too but all these little things become more noticeable as the body grows.

It's also one of those problems that can lead to more back injuries.

As for the steps sequence it's not just a matter of skating skills but also some choreography decision I don't really agree: I don't quite understand the point of doing a spiral or an attempted Ina Bauer for literally half a second, in the middle of the sequence.

And i'd also suggest she should look at her teammate Kanysheva to improve the knee slide.

Aside from all these things it's a nice program.