Which female figure skater do you believe is the most elegant and artistic?

[Ladskater]

I was not able to vote, but my vote today would go with Mao Asada. After seeing her at the Stars on Ice tour here in Vancouver, I have to say Mao is one of the most graceful female skaters to ever grace the ice. I have seen many skaters over the years. Yuka Sato and Sasha Cohen are also on my list.

 

[Spun Silver]

I'm glad you are stressing Mao's grace, Ladskater. I'm getting tired of hearing her dismissed as a mere jumper. Her style is not ornate or emotional, but it is exquisite, musical, and elegantly simple in a way befitting her age. I don't enjoy seeing 16 year olds vamp or milk their young charms. (I forgave Yu Na her vamping only because her skating was otherwise beautifully secure and elegant.)

 

[morninglight]

Mao's elegance

I am very happy, too, to see the acknowledgments of Mao's grace.

Asada sisters are like ballerinas. They have classical elegance, i.e., subtle sophistication that should never be showy.

It has been really regrettable to hear some people bash Mao for her lack of "facial" expression. Artistry in figure skating should be different from what is important for actresses in TV dramas. In her SP, the way Mao connected with the music using her whole body was really beautiful. I watched this performance countless times but have never been bored.

I also like her for her healthy, clean, happy aura that is very pleasant and refreshing to see. While some young skaters pick melancholic or voluptuous music to make them look like a mature skater, I believe that a girl can present the real class without taking that direction.

 

[Spun Silver]

ITA. You're awesome, morninglight!

 

[all that]

My vote goes to Katia Gordeeva. In a few years, I might add Tessa Virtue to the list -- she was really something in "Valse Triste", wasn't she?

 

[dancindiva03]

My vote goes to Katia Gordeeva. In a few years, I might add Tessa Virtue to the list -- she was really something in "Valse Triste", wasn't she?

Blech. I think Tessa comes across as very stilted in her performances.

 

[mikittyfan]

Marina Klimova forever!

Marina Klimova's elegance is unforgettable for me.

I find the performance(free program) in 1992 Olympics
so beautiful. And I liked very much her "My Fair Lady" in 1990
World Championship.

And this is also a artistic and elegant performance, I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYMJTHBwXCc

 

[mirai_asada]

Michelle Kwan of course. =)))

 

[dollee]

Katarina Witt is a very musical skater. and Michelle Kwan has a natural charisma.
I like both of all so much. It is too difficult to vote.

 

[Wrlmy]

IMO, in terms of elegance, no one comes close to Oksana Baiul among the list. But I would still vote for Kwan for her overall artistry.

 

[Audrey19]

I don´t like Shizuka Arakawa at all, but her elegance and grace is really unbelievable

 

[janetniu]

i choice kwan,she is the best one in my heart and i love her very much.she just like a sprit .she always show us a beautiful smile that make feel happy.and she si good at performing be "in the music".

 

[Spun Silver]

I don´t like Shizuka Arakawa at all, but her elegance and grace is really unbelievable

How could you dislike someone with unbelievable grace? :scratch:

 

[R.D.]

It IS possible to separate the on-ice persona from the off-ice one, you know. For example I like that Meissner doesn't let the fame get to her head (yet) unlike many other skaters, but the skating just doesn't measure up.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

for me it's Vikka Volchkova.

 

[krenseby]

Michelle Kwan of course. =)))

Putting her into the poll was a bad idea. It's obvious that she was going to win. I would have rather seen what other skater people find exceptionally artistic and elegant.

 

[goldenpleasures]

Where's Lu Chen in this poll? The poll is very US-centred.

 

[pengdequan]

Lu chen,yuna kim