Rachel Flatt's SP

[krenseby]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QflHFcmAmzQ

Have any of you watched Rachel Flatt's SP at from the Japanese International Counter Match?

I was very impressed with the SP she put out. Her jumps were very secure with great height and smooth flowed landings.

Her choreography, though a bit sparse and amateur, still had a lot of great moments where she was really tuned in to the music.

Now, I mention this all because, it seems to me that Rachel Flatt could perhaps compete with Caroline and Mirai. Of course, she really needs to work on her spins and spirals to get higher levels.

 

[london_calling]

All around she has improved a lot from last season. Her jumps especially look a lot better.

I really like Rachael's short program. It's fun and it suits her. If she skate cleanly at Nationals I definitely think she could contend for a podium finish.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I wrote on another thread how wonderfully she has imroved her all round skating skills as well as completing those 3x3s. I think she jumps better than Caroline.

Joe

 

[krenseby]

I wrote on another thread how wonderfully she has imroved her all round skating skills as well as completing those 3x3s. I think she jumps better than Caroline.

Joe

Which thread is that one, cause once you tell me, I'll go and look up your message.

 

[kappa_1]

I don't like this music so much, but I'm hoping she will grow into it more as the season progresses. I liked the jumps though, and she has improved her spiral sequence. It still scares me to see Caroline throwing herself into her jumps like she does. I fear injury, but I'm ignorant about such mechanics. I forget some times that all these young U.S. ladies are barely teenagers, they are all so impressive!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Which thread is that one, cause once you tell me, I'll go and look up your message.

It's not the thread that mattes it's the link to watch her skate and see for oneself how much Rachael has improved.

 

[Jaana]

Yes, it true that Flatt has improved, WOW! Although I did not especially like listening to her music, it certainly is very skateable and made possible to create this really enjoyable choreography.

 

[flying camel]

She looks good, but she is just not a good spinner. She looks so slow when she spins. I like her though.

 

[feraina]

I'm not sure I like her SP music. It breaks into little dissonant snippets; doesn't really have a strong lyrical melody or strong rhythmicity, whereas her skating is naturally soft and lyrical. Also, the choreography doesn't really accentuate her jumping abilities, her core strength.

Maybe she could go for her 3/3 a little more if it wasn't placed quite so close to the boards. I like her first (layback) spin. Nice, classic layback position.

 

[Cal Girl]

Her layback is beautiful and much better than Mao's. Maybe not on the level of Caroline or Mirai but flexibility in the back is not something every skater has.
Rachael's jumping consistency is absolutely amazing, even with a 3/3! That alone should earn her many medals this season.
Rachael's jump technique is also superior to Caroline's. Rachael also has better ice coverage. Mirai has great speed and overall good coverage of the ice but is struggling with consistency right now.
It takes a complete package to win and right now Rachael has it!

 

[Tinymavy15]

I really don't think I tango was good choice for her. She still looks like the little girl next door and is a very soft gentle skater. she still is nowhere near the level of caroline and marai, but i like her skating. She needs a little more spiral help, but they are better than last year. If she would ever get credit for her 3/3, she really could be somthing to watch at nationals.

 

[passion]

A good all round skater. Her jumps and overall speed is better than Caroline's. However, she needs more work on spins and flexibility for her spirals. I feel there is something missing and I just think it's the "x" factor.

 

[chuckm]

The 'something missing' is maturity and competitive experience. Rachael just turned 15, but because her birthday is in early July, between that and her injury early last seasonn, she got off to a late start. She is naturally musical and I think with more experience, she will blossom into an amazing performer.

I was impressed with how she has improved her lutz technique. Last year, she had a high kick into it, and in the SP, that was no longer noticeable.

 

[GoldMedalist]

She definitely improved her Lutz...no flutzing there. Good on her.

Unfortunately, she still underrotates that second part of the Triple/Triple combo.

Obviously a very hard working girl with plenty of potential.

 

[Nigel]

I really don't think I tango was good choice for her. She still looks like the little girl next door and is a very soft gentle skater. she still is nowhere near the level of caroline and marai, but i like her skating. She needs a little more spiral help, but they are better than last year. If she would ever get credit for her 3/3, she really could be somthing to watch at nationals.

Flatt's music isn't a Tango. It is from Gershwin's musical "Porgy and Bess" with this particular song..."It Aint Necessarily So"...sung by one of the lead characters in the story, who explains that the stories that the other characters are listening to are not necessrily true...trying to get the other characters to expand their beliefs and open their minds to new ideas. More of the idea of playing with their beliefs.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I would call 'It Ain't Necessarily So' a Blues. I know there is a compulsory dance called The Blues, but I don't think I've ever seen it as an OD or FD.

Joe

 

[gkelly]

I would call 'It Ain't Necessarily So' a Blues.

More than tango, certainly.

I know there is a compulsory dance called The Blues, but I don't think I've ever seen it as an OD or FD.

The OD rhythm for 1991 was blues.
Here are the top 2 from Worlds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL6w9EI-bvk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdij7eJeEzY

Top 2 free dances in 1993 were blues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZD5TBot2qY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is04vxvp9xA

The 2004 OD was a Swing Combo including Jive, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, Rock N' Roll and Blues.
Check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTY0rs7OQHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNTX_XgIJc

 

[waxel]

The choreography is not inspired (in fact downright messy at the end) and she does need greater stretch and extension in her spirals and better speed and positions in her spins. And I'm not sure she has the "wow factor" as a performer yet. BUT ... tremendous potential ... especially for early in the season. All these "up and comers" will push each other. Should be exciting.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

The OD rhythm for 1991 was blues.
Here are the top 2 from Worlds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL6w9EI-bvk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdij7eJeEzY

Top 2 free dances in 1993 were blues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZD5TBot2qY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is04vxvp9xA

The 2004 OD was a Swing Combo including Jive, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, Rock N' Roll and Blues.
Check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTY0rs7OQHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNTX_XgIJc

Thanks gkelly for the links in 91 and 93. I wasn't around in 91 and not exactly a keen observer in 93. I enjoyed the skating as shown. It wasn't until Kwan's Salome (94?) which got me interested in figure skating.

The lumping together in 2004 of such original American dancers without regard to their different tempos, rhythms, and moods which clearly to me shows at least 3 totally different dances. Yet, how many different waltzes are judged individually in Skate Dance Competitions? Can't we just lump them together for the teams' choice?

Joe