I do say no more music but not for professional dances. Just for athletic competitions. But Athletics and music? Music was used in competitive skating as a gimmick since it proved very profitable for professional skating. It did attract some kids to dress up and have fun. It was and still is a type of Pagaent-like competition more than a serious sport. Much ado about makeup, costumes, posing and yes, a little day music. All the elements in a good little girl's pagaent, I would say. Artistry - never. Talent - Maybe.
Please, I never mentioned school figures. You'll have other posters quoting that I want to go back to school figures. I was thinking of Diving. Each contestant has a choice of 5 different Dives which all have base values. Familiar? That could be expanded to Jumps, Spins, and Footwork., and no music for the SP. Strictly Technical with GoEs. I would then consider a musical routine of Free Skating as second segment for inclusion for the Final Result. That's Free skating- not with all those restrictions of CoP. If the Sport loses its 'little girl' look, I think attendance would increase. There are no plans for TV coverage for figure skating after the 2010 Olys. Nothing to do with lack of music. BTW, do you believe that Sports main object is to make money? and not find which team is the greater that year?
I certainly had equal time for all those nationalities I listed as true great artists.
With the advent of Air Tranportation and TV, the exchange in all the Arts and Sports have now blended and it's one of the reasons, I do not have a favorite American skater.
Good post Joe. BTW, i have referred to the GP series as having exactly what you are saying here - a "beauty pageant" feeling. When I say it I mean that compared to Natls or Worlds, GP's don't feel nearly as competitive. Many skaters have said this - how they look forward to meeting up with other skater friends to go shopping and spending time together socializing. I dont think that is the mood at the more important competitions.
Should music also be eliminated from the floor exercise at gymnastic meets? And what about the sport of rhythmic gymnastics? For that matter, what about competitive ballroom dancing events?They are judged - and yet they have music. Personally, I think the world needs more music - and not less. :yes:
I think your idea about having the SP being done without music and basing it soley on the performance of elements is interesting. But why wouldn't that bring back a return to school figures? Maybe worth less than before but the sport is called "figure skating" and not "jump skating" or step sequence skating."
Many think we might see better, cleaner skating with a return to figures. I think we should have a return to figures and this time they should be done to music!
Professional sports are about money - winning typically helps a franchise earn more money so whether it is the New York Mets, or Tiger Woods - the more they win the more potential they have for earning more from commercials and endorsements.
Professional ballet companies are about what? Art - or making money?
Your question could be argued for hours without a resolution.
Amateur sports, like a ballet school for beginning dancers are in a similar situation. They need money to survive. Their competitions are supposed to be about finding out who is the best. But usually the best amateurs are the ones' who had the most money for the best training, coaching and support.
You might start a new topic about this since it is interesting but only vaguely related to "musical skaters." If earlier you listed your examples of musical skaters I missed it. I recall only one - Brezina. Is he, in your opinion the only musical skater in the world? What about skaters from the past?
There is a matter of technique and how it effects a skater's confidence. That in turn can help raise or lower a skater's presention.
I see skating as a blend of sport and art. I love sports and I love art. Maybe that is why I love skating so much. Since Janet thrilled audiences three decades ago skating has evolved into a performance art blending skating elements with music interpretation. You may not like it but it is hard to deny.
Why is the thread about new music so active here? It puzzles me that some of the most active posters there who seem to lose sleep over a skaters new music selections have not made a comment on this topic. Do they really have any idea of how new music will effect their favorite skater's chances for this season.
Of course not. Because skating is still a sport first. The best music and choreo with a great costume mean nothing if you don't skate well.
