- Joined
- Aug 31, 2003
I say he's a jumper because jumps are critical to his performance because his choreography or the intricacy of his programs (particularly in 2010 and prior to that) wasn't nearly the level of the other guys. At that time, if you took out the jumps there really wouldn't be a whole lot left in his programs choreography-wise (though some of his spins were good, and his energy in footwork sequences is great even if the footwork itself isn't particularly complex). Interpretation is up to some people... I agree that he's expressive, but I'm personally not a fan of the winks or hip thrusts -- it's excessive and "exhibition"y. I get he's playing to the audience, but stuff like that ruins the interpretation and character of the program.
They'll remember his skating for its high difficulty and consistent jumping more than for its complexity/interpretation. Although certainly in places outside of North America his style would be appreciated more. At risk of sounding pretentious, I think North American audiences are more attuned to subtlety (which could also come across as safe or boring if it's too subtle), whereas European audiences are fans of flamboyance and theatrics (which could also come across as over the top).
If you are really believe, as a fact, that NA style of skating is more artistic more complex and so on, then I MUST be Sophia Loren
Why not move on from Plushenko 2010 to Plushenko THESE days and FIANALLY watch his recent skating at RN, shows and so on. You will be very surprised what you see. Plushenko is a quick learner and he surpassed already Chan 2013 in many areas, please watch him and witness it for yourself.