Team Event Ice Dance SD Report 2014 Winter Olympics
XXII Olympic Winter Games
Team Event
Ice Dance – Short Dance
Quickstep plus one or two following rhythms: Foxtrot, Charleston, Swing
Pattern Dance: Two Sections of Finnstep skated one after the other (Section 1 followed by Section 2 with Step #1 skated on the Judges’ side)
Result (OWG Website)
Detailed Classification
Judges Scoreshttp://www.isuresults.com/results/owg2014/owg14_TeamIceDance_SD_D_Scores.pdf
Links to Other Olympics Reports:
Team Event - Ladies SP
Team Event - Men SP
Team Event - Pairs SP
Disclaimer:
The aim of these reports is to attempt to look critically at skaters’ performances, try to pay close attention to detail and evaluate each of the technical elements, as well as the program components aspect, on their own merit, whilst attempting to avoid getting anchored by things like noticeable mistakes, an overall ‘wow effect’ or skaters’ reputation, as much as possible.
What that means is that a skater can, for example, fall but execute everything else in their program to very high standard. Or make a great overall impression but commit numerous mistakes, once you look more closely. The point to those hypothetical examples is, it’s never just black or white and there are always both positive and negative aspects to every performance. What makes figure skating different from any other sport is its complexity and the numerous layers you can uncover. Finally, in an ideal world, skaters’ past accomplishments should have no bearing on how their current performances are evaluated.
The GOE values listed next to the elements are ones I would consider appropriate based on the quality of execution of that element. I’m very much a stickler and the numbers will probably be likely lower on average than those handed out by the actual judging panel, but I try my best to hold all skaters to the same standard. They’re also intended to give you a general impression of how each element was executed. I try to describe each of the elements in detail but there's not always time to be as precise as I would like (and sometimes the element is simply ‘ok’ and there isn’t really much to say about it).
Of course, it’s impossible to notice everything and figure skating is inherently subjective so any questions, comments, criticism and different points of view are all very welcome. I am always grateful for any feedback and an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective.
1. HUANG Xintong / ZHENG Xun /CHN/
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing
Foxtrot: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg by Michel Legrand
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms to the side into arms above [0] – fast and controlled but off-synch coming out of the first and third twizzles
finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [-1] – not a lot of flow, edges lacking precision
difficult entry into spread eagle straight line lift with changes of position [0]
not touching midline step sequence [0] – spacing between them seemed to have changed slightly, could have used a little more flow
There were no obvious errors but none of the elements were executed to a high standard either. The choreography was a quite generic and they could have shown some more energy. Their edges were a little shallow and they didn’t skate with a lot of flow.
2. Siobhan HEEKIN-CANEDY / Dmitri DUN /UKR/
Quickstep: That Man by Caro Emerald
Foxtrot: Speaking of Happiness by Gloria Lynne
Charleston: Pigalle by Patricia Kaes
finnstep 1 [-1] – they were a little tense, quickstep is supposed to be light and effervescent
finnstep 2 [-1] – struggled a little changing positions in the opening section, again a little tight
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arm above into arms folded [0] – well synchronised, decent speed; spacing between them changed however as he skidded slightly
not touching midline step sequence [-1] – edges not bad but could have used more flow, off-synch on twizzles at one point
split rotational lift [0] – ok but her position wasn’t fully extended, rotation wasn’t very fast
The basic skating seemed a bit stronger than Huang/Zheng’s but they seemed quite tense throughout, just going through their elements and not selling the program particularly well. This program was also pretty generic and lacked character.
3. REED Cathy / REED Chris /JPN/
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin
Foxtrot: Harlem Nocturne
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin
twizzles: arm above and catch(a little off-synch) into clockwise into moving arms [0] – decent rotation speed (+1-1)
finnstep 1 [-1] – he lost balance slightly at one point
finnstep 2 [0]
not touching diagonal step sequence [1] – quite deep edges, good flow
catchfoot rotational lift [1] – well balanced, quite good rotation speed
Good flow despite having a fair amount of closed holds throughout. Their skating was quite light and their movement suitably ‘bubbly’ reflecting the quickstep character well.
4. Nelli ZHIGANSHINA / Alexander GAZSI /GER/
Foxtrot: Le Jazz Hot performed by Glee Cast
Quickstep: Le Jazz Hot performed by Glee Cast
waltz jump into twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise catch with both arms [-2] – choppy turns from both of them (especially her) on the first set, second set was a little off-synch and not very controlled
not touching diagonal step sequence [0]
finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [0] – footwork on both sections was decent enough but their upper bodies were a little tense and they didn’t show the bounce and joy suitable for a quickstep
difficult entry into catchfoot rotational lift [1] – decent rotation speed, controlled and flowed well throughout
Hilariously over-the-top choreography, featuring varied and interesting movements. A concept program about a dalliance between a rich, elegant lady and a bookworm. Technically they aren’t the strongest skaters but they have fantastic performance skills and they showed very good energy and projection, selling the program well. His posture is a little weak though and he skated with slightly rounded shoulders.
5. Penny COOMES / Nicholas BUCKLAND /GBR/
Foxtrot: I Won't Dance by Fred Astaire
Quickstep: Swing Set by Jurassic Five
Swing: I Won't Dance by Fred Astaire
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms to the side into arms folded [1] – quite good synchronisation and speed
finnstep 1 [0] – good speed but edges not precise
finnstep 2 [-1] – edges not very precise and a little scratchy in places
not touching circular step sequence [0] – decent speed but edges a little flat
rotational lift with changes of position [2] – fast and effortless
They were quite fast and showed good energy and projection throughout. The program was rather open, however, with them skating quite far apart from each other and staying mostly in open holds. Their edges were a little flat for an ice dance team.
Platov’s reaction to the marks: ‘What?!!’
6. Nathalie PECHALAT / Fabian BOURZAT /FRA/
Slow Foxtrot: Roxie (from "Chicago") performed by Renee Zellweger
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima
Charleston: Mein Herr by John Kander
twizzles: arm folded and catch into clockwise arm above [1] – well synchronised and controlled but they don’t get as much speed as some of the other top teams
not touching diagonal step sequence [1] – quite precise edges, very good flow; he wobbled very slightly at the end though
finnstep 1 [2] – sharp and bouncy
finnstep 2 [2] – likewise, they had good speed as well
transitions into rotational lift with changes of position [2] – fast and quite seamless
Their basic skating was quite light and smooth and the program flowed well from start until the end. They presented the program well, showing good timing and confident upper body movement, which was varied and effective. They showed a different approach to quickstep, going for a musical instead of a ballroom theme, unlike most other teams.
You could criticise the program for being a little too open, though. They spent more time skating side-by-side (or apart) than they did in closed holds.
7. Anna CAPPELLINI / Luca LANOTTE /ITA/
Quickstep: 42nd Street
Foxtrot: Lullaby of Broadway
Quickstep: 42nd Street
twizzles: catch and arm to the side into arm above into moving arms [1] – quite fast and controlled
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1] – good control on both sections but the edges were a little on the shallow side, especially on the latter
not touching circular step sequence [1] – well controlled throughout
split rotational lift [1]
Their basic skating was smooth but their edges were a little shallow and in this regard, they are still behind the other top teams. It was a very controlled performance, skated without hesitation and sure on all of the technical elements but none of them were ‘big’ or particularly outstanding. Similarly the choreography was quite clean and polished but not particularly detailed or complex.
8. Ekaterina BOBROVA / Dmitri SOLOVIEV /RUS/
Quickstep: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friends by Jule Styne
Slow Foxtrot: I Will Wait For You by Michel Legrand
Quickstep: Swing, Swing, Swing My Baby
finnstep 1 [1] – fast and skated on deep edges but she slightly lagged behind him at one point
finnstep 2 [1]
twizzles: arms folded into clockwise arm above into arms folded [1] – decent speed and synchronisation, skated close together; his first set could have been slightly better controlled though, it seemed a little tentative
not touching midline step sequence [2] – clean edges, good flow
spread eagle straight line lift with changes of position [1] – flowed well
Their basic skating was very strong and the program featured quite a lot of closed holds (probably the most out of all the teams competing here), which makes it more difficult to build and maintain speed. The choroegraphy was a little bland however. It was a standard ballroom dance, lacking in highlights, with their movement not being very varied. Her posture and lines still leave a lot to be desired.
9. Tessa VIRTUE / Scott MOIR /CAN/
Foxtrot: Dream a Little Dream by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
Quickstep: Muskrat Ramble by Louis Armstrong
Foxtrot: Heaven by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
not touching midline step sequence [3] – very deep edges, light and effortless from start until the end
steps into twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise into third set [-1] – fast rotation but he lacked control very slightly on the first set, she lost balance on the second set and they went off-synch with her doing less revolutions than him, they got back into it for the third set
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1] – they skated both sections decently enough but they didn’t really capture the bouncy quickstep character very well (soft and lyrical is more their style, I guess), edges could have been a bit more pronounced
catchfoot rotational lift [2] – very fast, quite effortless
Their basic skating was exceptional. Light and smooth, skated on secure edges with a lot of flow throughout. Their upper body movement was very fluid and refined. It didn’t have a lot of quickstep character, however and it seemed a little subdued.
10. Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE /USA/
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Quickstep: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
not touching midline step sequence [2] – skated very close together, great control throughout; some of the edges could have been more pronounced, though
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms behind [2] – fast and very controlled, well synchronised
finnstep 1 [2]
finnstep 2 [2] – sharp and precise footwork, bouncy upper body movement, good quickstep character
split rotational lift [2] – fast and quite effortless
They don’t have V/M’s basic skating quality in terms of depth of edges or flow but they skated the whole program with a lot of speed and power and they presented it with their usual ebullience and their bouncy, effervescent movement reflected the quickstep character quite well.
XXII Olympic Winter Games
Team Event
Ice Dance – Short Dance
Quickstep plus one or two following rhythms: Foxtrot, Charleston, Swing
Pattern Dance: Two Sections of Finnstep skated one after the other (Section 1 followed by Section 2 with Step #1 skated on the Judges’ side)
Result (OWG Website)
Detailed Classification
Judges Scoreshttp://www.isuresults.com/results/owg2014/owg14_TeamIceDance_SD_D_Scores.pdf
Links to Other Olympics Reports:
Team Event - Ladies SP
Team Event - Men SP
Team Event - Pairs SP
Disclaimer:
The aim of these reports is to attempt to look critically at skaters’ performances, try to pay close attention to detail and evaluate each of the technical elements, as well as the program components aspect, on their own merit, whilst attempting to avoid getting anchored by things like noticeable mistakes, an overall ‘wow effect’ or skaters’ reputation, as much as possible.
What that means is that a skater can, for example, fall but execute everything else in their program to very high standard. Or make a great overall impression but commit numerous mistakes, once you look more closely. The point to those hypothetical examples is, it’s never just black or white and there are always both positive and negative aspects to every performance. What makes figure skating different from any other sport is its complexity and the numerous layers you can uncover. Finally, in an ideal world, skaters’ past accomplishments should have no bearing on how their current performances are evaluated.
The GOE values listed next to the elements are ones I would consider appropriate based on the quality of execution of that element. I’m very much a stickler and the numbers will probably be likely lower on average than those handed out by the actual judging panel, but I try my best to hold all skaters to the same standard. They’re also intended to give you a general impression of how each element was executed. I try to describe each of the elements in detail but there's not always time to be as precise as I would like (and sometimes the element is simply ‘ok’ and there isn’t really much to say about it).
Of course, it’s impossible to notice everything and figure skating is inherently subjective so any questions, comments, criticism and different points of view are all very welcome. I am always grateful for any feedback and an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective.
1. HUANG Xintong / ZHENG Xun /CHN/
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing
Foxtrot: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg by Michel Legrand
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms to the side into arms above [0] – fast and controlled but off-synch coming out of the first and third twizzles
finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [-1] – not a lot of flow, edges lacking precision
difficult entry into spread eagle straight line lift with changes of position [0]
not touching midline step sequence [0] – spacing between them seemed to have changed slightly, could have used a little more flow
There were no obvious errors but none of the elements were executed to a high standard either. The choreography was a quite generic and they could have shown some more energy. Their edges were a little shallow and they didn’t skate with a lot of flow.
2. Siobhan HEEKIN-CANEDY / Dmitri DUN /UKR/
Quickstep: That Man by Caro Emerald
Foxtrot: Speaking of Happiness by Gloria Lynne
Charleston: Pigalle by Patricia Kaes
finnstep 1 [-1] – they were a little tense, quickstep is supposed to be light and effervescent
finnstep 2 [-1] – struggled a little changing positions in the opening section, again a little tight
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arm above into arms folded [0] – well synchronised, decent speed; spacing between them changed however as he skidded slightly
not touching midline step sequence [-1] – edges not bad but could have used more flow, off-synch on twizzles at one point
split rotational lift [0] – ok but her position wasn’t fully extended, rotation wasn’t very fast
The basic skating seemed a bit stronger than Huang/Zheng’s but they seemed quite tense throughout, just going through their elements and not selling the program particularly well. This program was also pretty generic and lacked character.
3. REED Cathy / REED Chris /JPN/
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin
Foxtrot: Harlem Nocturne
Quickstep: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin
twizzles: arm above and catch(a little off-synch) into clockwise into moving arms [0] – decent rotation speed (+1-1)
finnstep 1 [-1] – he lost balance slightly at one point
finnstep 2 [0]
not touching diagonal step sequence [1] – quite deep edges, good flow
catchfoot rotational lift [1] – well balanced, quite good rotation speed
Good flow despite having a fair amount of closed holds throughout. Their skating was quite light and their movement suitably ‘bubbly’ reflecting the quickstep character well.
4. Nelli ZHIGANSHINA / Alexander GAZSI /GER/
Foxtrot: Le Jazz Hot performed by Glee Cast
Quickstep: Le Jazz Hot performed by Glee Cast
waltz jump into twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise catch with both arms [-2] – choppy turns from both of them (especially her) on the first set, second set was a little off-synch and not very controlled
not touching diagonal step sequence [0]
finnstep 1 [0]
finnstep 2 [0] – footwork on both sections was decent enough but their upper bodies were a little tense and they didn’t show the bounce and joy suitable for a quickstep
difficult entry into catchfoot rotational lift [1] – decent rotation speed, controlled and flowed well throughout
Hilariously over-the-top choreography, featuring varied and interesting movements. A concept program about a dalliance between a rich, elegant lady and a bookworm. Technically they aren’t the strongest skaters but they have fantastic performance skills and they showed very good energy and projection, selling the program well. His posture is a little weak though and he skated with slightly rounded shoulders.
5. Penny COOMES / Nicholas BUCKLAND /GBR/
Foxtrot: I Won't Dance by Fred Astaire
Quickstep: Swing Set by Jurassic Five
Swing: I Won't Dance by Fred Astaire
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms to the side into arms folded [1] – quite good synchronisation and speed
finnstep 1 [0] – good speed but edges not precise
finnstep 2 [-1] – edges not very precise and a little scratchy in places
not touching circular step sequence [0] – decent speed but edges a little flat
rotational lift with changes of position [2] – fast and effortless
They were quite fast and showed good energy and projection throughout. The program was rather open, however, with them skating quite far apart from each other and staying mostly in open holds. Their edges were a little flat for an ice dance team.
Platov’s reaction to the marks: ‘What?!!’
6. Nathalie PECHALAT / Fabian BOURZAT /FRA/
Slow Foxtrot: Roxie (from "Chicago") performed by Renee Zellweger
Quickstep: Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima
Charleston: Mein Herr by John Kander
twizzles: arm folded and catch into clockwise arm above [1] – well synchronised and controlled but they don’t get as much speed as some of the other top teams
not touching diagonal step sequence [1] – quite precise edges, very good flow; he wobbled very slightly at the end though
finnstep 1 [2] – sharp and bouncy
finnstep 2 [2] – likewise, they had good speed as well
transitions into rotational lift with changes of position [2] – fast and quite seamless
Their basic skating was quite light and smooth and the program flowed well from start until the end. They presented the program well, showing good timing and confident upper body movement, which was varied and effective. They showed a different approach to quickstep, going for a musical instead of a ballroom theme, unlike most other teams.
You could criticise the program for being a little too open, though. They spent more time skating side-by-side (or apart) than they did in closed holds.
7. Anna CAPPELLINI / Luca LANOTTE /ITA/
Quickstep: 42nd Street
Foxtrot: Lullaby of Broadway
Quickstep: 42nd Street
twizzles: catch and arm to the side into arm above into moving arms [1] – quite fast and controlled
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1] – good control on both sections but the edges were a little on the shallow side, especially on the latter
not touching circular step sequence [1] – well controlled throughout
split rotational lift [1]
Their basic skating was smooth but their edges were a little shallow and in this regard, they are still behind the other top teams. It was a very controlled performance, skated without hesitation and sure on all of the technical elements but none of them were ‘big’ or particularly outstanding. Similarly the choreography was quite clean and polished but not particularly detailed or complex.
8. Ekaterina BOBROVA / Dmitri SOLOVIEV /RUS/
Quickstep: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friends by Jule Styne
Slow Foxtrot: I Will Wait For You by Michel Legrand
Quickstep: Swing, Swing, Swing My Baby
finnstep 1 [1] – fast and skated on deep edges but she slightly lagged behind him at one point
finnstep 2 [1]
twizzles: arms folded into clockwise arm above into arms folded [1] – decent speed and synchronisation, skated close together; his first set could have been slightly better controlled though, it seemed a little tentative
not touching midline step sequence [2] – clean edges, good flow
spread eagle straight line lift with changes of position [1] – flowed well
Their basic skating was very strong and the program featured quite a lot of closed holds (probably the most out of all the teams competing here), which makes it more difficult to build and maintain speed. The choroegraphy was a little bland however. It was a standard ballroom dance, lacking in highlights, with their movement not being very varied. Her posture and lines still leave a lot to be desired.
9. Tessa VIRTUE / Scott MOIR /CAN/
Foxtrot: Dream a Little Dream by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
Quickstep: Muskrat Ramble by Louis Armstrong
Foxtrot: Heaven by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
not touching midline step sequence [3] – very deep edges, light and effortless from start until the end
steps into twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise into third set [-1] – fast rotation but he lacked control very slightly on the first set, she lost balance on the second set and they went off-synch with her doing less revolutions than him, they got back into it for the third set
finnstep 1 [1]
finnstep 2 [1] – they skated both sections decently enough but they didn’t really capture the bouncy quickstep character very well (soft and lyrical is more their style, I guess), edges could have been a bit more pronounced
catchfoot rotational lift [2] – very fast, quite effortless
Their basic skating was exceptional. Light and smooth, skated on secure edges with a lot of flow throughout. Their upper body movement was very fluid and refined. It didn’t have a lot of quickstep character, however and it seemed a little subdued.
10. Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE /USA/
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Quickstep: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
Foxtrot: My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe
not touching midline step sequence [2] – skated very close together, great control throughout; some of the edges could have been more pronounced, though
twizzles: arm above and catch into clockwise arms behind [2] – fast and very controlled, well synchronised
finnstep 1 [2]
finnstep 2 [2] – sharp and precise footwork, bouncy upper body movement, good quickstep character
split rotational lift [2] – fast and quite effortless
They don’t have V/M’s basic skating quality in terms of depth of edges or flow but they skated the whole program with a lot of speed and power and they presented it with their usual ebullience and their bouncy, effervescent movement reflected the quickstep character quite well.