Castelli & Tran: How Pairs Work in North Am

Mervin: We’re skating to “Fallin’”, by Alicia Keys. But it’s really not the version that most people will expect. And so we’re looking forward to performing it for the first time.

Q: Is it a live version of the song?

Marissa: It is. But Julie tracked down other pieces of music to go with it. It’s a different style than just the sexy, bluesy part of Alicia Keys. It’s going to be great.

Q: Rumor has it that you’re keeping last year’s Journey LP.

Marissa: We are. We’re keeping our long program. Mervin and I, and Julie, all felt that our Journey program can be such a crowd-pleaser and a crowd favorite. And we just felt like we never actually performed it the way it should be. We didn’t do justice to the piece yet. And that’s what we want to do this year. We really want to put some time and some more effort in, and we want to make it that great program that everyone will remember.

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MAXSwagg said:

I'm sorry but Mervin's irrational undying loyalty to that Marcotte clique (they are not good for the discipline) is disastrous. Their program's last year were an absolute disaster.

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Crossover said:

Your time would be much usefully spent if you take more time on your favorite skaters such as V/T. I find their music and choreography tasteful except the middle part of the free program. Marcotte is one of the busy choreographers in the field, which says her value and skaters highly appreciate her. I like many of her choreography for programs to pop music or soundtrack.

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MAXSwagg said:

That is true, regarding time spent watching substantive pairs. Anyway, her programs are not wholly bad, per se, but many of them are just unacceptable. It also doesn't help that he and Marissa just are not a match, though I hope things turn around for him because he's enjoyable with attractive skating.

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MAXSwagg said:

I'm sorry but Mervin's irrational undying loyalty to that Marcotte clique (they are not good for the discipline) is disastrous. Their program's last year were an absolute disaster.

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Crossover said:

There is nothing insubstantial about the team. Their partnership started only 2 years ago, and last season was their first full season as a new team as you know. They have potentials to grow given their respective career with their previous partners. It's fortunate for them to compete together unlike skaters in the paired discipline couldn't find their suitable or similarly leveled partner after their previous partnership didn't work out, so are forced to retire. Although I like Mervin much more than Marissa, they need more time and experience to get used to each other's strength and weakness. You've kept saying certain music/choreography/programs mostly by Canadian pairs are unacceptable in your book, but that is a matter of preference. Some may feel your favorites' program absolutely unacceptable to their taste, but they choose to say in more refine languages. If you think certain skaters are not your taste, why bother? If you consider they can improve their skills and lines with a different approach because you see there is a hope in their partnership, please do give them appropriate suggestions instead of whining or attacking.

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MAXSwagg said:

I give everyone's program a fair chance. I know what I like. The SP was okay but unfortunately the FS was a miss and I think they should've dumped it and gone in a new direction, though I particularly don't like pop or contemporary musics, though certainly should not move toward the cliched music of figure skating/other warhorses.

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