- Joined
- Aug 12, 2014
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I am enchanted and maybe a little obsessed with Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres' free skate this year. And it's unexpected. Up until now, I've enjoyed them as a pair. But nowhere near to the extent that I enjoy them now; they've become my current undisputed favorites.
At first I thought it was that their World Medal, and their whole last season, had given them an extra sheen of confidence in themselves, in each other, in their harmony on the ice. Then I thought maybe it was losing the stress of trying to do the quad throw.
But they have altogether a new, shining aura in their free skate to Wicked Game, choreographed by Charlie White. And I see it rippling out and going forward.
Charlie was a commentator somewhere last year for pairs. He always finds positive things to say. But I recall his saying of Tarah and Danny that he'd like to see a better connection between them, as they have many great qualities. During the highlights, he pointed out a place where coming out of a move, it would have made all the difference if Tarah would look into Danny's eyes, rather than down at the ice in that moment.
I think Charlie excels in such little touches, and I wonder if he didn't give J/C little moments like that in the choreography. But the most wonderful thing, for me, about their free skate is its unhurried, stretched-out feeling. For instance, the lift that begins at 1:45 just goes on forever, with none of the position changes being jerky or rushed. Everything is languid and sexy, and every move is done to its fullest extent.
Another thing I love is how at moments in the program, Vanessa seems to be leaning toward Morgan, while at the same time both are fully extended away from each other in their respective directions. This creates an effect of yearning while also maximizing the beauty of their long, beautiful lines and limbs. I think Morgan is "owning" his wing-span, which is magnificent; and Vanessa complements him so well that I was surprised to see that she's just 5'4" tall.
Does anyone have thoughts? Such as about their transitions, improvements, the smooth beauty of their unison on the salchows ... and the Charlie White effect, if there is one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QuIiZa3A8U
At first I thought it was that their World Medal, and their whole last season, had given them an extra sheen of confidence in themselves, in each other, in their harmony on the ice. Then I thought maybe it was losing the stress of trying to do the quad throw.
But they have altogether a new, shining aura in their free skate to Wicked Game, choreographed by Charlie White. And I see it rippling out and going forward.
Charlie was a commentator somewhere last year for pairs. He always finds positive things to say. But I recall his saying of Tarah and Danny that he'd like to see a better connection between them, as they have many great qualities. During the highlights, he pointed out a place where coming out of a move, it would have made all the difference if Tarah would look into Danny's eyes, rather than down at the ice in that moment.
I think Charlie excels in such little touches, and I wonder if he didn't give J/C little moments like that in the choreography. But the most wonderful thing, for me, about their free skate is its unhurried, stretched-out feeling. For instance, the lift that begins at 1:45 just goes on forever, with none of the position changes being jerky or rushed. Everything is languid and sexy, and every move is done to its fullest extent.
Another thing I love is how at moments in the program, Vanessa seems to be leaning toward Morgan, while at the same time both are fully extended away from each other in their respective directions. This creates an effect of yearning while also maximizing the beauty of their long, beautiful lines and limbs. I think Morgan is "owning" his wing-span, which is magnificent; and Vanessa complements him so well that I was surprised to see that she's just 5'4" tall.
Does anyone have thoughts? Such as about their transitions, improvements, the smooth beauty of their unison on the salchows ... and the Charlie White effect, if there is one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QuIiZa3A8U
Beautifully said. That's exactly what memorable programs do for me. Crystallize the perfect artistic, emotional moment. 
