2015-2016 Programs by Discipline

[bramweld]

I can't think of one program where Ruslan was this intimating. He's always been a better skater than a performer. However, his partnership with Elena is making him into a better all around skater but I still don't see anything special though.

And you have every right to feel that way. But I just really, really like him. There is just something very cerebral about him IMHO, very contained and I just like how it all comes together with Lena's style.

 

[aromaticchicken]

I'm super excited to see chock and bates try something more lyrical in comparison to their two bombastic free dances from the last two seasons. I'm glad they're taking this strategically very seriously in knowing that they must take a risk this season, put themselves out of their comfort zone, and show that they are capable of more than what they are known for. I especially love that the ice network article specifically says they want new lifts and new choreo. I am so excited to hear that!! Nowadays in skating it's too common to see skaters recycle spins, choreo, lifts, and jump entrances in order to continue hitting the IJS requirements. I'm excited to see some fresh new stuff from them!

Also, I like Ruslan but I have to say I felt Ruslan and Elena were vastly over scored last season... As a new couple they didn't really get their groove until the end of the season and it really showed with sloppy edges/not the best alignment and position while skating, especially in the holds and step sequences. I look forward to seeing them improve but last season I felt that they were unfairly held up... I actually think some of the other Russian teams deserved higher placement!

 

[bramweld]

I'm super excited to see chock and bates try something more lyrical in comparison to their two bombastic free dances from the last two seasons. I'm glad they're taking this strategically very seriously in knowing that they must take a risk this season, put themselves out of their comfort zone, and show that they are capable of more than what they are known for. I especially love that the ice network article specifically says they want new lifts and new choreo. I am so excited to hear that!! Nowadays in skating it's too common to see skaters recycle spins, choreo, lifts, and jump entrances in order to continue hitting the IJS requirements. I'm excited to see some fresh new stuff from them!

Also, I like Ruslan but I have to say I felt Ruslan and Elena were vastly over scored last season... As a new couple they didn't really get their groove until the end of the season and it really showed with sloppy edges/not the best alignment and position while skating, especially in the holds and step sequences. I look forward to seeing them improve but last season I felt that they were unfairly held up... I actually think some of the other Russian teams deserved higher placement!

Will have to respectfully disagree here. I just thought they were absolutely special. Some performances were better than others yes, but unfairly held up, no. If they had won EC bronze I would have been inclined to agree with you.

 

[aromaticchicken]

Will have to respectfully disagree here. I just thought they were absolutely special. Some performances were better than others yes, but unfairly held up, no. If they had won EC bronze I would have been inclined to agree with you.

I'm specifically referring to rostelecom and world's, the latter of which I was super upset that they got placed in the final group after the short dance, ahead of the Shibs and G/P.

But yes, we can certainly disagree... That's what makes this sport exciting, right [emoji14]

 

[bramweld]

I'm specifically referring to rostelecom and world's, the latter of which I was super upset that they got placed in the final group after the short dance, ahead of the Shibs and G/P.

But yes, we can certainly disagree... That's what makes this sport exciting, right [emoji14]

Good sport you are

 

[lauravvv]

That's definitely Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and finally somebody is skating to this. It's my all time favorites.

Lambiel once did a pretty short lived (unfortunately) exhibition to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-tuceoPsQc. He was not in his best form then due to few months of illness, though (All That Skate Summer 2012 were his first performances after the illness). Not that he was skating badly (well, except the small stumble in the beginning of this particular performance, and the small moment towards the end when he seems to forget about his arms - so uncharacteristic for him), but he had put on weight and his skating seemed a bit heavier than usual, and also his back was a bit stiffer.

 

[silverfoxes]

Anton Shulepov RUS

SP - "Stay" by Mikky Ekko

Gordei Gorshkov RUS

SP - Roger Waters - Sexual Revolution

I love Roger Waters, but the vocals do not work in a competition program, imo...

 

[Ice Dance]

So, we've still heard nothing from H/B, W/P, P/C, Elena Radionova, Yulia Lipnitskaya, Anna Pogorilaya, or Denis Ten. That's quite a few prominent skaters whose programs we still don't know! Anyone care to make a guess at one of them?

Don't think we know Hurtado & Diaz's selections yet either. They aren't on the first page yet, though it's possible they've been announced recently & I missed it.

I'm getting so confused over whatever Madison & Evan have changed. One post says the SD, then the next refers to the Rach music for the FD being selected to go with new choreography. Suppose I'm going to have to be responsible & actually read the article. I can see Rach being a good choice for C&B, but I don't comprehend the idea of selecting music after the choreography at all. Just seems all kinds of backwards within my brain because I think of the music as the inspiration for the choreography. What I love about most great programs is how they depict the subtleties within the music. Though, with skaters--especially dance teams--the choreography does typically evolve and improve throughout the season.

 

[Astrid56]

I'm getting so confused over whatever Madison & Evan have changed. One post says the SD, then the next refers to the Rach music for the FD being selected to go with new choreography. Suppose I'm going to have to be responsible & actually read the article. I can see Rach being a good choice for C&B, but I don't comprehend the idea of selecting music after the choreography at all. Just seems all kinds of backwards within my brain because I think of the music as the inspiration for the choreography. What I love about most great programs is how they depict the subtleties within the music. Though, with skaters--especially dance teams--the choreography does typically evolve and improve throughout the season.

I think C/B changed the choreography and the music for their short dance but the dance-style (the Ravensburger Waltz) remains the same because it's ISU-dictated. 'Dark Eyes', quite possibly, was not their original music. And the FD is still Rach 2 but to make it work, Igor explained "the music has been adapted to suit the program [so] it does not follow the pattern of the piece" (basically, he is saying that it is reconceptualized or rearranged/reharmonized to accommodate certain desired movements ... etc.). Essentially, it would be slightly different from the original piece because of the changes made in either rhythm/musical accents or the musical structure of the piece.

 

[Ice Dance]

I think C/B changed the choreography and the music for their short dance but the dance-style (the Ravensburger Waltz) remains the same because it's ISU-dictated. 'Dark Eyes', quite possibly, was not their original music. And the FD is still Rach 2 but to make it work, Igor explained "the music has been adapted to suit the program [so] it does not follow the pattern of the piece" (basically, he is saying that it is reconceptualized or rearranged/reharmonized to accommodate certain desired movements ... etc.). Essentially, it would be slightly different from the original piece because of the changes made in either rhythm/musical accents or the musical structure of the piece.

Thank you, Astrid. So the SD was changed, but the FD is the same music with an adapted arrangement. Feeling much clearer now.

 

[RemyRose]

Gordei Gorshkov RUS

SP - Roger Waters - Sexual Revolution

I love Roger Waters, but the vocals do not work in a competition program, imo...

It's a nightmare :hopelessness: He should scrap it and bring back last years SP or at least change the music

 

[bramweld]

It's a nightmare :hopelessness: He should scrap it and bring back last years SP or at least change the music

I'm having flashbacks to Sotnikova's Burlesque program some time ago. Who thought this was good? :shocked: Really, I mean really?

 

[RemyRose]

I'm having flashbacks to Sotnikova's Burlesque program some time ago. Who thought this was good? :shocked: Really, I mean really?

I was thinking the same while watching. Surely it doesn't sound any better during practice He's my favorite Russian male but I don't want him going anywhere International with this :hopelessness: Bring back last year SP :scowl:

ETA: tried to watch it again and this is a total what were they thinking :disapp: I mean really? This is unwatchable. A he's so close to entering the top 5 subs for a GP event. Ugh.

 

[Ice Dance]

I'm having flashbacks to Sotnikova's Burlesque program some time ago. Who thought this was good?

I did. I saw Adelina perform it at Skate America, & it immediately reminded me of Katarina Witt. Waited a long time for an athlete to channel Katarina, and Adelina has done it quite fabulously.

 

[RemyRose]

I did. I saw Adelina perform it at Skate America, & it immediately reminded me of Katarina Witt. Waited a long time for an athlete to channel Katarina, and Adelina has done it quite fabulously.

Apparently so did Elene G who decided to take on the Burlesque

 

[Layback11]

I did. I saw Adelina perform it at Skate America, & it immediately reminded me of Katarina Witt. Waited a long time for an athlete to channel Katarina, and Adelina has done it quite fabulously.

Haha, I'll have to send a video to my dad, then! He reaaaaally likes Katarina...

LOL, I will have to tell him that somebody on the internet thinks Adelina resembles her. When he went to Nationals last year, he was actually, legitimately hoping that she would be there...and I had to reming him, like, ten times that she isn't American.

 

[Alba]

Also, I like Ruslan but I have to say I felt Ruslan and Elena were vastly over scored last season... As a new couple they didn't really get their groove until the end of the season and it really showed with sloppy edges/not the best alignment and position while skating, especially in the holds and step sequences. I look forward to seeing them improve but last season I felt that they were unfairly held up... I actually think some of the other Russian teams deserved higher placement!

I'm specifically referring to rostelecom and world's, the latter of which I was super upset that they got placed in the final group after the short dance, ahead of the Shibs and G/P.

Are you really serious? I&Z have sloppy edges and GP and C&B UK (the two teams with the weakest technique) should've been ahead of them?! I&Z might be a new team but these two are head and shoulders above G&P and C&B who simply do not have the quality required in their skating. I have sympathy for C&B in particular and they have their tricks to show their best but they are more like Pairs rather than dance. I can't imagine you are even comparing them with I&Z. The only thing that I&Z were overscored was on that crappy FD choreography (some 9's they received were lol). The fact is they were underscored twice last season. In CoC, both on the SD&FD, they should've placed above C&L and in the SD portion at the Europeans.
Shibs are very good skaters indeed. They have great posture and SS but why do you think I&Z should've been behind them in the SD at world? If we can call that being ahead since practically they received almost the same scores. The difference was nothing.
I don't get your criticism about I&Z step sequence tbh. Their step sequences are a perfect example in order to understand how good their SS are. They have deep edges. There is flow in their skating and all the speed is generated by the blades. They have very good knee bending and posture. There is no pushing by lunging forward at the waist, or toe pushing.
About the dance holds I'm not sure I understand your complain. You mean they were not so many and not close enough or that was something wrong they did?

That's Igor's fault ... Also, I think because as a team they're still new ... and this newness limits versatility/diversity in expressions and movements. Back in the day (dancing years), I remember it took time to know your partner's style and 'connectedness' hinges very much on how comfortable you are with your partner's style and personality. Once you have achieved that level of comfort, you can easily adapt your style to your partner's.

Obviously the choreo is on Igor. It goes without saying that if we criticise a program it's not the skaters fault.

With Elena, she seems, sometimes, oblivious to her partner's level and style: her partner seems very patient and willing to conform ... adjust. Of course, I am very impressed with her excellent skating skills. She's definitely an elite ice-dancer.

What do you mean that she seems oblivious to her partner's level and style? I think they have done a tremendous job in terms of matching and looking like a team in such a short time. Ruslan has grown immensely because it helps a lot when you have a good partner and you don't suffer from vanity.

 

[Alba]

Lambiel once did a pretty short lived (unfortunately) exhibition to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-tuceoPsQc. He was not in his best form then due to few months of illness, though (All That Skate Summer 2012 were his first performances after the illness). Not that he was skating badly (well, except the small stumble in the beginning of this particular performance, and the small moment towards the end when he seems to forget about his arms - so uncharacteristic for him), but he had put on weight and his skating seemed a bit heavier than usual, and also his back was a bit stiffer.

Yeah I saw that one because last season I was whining precisely about skaters not using Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and somebody posted the link here. I didn't like it though. As you said not one of his best performances and not in good form. I played this concerto for my diploma and it was love at first sight. It still makes me cry whenever I listen to it.

I'm getting so confused over whatever Madison & Evan have changed. One post says the SD, then the next refers to the Rach music for the FD being selected to go with new choreography. Suppose I'm going to have to be responsible & actually read the article. I can see Rach being a good choice for C&B, but I don't comprehend the idea of selecting music after the choreography at all. Just seems all kinds of backwards within my brain because I think of the music as the inspiration for the choreography. What I love about most great programs is how they depict the subtleties within the music. Though, with skaters--especially dance teams--the choreography does typically evolve and improve throughout the season.

Madison & Evan have changed both programs in terms of choreography. The SD is completely knew, music included. The choreography of the FD has been changed also. I don't know by how much but it's not the same choreo that Najarro did originally. Igor has worked on it now. About the music of the FD, Rach.2, Igor said that "the music has been adapted to suit the program [so] it does not follow the pattern of the piece". This means two things, either they have changed the original music and chose Rach. for the knew choreography, or that they have changed the editing only.

 

[bramweld]

Are you really serious? I&Z have sloppy edges and GP and C&B UK (the two teams with the weakest technique) should've been ahead of them?! I&Z might be a new team but these two are head and shoulders above G&P and C&B who simply do not have the quality required in their skating. I have sympathy for C&B in particular and they have their tricks to show their best but they are more like Pairs rather than dance. I can't imagine you are even comparing them with I&Z. The only thing that I&Z were overscored was on that crappy FD choreography (some 9's they received were lol). The fact is they were underscored twice last season. In CoC, both on the SD&FD, they should've placed above C&L and in the SD portion at the Europeans.
Shibs are very good skaters indeed. They have great posture and SS but why do you think I&Z should've been behind them in the SD at world? If we can call that being ahead since practically they received almost the same scores. The difference was nothing.
I don't get your criticism about I&Z step sequence tbh. Their step sequences are a perfect example in order to understand how good their SS are. They have deep edges. There is flowin their skating and all the speed is generated by the blades. They have very good knee bending and posture. There is no pushing by lunging forward atthe waist or toe pushing.
About the dance holds I'm not sure I understand your complain. You mean they were not so many and not close enough or that was something wrong they did?



Obviously the choreo is on Igor. It goes without saying that if we criticise a program it's not the skaters fault.



What do you mean that she seems oblivious to her partner's level and style? I think they have done a tremendous job in terms of matching and looking like a team in such a short time. Ruslan has grown immensely because it helps a lot when you have a good partner and you don't suffer from vanity.

Couldn't have said it better if I tried, and I did miserably, apparently

 

[Snow63]

Are you really serious? I&Z have sloppy edges and GP and C&B UK (the two teams with the weakest technique) should've been ahead of them?! I&Z might be a new team but these two are head and shoulders above G&P and C&B who simply do not have the quality required in their skating. I have sympathy for C&B in particular and they have their tricks to show their best but they are more like Pairs rather than dance. I can't imagine you are even comparing them with I&Z. The only thing that I&Z were overscored was on that crappy FD choreography (some 9's they received were lol). The fact is they were underscored twice last season. In CoC, both on the SD&FD, they should've placed above C&L and in the SD portion at the Europeans.
Shibs are very good skaters indeed. They have great posture and SS but why do you think I&Z should've been behind them in the SD at world? If we can call that being ahead since practically they received almost the same scores. The difference was nothing.
I don't get your criticism about I&Z step sequence tbh. Their step sequences are a perfect example in order to understand how good their SS are. They have deep edges. There is flow in their skating and all the speed is generated by the blades. They have very good knee bending and posture. There is no pushing by lunging forward at the waist, or toe pushing.
About the dance holds I'm not sure I understand your complain. You mean they were not so many and not close enough or that was something wrong they did?

:thumbsup: Their SD was ESPECIALLY good, both technically and presentation-wise. No surprise they were in the final group. Deservedly.
And their edgework is not worse if not better than ANY team who's on top now. I may agree with the point of not the best alignment and free leg extensions, but they too were MUCH better at Worlds in the end of the season.
And EVERYONE's scores were inflated at Rostelecom, including S/K and C/B, because judges overscored S/K so much, and they skated like first or second.

I also noticed the comments on Elena's overdramatic tendencies but criticisms on Madison's style were particularly even blatantly rude. Considering the very obvious difference in personality and looks, C/B manage to perform well _ they're very engaging moving with ease and bravura. It's very interesting to see them so united ... 'together' in expressions but so very different in [physical] looks.

So, in Elena's case it was not rude, but when anyone says anything critical about Madi's performance it's rude? I see.