2018 Olympic Figure Skating Free Dance

[1795]

I initially posted this in the P/C thread, but since people are still baffled by why P/C managed to get better PCS, I'll give my personal take on it:

For me, the biggest disappointment about P/C not getting the OG is that it somehow feels like a celebration of the same old things in ice dance and failing to acknowledge the way P/C managed to change the sport (for the better) in the past 4 years. I remember seeing them with Pink Floyd as Juniors and with Woodkid in their first year as Seniors and thinking, wow, the French have something very special on their hands. But nothing prepared me for Mozart and how it suddenly was everything I never knew I wanted and needed in ice dance. The way they rise and fall and become the music, the way they always make you forget about the technical elements, the butter smooth quality of their edges, the perfect incorporation of contemporary ballet into their upper body movements, it all makes for a completely different aesthetic than anything seen before in figure skating. And I'm not sure if people realize this, but programs such as what Aliona and Bruno put together in the last two years, or the Shibs finally managing to find a style that works for them, are largely due to the influence P/C and the Montreal camp have had. People suddenly realized, wow, you can actually build a program under the current tech. requirements and still make it look like a composition that actually makes sense. You don't have to play a role and over-emote to have an emotional impact.

V/M on the other hand, while absolute masters of their craft, never felt like Innovators to me. When they announced their come-back, I remember them mentioning they felt like they still had things to show in ice dance. I was pretty excited about it to be honest because while I always admired their skill, they failed to capture my attention in the past and I always blamed it on the programs. But other than perfecting their craft, it doesn't feel like they brought anything new to the table, no other facet to their skating. And in the end, these two new OG medals feel like scoring one over D/W as opposed to being driven by any creative need for expression. This is where Tanith's movie comparison is so astute, there's everything to admire in an excellent block-buster, but it always smarts when the art-piece that actually pushes cinema further fails to win an Oscar against it.

So yeah, I do think the officials tried to reward Innovation over the Block-Buster, but a mix of V/M finding the perfect form and P/C being a bit unlucky, worked against the French.

And a bit on the lighter side: I have this image in my head of Gaby, the two Maddisons and the guys having a good cry over a bottle of :insertpreferredalcohol: while throwing Gaby's SD dress in a bonfire.

https://media.giphy.com/media/5yLgoceQDgD7aZzlaZG/giphy.gif

 

[TerpsichoreFS]

Lol you really need to chill because it isn't that serious. I don't even think many people harbor an irrational hatred for P/C. The main complaints seem to be centered around Gabby's SS + their "unwillingness" to branch out and try other styles. Though I think a person would be hard pressed to deny that P/C are unique in that they bring something different to the ice.

There is no need to label any camp as "vicious, demeaning, and verbally abusive." Though I do find it ironic that you are quick to describe the audience reaction as basic. Especially when the audience reaction to Hanyu's performances are second to none ;-)

You might have certain preferences when it comes between the skaters and programs, but you agree that the placements were right. So let's just leave it at that.

'Let's just leave it at that'. Uh, ok. I label a camp how I want to label it. And I don't know if you have noticed, I'm not the only one who thinks that.

The irrationality come from the intense support for others which exacerbates feelings.

You told me to chill, yet didn't tell others to chill when what they posted was way other the top.

And some reactions to Hanyu are also basic at times. Just because I'm his fan doesn't mean I can't recognize that. Some people can be fans of someone while still noting problems, you know.

 

[oakandbirch]

Apparently, Moir is going to become technical staff in Gadbois.

 

[AliAle]

Though my only qualm is with SS category. I honestly dont believe that they are superior in comparison to V/M.

Try and watch them back2back with a focus only on their feet, I found it revelatory especially in the SD. I know people think V/M have the better SS, but to me, the edge quality of the French is out of this world.

 

[cell]

To be perfectly honest, this final reminds me a lot of the pairs final in 2002.Two completely different styles but really can’t be compared and possibly will be argued over who was better for years to come

Well, the difference is that Jamie and David's program was way more simple but skated perfectly, whereas Elena and Anton had some very minor mistakes with a more complicated program. I think P/C program is also simpler than V/M, but here both couples were absolutely perfect. So there is less argument here in FD IMO about a tie than SLC

I wish Jamie and David had skated Orchid at the Olympics back then.

 

[Tigerlily87]

Well, the difference is that Jamie and David's program was way more simple but skated perfectly, whereas Elena and Anton had some very minor mistakes with a more complicated program. I think P/C program is also simpler than V/M, but here both couples were absolutely perfect. So there is less argument here in FD IMO about a tie than SLC

I wish Jamie and David had skated Orchid at the Olympics back then.

I was at the Canadian championship that year. It was an exquisite program live

 

[cell]

I have to say that Piper and Paul absolutely knocked that one out of the park!!!!
How pity they switched to that program just before Nationals, because man - it sure could gain them way more universal momentum happening. I think that the program was greatly character-driven, with nice balanced between slow and energetic sequences. As usually with them, love the musicality of their movement and great phrasing of it expressed by choreography. I mean, they served the attitude, but it was sublimeskating, with this aura of Old era Bond glamour and something tense, sensual added to the picture.

The opening lift really set the tone for the performance, and their step sequences were the best from last year's SC FD tango for me: sharp, well-rounded, polished, with quality and attention to the detail. But those cantilevers into the lift were total highlight - the ease of Paul's control of his position was insanely, Piper looked amazing, it was an athletic lift, but was so tastefully done, with elegance and flow... And I love that yet again they were able to fit into the image desired to certain extent, but still staying themselves in it; the program for me mixed in a quite balanced way the edge with intricacy, connection going between them. Piper was totally a Bond girl - I almost fainted after seeing that dress, so rare colour, but she looked extraordinary, splendid, rich and drawn all the spotlight from the arena. Paul was dashing as usual:luv17:

Hmm. I still prefer Perry Mason. I thought it was interesting and non-cliche. And the choreography went better with the music

 

[NoNameFace]

Hmm. I still prefer Perry Mason. I thought it was interesting and non-cliche. And the choreography went better with the music

I liked Perry Mason FD also better in terms of 'mood', concept and custom fit for their aesthetic and particularity. But let's face it - if a team wants actual wins, they have to compromise with more mainstream approach and what judges want. Perry Mason, with its off-pack character and this 'mood' notion about music, theme, was just not a popular and profitable for competition reality.

 

[1795]

They were robbed. this sport is nothing but a farce. Who really believes that the best fd of the year with so many world records is suddenly not enough here. Canada knew they had to do something to stop the French team so they used gabby convenient costume malfunction to gain the advantage they needed to win . Their country's pres judging what a surprise and this jealous team dare to talk about the russians when they robbed evgeny in vancouver. talk about a real scandal. The French team are in a league of their own. They were sabotage by their own coaches so despicable. I hope they learn their lesson and get rid of them cause they don't need them. i

I meant that Papadakis/Cizeron were better.
I can't totally align with everything you mentioned tho....

 

[nevergonnadance]

V/M thoroughly deserve their win but I wonder if the audience reaction wasn't so big would the judges have gone with them. And tbh V/M have a bigger fan base and a more devoted one as they come from a bigger figure skating country than P/C so they're bound to get a bigger cheer. You could hear the difference in support when they were introduced.

Skating for France never stopped A&P from bringing down the house.

 

[Lester]

I liked Perry Mason FD also better in terms of 'mood', concept and custom fit for their aesthetic and particularity. But let's face it - if a team wants actual wins, they have to compromise with more mainstream approach and what judges want. Perry Mason, with its off-pack character and this 'mood' notion about music, theme, was just not a popular and profitable for competition reality.

I also preferred Perry Mason but I think this one was better suited for the Olympics, especially with the new WOW!! costumes. The other one is almost too nuanced and subtle and would have gotten lost among the flashier programs here.

That said, I think retro/classy programs suit P2 very well and they seem to almost have an affinity for them: the big band music program from 2014/2015, Perry Mason, Bond, the Ella Fitzgerald ex, if you will. They look the part very convincingly in all of those dances. Can't wait to see what new directions they will pursue in the next quad (pleasedontretirepleasedontretirepleasedontretire)

I wonder what Kaitlyn and Andrew are thinking about the future. Their placement here was very disappointing. Do they see themselves continuing or are they no longer competitive with the top teams? Anna and Luca are in the same positions as them: in the beginning of the quad it looked like they could fight for domination, now they barely make it to the podium at Euros.

 

[viennaskater]

Originality? Seriously? Like no one has done Bond before?

Kudos to Coomes/Buckland on what has been a long journey back from injury for them.

NOT Bond as such - I mean their movements and interpretation.

 

[WeakAnkles]

I have a conspiracy theory for you. But just to be clear I made this up and I am not serious.

The US wanted to spread the medal wealth by ensuring a team medal goes to as many of the skaters who wouldn't medal individually as possible. Sensing where the ice dance winds were blowing, they expected H/D to get the bronze (and they would have! Look at that PCS!) so they decided to go with S/S in the team event since either pair would have probably placed the same.

To be clear let me reiterate I just made this up. And I mean this in good fun.

If only my Mom hadn't been caught at the border with that secret microfiche file and heating pad!

Oh the results would have been very VERY different then I tell you!

So anyone have a good File in Cake recipe handy?

See ya Mom...in 30-45 years!

 

[cell]

I was at the Canadian championship that year. It was an exquisite program live

Are you talking about Orchid?

 

[Tigerlily87]

Are you talking about Orchid?

Yes. It was in Hamilton that year

 

[NoNameFace]

I also preferred Perry Mason but I think this one was better suited for the Olympics, especially with the new WOW!! costumes. The other one is almost too nuanced and subtle and would have gotten lost among the flashier programs here.

That said, I think retro/classy programs suit P2 very well and they seem to almost have an affinity for them: the big band music program from 2014/2015, Perry Mason, Bond, the Ella Fitzgerald ex, if you will. They look the part very convincingly in all of those dances. Can't wait to see what new directions they will pursue in the next quad (pleasedontretirepleasedontretirepleasedontretire)

I wonder what Kaitlyn and Andrew are thinking about the future. Their placement here was very disappointing. Do they see themselves continuing or are they no longer competitive with the top teams? Anna and Luca are in the same positions as them: in the beginning of the quad it looked like they could fight for domination, now they barely make it to the podium at Euros.

exactly, another thing to consider are Olympics, the stage and importance. Look at Tessa and Scott too, like they re-vamped their FD for this bigger occasion. Piper and Paul did an incredible smart move to choose something more 'streamline-like', but spiced it up with their personalities and originality in movement, styling, interpretation. And it made its kick today, especially performed like that, with poise and purpose. Costumes tho, that dress is perfection!

And amazing avatar as well

 

[Justynka12]

Lol you really need to chill because it isn't that serious. I don't even think many people harbor an irrational hatred for P/C. The main complaints seem to be centered around Gabby's SS + their "unwillingness" to branch out and try other styles. Though I think a person would be hard pressed to deny that P/C are unique in that they bring something different to the ice.

There is no need to label any camp as "vicious, demeaning, and verbally abusive." Though I do find it ironic that you are quick to describe the audience reaction as basic. Especially when the audience reaction to Hanyu's performances are second to none ;-)

You might have certain preferences when it comes between the skaters and programs, but you agree that the placements were right. So let's just leave it at that.

Canadians are very abusive. V/M fans complain about corruption and unfair judging...except when it comes to Canadian skaters. And they call panel "unfriendly" to Virtue/Moir. That's typical .There was no French judge on the FD panel. But there was the President of Skate Canada, Leanna Caron. Surely you remember her from the SD...when she scored P/C almost 7 points behind V/M. Thats not an "unfair judging" When there someone is better then v/m , there always conspiracy,politics etc etc..No one can be close to them.
If you listen to V/M interviews, it's pretty clear that they think they were robbed in Sochi. They werent . P.c were robbed in Pjongchang

 

[topaz emerald]

Sorry, but I find your description of why P/C are better artists with their program rather pretentious. You are of course entitled to your opinion, and, yes, it's a beautiful program, but Moonlight Sonata is a deeper piece of music to start with. C'mon, it's Beethoven vs Moulin Rouge music whicg is quite awful in comparison. It's very hard to bring depth to something like Moulin Rouge ... you are saying it's not deep enough and too literal, but I really don't understand how you expect to see depth from a theatrical program. I think it's a testament to V/M actually that they took this awful piece of music and perform the hell out of it and made me watch them despite it.

Agree with you. .....what separates them from PC is their strong connection with one another on ice, it's like they become one. Moreover, they are so versatile, they can dance to anything. P/C are too one dimensional for me. I thought their short program was ok, but not so good as to score so close to vm. and their long program, despite how smooth they were, I felt nothing watching them skate.

PC are like Beethoven and Mozart, VM are like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, at least for me.

 

[Justynka12]

Agree with you. .....what separates them from PC is their strong connection with one another on ice, it's like they become one. Moreover, they are so versatile, they can dance to anything. P/C are too one dimensional for me. I thought their short program was ok, but not so good as to score so close to vm. and their long program, despite how smooth they were, I felt nothing watching them skate.

PC are like Beethoven and Mozart, VM are like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, at least for me.

And I dont feel anything watching V/m . MAybe as watching corny tv drama . Sorry the program is a mess.And I always thought that people think that p/c are like one person on the ice, not v/t so please dont "steal"

 

[Tigerlily87]

How about a little respect from both sides? Enough talking about V/M like they’re school kids or P/C like they’re fridgid.

Both teams are champions and world class in their own right. Appreciate the performances if you can’t appreciate the marks and results.