2019-20 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[bubblecherry]

I am not sure why I engage in this discussion but it seems to entertain me.
Zhenya stated (and some but not all around her) that the reason for travel was Prism on Ice.
Prism on Ice was scheduled for 5-7 June. If one hopes that the show would go ahead as planned one would need to expect that by June the coronavirus crisis will be nearly over, with some international travel available (or someone from inside Japan replace some major characters, choreographers, and half of the cast).

Now we have new information - the reason to travel in April is to do shows in August. So one would have to forecast that the coronavirus situation is so dire, that between April and August there will be no opportunity to get to Japan.

We don't have "new" information. We have "old" information that was brought forward because other people wanted to ignore such old information.

This will be my last post regarding this issue. I don't have the patience and I genuinely just have other things to worry about.

Evgenia, like always, flew to Japan hoping that summer shows would still take place. As usual, Zhenya would've been one of the main attractions in almost every ice show in Japan this summer, just like she has been for 4? 5? 6? years. She was the main star in Sailor Moon, would've headlined [some] shows, and taken part in others that were announced, and some that weren't. She spends months in Japan during every off season, she was going to Japan early to prepare for that as the border situation in Canada got more confusing. Soon after she got to Japan, the situation got worse there, too. More shows got cancelled and I'm assuming some were planned but never announced publicly. It's genuinely not that difficult to understand, but you have to want to understand it, and not have a kneejerk reaction to reject all information about Zhenya that comes out.

And this is what I mean by this thread is toxic. Instead of "It was unwise and unsafe to travel", you guys pick apart a person and prescribe motives to them that don't match reality. When presented with information that answers your questions, the goalpost is just instead moved. This happens over and over, just insert any skater and insert a random personal 'drama' they have. I really think we could all do better.

Above, Finley mentioned to me something about Alina and a driving situation. I genuinely have no idea what Finley is referring to, because I've learned how unhealthy it is to put so much energy into negative drama about figure skaters, especially when it has nothing to do with their skating. I'm grateful I have no knowledge of this situation, I have no interest in such drama. (Though, I do appreciate Finley bringing it up in order to relate to how Zhenya fans feel at the moment!)

There's nothing wrong with reasonable criticisms, but it's been days of dissecting a person's character, assigning motives to them that don't match factual reality, rejecting information you don't want to believe, searching for a skater's specific location, etc. This is obviously not okay. I'm rambling at this point. I really do hope everyone here is staying safe.

 

[okokok1777]

Sure. Again, this is only my guess. Her obligations are not only skating in the show. In February, none of the other cast went to Tokyo, but she did, to do some promos - and at that time, most of the other cast members were free to travel as only a couple were preparing for Worlds. Of course once the situation changed in Tokyo, going there early was moot. But it does not negate the reason for it. Only my guess.

Fair enough! TBH I think I'm thinking along the same lines of Finley (that there were probably multiple motivations for the trip) since I really can't wrap my mind around the idea that an athlete of her caliber would spend an indefinite amount of time away from the country she trains in solely for promos/pre-show commitments when the chances of the show going on were so low (especially when one of the biggest tours in Japan, Stars on Ice, had already cancelled all of their shows before she left). At the end of the day, we are all individuals with different points of views & we all have the right to come to our own conclusions

 

[NoviceFan]

Fair enough! TBH I think I'm thinking along the same lines of Finley (that there were probably multiple motivations for the trip) since I really can't wrap my mind around the idea that an athlete of her caliber would spend an indefinite amount of time away from the country she trains in solely for promos/pre-show commitments when the chances of the show going on were so low (especially when one of the biggest tours in Japan, Stars on Ice, had already cancelled all of their shows before she left). At the end of the day, we are all individuals with different points of views & we all have the right to come to our own conclusions

Oh, absolutely - we are all free to think however way we want. And to clarify, I was not trying to persuade (nor am I intent on persuading) anybody out of their conclusions. Thankfully, none of what is said here has any bearing on what happened/is happening. Like you, I was just participating in a discussion (that happens to be about the skater I find most interesting).

 

[Finley]

Above, Finley mentioned to me something about Alina and a driving situation. I genuinely have no idea what Finley is referring to, because I've learned how unhealthy it is to put so much energy into negative drama about figure skaters, especially when it has nothing to do with their skating. I'm grateful I have no knowledge of this situation, I have no interest in such drama. (Though, I do appreciate Finley bringing it up in order to relate to how Zhenya fans feel at the moment!)

There's nothing wrong with reasonable criticisms, but it's been days of dissecting a person's character, assigning motives to them that don't match factual reality, rejecting information you don't want to believe, searching for a skater's specific location, etc. This is obviously not okay. I'm rambling at this point. I really do hope everyone here is staying safe.

I shouldn't have just assumed you would know what I was talking about. : Quick explanation - Alina posted a video in her IG stories of herself driving a vehicle (maybe the BMW she received for winning the OG?) down an empty street in a neighborhood in her hometown during one of her holiday visits. The video was taken by someone in the passenger seat. Probably one of her parents. I didn't think it was a big deal. That's how I learned to drive.

Spoiler Alert: It was, in fact, a big deal. :shocked: An actual misdemeanor no less. Several Russian posters educated me about the Russian cultural expectations and why it was perceived the way it was. In America it might have passed without much comment. I mean, Bella Hadid got a DUI when she was underage and didn't have a license. How many covers of Vogue has she had since then? Like, 40?

Police were notified (!) Investigation was announced Case dropped for lack of evidence I was very concerned we were in for a revival of the complete and total internet freak out (in three languages) that went on for what seem like ages when this all began. That did not happen. I don't know if people were tired of that discussion or they had just moved on to other sins like stealing songs and choreography. And notifying the Japanese Prime Minister via Twitter of all this. That was one embarrassing time to be a figure skating fan.



I'm bringing all this up simply to say - This has all happened before, it will all happen again. (citation: Battlestar Galactica)

Alina will do something worthy of criticism and I will probably be here defending her like I gave birth to her or something. :curse:

 

[thatbeatingheart]

We don't have "new" information. We have "old" information that was brought forward because other people wanted to ignore such old information.

This will be my last post regarding this issue. I don't have the patience and I genuinely just have other things to worry about.

Evgenia, like always, flew to Japan hoping that summer shows would still take place. As usual, Zhenya would've been one of the main attractions in almost every ice show in Japan this summer, just like she has been for 4? 5? 6? years. She was the main star in Sailor Moon, would've headlined [some] shows, and taken part in others that were announced, and some that weren't. She spends months in Japan during every off season, she was going to Japan early to prepare for that as the border situation in Canada got more confusing. Soon after she got to Japan, the situation got worse there, too. More shows got cancelled and I'm assuming some were planned but never announced publicly. It's genuinely not that difficult to understand, but you have to want to understand it, and not have a kneejerk reaction to reject all information about Zhenya that comes out.

And this is what I mean by this thread is toxic. Instead of "It was unwise and unsafe to travel", you guys pick apart a person and prescribe motives to them that don't match reality. When presented with information that answers your questions, the goalpost is just instead moved. This happens over and over, just insert any skater and insert a random personal 'drama' they have. I really think we could all do better.

Above, Finley mentioned to me something about Alina and a driving situation. I genuinely have no idea what Finley is referring to, because I've learned how unhealthy it is to put so much energy into negative drama about figure skaters, especially when it has nothing to do with their skating. I'm grateful I have no knowledge of this situation, I have no interest in such drama. (Though, I do appreciate Finley bringing it up in order to relate to how Zhenya fans feel at the moment!)

There's nothing wrong with reasonable criticisms, but it's been days of dissecting a person's character, assigning motives to them that don't match factual reality, rejecting information you don't want to believe, searching for a skater's specific location, etc. This is obviously not okay. I'm rambling at this point. I really do hope everyone here is staying safe.

Amen!

- - - Updated - - -

The people trying to find her hotel need to sit down and take a good long look at themselves and their lives. That is unacceptable on every level.

As for the photographs that she posted on her own social media that have been used to ascertain her location; these are my thoughts -

I posted my opinion on what was happening and explained my reasoning. You asked for facts to back up my statements. Specifically with regards to her location(s) among other things. I did my best. Not good enough. Novicefan asked for facts. I tried again. Nope, not having it. Also my discussion of this topic, and the way in which I discussed it, was deemed disrespectful, distasteful, exploitive and disgusting. Nice.

el henry asks for statements specifically about Evgenia. Four sources provided by various posters. Not those sources!

So now someone posts photographs from Evgenia's IG that back up the answers provided with regard to her location(s). This in response to multiple requests to provide proof. And that is being equated with stalkers trying to find her hotel?

Just a quick reply because I don't want to ignore anyone who adresses me: I don't think I've dismissed the information I've received, I'm in fact grateful for any piece that helped me put together the puzzle.
Once again, my problem is not people recognizing places in photos she posted herself nor do I think this automatically makes them stalkers. It's just that I read more tweets from this account and found it a little disturbing.
It was just a sidenote really and I'm almost a little sad that this is all people remember from my posts. (Not that there were many lol.) I would've loved to have a proper discussion on this topic because I do think Zhenya made questionable decisions, but this doesn't seem to be possible in here for reasons bubblecherry already mentioned. If only more users were able to present their opinion in a calm demeanor like you! (Just be careful with presenting assumptions as facts. [That doesn't apply only to you of course but everyone, I just noticed in one of your posts on the previous page.] I wouldn't call that "disrespectful, distasteful, exploitive and disgusting" though, that's a really excessive verdict.)

 

[Finley]

Amen!

- - - Updated - - -



Just a quick reply because I don't want to ignore anyone who adresses me: I don't think I've dismissed the information I've received, I'm in fact grateful for any piece that helped me put together the puzzle.
Once again, my problem is not people recognizing places in photos she posted herself nor do I think this automatically makes them stalkers. It's just that I read more tweets from this account and found it a little disturbing.
It was just a sidenote really and I'm almost a little sad that this is all people remember from my posts. (Not that there were many lol.) I would've loved to have a proper discussion on this topic because I do think Zhenya made questionable decisions, but this doesn't seem to be possible in here for reasons bubblecherry already mentioned. If only more users were able to present their opinion in a calm demeanor like you! (Just be careful with presenting assumptions as facts. [That doesn't apply only to you of course but everyone, I just noticed in one of your posts on the previous page.] I wouldn't call that "disrespectful, distasteful, exploitive and disgusting" though, that's a really excessive verdict.)

Thank you for this. I will try to be more careful about presenting opinions as facts. That is actually one of my pet peeves as well, but sometimes it's easy to slip into that mode. I hope everyone will take every one of my posts as NOTHING more than my opinion.

Also thank you for not considering my posts to be any of those things mentioned above. I appreciate it.

I would very humbly like to state my final opinion on this - we all make mistakes. Sometimes I can't go a single day without a mistake. Famous people get a lot more crap for making mistakes and it is sometimes unfair. (Some famous people don't get nearly enough crap for their mistakes but that is another topic for another discussion not to be had here)

Our favorite skaters are very young girls. Albeit talented, intelligent, articulate (especially in Zhenya's case), resilient young girls. They have also been sheltered and trained to be single minded beyond anything we can probably imagine. They will all make more mistakes in the future. We defend what we care about. Sometimes that comes out as harsh criticism of someone else's actions that are perceived as questionable. No one is exempt from that.

For the sake of posters like Skate Skates (who probably has me on ignore at this point!) and others, let's try to move on. It sucks not to have anything else to talk about but we can try.

 

[SkateSkates]

For the sake of posters like Skate Skates (who probably has me on ignore at this point!) and others, let's try to move on. It sucks not to have anything else to talk about but we can try.

hehe I actually don’t have you (or anyone on ignore) I was just trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, although unsuccessfully.

May I offer a topic for anyone interested? What is your dream music choice for any of the Russian ladies next season? Or would you like anyone to keep programs from this year?

Personally, I would love to see Kseniia keep her SP next season. It is a beautiful, intricate, well choreographed program that shows off her SS and ability to portray a nuanced character. I would love to see her develop it even further. I also wouldn’t mind if Anna kept her SP, especially if she wants to incorporate the 3A next season. It took me some time to warm up to this program, but I really “got it” more at GPF and think it can improve even more as she improves her SS and power. That said, I would like to see a new LP from her - I really liked the 1st half of her LP this season and hope she can develop further in that direction.

I would like to see the program Sasha skates at the Path to Victory show as her SP next season. She mentioned wanting to skate to something lyrical, and I think it’s a good idea for her to continue to expand her range.

Zhenya and Liza have both already announced programs, so nothing to say here. I hope Aliona will have 2 new programs, and I would love to see her in a Spanish/Latin theme for one of them. Both of her programs this year were repeats and she gave performances that did the programs justice to their fullest - there’s not really room to grow in them anymore.

If Alina decides to return, I hope she will get a new SP - I think Me Voy at GPF should remain the final performance, not sure if it can be topped. But I don’t think Cleopatra ever reached its potential and I think a few moments, specifically they StSq can be reworked and improved.

 

[thatbeatingheart]

Thank you for this. I will try to be more careful about presenting opinions as facts. That is actually one of my pet peeves as well, but sometimes it's easy to slip into that mode. I hope everyone will take every one of my posts as NOTHING more than my opinion.

Also thank you for not considering my posts to be any of those things mentioned above. I appreciate it.

I would very humbly like to state my final opinion on this - we all make mistakes. Sometimes I can't go a single day without a mistake. Famous people get a lot more crap for making mistakes and it is sometimes unfair. (Some famous people don't get nearly enough crap for their mistakes but that is another topic for another discussion not to be had here)

Our favorite skaters are very young girls. Albeit talented, intelligent, articulate (especially in Zhenya's case), resilient young girls. They have also been sheltered and trained to be single minded beyond anything we can probably imagine. They will all make more mistakes in the future. We defend what we care about. Sometimes that comes out as harsh criticism of someone else's actions that are perceived as questionable. No one is exempt from that.

For the sake of posters like Skate Skates (who probably has me on ignore at this point!) and others, let's try to move on. It sucks not to have anything else to talk about but we can try.

Yup that's true, I use phrases like "I think" and "I believe" often to make sure people are aware of what parts are my assumptions, as opposed to facts I present, but I'm sure it's not 100% clear at all times. Us figure skating fans are a very emotional folk it seems but since hope dies last I'm still holding out for a time where all of us pay attention to what we say and how we say it.

I agree with everything else and also wish we had some (preferably positive) news to talk about. At least I finally got around to watching the Junior Nationals SP and I'm still very impressed with Adelia Petrosyan! (I've seen her a few times before.) Her raw energy reminds me of Tarakanova, whom I like a lot. Very curious to see how she develops!

 

[Finley]

hehe I actually don’t have you (or anyone on ignore) I was just trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, although unsuccessfully.

May I offer a topic for anyone interested? What is your dream music choice for any of the Russian ladies next season? Or would you like anyone to keep programs from this year?

Personally, I would love to see Kseniia keep her SP next season. It is a beautiful, intricate, well choreographed program that shows off her SS and ability to portray a nuanced character. I would love to see her develop it even further. I also wouldn’t mind if Anna kept her SP, especially if she wants to incorporate the 3A next season. It took me some time to warm up to this program, but I really “got it” more at GPF and think it can improve even more as she improves her SS and power. That said, I would like to see a new LP from her - I really liked the 1st half of her LP this season and hope she can develop further in that direction.

I would like to see the program Sasha skates at the Path to Victory show as her SP next season. She mentioned wanting to skate to something lyrical, and I think it’s a good idea for her to continue to expand her range.

Zhenya and Liza have both already announced programs, so nothing to say here. I hope Aliona will have 2 new programs, and I would love to see her in a Spanish/Latin theme for one of them. Both of her programs this year were repeats and she gave performances that did the programs justice to their fullest - there’s not really room to grow in them anymore.

If Alina decides to return, I hope she will get a new SP - I think Me Voy at GPF should remain the final performance, not sure if it can be topped. But I don’t think Cleopatra ever reached its potential and I think a few moments, specifically they StSq can be reworked and improved.

Thank you

I agree with 100% about Me Voy and Cleopatra. I hope Cleopatra stays around just to see how it can grow. I'm also excited about her new routine as Esmerelda! There is a lot to look forward to!

 

[Jeanie19]

I agree about Adelia. She is the junior that caught my attention.

 

[Scott512]

Thank you for this. I truly appreciate your words. I have tried to make this about behavior and decisions not about the person. We are not our mistakes. Not even our worst mistakes define us. I've made so many bad decisions in my 20's it's ridiculous. I learned and moved on from all of them. And unfortunately, they were not my last mistakes! But again, learn, grow, forgive yourself, move on.

The reason this is getting so magnified is because it is being looked at through the scope of the pandemic. The reason it is hitting me so hard emotionally has very little to do with Zhenya and everything to do with the actions of people in my own country who apparently will not be satisfied until we are all in the same position as NYC Zhenya's actions (in my perception) just reflected (in a small way) what I am seeing from the population in my own country.

I still believe this issue will blow over. I still think Silence is the best route forward. Remember Alina's driving video? I thought that would never end. Then someone filed a police report to drag it out more. I was waiting for some word (explanation, apology, clarification, statement, anything!) from somebody - Alina, her parents, a member of her extended family or family friend who lived in Izvekhs. Not one single word from anyone. To this day. When the police announced they were dropping it, I thought: here we go again. But by that time I think everyone had exhausted themselves. Much like we are doing here. The horse wasn't just dead it was decomposing. No one wanted to have that conversation again.

Zhenya has tons of love and support in Russia, North America and Japan. Ultimately, she will be fine.

We all love the skaters we love and I can empathize with wanting to defend and protect them.

Also, all of my best wishes to you and yours.

Yes this will blow over for Evgenia and it should.

For someone to file a report against Alina for her short driving spree is beyond mind boggling. But we live in a strange world with many bitter people.

 

[sparklestan]

While at home, I’ve been watching a lot of skating from this past season.
I was watching Maia’s freeskate from JGP France and for whatever reason I never thought of her as a particularly fast skater but she was flying out there and had pretty good control of her edges and arms. I hope she can nail the quad sal in competition this season! I think she had a lot of potential to be really artistic.
I’m also looking forward to Adelia’s junior debut, I hope she has a great season; she’s so exciting to watch!!

 

[Jeanie19]

While at home, I’ve been watching a lot of skating from this past season. ��
I was watching Maia’s freeskate from JGP France and for whatever reason I never thought of her as a particularly fast skater but she was flying out there and had pretty good control of her edges and arms. I hope she can nail the quad sal in competition this season! I think she had a lot of potential to be really artistic.
I’m also looking forward to Adelia’s junior debut, I hope she has a great season; she’s so exciting to watch!!

I'm rooting for Maia, because I want tall girls to not feel that it's impossible to Do a quad.

 

[sparklestan]

I'm rooting for Maia, because I want tall girls to not feel that it's impossible to Do a quad.

Yeah I totally agree!!

 

[Amei]

hehe I actually don’t have you (or anyone on ignore) I was just trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, although unsuccessfully.

May I offer a topic for anyone interested? What is your dream music choice for any of the Russian ladies next season? Or would you like anyone to keep programs from this year?

Personally, I would love to see Kseniia keep her SP next season. It is a beautiful, intricate, well choreographed program that shows off her SS and ability to portray a nuanced character. I would love to see her develop it even further. I also wouldn’t mind if Anna kept her SP, especially if she wants to incorporate the 3A next season. It took me some time to warm up to this program, but I really “got it” more at GPF and think it can improve even more as she improves her SS and power. That said, I would like to see a new LP from her - I really liked the 1st half of her LP this season and hope she can develop further in that direction.

I would like to see the program Sasha skates at the Path to Victory show as her SP next season. She mentioned wanting to skate to something lyrical, and I think it’s a good idea for her to continue to expand her range.

Zhenya and Liza have both already announced programs, so nothing to say here. I hope Aliona will have 2 new programs, and I would love to see her in a Spanish/Latin theme for one of them. Both of her programs this year were repeats and she gave performances that did the programs justice to their fullest - there’s not really room to grow in them anymore.

If Alina decides to return, I hope she will get a new SP - I think Me Voy at GPF should remain the final performance, not sure if it can be topped. But I don’t think Cleopatra ever reached its potential and I think a few moments, specifically they StSq can be reworked and improved.

I would like to see Shcherbakova keep her SP, it's a deep piece of music that was getting better as the season went on, and given that she's mentioned wanting the triple axel and the off-season situation being what it is keeping a program she's comfortable in will give her more time for the elements. FS has to go, mainly due to the catchy 'costume' change, even toward the end of the season she seemed to rush through that section which was supposed to be a 'wow' moment vs. how it was at the beginning of the season. Kostornaia, I would like to see her get 2 pieces that are not soft, lyrical pieces; as much as the end of the twilight program was campy it was really the only time that I felt like I saw her having a connection to her music this season. Trusova, agree I'd like to see her latest exhibition piece be made to her SP; not sure about her FS I don't think she should keep Game of Thrones since that program competitively got worse and worse. Zagitova, FS I'd like to see her keep her current program that has a lot of room for growth in it still, SP - please change the music that song is like nails on chalkboard.

 

[Finley]

Yes this will blow over for Evgenia and it should.

For someone to file a report against Alina for her short driving spree is beyond mind boggling. But we live in a strange world with many bitter people.

It really was. She was driving like 2 miles per hour! EdRoz even pointed out at the time she had her hands perfectly placed on the steering wheel! But all kidding aside, I'm truly sorry for even bringing it up again

I was just trying to relate it to what is happening now and how it all ends up just fading away and not mattering.

 

[eterislouisvuitton]

hehe I actually don’t have you (or anyone on ignore) I was just trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, although unsuccessfully.

May I offer a topic for anyone interested? What is your dream music choice for any of the Russian ladies next season? Or would you like anyone to keep programs from this year?

Personally, I would love to see Kseniia keep her SP next season. It is a beautiful, intricate, well choreographed program that shows off her SS and ability to portray a nuanced character. I would love to see her develop it even further. I also wouldn’t mind if Anna kept her SP, especially if she wants to incorporate the 3A next season. It took me some time to warm up to this program, but I really “got it” more at GPF and think it can improve even more as she improves her SS and power. That said, I would like to see a new LP from her - I really liked the 1st half of her LP this season and hope she can develop further in that direction.

I would like to see the program Sasha skates at the Path to Victory show as her SP next season. She mentioned wanting to skate to something lyrical, and I think it’s a good idea for her to continue to expand her range.

Zhenya and Liza have both already announced programs, so nothing to say here. I hope Aliona will have 2 new programs, and I would love to see her in a Spanish/Latin theme for one of them. Both of her programs this year were repeats and she gave performances that did the programs justice to their fullest - there’s not really room to grow in them anymore.

If Alina decides to return, I hope she will get a new SP - I think Me Voy at GPF should remain the final performance, not sure if it can be topped. But I don’t think Cleopatra ever reached its potential and I think a few moments, specifically they StSq can be reworked and improved.

I would love it if Sasha kept her Serenade for her SP, and then for an EX number I would like to see her in another style, maybe Rapunzel just to match her hair. Or I know this isn't realistic, but an EX with her dogs perhaps.

Daria Usacheva really caught my eye this year, I think she should skate to something a little more light hearted though she executed Please Don't Make Me Love You and Je Suis Malade very well. I would like to see her in a Romeo and Juliet, but I think that should be saved for the Olympics. I really like "Saturn" by Sleeping At Last or Chewing Cotton Wool for her, not too heavy but also emotional and elegant.

Alena Kosto has developed a reputation for being interpretive, so another classical piece, maybe an Einaudi piece. But not Experience, that one is so overused just because of the name. It is amazing but it's becoming way too overused. Perhaps Nuvole Bianche

Anna I would love to see her keep firebird, but it would also get stale mid season I'm afraid.

Sofia Samodelkina and Adelya Petrosyan are ever charismatic and making JGP debuts but idk what would fit them, something like Adios Nonino. I'm thinking Samodelkina would be well suited to Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis. I know Akatieva did it this year but I just find that she would do well with it.

As for Alina and Evgenia - one of them should skate to One Thousand Years by Christina Perri. To say that they will love skating for one thousand years and beyond.

 

[GS Forum Staff]

Evgenia Medvedeva in Japan

Hello posters in the Russian Ladies' Figure Skating Thread!

Everyone has had their say on Evgenia Medvedeva's stay in Japan. There is no new news and until and unless there is any new news, further posts on this topic may be removed by the staff.

Please keep in mind that gossip, bickering, insulting other posters and bashing skaters are forbidden by Goldenskate guidelines. The guidelines may be reviewed here:
https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?18607

Thank you for posting on Goldenskate and your interest in the Russian Ladies!

 

[Happy Skates]

hehe I actually don’t have you (or anyone on ignore) I was just trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, although unsuccessfully.

May I offer a topic for anyone interested? What is your dream music choice for any of the Russian ladies next season? Or would you like anyone to keep programs from this year?

Personally, I would love to see Kseniia keep her SP next season. It is a beautiful, intricate, well choreographed program that shows off her SS and ability to portray a nuanced character. I would love to see her develop it even further. I also wouldn’t mind if Anna kept her SP, especially if she wants to incorporate the 3A next season. It took me some time to warm up to this program, but I really “got it” more at GPF and think it can improve even more as she improves her SS and power. That said, I would like to see a new LP from her - I really liked the 1st half of her LP this season and hope she can develop further in that direction.

I would like to see the program Sasha skates at the Path to Victory show as her SP next season. She mentioned wanting to skate to something lyrical, and I think it’s a good idea for her to continue to expand her range.

Zhenya and Liza have both already announced programs, so nothing to say here. I hope Aliona will have 2 new programs, and I would love to see her in a Spanish/Latin theme for one of them. Both of her programs this year were repeats and she gave performances that did the programs justice to their fullest - there’s not really room to grow in them anymore.

If Alina decides to return, I hope she will get a new SP - I think Me Voy at GPF should remain the final performance, not sure if it can be topped. But I don’t think Cleopatra ever reached its potential and I think a few moments, specifically they StSq can be reworked and improved.

I have so many dream programs for skaters

Alyona - for her sp, I'd love to see either Malaguena - because I think she does Spanish very well and she does well with classical, but at the same time its fierce, although its a bit of a warhorse - or I'd like to see Requiem for a Dream. I think this would be a nice compromise between princessy lyrical and the modern music she had for her fp this year. Its definitely powerful which Alyona has said she likes, and I think her concentrating face could pass nicely as a dark, fierce face. And she has the speed and SS to do something this powerful. For her fp, I really want to see her go back to the original choice for last season, No One Ever Called Me That. It is just such a beautiful piece and she would skate so well to it. And this season I missed her doing a soft, beautiful, sad routine (even though this does get quite powerful in the second half of the music, which is good for Alyona's personality). The music builds so well that her second half combos would go perfectly with the second half of the music. It would also be nice to see her doing something lyrical but happy, like Ave Maria.

Kamila - I'd love to see her do one of her programs to something a little bit more light-hearted. I really want to see her do a program, maybe the fp, to Harp Concerto by Gliere. I have to admit I got that idea from a poster on GS a while ago, but I don't remember who posted it originally. Its so soft but also really sweet and I could see it working really well for Kamila. I also really want to see her do another ballet routine - Sparticus was sooooo beautiful (might be my favorite routine of hers every) but it never got to be seen internationally. I don't even know what could top Sparticus but I'm sure they can do it.

Sasha - I just want to see her do something where we see her smile, and hopefully something jazzy like the Big Spender routine (but with different lyrics of course) - that routine was so good and musical so I hope they go back to that style. Her big smile also makes the program 10X better.

Daria - so far all of her programs have been powerful female ballads, which she does very well, but it would be nice to see at least one of her programs be different. Its hard because I have no idea what else she is good at because we haven't seen her do other styles in a while, so I'm not sure what my dream music would be for her. It would also be interesting to see her do something light-hearted for one of her programs.

For Anna, I'd also love to see her do Ave Maria. I know I said that for Alyona, but Anna's smile would be great for it. I would also like to see her do Nutcracker Pas de Deux. But I think both of them would work better for a free program. For a short, Maybe she could go back to a tango, as we all know how good she is at that.

Ksenia - I'd want to see her do something classical again, but I'm not sure what. I think I just miss her Rachmaninov routine.

and Maia just needs any new programs

For Alina, I'd love to see her do Willow by Jasmine Thompson as a short program. I'm not sure for the free program.

 

[Resa]

I somehow missed Liza announcing her programs - what will they be?