Just re-watched some performances - in all honesty, I don't know why Chock/Bates did not win. The difference in terms of program appeal/concept vs maching the team vs performance quality was really apparent for me; yes, C/B may have not a long mileage to their programs, but they already grew that FD leaps and bounds from last I saw it at Mentor Cup, meahwhile Hubbell/Donohue competing since Autumn polished their program yet there is a sense of something static, bland and stale about that FD imo, I can't shake that feel out watching. And don't get me wrong - I do see their quality and skills, the problem is the utilization of them in the program and seeing back-to-back comparison with beast of a program Chock/Bates have.
I think that the biggest forte of that Elvis FD, apart of course from freshness factor, is the organic notion given yo it in terms of interpretation as to present two beautiful people, being together, having great & natural chemistry going between them in vintage-glam aesthetically designed program. The whole concept just clicks on every ground: choreo, musicality, expression, interaction between two of them, capitalizing from what Madison and Evan have already, not what they have to develop to make that program pop out and be relatable. For me, there's a high amount of satisfaction watching this program, seeing it maching their style and partnership bond, enjoying the moment they can make magical between them for us. Comparing R&J to it, it falls a bit flat, forced and overwrought in presentation, despite technical strenght in execution; I said this after seeing this FD at US Classic and this hasn't changed: the music choice along with this particular story to portray still feels uninspired and as an afterthought. Deciding on such particular theme, characters puts into a specific box team has choice to escape from (by treating the theme in more non-standard way) or staying there within rather 'comfort zone' - H/D for me chose the later and now, with Chock/Bates' effective contrast provided, the nice technically visual created, a clean performance is not enough to take advantage (at least for me, not really to judges it seems). While Chock/Bates seems to enjoy the music, the sass, the chemistry natually going between them, seducing each other (and the audience in the process, dare I say), Hubbell/Donohue are less organic in telling the story that was told already so many times, it definitely has not the same allure and eye-catching quality as Elvis FD.
Madison and Evan seems really rejuvenated, with very high energy and vivid expression going on - the move and the break seems to ignite a new fire within them. There's just so much more 'punch' added to their movement, making it sharper and more precise/defined with the music along with making their skating just more emotive and expressive. What I appreciate the most is that they still are this team I know and grew to respect, still dazzling with amazing lifts and coverage, impactful presence, yet they are 'better version of themselves' I'd say, they seems to thrive the moment on the ice, the moment of performance more intensely, putting great amount of detail and engagement into their movement and partnership on ice. I see them being challenged by this program and enjoying every second of it, which I don't see in H/D's R&J - from this interview they said that they had no particular idea for FD, I knew this won't have that much of 'punch' to it, being usually team's personal commitment to the idea they're pushing forward. The program sure is nice, skated cleanly, but haven't we seen a lot of those already?
Comparing both performances yesterday, there's for me just more 'heaviness' and forcefulness in expression/interpretation from Hubbell/Donohue, 'hollier than thou' acting and artificial affection, judges saw it differently though. Chock/Bates are just more intricately natural in their expression and musical interpretation, choreo design compliments both rhythms and Madison really shines in both as a performer and top class seductress, she captivates attention like Old Hollywood Star by mere fingers' flick. Good thing is that they seem to enjoy performing it so much and develop the program with each outing, I do hope international judges will grow to appreciate it.
, but yeah - it is (still) my favourite discipline and I can talk about it for hours...
