2020-21 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[Artemisa]

Honestly Anna's SP this season is good, but it is way too similar to Perfume. I too, would like to see her with a different style. Not just her, but Alyona and Sasha too (looks like it's sort of happening for them now). Adelya is probably one of the few Tutberidze girls who has actually been given vastly different types of programs. Give me some jazz! Some tango! Some epic classical symphony!

I agree the Anna's and Sasha. Anna's look like the same style always .. it's good yes but she doesn't stand out... Alyona I disagree .. she got a astor piazolla (2017-2018), romeo and juliet, The Departure, twillight, james bond this year .. it would be very easy to put her only in classic music

 

[JazzUp]

Sonya "The Bomb" Akatyeva gets her first sponsorship deal! Her ad for Fly Sport shot in Khrustal'nyi

 

[Vilord]

Quite a lot of change I see there

I guess its fine if we dont agree but when I watched Annas programs it felt as if I had allready seen it before. So I decided to break it down and it probably depends on what you value. I watch more patterns and transitions etc and then they are startingly similair. While if you watch more arm movements individual moves etc they may seem more different because i think there was less recycling in that department.

I guess my main point was that the layout seemed verry formuleic when all elements go in exacly the same order and the same spot on the ice.
Maybe I should compare some more programs and see how they vary ether between skaters or other skaters between seasons. It could be interesting. Any suggestions?

 

[Elana]

I guess its fine if we dont agree but when I watched Annas programs it felt as if I had allready seen it before. So I decided to break it down and it probably depends on what you value. I watch more patterns and transitions etc and then they are startingly similair. While if you watch more arm movements individual moves etc they may seem more different because i think there was less recycling in that department.

I guess my main point was that the layout seemed verry formuleic when all elements go in exacly the same order and the same spot on the ice.
Maybe I should compare some more programs and see how they vary ether between skaters or other skaters between seasons. It could be interesting. Any suggestions?

I think its kind of hard to really change the layout of the programs that much now that they changed the bonus system. Obviously, Anna and the other TT skater are going to do the combo in the second half, so that leaves the axel and flip for her in the first half. I know when I competed I would always start with the axel as an easier "warm-up" jump in the program to get my feet under me for the more difficult ones, so I get why most of the girls would do that first. And honestly, flip and lutz are done at the ends of the ice like 95% of the time (Sasha does her flip in a weird spot) so that you can build up speed and power across the ice into them, so I'm not really sure how much you can change the patterns year to year. And you mentioned that they switched Anna going clockwise and counterclockwise a few times in the program, what else are you expecting them to do differently? That is an honest question, I'm curious what you would do to give a bit more originality between different seasons? There's really only two places to put the Stsq, either at the end or in between the second and third jump, but it seems to me that doing it as the last element would be best, so that is why most skaters do so. I think spins are similar, you can't really be creative with placement in the program layout, there is only a couple spots they work in and at least you said they took the time to change the order Anna does the spins in. I would expect a lot more creativeness in layouts if the rules didn't basically force everyone to start with two jumps, then take a little break to catch breath and draw out the time until the bonus with spins, and then jump again, usually finishing with Stsq and a spin or two.

I would agree that spirals, kicks, leg extensions are very overused from that team, especially in and out of jumps, but I think that is just because they like that style, not necessarily because they are lazy with coming up with new transitions.

 

[Vilord]

I think its kind of hard to really change the layout of the programs that much now that they changed the bonus system. Obviously, Anna and the other TT skater are going to do the combo in the second half, so that leaves the axel and flip for her in the first half. I know when I competed I would always start with the axel as an easier "warm-up" jump in the program to get my feet under me for the more difficult ones, so I get why most of the girls would do that first. And honestly, flip and lutz are done at the ends of the ice like 95% of the time (Sasha does her flip in a weird spot) so that you can build up speed and power across the ice into them, so I'm not really sure how much you can change the patterns year to year. And you mentioned that they switched Anna going clockwise and counterclockwise a few times in the program, what else are you expecting them to do differently? That is an honest question, I'm curious what you would do to give a bit more originality between different seasons? There's really only two places to put the Stsq, either at the end or in between the second and third jump, but it seems to me that doing it as the last element would be best, so that is why most skaters do so. I think spins are similar, you can't really be creative with placement in the program layout, there is only a couple spots they work in and at least you said they took the time to change the order Anna does the spins in. I would expect a lot more creativeness in layouts if the rules didn't basically force everyone to start with two jumps, then take a little break to catch breath and draw out the time until the bonus with spins, and then jump again, usually finishing with Stsq and a spin or two.

I would agree that spirals, kicks, leg extensions are very overused from that team, especially in and out of jumps, but I think that is just because they like that style, not necessarily because they are lazy with coming up with new transitions.

You are right that the current bonus system probably limits how a program can be structured. But even if the jumps have to go in the same order do they also have to go on exacly the same spot on the ice? Aso why does Flip and Lutz allways go in the corners? Anna does not use the majority of her skating across the ice to actually gain speed. Most of it is gliding and mainntaining speed (spirals in most cases).

Your questions promted me to also watch the Eteri juniors to see how their short compares. Darias is exatly the same as Annas identical pattern despite changing the 3Lz and 3F choreoraphic jups in the same spots spirals in the same places. However Kamillas and Maiias are completely different in patterning and where the elements go on the ice and at least Maiia has the same ppc layout (Kamilla has 3F as first element and 2A as second). They have different tranition in and out not just endless spirals variations. Spinns go in different spots apart from the last one which is allways centre but that is verry comon (even though I find that a bit boring as well). 3F and 3Lz still go in opposite corners and everyone has a spiral before their combo. But Maiias first half is completely different despite having the same elemnts in the same order if you consider how she moves across the ice and which transitions go in and out of what elements.

 

[halulupu]

I guess its fine if we dont agree but when I watched Annas programs it felt as if I had allready seen it before. So I decided to break it down and it probably depends on what you value. I watch more patterns and transitions etc and then they are startingly similair. While if you watch more arm movements individual moves etc they may seem more different because i think there was less recycling in that department.

I guess my main point was that the layout seemed verry formuleic when all elements go in exacly the same order and the same spot on the ice.
Maybe I should compare some more programs and see how they vary ether between skaters or other skaters between seasons. It could be interesting. Any suggestions?

I actually get your point. I would say that there are some changes but not too many (as with every daniil formula program). At the same time I understand why they are not going all in with the programs. Covid season-not many competitions, anna is growing-has to concentrate to keep her jumps,spins,diet etc.

I think lizas program would make a nice try if you have the time

 

[Vilord]

I actually get your point. I would say that there are some changes but not too many (as with every daniil formula program). At the same time I understand why they are not going all in with the programs. Covid season-not many competitions, anna is growing-has to concentrate to keep her jumps,spins,diet etc.

I think lizas program would make a nice try if you have the time

Covid could be a relevant factor because her A comme amore short program is not as similair even if many of the now Anna trademark after jumps spirals is still there.
A comme amore is probably my all time favorite Anna program. In that program I feel like each spiral or leg kicks times and highlights an accent in the music which is not allways the case in Daniil programs. Many of the moves are verry similair to what she does in her programs today but they just felt more intentional to the music in that program. (Or maybe it was just because it was the first time we saw them).
Comparing different Liza programs could be verry interesting. Especially since they are so many and she probably has had different choreoraphers.

One thing that stuck me watching all these different short programs is that spinns seem to be an afterthought in so many cases. Why does Anna and many others allways step directly from the 3rd jump element into the 2nd spin with no transitions or choreography at all. The 3rd spinn allways goes right at the end as the closing move (which I feel far from allways match the music well.)
ps. Can I plug Matild Algotssons "you have to be there" program as one of the few times this matched the music perfectly. The closing line is "I reach for your hand" and to is she streches up her hand in the layback spin. Perfect simple way to make a spin match the music.

 

[plushyfan]

Did you know this? Samodurova's costume

 

[Amei]

Did you know this? Samodurova's costume

I still think it's an ugly costume

 

[lariko]

Did you know this? Samodurova's costume

Thank you for sharing!

 

[TripleAxelQueens3]

Covid could be a relevant factor because her A comme amore short program is not as similair even if many of the now Anna trademark after jumps spirals is still there.
A comme amore is probably my all time favorite Anna program. In that program I feel like each spiral or leg kicks times and highlights an accent in the music which is not allways the case in Daniil programs. Many of the moves are verry similair to what she does in her programs today but they just felt more intentional to the music in that program. (Or maybe it was just because it was the first time we saw them).
Comparing different Liza programs could be verry interesting. Especially since they are so many and she probably has had different choreoraphers.

One thing that stuck me watching all these different short programs is that spinns seem to be an afterthought in so many cases. Why does Anna and many others allways step directly from the 3rd jump element into the 2nd spin with no transitions or choreography at all. The 3rd spinn allways goes right at the end as the closing move (which I feel far from allways match the music well.)
ps. Can I plug Matild Algotssons "you have to be there" program as one of the few times this matched the music perfectly. The closing line is "I reach for your hand" and to is she streches up her hand in the layback spin. Perfect simple way to make a spin match the music.

Re spins: spins are usually placed last because it helps the skater catch up with the music. Deductions are possible if you go overtime, so often placing a spin at the end can make sure you don't lose that point.

I liked A Comme Amore because it was very nice and delicate and I really feel like it fit Anna well too, but I honestly want something way different for her. A Comme Amore is similar to her SP from 2017-18 (Nocturne Op 9 No 2), and the FS from that season is similar to Perfume and Elegie to some extent. The FS this year is enjoyable, but still lacking the wow factor (not to say she is lacking that factor, the program is). I kind of want something like Firebird for her, but with more things to musical accents than a costume change. (It bugs me sooo much that Daniil took a piece of music with SO MANY MUSICAL ACCENTS and decided to use like two of them, even though the step sequence totally could've allowed for much more interpretation).

 

[sclloyd]

A lot of skating fans in general seem to be rather dismissive about body movements when it comes to artistry and musicality. They always talk about facial expressions as if that's the main indication of being artistic or not. It's why everyone hold's Mariah Bell's empty programs as a benchmark for artistry these days because she uses her face (frankly most of her expressions are very samey one note as well but it's all in your face so it doesn't matter).

Another example would have been in pairs T/M vs S/Z way back. T/M were called by fans as dull and duller just because of their mostly blank facial expressions but they ignored their sublime body movements. S/Z who used their faces mostly were seen as artistically superior.

I suppose facial expressions are more audience friendly and easier to grasp program concept wise and doesn't require as much thought so they consider it better

The topic at hand was interpretation, and the reasoning for why it feels Kihira slips out of her character so often during the skate is the lack of engagement in her face. The facial expression was the relevant detail.

If we’re comparing Anna and Aliona then yes there is much more to consider. Anna is of superb musicality. Of course so is Aliona, though I think who is better is really down to personal preference (as one mentioned perhaps it is a western versus eastern preference). Much more difficult to compare the two of them in interpretation than Rika and Aliona.

 

[plushyfan]

Thank you for sharing!

I found it by accident ..as well as for this one of Alina Zagitova costumes in Ice Age https://www.instagram.com/p/CGmBOKmpFSx/
and my favorite young ballerina at Bolshoi, Elizaveta Kokoreva https://www.instagram.com/p/CFReuK4BpwT/ it less interesting but though

 

[plushyfan]

the new rink is ready https://www.instagram.com/stories/angelsofplushenko/2436977536690302957/

 

[Lunalovesskating]

Alena wants to jump her 3A in her Free Skate this weekend and maybe in her short program as well (seems like it is not completely stable yet). But great that it is back! Fans can breath with relief

 

[kolyadafan2002]

Re spins: spins are usually placed last because it helps the skater catch up with the music. Deductions are possible if you go overtime, so often placing a spin at the end can make sure you don't lose that point.

I liked A Comme Amore because it was very nice and delicate and I really feel like it fit Anna well too, but I honestly want something way different for her. A Comme Amore is similar to her SP from 2017-18 (Nocturne Op 9 No 2), and the FS from that season is similar to Perfume and Elegie to some extent. The FS this year is enjoyable, but still lacking the wow factor (not to say she is lacking that factor, the program is). I kind of want something like Firebird for her, but with more things to musical accents than a costume change. (It bugs me sooo much that Daniil took a piece of music with SO MANY MUSICAL ACCENTS and decided to use like two of them, even though the step sequence totally could've allowed for much more interpretation).

I used to do spins last in case I got dizzy and then messed up the jumps after the spins

 

[Kittosuni]

I guess its fine if we dont agree but when I watched Annas programs it felt as if I had allready seen it before. So I decided to break it down and it probably depends on what you value. I watch more patterns and transitions etc and then they are startingly similair. While if you watch more arm movements individual moves etc they may seem more different because i think there was less recycling in that department.

I guess my main point was that the layout seemed verry formuleic when all elements go in exacly the same order and the same spot on the ice.
Maybe I should compare some more programs and see how they vary ether between skaters or other skaters between seasons. It could be interesting. Any suggestions?

I do get what you are saying but skaters do follow a layout/formula that they can perform. In fact this is the first thing that is marked by a choreographer and work around it/ those sections.

1. transitions- skaters recycle the heck out of transitions. No way a skater can have new transitions especially for jumps in each program every season. this is just not realistic. If you dont see previous transitions it is most likely getting problematic. There is no benefit in changing transitions especially in jumps if you are hitting it and getting good score. Maybe a slight modification like a turn or hand flare but the fundamental stays the same.
2. Spins. The goal for spins is to master it to get the highest level and GOE. Getting new spins are counter productive because you have to master it in a short time. Unless your current spins are problematic and not getting the max score then that is the only time a skater gets a new spin. you can shuffle the order of the spins but generally they stay in the same sections on the program.

The only time you see a drastic change in a skaters program layout is if there is a need to it as seen when the Russians backloaded the heck out of their programs because it get points otherwise it generally stays the same.

But I get what you are saying about Anna's program because the feel is predictable and something expected from her choreographer. Eteri really needs to evaluate the overuse of Danill's choreo and music selection because just the thought of someone else choreographing her top skaters already make everything exciting and intriguing.

Seeing Eric Radford being involved in Kamila's SP even though Danill still did her choreo injected a different flare to that program. Hopefully Team Eteri saw that.

 

[plushyfan]

[URL unfurl = "true"] https://www.sports.ru/figure-skatin...etape-kubka-rossii-v-kazani-chetyre-chet.html [/ URL ]

Bronze medalist of the European Figure Skating Championship 2020 Sasha spoke about the preparation for the competition.

Trusova plans to perform four quadruple jumps in a free program and a triple axel in a short program in Kazan.

“I wanted all the jumps, I always wanted to insert more into the program. Now I'm working on that too, and I really enjoy skating. I have never felt this way.

I really feel how the sliding is changing, ”Trusova said on the air of Channel One.

 

[Bluediamonds09]

Only 2 (?) more hours till we see kostornia vs. trusova!!!! So excited!!

 

[Magill]

Only 2 (?) more hours till we see kostornia vs. trusova!!!! So excited!!

Isn't it a day and 2 hours though? I think it starts tomorrow, strange as it is to start on a Sunday this time, no?