2020-21 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[colormyworld240]

This is the first time I watched Maiia and didn't think she was boring. I love the music choice and choreography for her, it felt more alive. For once, I didn't think of Sotskova or Edmunds when she skated. It's a great direction for her artistically, and she stands out more. And while she does have beautiful lines, I love that they didn't go for a classical piece (like last season) or a lyrical piece and I think it'll help bring her out of Kamila/Daria's shadows as I can't see them doing this program. It's edgy but with just enough smoothness that works perfectly for her. Her arms are still as soft as ever but with so much purpose in each movement that matches the music. And she just seems more expressive overall.

With Daria, this music is too slow, imo. I liked her performances last season because I find she excels when she skates to the dramatic emotional love songs. In contrast to what others think, I don't think she's very classical at all. Actually, I think that while she is expressive to certain music and themes, she isn't very versatile. I can see this program working for some other skaters, but not really for her. She might be one of the skaters that can only do specific themes, which isn't a huge program because she can do them well.

 

[colormyworld240]

Maiia was a completely new person today!
So confident and mature, her lines are exquisite. She improved so much.

So surprising, right! I would've never imagined she could pull this off after watching her last season. And I would've never thought to give her this type of music/choreography but it's so much better than the classical pieces she had before. Maybe she'll be the big surprise this season after being hidden behind Kamila/Daria/Ksenia last season. I never thought I'd say this but I like her a lot now.

 

[flanker]

Daria wasn't that bad. She made small mistakes which are normal for a performance in August.

However, the choreo is truly "that bad. " Imho Daria is more musical and a better performer than all the other juniors (including Valieva), but the choreo for her is such a miss. Last year, the song was very heavy and dark and not appropriate for her age. This year, the choreo is absolutely unconnected to the music, and it is ugly. It is hard to make a beautiful skater like Daria look ugly on the ice, but somehow this choreo accomplishes that.

Such comment was also expected

Seriously. Daria's program wasn't somehow "that bad" in comparison with what was seen in tuesday from others (skaters and choreographers) or wasn't somehow "unconnected to the music". Last year Daria performed well with "heavy and dark" (heavy OK, but dark? :scratch3 song, just like I would expect such song could be performed (and choreographed). What is "not appropriate" is a question of opinion, not holy truth. Depends on a skater in the first place*, and I don't share the opinion that "heavy" programs are somehow inappropriate just because they are "heavy". Also definitely not the only program that could be considered "heavy" (and maybe even "dark") for junior skater I am aware of in the last season.

Let me express myself clear. Is it Daniil's best work? Definitely not. Maybe it even belongs among his weaker works (I can judge it later when seen in full parade, just like many other choreos condemned at first). But somehow exceptionally bad? Or making Daria look ugly, That has nothing to do with unbiased judging and reason, that's pure lack of any reason.

-
*
I remember particular people complained also about Adeliya's Sous le ciel de Paris, because it's too mature. The way she skated it didn't show it would be "too mature" for her. It's like saying it's inappropriate for Mozart to compose an opera at the age of 12.

 

[Amei]

This is the first time I watched Maiia and didn't think she was boring. I love the music choice and choreography for her, it felt more alive. For once, I didn't think of Sotskova or Edmunds when she skated. It's a great direction for her artistically, and she stands out more. And while she does have beautiful lines, I love that they didn't go for a classical piece (like last season) or a lyrical piece and I think it'll help bring her out of Kamila/Daria's shadows as I can't see them doing this program. It's edgy but with just enough smoothness that works perfectly for her. Her arms are still as soft as ever but with so much purpose in each movement that matches the music. And she just seems more expressive overall.

With Daria, this music is too slow, imo. I liked her performances last season because I find she excels when she skates to the dramatic emotional love songs. In contrast to what others think, I don't think she's very classical at all. Actually, I think that while she is expressive to certain music and themes, she isn't very versatile. I can see this program working for some other skaters, but not really for her. She might be one of the skaters that can only do specific themes, which isn't a huge program because she can do them well.

Agree about Khromykh. Usacheva was a little shaky today and the program still looks a little raw, but it is just test skates and its been a weird offseason; we don't know how quickly all the skaters were able to get back their triples and some it could have taken longer affecting the program coming together and a skater getting familiar with it. Both Usacheva and Khromykh's programs gave me the same vibe - these are great short programs for them to grow into and probably would still be able to fully realize the programs potential next year.

Daniil should be banned from ever getting to involve an Ina Bauer ever again in a program, the only positive I can say about Usacheva's half-second Ina Bauer was that it looked planned vs. the skater looking like they were losing their balance in the move and had to abort the move.

 

[Skatesocs]

Definitely impressed with Kromykh. Her phrasing really improved this season. Wish she gets stronger technically as the season progresses and gives a great overall performance.

 

[dhjh811]

Osokina was amazing. I've never even heard of her, but she seems to be fast and has good skating skills. When juniors skate to music like that, they usually look unconvincing and sloppy. She was totally free and in character, and her jumps have this nice spring. I got flashbacks to 2017 Moscow jr championships when Kostornaia, another girl I'd never heard of before, shocked me. Osokina was hands down the best ladies skater for me today. So different from so many other skaters in figure skating with just soft arms and expected facial expressions, there is a versatility to her skating that can't be taught.

 

[ruga]

Fully agree. When she did that move where she pretends that she is coughing up blood to demonstrate her having tuberculosis like the character in MR, I really wanted to fly to Moscow to have a talk with Daniil.

She did what?? Never watched MR so don't know the plot, but I'm flying with you then.

 

[Resa]

My favourites were Osokina and Muravyova. I agree that Ne me quitte pas is not fitting to the choreography, but if I would not have been able to understand the text, I would have probably thought that her performance was fitting and very well done. She looked very fluid, dedicated and expressive to me.

 

[Alex65]

So surprising, right! I would've never imagined she could pull this off after watching her last season. And I would've never thought to give her this type of music/choreography but it's so much better than the classical pieces she had before. Maybe she'll be the big surprise this season after being hidden behind Kamila/Daria/Ksenia last season. I never thought I'd say this but I like her a lot now.

I have to say Maya has always had this. When I watched her live at the Russian Cup final two years ago, she was already the only one of the girls who captured the entire auditorium. Last season, she had early injuries and general inconsistency that ruined her season. If Maya is okay, she might surprise everyone. And my wishes for her that she would receive her 4S. Such a beautiful girl with ultra-si will be a contender for everyone in any competition. Good luck to her!

 

[thatbeatingheart]

I’m sure everything has already been said about the SP but since the forum didn’t work yesterday I still have to get it off my chest.

That was the first time I saw Osokina and I’m already sold. Great jumps (that lutz entry!!), interesting spin positions and a convincing presentation. Sign me up!

Khromykh also surprised me, I found her a little bland last season but here her personality shines through. She has great lines too and I found her skating skills a little better than I remember from last season.

Frolova is another skater I find a little bland and it’s still the case with this program. I feel really sorry for thinking that way because I can’t say anything bad about her either, but she really gets overshadowed in this talent pool that is the Russian Ladies. I do think she has nice lines though!

Samodelkina’s 3A+3T also looked better than I remember from last season. Her posture needs some work and maybe her presentation a little bit (those two could be tied I think, I can’t really put my finger on what’s missing in her presentation for me.) Apart from that she’s another complete package.

Usacheva’s program looked like something Medvedeva would’ve done at this age. I can't tell yet if I like it for Daria since she seemed a little more nervous than the others. A shame about the jumps but I’m not expecting anyone to be in top shape at this point. (On the contrary, I’m rather surprised about every clean performance. ) I liked the last position on her final spin!

Muravyova is another skater I saw for the first time now. She seemed fast but a little too frantic imo. I think she needs a bit more refinement and some work on her presentation, but solid performance overall.

Looking forward to the FS!

 

[thatbeatingheart]

Some thoughts on the skaters that are missing:

Wasn’t Shulskaya supposed to be there too? Does anyone know why she’s missing?

Petrosyan is injured I heard. I hope it's nothing serious and she’ll get well soon! I was looking forward to see her very much.

Valieva at Senior Test Skates makes me unhappy too. (This has probably already been discussed to death but I missed it.) It’s not even about „Is she good enough?“ because she certainly is. I just find it not fair to every other Junior lady. What message does this send to them? „Whatever you do this season, you can’t beat Valieva anyway“? I just don’t understand who’s supposed to benefit from Kamila being praised as the best discovery since the discovery of fire. Poor Kamila, the pressure must be insane.

 

[Greengemmonster]

OMG Maya Khromykh is gorgeous!!!!! So much personality on ice this year and her movements are sooooo smooth! Like butter!!!

I didn't notice her last year but she was wonderful in that SP!

 

[dunffvanstorn]

What time is the FS? Is there a link?

 

[silveruskate]

If Usacheva is doing the same LP as Sasha then this is very beneficial for Sasha. She hasn't committed to any choreography yet but she can see Daria's full program already, and also it will motivate her more to express herself!

 

[brakes]

Samodelkina 'won' test skates - liked her short a little more, but 3 axels and everything else is start ready, bravo!
Usacheva much better than yesterday, close to perfect first half of the program, very good lyrical performer, beautiful Inas and last spin.
Khromykh much worse than yesterday, quad was not even close to full rotation, blank face and ugly spins followed.
Muravyova skated so bad, feds started chatting and inspecting rink walls in the end of her program.

Teams' scoring:
Davydov 4+
Buyanova 4-
Tutberidze 3+
Plushenko 2+

 

[nussnacker]

Samodelkina 'won' test skates - liked her short a little more, but 3 axels and everything else is start ready, bravo!
Usacheva much better than yesterday, close to perfect first half of the program, very good lyrical performer, beautiful Inas and last spin.
Khromykh much worse than yesterday, quad was not even close to full rotation, blank face and ugly spins followed.
Muravyova skated so bad, feds started chatting and inspecting rink walls in the end of her program.

Teams' scoring:
Davydov 4+
Buyanova 4-
Tutberidze 3+
Plushenko 2+

I’d also give it to Davydov with Anna’s FS music. An interesting choice.

 

[readernick]

OMG Maya Khromykh is gorgeous!!!!! So much personality on ice this year and her movements are sooooo smooth! Like butter!!!

I didn't notice her last year but she was wonderful in that SP!

I think she is an absolutely lovely skater, too! I also like the music that was chosen for her long program. I think that it will suit her. Obviously, the long program wasn't as well performed as the short and the choreography was as expected, but I think I am becoming even a bigger fan than I was of hers last year. She has such lovely lines and the skating skills are really marvelous.

Osokina was a complete surprise for me here. She is just lovely. Her programs are nicely choreographed and her skating skills and line are impressive.

 

[TripleAxelQueens3]

Daniil's choreography confuses me because he has done some really great programs (Stella's Theme, Light of Seven, Black Swan, Anna Karenina leads the list for me) but recently his choreography has been so meh - there's no creativity nor uniqueness. Maiia's SP is quite nice, a lot of personality and something new, but what about Dasha? She can do more than just dramatic ballads!

 

[Fluture]

I just watched Osokina and aaah, I‘m so happy. I haven‘t had a Russian junior lady I really loved since Aliona moved up but I think I‘ve found her. The FS isn‘t as good as the SP, imo, but there were still some incredible moments. Like those transitions into the 3Lz. They are so smooth and go so well with the music - just love them! Her skating was fast and fluid, just like yesterday. I think she‘ll need to polish the program a bit more to show the same kind of personality she did in the SP but overall, this was quite the showing for her. Now, it‘s just a shame Adelia wasn‘t here - I think her and Osokina will be my new favorites.

Maiia, on the other hand... She’s still as beautiful a skater, her lines and arm movements are still there but this program was... weak. It seemed dull and uninspired and I don‘t know how Maiia‘s supposed to make it work. We saw yesterday that she‘s NOT boring, she can show personality and charisma during her skating. But with a program like this? Fat chance of that happening. Again, this is not the skater‘s fault - she does the choreography she‘s being given. But after seeing Maiia‘s (and Daria‘s) programs, I‘ll repeat what others have said before: TeamTutberidze needs another choreographer, Daniil alone can‘t handle everything and the quality suffers as a result.

(Stella's Theme, Light of Seven, Black Swan, Anna Karenina leads the list for me)

I’d add Tarakanova‘s 2017-18 programs to the list. They were incredible and seemed to fit her so well. She could really show that power and reckless abandonment in her skating that makes it and her so very special.

 

[karina17]

Daniil's choreography confuses me because he has done some really great programs (Stella's Theme, Light of Seven, Black Swan, Anna Karenina leads the list for me) but recently his choreography has been so meh - there's no creativity nor uniqueness. Maiia's SP is quite nice, a lot of personality and something new, but what about Dasha? She can do more than just dramatic ballads!

I feel like ISU restricting backloading really killed Daniil's niche. His best programs were all the backloaded ones.