2021-22 Russian Women's Figure Skating

[Lzbee]

After seeing Aliona's SP, I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried. I personally loved both of her Billie Eilish programs and her Twilight (Muse is my jam) but this is just a little too screechy in terms of vocals. I understand this is Aliona's choice and I fully support her skating to music she enjoys but I also think she should be mature enough to take feedback on her choices.

Right now, she doesn't perform it enough to make me forget the screechiness so it means she'll have to be on top of it in competition to make sure the crowd are on her side.

There's a lot of work to do but it's very early in the season so she still has time to "do a Kostornaia" and dazzle at the GP.

 

[Fluture]

Being honest, I don’t see anything dramatically bad about her music. I don’t know why people have such strong reactions to it. It’s a good song, it’s just she’s not performing to it yet. It’s not the same angelic Aliona everyone have gotten used to, but that I guess comes in her FS. It’s okay to have some versatility.

I think the main problem isn‘t that it‘s Beth Hart, or not classical, or Aliona not being "angelic", it‘s that the song is very loud and overpowering. Take Maiia‘s music, for example, which is by the same artist, but overall "easier on the ear". Music in skating is supposed to compliment your skating, whereas with all the screaming Aliona constantly has to fight against it to get the attention of the viewer. It‘s very distracting. It doesn‘t help that there‘s little actual choreography. And Aliona, of course, didn‘t perform much yesterday either. Here‘s the thing: once she sells it, it will be good enough and enjoyable in its own right. But I don‘t think it will ever be a program that elevates her the way an Olympic program should.

I actually like the new direction for her and think the idea, in principle, is good. It‘s just the wrong choice of song coupled with lackluster choreography and (so far) Aliona‘s lacking performance that creates this lackluster experience.

 

[brakes]

Hi everyone! A few questions for you all regarding the test skates:

1. Anna's program - what is the story behind Anna's SP program? I noticed the beginning choreo looks like she's blowing sand. What's the context? What's the cultural undertones of the music? Someone said Asian, but the composer is Russian

Exactly. Olympic program needs a story, some "oomph" to it. These are nice pieces of music, but with no real story, escalation or moment of drama.

 

[karina17]

has a planned layout been released for today yet? or we just don't know?

Group 1:
Daria
Kseniia
Liza (Nugumanova)
Sofia
Maiia

Group 2:
Alyona
Anna
Liza (Tuktamysheva)
Kamila
Sasha

 

[brakes]

Only Sasha's and first half of Anna's program are something special from Daniil this year.

I've always thought critisism of him comes from anti-Russian haters so I never took part in it, but his programs this Olympic year simply do not reach the level of those from 2018.

 

[Minz]

Only Sasha's and first half of Anna's program are something special from Daniil this year.

I've always thought critisism of him comes from anti-Russian haters, but his program this Olympic year simply do not compare to those from 2018 for instance.

In his defense, in 2018 he only had like 4 Olympic programs he need to choreograph, as the rest were for juniors. This year he had to choreograph almost 10 programs, not including juniors.

 

[esteticlove]

So far, only Sasha's both SP and FP seem as a final package. I am glad that they didn't opt for some classical music as in previous seasons. The 5 quads were a bomb.

The second best FP was Maiia's.

That said, I am not convinced by Anna and Kamila. Its a little bit concerning.

 

[Shayuki]

Only Sasha's and first half of Anna's program are something special from Daniil this year.

Yes. Sasha's entire program, and Anna's program's first half were the only programs I enjoyed.

But man is Trusova's good so it partially makes up for it. But just partially. If only Anna's FS could just be the first song all the way through instead of the gaudy changes....


Oh yeah, and I thought Kostornaya's was absolutely awful. Very big music but choreo doesn't match. It's just so bad. Might have been the worst program I saw today. I think she's actually had some good programs over the years but this one's a total miss. Her best programs are still from her junior debut season...

 

[esteticlove]

If only Anna's FS could just be the first song all the way through instead of the gaudy changes....

Totally agree with that one. Sasha is fierce, Anna is good at conveing dark tragedy and Kamila is delicate. That were the packages I was hoping for, but well.. I also dont know if its a good idea to totally change programs now. Not that it brings bad luck..

 

[estla]

OMG. Sasha's FP brought tears to my eyes. After years of under-performance, she finally gives it all. I have nothing but respect, for her determination and fighting spirit.

 

[Seruleane]

Sasha was amazing today, but can she repeat that in competition? 5 quads is incredibly risky, and I recall Sasha's prior mistakes on quads have been more mental than anything else. I hope she overcomes it this year. I do love her programs this year and agree they fit her like a glove.

I agree on Anna's disjointed FS, though she still performs her heart out. She is so talented and artistic, I am not sure what Danil was thinking. Maybe they will change the program like they did her FS from last year.

Aliona's looking good, but program was a bit empty. I suspect she left out some transitions. She skates with such speed, yet the step sequence was slow. I expect that will improve as the season goes on.

Kamila was just off today, and Bolero is just not impressive without the jumps. Hoping she and her team can manage her nerves. I'm sure the pressure is enormous, and today really showed that the older girls (Anna, Sasha, Aliona) have more experience.

 

[silveruskate]

Sasha was fantastic, Anna performed very well too. Aliona, I don't care for Plushenko but maybe the stamina issues are real and there's something there, or just very nervous and tight. Rotating that -3S was still so impressive even if it took the rest of her energy.

Kamila and Maiia definitely have the rotation. I see them perfecting for sure.

 

[Scott512]

Only Sasha's and first half of Anna's program are something special from Daniil this year.

I've always thought critisism of him comes from anti-Russian haters so I never took part in it, but his programs this Olympic year simply do not reach the level of those from 2018.

All the programs are a work in progress the issue is they're doing such difficult technical routines it's hard to be clean so we should not expect them to be clean at test skates.

How can Danil possibly do choreography for six top female talents on the same team? Plus the boys on the team. It's too much for one choreographer. But TT won't have that problem next summer because heading into next years test skates the great coach will probably lose two or three of her top girls.

Did Alina officially retire yet? If not why not. She is never going to compete again. Right? I would like to see her at Nationals one last time for a swan song. As for Zhenya I think she would like to compete again next season if she is physically up to it and I certainly would like to see her have a proper send-off at Nationals or the Moscow GP.

 

[Scott512]

Maia has a real chance for the third spot! KV is their clear #1.

It's hard to believe that with all Anna has done a World Championships three national titles in a row but she's not a lock for the Olympics. It's because of the stupid rules from the ISU that this is happening.

 

[yume]

In his defense, in 2018 he only had like 4 Olympic programs he need to choreograph, as the rest were for juniors. This year he had to choreograph almost 10 programs, not including juniors.

I wonder if it's the money that prevent them to hire another choreographers or something else.

 

[spicymacaron]

Even though she was quite diplomatic about it, I get the feeling that Anna was definitely not happy about Eteri taking back Sasha and Aliona.

 

[moonkat]

anna will figure something out when she becomes 4-time Russian Champ
for Sasha at the Olympics

 

[bouncy]

I wonder if it's the money that prevent them to hire another choreographers or something else.

I personally think it's loyalty that matters most to Eteri.

 

[LiamV426]

Didn’t bother commenting on the SPs yesterday because honestly… nobody did it for me. But was able to watch the FS live so here’s my thoughts (excluding Kseniia, Liza N and Sofia 'cause I don't really have anything to say)…

Daria - Her music feels Olympic appropriate at least. Nessun Dorma is a warhorse for sure but it’s one I’ve always liked. She is definitely capable of performing it well. Shame the jumps weren’t there in the second half but I heard she was injured recently so hope she makes a full recovery!

Maia - Omg it's Shoma's music lol! The second half just makes me uncomfortable, like just *why* did they choose El Tango De Roxanne (and that awful cover to boot!), not only is it way overdone but watching a 15 year old skate to music with lyrics like “You don’t have to sell your body to the night” is just gross. Not enjoyable to watch at all. Sorry if I sound prudish but the line has to be drawn somewhere imo.

Aliona - Forever my fave. Unfortunately, I officially dislike both music choices for her. Why did it have to be Four Seasons?? So uninspired, would've happily settled for another Romeo & Juliet or Swan Lake at this point. Jumping-wise this felt like a big win for her, she needed a cleanish program to get the confidence up. Performance-wise there was none today tbh but that's okay, the focus was on the jumps. Hopefully as the season progresses we'll see more choreo and transitions added. And of course a couple of 3As. Honestly more than anything I'd love for her to pull a Zhenya and get a new FS for the Olympics lol, one can only dream.

Anna - First half of the music was lovely even if it feels a little “been there, done that” for her, the second half’s awkward music cuts aren’t Alina’s POTO level bad but still not great. As reigning World Champion, she deserves better. Still, she manages to overcome the music by just being naturally lovely to watch.

Liza T - Oh god anything but the Egyptian arms! Please!! So cringe. This was a struggle to watch, just cause without the jumps I don’t find Liza all that engaging. She at least always gives face and I love that! Just needs to get the jumps together.

Kamila - I still hate Bolero and the program does nothing for her, doesn’t highlight her best qualities at all imo. The jumps weren't there today but it's only test skates, she has time to work out the kinks. I still believe she'll be Olympic champion, just not one I care about.

Sasha - BADASS!!!!! She’s never been my favourite skater but she’s one I can’t help but root for, I had literal *goosebumps* after that 5th quad! The program is perfect for her, she’s never going to be the most artistic performer but if she delivered this content on Olympic ice it would be a legendary performance (not to mention seriously tough for anyone to beat). She even got Eteri to smile, well done!

From a musical perspective Zhenya and Alina definitely had better choices for 2018. Really curious to see if any of the girls will change their programs.

 

[Skatesocs]

I wonder if it's the money that prevent them to hire another choreographers or something else.

Maybe they have kompromat on her