My thoughts after rewatching yesterday's free skates:
DARIA: The program is generic and fine and that's about it. I normally don't mind Nessun Dorma but sadly Daniil chose the most dull version of it for Daria. She was lovely as always and she does well with the material she's given, but I just think she's capable of more.
KSENIIA: This performance made me wonder if she's ever skated this program completely clean in training, because right now it doesn't seem like she has the stamina to do so. There's still over a month until Skate America, so she does have time, but it is worrying. The program isn't anything special for me either, especially compared to her short. I really liked the spin where she spun in both directions though, that was a cool addition!
LIZA N: As I've always said, I love her and her skating, but this program feels very juvenile to me. I feel like this music should be for a 13 year old making their junior debut, not a 19 year old who's been a senior for years. She does seem to enjoy it though, which I always like to see. RIP to basically all of her jumps though.
SOFIA: I actually liked this program and I think it could be a really good vehicle for her. The new version of Mulan really does have a nice soundtrack/score. She lit up more when the Christina Aguilera song came in, now she just needs that energy for the rest of it! Jumps are still a major issue though.
MAIIA: Okay, I love this program. Honestly, I think Maiia has one of the strongest sets of programs from Team Tutberidze this year. She does tango very very well and the program is so nicely choreographed! My only complaint is that I hate this version of El Tango de Roxanne and I wish they'd used the original, but oh well.
ALENA: I actually really like The Four Seasons as music, but the program is just so empty. I hope she'll be able to work with Daniil and add more choreography before her first competition. She does seem to be in much better shape than she was at this time last year, so I'm cautiously optimistic for her this season. And it was so great to see her finally land the 3A again, even if it was underrotated!
ANNA: Another one of my favorites from yesterday, she has a very strong set of programs this year as well! This free skate is a very interesting combination of songs, but somehow it works? And I really like it! I loved the Master and Margarita section, she really came alive and performed there. And just like with her short, I'm really interested to see what her dress will look like!
LIZA T: Another classic Liza program. It was fine, but nothing we haven't seen before, especially from her. I do think it'll be a crowd pleaser if and when she skates it clean, and she obviously enjoys performing it.
KAMILA: This program did grow on me a lot over the course of last season, and I really love it now. She does a great job with it, and I love when she really starts performing in the step sequence. The 3-quad layout isn't quite there yet, but that 3A was a beauty! Can't wait to see her on the Grand Prix.
SASHA: Well, I think it's safe to say the Quad Queen is back! Those jumps were just incredible. The program itself is pretty empty, but my god, if she can do this in competition she will not be beaten this season. I think this program will be a really good vehicle for her!
It's going to be a very exciting season, that's for sure!
.. I love her. Not sure how much Eteri can reign her in. We shall see. I think this young women is on her own trajectory and I'm all for it. She is determined to do those 5 quads. She is high risk , all or nothing. Not saying it's right strategy for gold,but you know what you got to stay true to yourself in this life. I admire her for that. Yes Aliona has always been more tentative. Really love both these skaters. Await the season with baited breath.
