2023-24 Programs by Discipline

[4everchan]

Malaguena is not entirely slow... There are some slower evocative parts, but depending on what they choose, there are some pretty fast parts... but I agree it's not something I find appropriate for Malinin for various reasons. Regarding Bourne, I actually believe she is a very good option for Ilia. Is there any intel that suggests she chose the piece? Skaters and their coaches can choose music on their own and then give the task to the choreo... so I wouldn't put all the blame on her for that unless she says she chose it personally

 

[TontoK]

My wish for Ilia this season was a different direction in his music choices. I got that.

It might not be what I would have chosen, but at least it's not the directionless droning we've had in too many programs lately.

I'm giving myself a chance to not hate it. On the other hand, if they attempt to "modernize" it with out-of-context voiceovers (I'm side-eying YOU, Bradie Tennell) then all bets are off, and I'll be flying to comps to throw the rotten eggs myself.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I just watched Kaori's new free skate and I simply don't like it much.

Is there a link to it available?

This won't happen this season, but does anyone remember Kailani Craine skating to Gangster's Paradise?

Yes, I remember. Kailani is so beautiful. I wish she'd taken up ice dance. Sigh...

Kailani CRAINE AUS Free Skate 2021 Nebelhorn Trophy Oberstdorf

Kailani CRAINE AUS Free Skate 2021 Nebelhorn Trophy Oberstdorf

youtu.be

The footwork and choreo sequence dance moves are the best part of this performance, along with her costume and her beauty and grace. She appears to have loved competing singles. But I don't want to see Kailani bravely trying to master those jumps. I just wanna see her dancing and moving gorgeously over the ice. Either solo dance, or with a partner! This was a great music selection.

 

[gleungc6]

Is there a link to it available?

Kaori’s FS https://www.another site.com/r/Figu..._app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

My wish for Ilia this season was a different direction in his music choices. I got that.

Ilia's program selections have been so-so, to okay, to 'huh'??

He doesn't yet seem to know what suits him, maybe because he's still immature and growing into himself as a person and an athlete. He needs better guidance/ advice in regard to music, choreo, costuming, and overall packaging. Are he and his parents open to listening though?

 

[el henry]

I’m sorry, I think Malagueña has ShaeLynn written all over it. I suppose there is a (good) chance that Ilia’s parents chose it.

Nothing would please me more than to learn it was Ilia’s lifelong dream to skate to Malagueña and to see passion, commitment to choreo and steps, and feeling for the music.

So if that’s the case, good for Ilia. But I am skeptical.

 

[TontoK]

Ilia's program selections have been so-so, to okay, to 'huh'??

He doesn't yet seem to know what suits him, maybe because he's still immature and growing into himself as a person and an athlete. He needs better guidance/ advice in regard to music, choreo, costuming, and overall packaging. Are he and his parents open to listening though?

It's true he's young and still figuring out his style, but given we know absolutely nothing about his choreography, costuming, overall packaging this season, I think you're being premature in your assessment. He's been vocal that he wants to refine his skating and focus on expressiveness, so I'm giving it a chance. It's his first collaboration with Shae Lynn, so the most we can say is that we don't know how this will shake out.

I also think people have pretty short memories. In particular, his FS last season was the musical equivalent of Charlie Brown's teacher saying "whah whah whah" in a completely dull and emotionless voice. I'll take Malaguena over something similar to that any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[4everchan]

I’m sorry, I think Malagueña has ShaeLynn written all over it. I suppose there is a (good) chance that Ilia’s parents chose it.

Nothing would please me more than to learn it was Ilia’s lifelong dream to skate to Malagueña and to see passion, commitment to choreo and steps, and feeling for the music.

So if that’s the case, good for Ilia. But I am skeptical.

Why do you think Malaguena has SLB written all over it ? I am curious as her work is quite diverse. To me, it's more like a parental imposition LOL

 

[el henry]

Why do you think Malaguena has SLB written all over it ? I am curious as her work is quite diverse. To me, it's more like a parental imposition LOL

You may be right more likely the parents. Let's join forces on that

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Wild is the Wind is a beautiful song, and Nina Simone is a tremendous musician and performer but... IMO, Nina Simone's version just is not suited for figure skating and especially not Kaori's style... Kaori flies across the ice, why give her a slow burn, moody, contemplative blues piece? She could be skating to anything in that first half... and a jarring transition to Feelin Good.

I totally agree with you. Why couldn't Kaori and her team, and Marie-France see that this music just doesn't work on any level for Kaori's powerful, dynamic, freewheeling style? They should go back to the drawing board.

If they want amazing K to skate to Nina Simone, check the badas* lady's legendary songbooks fgs, and come up with something more lively and banging!

They need to be more creative. Below is a link to one of Simone's Greatest Hits albums, which they may have sourced since Wild Is the Wind, and Feeling Good are on this one. But there are better choices here to match with Feeling Good. Maybe Here Comes the Sun might have worked better?

Nina Simone Greatest Hits Full Album - Best Of Nina Simone 2021 - Nina Simone Jazz Songs

Nina Simone Greatest Hits Full Album - Best Of Nina Simone 2021 - Nina Simone Jazz SongsNina Simone Greatest Hits Full Album - Best Of Nina Simone 2021 - Nin...

youtu.be

And,

Mood Indigo (2021 - Stereo Remaster)

Provided to YouTube by BMG Rights Management (UK) LimitedMood Indigo (2021 - Stereo Remaster) · Nina SimoneLittle Girl Blue℗ 2021 BMG Rights Management (US) ...

youtu.be

Mood Indigo, from Little Girl Blue album -- Simone is playing that piano and singing up a storm! Real jazz. I love the opening pure instrumental. With a great cut, I bet Rohene could have done something wonderful to this for Kaori. But then again, I'm not an expert. Check out some of Simone's other stylings on this album.

 

[cheerknithanson]

Ilia's program selections have been so-so, to okay, to 'huh'??

He doesn't yet seem to know what suits him, maybe because he's still immature and growing into himself as a person and an athlete. He needs better guidance/ advice in regard to music, choreo, costuming, and overall packaging. Are he and his parents open to listening though?

And I have a lot of ideas regarding song choices.

 

[el henry]

I know we usually say "use the original" so preparing for some tomatoes here but...

Minor nitpick: "Wild is the Wind" was originated by Johnny Mathis as the theme for a movie of the same name; Nina Simone's version is not the original.

I adore Johnny Mathis, but most of his tunes are not appropriate for skating and "Wild is the Wind" would be one of them.

For me, once she got the hang of it (and I am aware that it took quite a while), Kaori's SP was much more interesting than her FS. I wish she had returned to Rohene, and yes, I'm a Rohene fangirl.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

It's true he's young and still figuring out his style, but given we know absolutely nothing about his choreography, costuming, overall packaging this season, I think you're being premature in your assessment. He's been vocal that he wants to refine his skating and focus on expressiveness, so I'm giving it a chance. It's his first collaboration with Shae Lynn, so the most we can say is that we don't know how this will shake out.

I also think people have pretty short memories. In particular, his FS last season was the musical equivalent of Charlie Brown's teacher saying "whah whah whah" in a completely dull and emotionless voice. I'll take Malaguena over something similar to that any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just as I said in my post that you highlighted @TontoK , Ilia's choices so far, have been a mixed bag. Please note that I am not in disagreement with your take. I fairly much concur. I was not contradicting anything you said. I was just adding my two-cents to the Ilia discussion.

Also, I still say based on previous seasons to date, that Ilia needs better guidance on overall packaging. I am not commenting on his packaging for this season, because I haven't seen anything yet. LOL! That does not preclude me from saying he needs help with packaging, music selection, etc., regarding what we've seen from him so far.

Once again, Ilia is young and it takes time to learn who you are and what best suits you. I think Nathan had a better sense of himself as a young skater, partly because he understood and played music; he was a performer/ ballet dancer, and a gymnast; and his team helped him make good choices as he was developing. He took the time to work on his aesthetics too, even tho' he already had a background in ballet.

As far as Malaguena, my first thought is that it doesn't seem to work for Ilia, so I'm skeptical. However, with Shae-Lynn involved, maybe she can make it interesting for Ilia at this stage of his growth. How it will turn out, remains to be seen.

 

[4everchan]

Ilia is certainly young, but will turn 19 this season. In figure skating, when many retire before their mid-twenties, I hope he grows up artistically and stylistically soon.

 

[Seven Sisters]

You may be right more likely the parents. Let's join forces on that

My first thought was that USFS probably suggested it, as a way for Ilia to stretch himself and grow. That’s not a bad thing—how will he learn if he doesn’t try?

It’s not what I would have picked for him, since to me anything Latin is better suited to those with a more mature, expressive skating style. That said, some young guys do have a feel for these things at an earlier age—Pulkinen, Torgashev, etc, were rocking more mature stuff when they were no older than Ilia.

And, at least it’s not Moulin Rouge. Or Phantom

 

[noskates]

I guess I didn't realize that USFS had input on music choices.....

 

[4everchan]

My first thought was that USFS probably suggested it, as a way for Ilia to stretch himself and grow. That’s not a bad thing—how will he learn if he doesn’t try?

It’s not what I would have picked for him, since to me anything Latin is better suited to those with a more mature, expressive skating style. That said, some young guys do have a feel for these things at an earlier age—Pulkinen, Torgashev, etc, were rocking more mature stuff when they were no older than Ilia.

And, at least it’s not Moulin Rouge. Or Phantom

Sure, give something latin and expressive but flamenco? that's a challenge for most. Give him something with a latin flair but less complex, and let him have fun...

I am sure he would do well with Ricky Martin like the song for the world cup

 

[cheerknithanson]

I don't want to sound mean because I really do like Ilia and his skating a lot...I don't think Latin is the way to go. I feel bad for not liking the choice, but sometimes, you disagree with stuff your favorite athlete, sports team, singer, or band does. And that's the case right now.

 

[el henry]

I don't want to sound mean because I really do like Ilia and his skating a lot...I don't think Latin is the way to go. I feel bad for not liking the choice, but sometimes, you disagree with stuff your favorite athlete, sports team, singer, or band does. And that's the case right now.

You are a long standing and dedicated Ilia fan, you don't ever need to feel "mean" about not liking his choice.

Plenty of Jason's number one supporters were never sold on Simon & Garfunkel, and we weren't being mean. It's early days, we'll see what Ilia does.

 

[4everchan]

HAHA... does anyone think I liked Patrick's Hallelujah???? It's all fine @cheerknithanson