2024-25 Russian Challenge

[AlexBreeze]

2025 Russian Challenge

Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg

Saturday, 22 March 2025

Current local time in Saint Petersburg, Russia (UTC+3)
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/russia/saint-petersburg​

• Participant List
• Live Streams
  • 1tv 1tv.ru/skate
  • Rutube https://rutube.ru/metainfo/tv/562165/
  • VLC media player link https://1tv-live-gcore.servicecdn.ru/dash-live3/streams/sport-1/sport-1.mpd
    
    How to watch Russian events

    There is no official Youtube stream anymore. So far there are several ways to watch the official broadcast:
    1) Official way: Channel One website. The website is geoblocked in some countries by local providers. You can use Dutch VPN if you are from Europe, or Canadian VPN if you are from the USA to avoid the block.
    2) Official way: RUTUBE. Geoblocked outside of Russia, requires a VPN service.
    2) Unofficial way: Channel One's technical channel. You just need to open this link https://1tv-live-gcore.servicecdn.ru/dash-live3/streams/sport-1/sport-1.mpd via VLC media player or any similar app such as KMplayer. VPN services are not needed for this. This option is preferable because the broadcast quality will be better.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Regulations
Brand new rules rules highlighted in red.

Date: 22 March 2025
Venue: Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg

1. Schedule
Date of arrival: 20 March 2024.
Draw: 20 March 2024
Rehearsals: 21 March 2024
Dress rehearsal: 22 March 2024, 10.00-13.00

2. Eligibility rules

• Born in 2008 (any month) or older;
• Competing in any discipline (singles, pairs, ice dance);
• Current athletes or last took part in an official competition no later than 2015/16;
• Showing skills that are expected from elite athletes;
• Submitted a written application no later than 21 January.

Pre-selection is done by The Figure Skating Federation of Russia and Channel One on the basis of a participant's written application based on the originality of the proposed idea of the perfomance and possibility of implementing the idea.

Applications from athletes competing in single skating and wishing to compete in a pair or as a team of several participants may be considered by the organisers. At the same time, athletes must prove that the proposed pair or team program will maintain the level of skill expected from elite athletes and will be brighter than the participation of each of them individually.

The winner of the 2024 competition, as well as other skaters, may be invited by the organisers to perform outside of the competition.

3. The list of participants
The list of participants will be published no later than 21.02.2024.

The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the list, including replacing a participant or reducing the number of participants, in the following cases:
1. Discrepancy of a participant's actual program with the submitted application;
2. Not meeting the level expect from an elite athlete.
3. Failure to comply with the rules for participation, including violations of requirements for confidentiality;
4. Breach of the contract that is concluded with each participant;
5. For medical reasons.

The replacement of a participant can be made from any figure skating discipline (women's singles, men's singles, pairs / ice dance couples).

4. Participant programs requirements
Each of the participants will have to perform an original exhibiton created especially for this competition and not performed/announced in any way earlier:
1. Duration of the exhibition: from 2,5 to 3 minutes (additional time is to be agreed with the organisers);
2. Obligatory technical elements: none
3. Musical restrictions: none;
4. Restrictions for the use of props/costumes: none;
5. Artistic light will be provided by the organiser;
6. Special effects / projections etc.: in agreement with the organisers.

The exhibition must contribute to create a festive atmosphere, evoke positive emotions in the audience, surprise with skill and cheer up. There are no creative, technical or musical limitations. The only criterion is to bring joy to people.

5. Draw
The draw is held within each discipline.

6. Judging
The title of the champion of the Russian Challenge 2025 will be awarded to the participant who got the most points according to the following formula:
1. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of judges from the field of performing arts.
2. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of figure skating related specialists.
3. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of audience (1 ticket = 1 vote).

The names of the jury members will be disclosed at the start of the competition.

Each jury member or a viewer gives points for two figure skating components* according to the figure skating rules for the current season on a ten-point scale using 0.25 steps according to the following scale:

10	Outstanding
9.00-9.75	Excellent
8.00-8.75	Very good
7.00-7.75	Good
6.00-6.75	Above average
5.00-5.75	Average
4.00-4.75	Fair
3.00-3.75	Weak
2.00-2.75	Poor
1.00-1.75	Very poor
0.00-0.75	Extremely poor

* Components that the organisers considered to reflect the objectives of the competition and the requirements for participants as much as possible:

Composition: the intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of the repertoire of all types of movements into a meaningful whole according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, and musical structure. In evaluating the Composition, the following must be considered:

• Unity;
• Connections between and within elements;
• Pattern and ice coverage;
• Multidimensional movements and use of space;
• Choreography reflecting musical phrase and form.

Presentation: the demonstration of engagement, commitment and involvement based on an understanding of the music and composition. In evaluating the Presentation, the following must be considered:

• Expressiveness and projection;
• Variety and contrast of energy and of movements;
• Musical sensitivity and timing;
• Unison, oneness and awareness of space (Pair Skating, Ice Dance).

Special Prizes:

• Jury Special Prize (figure skating);
• Jury Special Prize (performing arts);
• Audience Award.

In a case of a tie between first two participants, both participants are declared winners of the competition. The prize money (the sum of the 1st and 2nd place prize money) is split equally between these participants. Participant with next highest score takes third place and receives prize money for third place. The same principle applies when points are tied between participants for 2nd and/or 3rd place, or when more than two participants have equal points.

In case a participant is unable to finish their performance (e.g. broken equipment or injury) the performance is not scored.

7. Prize pool
Champion of the event
1 - 5 000 000 RUB
2 - 2 500 000 RUB
3 - 1 000 000 RUB

Special prizes
1 - 1 500 000 RUB
2 - 750 000 RUB
3 - 500 000 RUB

8. Other
Each invited participant will be paid a fee which can be used for choreographing, costumes and/or props, as well as covering other expenses related to participation in the event.

Accommodation (if necessary), meals and transportation from the place of residence to the venue of the competition (if necessary) are provided by the organisers.

 

[Mathematician]

• Current athletes or last took part in an official competition no later than 2015/16;
• Showing skills that are expected from elite athletes;

Perfect.

The exhibition must contribute to create a festive atmosphere, evoke positive emotions in the audience, surprise with skill and cheer up. There are no creative, technical or musical limitations. The only criterion is to bring joy to people.

Interesting... I checked the original Russian and its hard to tell exactly what they mean. Does this mean no serious/solemn programs? Since those dont bring "joy". Is the official theme announced? The Russian word can simply mean enjoyment and happiness in the experience, which could arise from solemn programs. "Kind and positive emotions"... again its ambiguous. Same with "celebratory" atmosphere; a celebration can be going to an Opera or Symphony with of a solemn theme (I guess? maybe not...?). I really hope this doesnt correlate to the official theme being only prosaic dancy programs... I dont think I'd even watch if I had to sit through more onerously lifeless Russian folk dances on ice. Every ID couple would literally have the exact same program I guarantee it... Who even enjoys those? Honestly.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Is the official theme announced?

"Good mood"

In the past two seasons, many people complained that there were too many dramatic programs.

I dont think I'd even watch if I had to sit through more onerously lifeless Russian folk dances on ice.

I doubt it. Last leason's theme was a perfect fit for that and there was only one such program.

 

[Mathematician]

"Good mood"

In the past two seasons, many people complained that there were too many dramatic programs.

I suppose I can imagine seriously triumphant and victorious programs passing with "good mood". Also romantic programs should pass. I wont condemn the organizers yet until we see the result. I think we should get some good pieces of art of they play things right. I cant imagine they will be too strict and force skaters like Akateva into happy-go-lucky dance performances. Imagine!

But thats hilarious people were complaining about dramatics! For a show event! Those people can go watch RD instead, or spongebob for that matter maybe its more relatable to them.

 

[lariko]

Regulations
Brand new rules rules highlighted in red.

Date: 22 March 2025
Venue: Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg

1. Schedule
Date of arrival: 20 March 2024.
Draw: 20 March 2024
Rehearsals: 21 March 2024
Dress rehearsal: 22 March 2024, 10.00-13.00

2. Eligibility rules

• Born in 2008 (any month) or older;
• Competing in any discipline (singles, pairs, ice dance);
• Current athletes or last took part in an official competition no later than 2015/16;
• Showing skills that are expected from elite athletes;
• Submitted a written application no later than 21 January.

Pre-selection is done by The Figure Skating Federation of Russia and Channel One on the basis of a participant's written application based on the originality of the proposed idea of the perfomance and possibility of implementing the idea.

Applications from athletes competing in single skating and wishing to compete in a pair or as a team of several participants may be considered by the organisers. At the same time, athletes must prove that the proposed pair or team program will maintain the level of skill expected from elite athletes and will be brighter than the participation of each of them individually.

The winner of the 2024 competition, as well as other skaters, may be invited by the organisers to perform outside of the competition.

3. The list of participants
The list of participants will be published no later than 21.02.2024.

The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the list, including replacing a participant or reducing the number of participants, in the following cases:
1. Discrepancy of a participant's actual program with the submitted application;
2. Not meeting the level expect from an elite athlete.
3. Failure to comply with the rules for participation, including violations of requirements for confidentiality;
4. Breach of the contract that is concluded with each participant;
5. For medical reasons.

The replacement of a participant can be made from any figure skating discipline (women's singles, men's singles, pairs / ice dance couples).

4. Participant programs requirements
Each of the participants will have to perform an original exhibiton created especially for this competition and not performed/announced in any way earlier:
1. Duration of the exhibition: from 2,5 to 3 minutes (additional time is to be agreed with the organisers);
2. Obligatory technical elements: none
3. Musical restrictions: none;
4. Restrictions for the use of props/costumes: none;
5. Artistic light will be provided by the organiser;
6. Special effects / projections etc.: in agreement with the organisers.

The exhibition must contribute to create a festive atmosphere, evoke positive emotions in the audience, surprise with skill and cheer up. There are no creative, technical or musical limitations. The only criterion is to bring joy to people.

5. Draw
The draw is held within each discipline.

6. Judging
The title of the champion of the Russian Challenge 2025 will be awarded to the participant who got the most points according to the following formula:
1. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of judges from the field of performing arts.
2. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of figure skating related specialists.
3. 1/3 of the score is based on the average score of audience (1 ticket = 1 vote).

The names of the jury members will be disclosed at the start of the competition.

Each jury member or a viewer gives points for two figure skating components* according to the figure skating rules for the current season on a ten-point scale using 0.25 steps according to the following scale:

10	Outstanding
9.00-9.75	Excellent
8.00-8.75	Very good
7.00-7.75	Good
6.00-6.75	Above average
5.00-5.75	Average
4.00-4.75	Fair
3.00-3.75	Weak
2.00-2.75	Poor
1.00-1.75	Very poor
0.00-0.75	Extremely poor

* Components that the organisers considered to reflect the objectives of the competition and the requirements for participants as much as possible:

Composition: the intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of the repertoire of all types of movements into a meaningful whole according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, and musical structure. In evaluating the Composition, the following must be considered:

• Unity;
• Connections between and within elements;
• Pattern and ice coverage;
• Multidimensional movements and use of space;
• Choreography reflecting musical phrase and form.

Presentation: the demonstration of engagement, commitment and involvement based on an understanding of the music and composition. In evaluating the Presentation, the following must be considered:

• Expressiveness and projection;
• Variety and contrast of energy and of movements;
• Musical sensitivity and timing;
• Unison, oneness and awareness of space (Pair Skating, Ice Dance).

Special Prizes:

• Jury Special Prize (figure skating);
• Jury Special Prize (performing arts);
• Audience Award.

In a case of a tie between first two participants, both participants are declared winners of the competition. The prize money (the sum of the 1st and 2nd place prize money) is split equally between these participants. Participant with next highest score takes third place and receives prize money for third place. The same principle applies when points are tied between participants for 2nd and/or 3rd place, or when more than two participants have equal points.

In case a participant is unable to finish their performance (e.g. broken equipment or injury) the performance is not scored.

7. Prize pool
Champion of the event
1 - 5 000 000 RUB
2 - 2 500 000 RUB
3 - 1 000 000 RUB

Special prizes
1 - 1 500 000 RUB
2 - 750 000 RUB
3 - 500 000 RUB

8. Other
Each invited participant will be paid a fee which can be used for choreographing, costumes and/or props, as well as covering other expenses related to participation in the event.

Accommodation (if necessary), meals and transportation from the place of residence to the venue of the competition (if necessary) are provided by the organisers.

So, no Yagudin this year? I am happy to hear that.

 

[AlexBreeze]

So, no Yagudin this year? I am happy to hear that.

He won't be a competitor but potentially he will have another role: commentator, host, judge, skating outside of the competition.

 

[lariko]

He won't be a competitor but potentially he will have another role: commentator, host, judge, skating outside of the competition.

As long as he is not competing, it's good enough for me.

 

[Skating91]

So, no Yagudin this year? I am happy to hear that.

Thank God...

Well done to the Russian fed they are trying new things. They are tweaking a concept still in its infancy, got it a little wrong last year, scoring seems like it will make more sense.