Alena Kostornaia | Page 127 | Golden Skate

Alena Kostornaia

I’m so glad we are getting all these clips of Alena in the off season! And the 2nd half of the Japanese program will air on August 10 so that’s another thing to look forward too.

Also, a fan account posted on Instagram photos of Alena getting interviewed at stables - so maybe we will get to learn more about Alena’s passion for horses. Not sure when/if it will be shown on tv or online, but it looks like they were filming.
 
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
 
SkateSkates said:
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
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Wondrous skating skills! Combined with wonderful Artistry and innate musicality I was won over right away. Alena is a rare figure skater in today's world. I'm hoping she can fulfill her vast potential as a senior. She also seems like such a likeable young lady witch makes her even more appealing.
 
SkateSkates said:
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
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I think she’s special on so many levels, there’s some innate gracefulness, elegance and sophistication that is hard to put into words sometimes. And on top of that she’s a supermodel material.
I really can’t judge anything for any of the Alina, Anna, Alyona, Sasha and Lilbet, I love them all.
I think they’re different and unique, and I wouldn’t be able to mark them objectively, I’d give #1 place to all of them.
But Alyona still stands out from a lot of skaters to me, a lot of skaters in the history of skating.
She has something to pull you in and marvel at the beauty of her movements.
She’s a joy to watch and she’s so talented.
I think she’s amazingly artistic and musical and has incredible SS, but I don’t like engaging in comparisons between those girls, love them all too much to be objective :)
 
SkateSkates said:
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of technical part of the sport and what caught my attention was that almost every element she did could be considered textbook. I loved the effortlessness of her jumps, speed of her spins and elegance of step and choreo sequences.

Her artistry is insanely impressive. I don't know why people would say that anything is rehearsed. All transitions, despite the big number of them, look refined and light. She doesn't have many facial expressions, but I prefer her subtle changes in face and body movements over all over the top dramatic ones. Even at the age of 14 it seemed that she understood what she was skating to and did every move with full awareness of music and theme.

All in all, I believe Aliona is what comes closest to the definition of a 'textbook' skater. Hope she shows her best qualities and technical consistency in the upcoming season and enjoys her first senior competitions.
 
SkateSkates said:
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
Click to expand...

Her skating skills, her incredible musicality, the quality of everything she does on the ice - whether it be jumps, spins, steps or transitions. Nothing is rushed, she lets each moment breathe (well, as best as she possibly can with the programs she's being given) Also, when I saw her live in Linz and she took the warm-up for the first time. She made it look as if everyone else was walking on the ice, while she was the only one skating. Exaggerated, of course but the difference there was so obvious it blew my mind. I like that she's subtle in her interpretation and mostly relies on her body to express the notes of the music. So many skating commentators have talked about her musicality, there must be some truth to that. :)

The thing about Aliona is that, at first glance, there's really nothing you can criticize, she seems like the full package. If I had to find something, it would be that she's not as expressive in her facial expressions like others and sometimes, when she's focused on her technical elements, her face shows it. But the thing is, no matter how concentrated she is on other stuff, her body knows and feels the music almost innately. And this is a great strength and more important than any facial expressions could ever be. I like her style, I love the way she skates. I like that she actually puts importance on finishing every move and listening to the music. I forgot about her eyes but I agree. When she's into a performance, we can immediately see it in her eyes. She did have intensity in her SP 2017-18. She was more intense in the second half of her SP this year. So, I think she can improve some more but she is not even a senior yet and look at the way she skates! When was there a skater who came fresh from juniors with skating as refined as hers? I don't think she is the PERFECT skater yet. She can still improve, imagine how she will skate like in a few years time with a bit more experience and maturity! But she was certainly the most well-rounded skater in juniors and will be one of the best in this aspect when she turns senior as well.
 
ruga said:
Also, I'd not be so sure about Aliona being held below Zagitova and Medvedeva. They haven't been very consistent last season and RusFed has shown that they care more about current situation than previous achievements.
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RusFed? Maybe that's why Medvedeva was sent to the Worlds instead of Tuktamysheva:)
 
adaj said:
RusFed? Maybe that's why Medvedeva was sent to the Worlds instead of Tuktamysheva:)
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Yep, but they didn't send her to Worlds based on her Nationals result or GP scores. After Konstantinova's failure to deliver at Euros there was a spare spot. It could have been taken by Tuktamysheva, but she didn't show her best performance, so Medvedeva was taken into consideration and had to participate in a domestic competition which she won (at least according to the judges - my opinion was a bit different).

That was a big OT here oof
 
Have those kind of fears, about the trend of quads, how her team work and what can drive the RusFed's choices, is clearly understandable.

Still, i hoping to see her PCS and GoEs rise to the top as soon as possible. Let's be positive :thumbsup:
 
SkateSkates said:
Alena fans out there - I want to know what makes you love Alena’s skating? Or what drew you in to her initially?

For me it’s her combination of powerful jumps, fast spins with good positions, strong skating skills/edge work, and unique performance quality using her whole body in addition to her face and eyes, which are extremely expressive IMO. Basically, she is the full package for me. (Prior to Alena my favorite was Mao, and Sasha Cohen before that for context on what I value in skating)

There is some discussion going on in the Russian ladies thread about her performance/interpretation and I already posted my opinion in there, but it seems like every few months the same criticisms come out about Alena - mechanical, not musical, too perfect/rehearsed. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched all her performances multiple times as a super fan, but I notice slight differences in her delivery and performance at each competition. I’ve even seen some claims on twitter that people only like her skating because of her physical beauty, which I find incredibly insulting to her skills on the ice.
Click to expand...

the lightness and airiness of her skating and how she gains speed with very little effort. her skating skills are ethereal to me and the way she carries herself is the best in the world IMO. she blows everyone out of the water on the second mark. she quite literally skates like an angel.
 
In case you missed it, the full video of the Japanese variety show can be viewed here:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7enwc5

I totally loved watching this, and I can't wait for the next episode! It was so great to see the 4A's having fun together, and Aliona in particular seemed to be having a blast! :biggrin:

As for Aliona's artistry, let me translate what Junko Yaginuma said about the little routine she choreographed (around 9:55):
"This skater, Kostornaia--I thought this while watching her in competition too, but she is very good at listening to the music and embodying its image. She matches the timbre of the piano, and these small/fine movements that seem like she's carving out the notes--they're wonderful. Using the characteristics of the rhythm, she dances."

Yaginuma-san was probably being a little generous with her commentary because this was a variety show, not a real competition, but she sounded very impressed with Aliona! :agree:

And I agree with this--I can almost feel the music running through Aliona's body when she skates. :yes:

A few other tidbits from the video:
1) Around 6:55 when they're introducing Aliona, they say something like "Her skating, of course, as well as her beauty, have attracted a lot of attention." :laugh: (But very true!)
2) Around 38:30 it says that the skater Aliona looks up to is Shoma Uno, and that whenever they meet, she pesters him for photos together. :luv17: But why did Aliona not post any from when they were at Novogorsk?! :unsure:
3) After the 2x2 race with Anna, Aliona was very upset and wanted a do-over. She wasn't able to handle the curve (turn) well.

If there's anything else you want translated, let me know! ;)
 
Batsuchan said:
In case you missed it, the full video of the Japanese variety show can be viewed here:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7enwc5

I totally loved watching this, and I can't wait for the next episode! It was so great to see the 4A's having fun together, and Aliona in particular seemed to be having a blast! :biggrin:

As for Aliona's artistry, let me translate what Junko Yaginuma said about the little routine she choreographed (around 9:55):
"This skater, Kostornaia--I thought this while watching her in competition too, but she is very good at listening to the music and embodying its image. She matches the timbre of the piano, and these small/fine movements that seem like she's carving out the notes--they're wonderful. Using the characteristics of the rhythm, she dances."

Yaginuma-san was probably being a little generous with her commentary because this was a variety show, not a real competition, but she sounded very impressed with Aliona! :agree:

And I agree with this--I can almost feel the music running through Aliona's body when she skates. :yes:

A few other tidbits from the video:
1) Around 6:55 when they're introducing Aliona, they say something like "Her skating, of course, as well as her beauty, have attracted a lot of attention." :laugh: (But very true!)
2) Around 38:30 it says that the skater Aliona looks up to is Shoma Uno, and that whenever they meet, she pesters him for photos together. :luv17: But why did Aliona not post any from when they were at Novogorsk?! :unsure:
3) After the 2x2 race with Anna, Aliona was very upset and wanted a do-over. She wasn't able to handle the curve (turn) well.

If there's anything else you want translated, let me know! ;)
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the translation!

I can’t wait for the 2nd part to air next weekend!!
 
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