- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
Re: R/H..Very nice article..Gigi..Hmmmm... " Gigi" and "The Night They Invented Champagne ?"
That could be fun.
That could be fun.
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All Things Ice Dance: Canadian
- Thread starter colleen o'neill
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2006
Re: R/H..Very nice article..Gigi..Hmmmm... " Gigi" and "The Night They Invented Champagne ?"
I LOVE IT! Gigi is so unused. I think the last time it was used was in the 80's, when Liz Manley used it.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
Dragonlady ..to reply to your earlier post... I doubt whether Macleod has a say in who W/L accept as students..Besides, they have their own website where I'm sure intitial contact could be made. But I do think 8 Rinks website leaves much to be desired.
I too have enormous respect for Paul McIntosh and have said so on the boards..However I was just discussing LPIDC and W& L and their students..and then by extension, mentioned the other noticeably new school of D/L.
But OK , by your own criteria , if all that counts is SR. level medals and championships , that diminishes his record .. and wipes out W&L's. But if you want to go tho their website and check out their skaters, you'll find a long list of podium and first place finishes for their teams particularly for the skaters that started with them from the first.( notably Edwards and Pang and Bruser and Lum.)
I too have enormous respect for Paul McIntosh and have said so on the boards..However I was just discussing LPIDC and W& L and their students..and then by extension, mentioned the other noticeably new school of D/L.
But OK , by your own criteria , if all that counts is SR. level medals and championships , that diminishes his record .. and wipes out W&L's. But if you want to go tho their website and check out their skaters, you'll find a long list of podium and first place finishes for their teams particularly for the skaters that started with them from the first.( notably Edwards and Pang and Bruser and Lum.)
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2003
There are development coaches and there are finishing level coaches. Igor and Guiseppe don't train kids. McIntosh is a development coach who works with young skaters but he really hasn't had much success with his mature teams. He was also Michael Coreno's first coach. He gives skaters beautiful feet and excellent partnering skills which sets them up well for their future.
I was happy to see D&L come back to Canada to coach too but until they've got some senior level teams on the circuit, we have no idea how successful they'll be as coaches.
I was happy to see D&L come back to Canada to coach too but until they've got some senior level teams on the circuit, we have no idea how successful they'll be as coaches.
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2010
W/L have been doing great work in BC. I'm really thrilled that they have developed a school in BC, and young kids in Western Canada have some real options instead of having to leave home at a young age for the East. From what I know, they run a disciplined, well structured program, and they truly care about all their kids. When you see them at competition, the kids support each other. There's a lovely moment last year where Madeline is seen giving Noa (I think it was Noa) a big hug at Nationals after skating in the KissNCry. They compete hard, but also have a great team environment. W/L bring some great qualities to run a program: masters degrees in Kinesiology and Sports Psychology, and many, many years of international competition.
Is the school perfect? Nope. I really thought almost all their teams had empty, repetitive choreography last year (how many times can the girl twizzle in the same program?), and most programs looked like a big speed skating contest. The kids are young, and are missing the basics of skating - edges, line, finishing. It's my biggest concern about O/W. A Western program is perfect for him since it likely would not call for the subtleties of dancing, with which he seems to struggle. It remains to be seen how they do in the SGP. I fear they will be far behind the other top teams, despite the LPIDC results. I think Edwards/Pang have the biggest promise for longterm success. She is old enough to be mostly finished growing, and from the pictures, I think he has grown a little? They tried something more classical last year and out of the scope of the other programs from BC that all tend to be show related or pop music. They showed some diversity. The other teams are extremely talented, but I'm very worried they will not be able to stay together over the long term. Wasn't Noa Bruser 13 years old last year? She looks like she is going to have beautiful LONG lines when she is done growing. My fear with these teams is they will end up with the Harvey/Gagnon problem - as she became a beautiful woman, she was no longer the right size for him. He should have had a little French partner a few years ago, and she should have found a taller, broader partner. By the time this becomes clear, it's really hard to break up a long-term team. BTW.... Really eager to see what Gagnon is going to bring to the W/L school. Perhaps we will see some real growth into more mature choreography and presentation, some real DANCING.
The reality is that no school in Canada currently has a corner on the market on success. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, includng the Lane school. (Sorry, my eyes are still burning with Kuzmich's costume.) Skate Canada needs to figure out how to help all these schools work together for the betterment of all the teams, and maximum future success. There is no point in piling all teams in the same school. A lot can be learned in their home rinks, with just some extra help from time to time with other coaches who have strengths that are needed at that point in the skaters' development.
Which brings me to Dragonlady's comment about development vs finishing coaches.... Just a thought... I read in an article last year that Zueva was despairing over a lack of teams to develop from the ground up. All her teams are Senior. I also agree that the difference between V/M and D/W has a lot to do with the development by Paul MacIntosh. Andrew Poje moves so beautifully. Maybe if Zueva is looking for a coaching partner to help with the technical aspects, and future teams to help develop, perhaps she need only look down the 401 to KW.
Is the school perfect? Nope. I really thought almost all their teams had empty, repetitive choreography last year (how many times can the girl twizzle in the same program?), and most programs looked like a big speed skating contest. The kids are young, and are missing the basics of skating - edges, line, finishing. It's my biggest concern about O/W. A Western program is perfect for him since it likely would not call for the subtleties of dancing, with which he seems to struggle. It remains to be seen how they do in the SGP. I fear they will be far behind the other top teams, despite the LPIDC results. I think Edwards/Pang have the biggest promise for longterm success. She is old enough to be mostly finished growing, and from the pictures, I think he has grown a little? They tried something more classical last year and out of the scope of the other programs from BC that all tend to be show related or pop music. They showed some diversity. The other teams are extremely talented, but I'm very worried they will not be able to stay together over the long term. Wasn't Noa Bruser 13 years old last year? She looks like she is going to have beautiful LONG lines when she is done growing. My fear with these teams is they will end up with the Harvey/Gagnon problem - as she became a beautiful woman, she was no longer the right size for him. He should have had a little French partner a few years ago, and she should have found a taller, broader partner. By the time this becomes clear, it's really hard to break up a long-term team. BTW.... Really eager to see what Gagnon is going to bring to the W/L school. Perhaps we will see some real growth into more mature choreography and presentation, some real DANCING.
The reality is that no school in Canada currently has a corner on the market on success. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, includng the Lane school. (Sorry, my eyes are still burning with Kuzmich's costume.) Skate Canada needs to figure out how to help all these schools work together for the betterment of all the teams, and maximum future success. There is no point in piling all teams in the same school. A lot can be learned in their home rinks, with just some extra help from time to time with other coaches who have strengths that are needed at that point in the skaters' development.
Which brings me to Dragonlady's comment about development vs finishing coaches.... Just a thought... I read in an article last year that Zueva was despairing over a lack of teams to develop from the ground up. All her teams are Senior. I also agree that the difference between V/M and D/W has a lot to do with the development by Paul MacIntosh. Andrew Poje moves so beautifully. Maybe if Zueva is looking for a coaching partner to help with the technical aspects, and future teams to help develop, perhaps she need only look down the 401 to KW.
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2003
That thought hadn't occurred to me, but what a great idea!
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
Ah, goody ! ...some more reports are up on icedance.com about LPIDC .I think we can deduce from their program notes for P/I that they are indeed using Jelly Roll Morton's "The Crave" in the selections from The Legend of 1900 in their FD ( Their report calls it Ragtime ?..It isn't , really, but it is syncopated ). I was hoping they would !
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
http://www.ice-dance.com/news/general-articles-announcements/1376-growth-is-the-goal-for-ralph-hill
Ice-dance.com has an interview with Ralph & Hill.
Ice-dance.com has an interview with Ralph & Hill.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2012
Per a tweet from PJ Kwong, she will attend tonight when Gilles/Poirier and Ralph/Hill skate in the Scarboro show.
Pj Kwong @skatingpj
Pj Kwong @skatingpj
At 7pm Scarb icedance Elite takes ice for annual show - Thornhill CC - tix at door 
featuring Gilles/Poirier n Ralph/Hill - c u there! Pj
11:41 AM - 31 Jul 12
featuring Gilles/Poirier n Ralph/Hill - c u there! Pj11:41 AM - 31 Jul 12
Ralph and Hill FD ist o Barcelona - It is not fully completed so they skated two sections. It looks like it may develop well but hard to say. They are so much improved from two years ago and have a lovely connection now.
I loved their SD to Gigi/Can Can. Its early in the season so they do have some time to get where they want it to be.
Paul & Piper to May Poppins - I didnt care for this. I think it brings out the difference in quality between the two of themm. I love her energy but she still has a long way to go .
Paul & Piper free dance to Wild Spirits was interesting but I think it once again relied on the tricks rather than the dance elements. She is very athletic and agile so excels in these aspects.
I loved their SD to Gigi/Can Can. Its early in the season so they do have some time to get where they want it to be.
Paul & Piper to May Poppins - I didnt care for this. I think it brings out the difference in quality between the two of themm. I love her energy but she still has a long way to go .
Paul & Piper free dance to Wild Spirits was interesting but I think it once again relied on the tricks rather than the dance elements. She is very athletic and agile so excels in these aspects.
Thanks for the report Emdee - hope you enjoyed yourself. In terms of Ralph/Hill, I am hoping that Skate Canada sends them to either Finlandia or Nebelhorn before Skate Canada. In terms of Piper Gilles, her stroking will eventually improve - but will it be in time for Sochi?
Looks like Nationals will be interesting in ice dance (will make-up for the ladies, cough cough)....
Looks like Nationals will be interesting in ice dance (will make-up for the ladies, cough cough)....
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2010
Thanks for the report! Looking forward to see what Ralph/Hill develop. Really worried about Gillies/Poirier. Your report confirms my worst fears....when a team receives what can only be described as overly inflated marks, it can leave them with the false impression that they are much further developed than they are in reality. Therefore, they continue to short-cut the development process and rely on tricks instead of good solid skating. For Gillies/Poirier, their FD last year was a masterpiece in hiding flaws with tricks. It was a fantastic show program. But I wouldn't call it ice-dance, and I wouldn't put it in league with the top teams in the world like their marks implied. They had a long way to go in developing unison, edges and line - the foundation of ice dance. My hope is that they would have worked like fiends on the basics, and left programs until the very, very last minute. Ugh. But the season is still early. It might have just been an off night?
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
Does anyone know what selections by Barcelona R/H are using ? ( I'm a little trepidatious, because I find the group sort of moany ..
) However, that doesn't mean the skating can't be good.. Or ( hope , hope ) is it a piece of music entitled Barcelona ?
Anyway thanks, emdee..I'm glad to hear you liked the way R/H's SD is shaping up . I thought their last year's SD was not up to the standard of their FD.
Your report doesn't make me feel good about G/P, though..I'm not keen on Mary Poppins, anyway . Wild Spirits could at least be peppy , but I can't say it's a music choice that excites me , either..again ..selections , anyone ?
Oh
ETA ..Oh wait ..I'm relieved to think R/H's Music could be this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBW65VNK1G8
This could be pretty cool
) However, that doesn't mean the skating can't be good.. Or ( hope , hope ) is it a piece of music entitled Barcelona ?Anyway thanks, emdee..I'm glad to hear you liked the way R/H's SD is shaping up . I thought their last year's SD was not up to the standard of their FD.
Your report doesn't make me feel good about G/P, though..I'm not keen on Mary Poppins, anyway . Wild Spirits could at least be peppy , but I can't say it's a music choice that excites me , either..again ..selections , anyone ?
Oh
ETA ..Oh wait ..I'm relieved to think R/H's Music could be this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBW65VNK1G8
This could be pretty cool
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- Joined
- Mar 22, 2004
Golly, Colleen, I hope you're right. I'd love to see Asher doing some Freddie moves. My favorite from that concert, though, is 'How can I go on', a beautiful song that sorta cries out for the sweeping moves of ice dance.
I was very excited to attend the So You Think You Can Judge event last night. What a wonderful night of skating for this group of skaters. The Junior teams were "competition ready" and it showed... impeccable skating and costuming appropriate for the themes....( yes...its hip hop people!!!!.... ) The Senior teams were a treat to watch. Ralph and Hill, continue to build on their success last season and seem to be well on their way with these 2 great programs. I can honestly say that I do not understand Northern Dancer's "worst fear confirmation"... Gilles and Poirier skated 2 wonderful programs.... The short program to Mary Poppins was terrific - upbeat and fun with the elements seamless. The freedance was also fantastic. I don't know who all the "real" judges were... I believe some were indeed "international" ones.. but I was close enough to hear comments such as "refreshing" and "original" to Gilles and Poirier freedance. If this was an "off night" for Gilles/Poirier I am really looking foward to what they will perform when they are "on."... Finally, It was REALLY great to see Vanessa Crone come to support the event. She was in the audience and I saw her hugging and kissing all her friends and former Scarboro team mates in the stands and at ice level. Big hugs for her former coaches too!! I guess all the reports of apparent bitterness are to say the least... exaggerated!!
I had a totally different perception....
Loved ralph and Hill short dance but didnt think Mary Poppins was terrific. High energy no doubt, agreed .
I found G&P FD interesting but I will reserve comment until I see it again .I felt it had too many tricks and her stroking could improve. I think this was made worse looking because Paul is such a polished skater.
Its early in the season so hope both teams reach their goal whatever it may be.
I am a firm believer that Carol Lane's school does quality work unlike some naysayers on the board however I call like I see it .... which may not necessarily be true for others!
I was sitting in front of Paul's mother and I think his grandmother was in my row. I did see Vanessa come and hug Paul's family and continue on to sit higher up.
Loved ralph and Hill short dance but didnt think Mary Poppins was terrific. High energy no doubt, agreed .
I found G&P FD interesting but I will reserve comment until I see it again .I felt it had too many tricks and her stroking could improve. I think this was made worse looking because Paul is such a polished skater.
Its early in the season so hope both teams reach their goal whatever it may be.
I am a firm believer that Carol Lane's school does quality work unlike some naysayers on the board however I call like I see it .... which may not necessarily be true for others!
I was sitting in front of Paul's mother and I think his grandmother was in my row. I did see Vanessa come and hug Paul's family and continue on to sit higher up.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2004
Is that the outfit the young lady wore at Lake Placid? If so, any time I've driven past 'the stroll' in Vancouver, I haven't seen anything remotely like it, and guess the average hooker would not care to look like that.
But surely, she's not the first junior skater to wear an ill-chosen costume to her skating club show. Plenty of time to rethink.
But surely, she's not the first junior skater to wear an ill-chosen costume to her skating club show. Plenty of time to rethink.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
I have to say ,re: Nicole Kuzmich's costume ... I was one who thought Kaitlyn Weaver's Tiger stripes worked for her,last year. That doesn't mean that I think animal prints always work ,on all occasions..( giraffe print shirt, anyone ?) In Nicole's case, she's wearing 3 competing animal prints at once. The obligatory "skirt" being all ruched up around her hips , in a different pattern, added more for the eye to contend with ,and the blousey top can't be a help in seeing what she's doing.. Overall very distracting and confusing .
I didn't like it when people said Kaitlyn looked like a hooker , and I don't like it in reference to Nicole , either. I think the costume's lacking in taste and good design , though.
Surely they could have come up with a costume reflecting the club scene ( if that's what it's meant to do ) without assaulting the eyeballs and making the costume the story , not the skating...And as far as I know , animal prints are not universally equated with hip-hop , so why ? I could say more , but I'll leave it there.
fan1961..I have to say your report makes me feel a bit queasy, with all the emphasis on Vanessa , after the statement she posted , and later took down ( not everyone missed it ), and then supposedly coincidentally makes a very public show of support. ( We know she hopes to have a further career ). Let's just leave her out of it , shall we ?
And no, I'm not going to explain this comment further.
I didn't like it when people said Kaitlyn looked like a hooker , and I don't like it in reference to Nicole , either. I think the costume's lacking in taste and good design , though.
Surely they could have come up with a costume reflecting the club scene ( if that's what it's meant to do ) without assaulting the eyeballs and making the costume the story , not the skating...And as far as I know , animal prints are not universally equated with hip-hop , so why ? I could say more , but I'll leave it there.
fan1961..I have to say your report makes me feel a bit queasy, with all the emphasis on Vanessa , after the statement she posted , and later took down ( not everyone missed it ), and then supposedly coincidentally makes a very public show of support. ( We know she hopes to have a further career ). Let's just leave her out of it , shall we ?
And no, I'm not going to explain this comment further.
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