ITA, Bronzeisgolden. And Verbalgirl, how totally cool your question was chosen! And a great question it was. Interesting answer. Can't wait to hear what Tarasova chose as unusual sections of "Swan Lake." As I say on the "Tchaikovsky" thread on Le Cafe, I saw "Swan Lake" on NYC cable last Thursday and even though I've seen it a million times, I listened especially closely to the music just because of the AP/Sasha LP thing. I was surprised at how much interesting and beautiful music is in "SL," especially Act III that you would never know was from "Swan Lake." Now I hope Tarasova picked the sections *I* thought were unusual
Speaking of programs, with all the focus on the LP, I forgot about the short, lol. I was a little disappointed that Sasha said she couldn't find music that was better than "Malaguena" (Sasha, Sasha, Sasha...), not that it's not beautiful. Actually, I think Sasha may have fudged this answer a little. I think it was probably Tarasova's decision to keep "Malaguena" so they could concentrate on Sasha's new LP. Sasha has generally been very strong in the SP. Even with a fall on the footwork, she still got a standing ovation for it at Skate Canada. The LP is where she's had problems. I think it's a good strategy, if that is the case. BTW, I'm not calling Sasha a liar; I don't think any athlete gives away everything. And maybe she really did love the music so much she wanted to keep it. Whatever the case, I hope she can really skate the heck out of it this season. I do love the choreography and it does suit Sasha's natural style, IMO.
As for her answer about music, it made sense to me. I felt Sasha was saying that in her opinion, a lot of other skaters skate the choreography exactly as created whether they are ahead or behind the music. I think all she was saying is that it's very important to her to skate to the choreography to the music, not have the choreography and the music happen to be going on at the same time and try to make sure they finish at the same time. Michelle has talked about the importance of feeling the music many times. Probably better for skating fans who don't like Sasha if she doesn't compare herself to other skaters, only because it's an easy way for people to say, "Who does she think she is?!" OTOH, it's probably best for Sasha to be Sasha.
BTW, Kemy, I know that Danny Kaye number "You're Doin' Choreography" (is it from "White Christmas?" I can't remember) and you're right, it is hilarious.
Glad to hear she's taking a correspondence course through Kent State. Good for her.
In general I thought the selection of questions represented a good variety--some technical, some training, some on music, some general skating, some personal, a couple of fun ones. Great job by USA TODAY and Sasha.
Rgirl
A lot does not = everyone else.
