Cheng Peng & Hao Zhang

[Sandpiper]

Just watched their free. A wonderful performance. On another year, perhaps it would've been enough for the podium. And that program... It seems like Lori Nichol is inspired by them.

And for the first time this year, Cheng Peng has landed 2/3 jumps! I used to get annoyed with her and even felt bad for Zhang at times , but she's improved to the point where I can really appreciate her lines, her attention to detail, and her flow across the ice.

Bold suggestion, but I wonder... is there no chance for her to get 3S? I mean, the 2A isn't working anyway (the 3T, by contrast, has stabilized). Not everyone is suited for axel jumps, and if it's a risk either way, might as well as take the risk with the bigger reward.

 

[s_parks]

I just wanted to note Peng's lovely smile at the end of the free, and she was so cute in the k&c. Her jumps have been the most successful they've been all season. I think she can do harder jumps, it seems like mostly a mental thing. She's gone into jumps beautifully, ones she should have landed. If not, they could probably add a quad throw to up the content.

 

[Sandpiper]

Btw, anyone else notice the moment at the end when she smashes his face with her head? Have P/Z and S/H been taking notes from each other on how-to-miss-your-ending (but-it's-okay -since-you-nailed-your-program)?

I'd like to see them try throw 4S and SBS 3S. :yes:

 

[TheGrandSophy]

I really liked their choreography, especially the SP. I haven't really got the vocab to talk pairs, but I notice they do a lot of detailed work that complements rather than mirrors and it looks lovely. I also think he has a beautiful poise about him. His arm movements are really nice.

He also comes across as a very sweet man to me. Don't know whether he is, but that is my impression.

 

[dorispulaski]

I have updated the OP to Peng & Zhang's fan fest!

I am sad to see there.are very few articles about them in English, but I did find a video of Peng with her previous partner!

 

[Sandpiper]

Thank you, dorispulaski! Strange to see her channelling Mao-on-Bells-of-Moscow with her previous partner.

I think the latest news is that they'll continue working with Lori Nichol next year? (They were present in relevant photos.) Though I'm not a fan of everything Nichol's been doing, I do love the work she's done for P/Z and hope to see it continue.

They had two eastern programs in '13-'14 and two western pieces in '14-'15. Maybe one of each next season?

 

[TheGrandSophy]

I have really loved their recent choreo. Some really lovely touches.

 

[dorispulaski]

I really liked their Nutcracker sp choreo this year!

 

[TheGrandSophy]

I loved it. I especially loved the choreo from here to 1:40-ish.

ETA: I'm not sure that my time stamping is working on my iPad so if not I meant 0.45 by 'here'!

 

[Sandpiper]

^Your time-stamping works. My favourite moment is the 'stop' at 1:25-ish.

While their SP was the program that grabbed me immediately, I grew to love their LP more and more. It does a great job of matching the changes in the music with their movements and elements. It's just a shame they still have problems with clean skates (GPF and Worlds were really close though). If she can start hitting the 2A (or bring back the 3S successfully)...

 

[s_parks]

We finally have information for p/z's programs! From fsu's program thread:
SP: Tango
FS: Les Pêcheurs de Perles by Bizet

I like the choice of the lp- really appreciate the relatively original choice(thank goodness for no Carmen!). I wonder what parts they'll use.

 

[dorispulaski]

Did Pang & Tong use that music once???

 

[s_parks]

Did Pang & Tong use that music once???

Yep, in the 09-10 and 10-11 season for their short.

 

[s_parks]

So we have a bit more info about the programs- the fs uses "Je Crois Entendre Encore" from the opera. The specific music choice for the sp is unclear, this source was cited.

 

[solar]

Here are some practice videos of P/Z's new programs;

SP: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI3MDU0NDc5Ng
EX: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI3MDUyNTE1Ng

The video player isn't working for me at the moment so I haven't watched it yet, but if it works for some of you guys, tell me how it is!

 

[s_parks]

Here are some practice videos of P/Z's new programs;

SP: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI3MDU0NDc5Ng
EX: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI3MDUyNTE1Ng

The video player isn't working for me at the moment so I haven't watched it yet, but if it works for some of you guys, tell me how it is!

Got the videos to play after a few tries! Honestly, I was rather skeptical about their choice of a tango for the sp, but there's really nice choreo- I think Lori and P/Z really connect. I'll reserve actual judgement when I see the whole thing. The ex is still not loading, but I'll get to it!

 

[solar]

I still can't load the videos for some reason, but from what I hear, it looks promising! I really hope I can get the videos to work someday...

 

[matmuh]

I still can't load the videos for some reason, but from what I hear, it looks promising! I really hope I can get the videos to work someday...

i couldnt watch the videos at PC as well then tried on my phone and it worked!!

 

[solar]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5yz_Ksc1CQ

Pearl Fishers FS from Chinese Test Skates was just uploaded!

 

[dorispulaski]

She almost held onto the 3s