COI - Richmond, VA review

[Kwanford Wife]

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to attend COI here in Richmond with a co-worker and my 9 year old son. I must say it was one of the better versions in quite awhile since I appreciated the attempt to make it more hip and not so high on the cheese factor... Esp. the closing "Spy Who Loved Me" sequince... very cool.

Observations...

Quick Observations based on my inability to post this immediately and I can't remember the details & its been a heck of week here in VA. ...

Watching my son see his love - Ms. Sasha - perform... I honestly thought his little head who explode...So cute! Also, that was best I've EVER seen her perform. Excellent!

Now, I LOVED Tanith & Ben's program. Its always cool when skaters skate to current hits. It truly looked like dance because while watching them it was like being at a nightclub and seeing a really cute couple having a great time on a Friday night.

DivaKawa looked and skated beautifully... truly the class of the night. Her skill level remains high and in a truly dead audience, the Ina Bauer drew a collective gasp from the crowd.

Johnny Weir - spectacular! His jumps were shaky but he skated to one of my favorite songs "All is Fair in Love" by Stevie Wonder and it was awesome.

Shae Lynn Bourn did a truly original one-woman w/ chair ice dance tango number that was not only interesting, but so techinally brilliant that I was like "when did she learn to do THAT?!" She was worth the price of admission alone. Best of the night.

Loved seeing Plushy - even though he fell on a jump... For all that say he's only quad jumps & arms flapping around - be sure to catch the show, you just might change your mind...

Evan was cool - but I'm still not sure if its INXS that I love or if I enjoyed his performance...

The ol' timers Victor, Surya & Rudy were fabulous as always...

Kimmie was fine. A bit boring but you could see the progress she's made in the presentation area... I just wish she'd figure out something to do with those wrists...

Alyssa was not fine. She looked good but her jumps were awful and she just doesn't jump off the ice the way others do...

Ryan Bradley - whatever. I simply don't get him.

Pang/Tong & Totmianina/Marinin were fine. Both teams received the obligatory ohhs & ahhs from the crowd. My Son is convinced, however, that all three ladies are insane.

Irina Grigorian did two numbers: one a really strange circus act as a cat. Didn't get it. My son enjoyed the hoola hoop thing and Blesedin/Polishchuk performed to Rock Me Amadeus & that was cool. The other guy, whose name escapes me did a superhero number that was fine right until he tripped over a prop and came crashing down on his head. That was scary but he jumped right up and kept on skating.

Misc. Observations...
The area here was less than half full and many of the skaters either fell or stumbled around - which took away from the overall quality but it was still a good show. I cannot express however the coolness of the spy number. I was also tickeled at the number of fans grousing about the lack of Kwan and a couple stated they wanted refunds... don't these people read the line-up before plunking down their money? Stupid.

In closing - I learned one valuable lesson from this COI - when attempting to recruit friends into becoming skating fans, do not take them to a show... wait for a competition. Beth, my co-worker, stated after the show that while she enjoyed herself, she didn't feel the need intake her dairy for the week because she'd had her cheese... so sad.

My son, however, stated that the highlight was meeting Sasha (she does resemble a bratz doll in person....) and he would go back - but his dad & crew could not know because he has a rep to protect... also sad...

 

[SeaniBu]

Thanks for the review.:agree: Can't wait.

 

[Spun Silver]

Kwanford - you have raised a young male skating fan and SASHA FAN?!?!? I hereby nominate you Mom of the year!!!!!

I'm going on the 28th - my first time seeing these people live, I'm so excited! - and hoping my bf likes it better than your friend did.

Thanks for the report.

 

[R.D.]

sounds like last year's show was better judging from the reports. I initially thought that I was missing out by not going to these shows, but after reading this I suddenly have a change of heart. A show probably wouldn't be my type of thing...maybe a comp would but the way things are going, I think I'll stick with tv *shrugs*
.
Thanks for the report.

[Cohen] does resemble a bratz doll in person....

how fitting

 

[Kwanford Wife]

sounds like last year's show was better judging from the reports. I initially thought that I was missing out by not going to these shows, but after reading this I suddenly have a change of heart. A show probably wouldn't be my type of thing...maybe a comp would but the way things are going, I think I'll stick with tv *shrugs*
.
Thanks for the report.


how fitting

I don't know... Last year's show had better overall skating, but I'd seen most of those programs before and of course Kwan was skating (so for me, that was definately a plus....) This show had music that I actually listen to bow: Prince, JT, Stevie Wonder, the Dreamgirls soundtrack...) & the interpretation of that music wasn't wack, so that was cool. Plus, my son did get to meet Sasha and that was a significant plus.

But for you, I would suggest attending a comp. Its hard to tell the difference between the podium worthy and the also rans sometimes on t.v... at least for me. For example, Alyssia doesn't have the charisma in person that she does on screen. Its also harder to tell jump elevation and speed on t.v. ala Kostner. How she skates so fast & jumps so low boggles the mind and I didn't realize that until I saw her live...

And unless you simply show up on the boards because you love our witty reparte, you might as well fork up some bread and support these skaters... ya know?

 

[Kwanford Wife]

Kwanford - you have raised a young male skating fan and SASHA FAN?!?!? I hereby nominate you Mom of the year!!!!!

I'm going on the 28th - my first time seeing these people live, I'm so excited! - and hoping my bf likes it better than your friend did.

Thanks for the report.

Awww... that's so sweet! I hope you have a great time and get as close to the boards as possible.... :yes:

 

[iluvtodd]

.
The other guy, whose name escapes me did a superhero number that was fine right until he tripped over a prop and came crashing down on his head. That was scary but he jumped right up and kept on skating.

The "other guy" is Dan Hollander.

Thanks for your review. We attended the Philly COI show this past Sunday. The finale with all of the James Bond music was pretty neat.

We would like to see more of the US dance and pairs teams represented in COI, just like at the Marshalls event.

 

[Kwanford Wife]

The "other guy" is Dan Hollander.

Thanks for your review. We attended the Philly COI show this past Sunday. We also loved the finale with all of the James Bond music.

We would like to see more of the US dance and pairs teams represented in COI, just like at the marshalls event.

Thanks! I simply couldn't remember...

I totally agree about the US teams... I also would've liked to see BeBe and Emily... either would've been welcomed additions

 

[SeaniBu]

I would imagine that anyone who already does not like to go to the theater or enjoy the "fine arts" on some level is not going to like FS in general for viewing. COI being a "show" has nothing to do with competition, so if the blend of competition in an artistic format is the only thing drawing them to FS, a "strictly show" is obviously not for them.

Other than lacking Kwan *bummer* (still hoping she'll be in town and maybe an appearance - yah right Sean) I don't see how this show is sounding "not as good" as last years other than "turnout" of fans and skaters. That is just me thinking that, and might understand others, but don't think the difference in "quality show" is going to be all that much different. Maybe I am being blindly positive and I might be less than satisfied compared to last year, but only if I compare IMO.

I have decided last year COI are the only events I will report on for it is not a comp and could be the only thing I could qualify to report on due to it just being a show. I am still very much looking forward to the event.

 

[flying camel]

Will poor Alissa ever get a new coach?:disapp:

 

[Ximena]

Thanks for the review. While it's nice to read the reviews, I feel sad that most of them mention the lack of audience, then again considering the prices, I can't say I'm surprised.

 

[R.D.]

And unless you simply show up on the boards because you love our witty reparte, you might as well fork up some bread and support these skaters... ya know?

This comment brings up a question of mine: does the money you pay to attend these competitions and shows REALLY go to the skaters? Aren't the skaters just there to compete (and the money goes to the ISU/host federation)?

I don't think I could bring myself to attend any FS comp though...just don't have the time/$$...transportation in my case would simply be enough of a hassle to discourage me by itself...plus, I don't have the interest I used to. I thought the new crop of skaters would renew my interest but so far, nothing doing...the only skater out there now that I even care anything about is Kimmie (this is not to say I'm enamored with her skating or anything, but just genuinely interested in seeing how she develops over the years). I used to be interested in Emily as well but her recent attitude has turned me completely off. And I really could care less about the others...and that's why I've been kind of in and out on the boards recently.

This recent Marshall's show reminded me why...nothing remarkable went down. The only program worth mentioning was B/A's Timberlake (sp?) number. That was refreshing, out-of-the-box, and entertaining.

 

[R.D.]

Will poor Alissa ever get a new coach?:disapp:

She's an elegant skater. She doesn't need the jumps to be showy. Just don't do any in shows. That'll solve the problem once and for all.

 

[Spun Silver]

She's an elegant skater. She doesn't need the jumps to be showy. Just don't do any in shows. That'll solve the problem once and for all.

Bo-ring.

 

[Kwanford Wife]

This comment brings up a question of mine: does the money you pay to attend these competitions and shows REALLY go to the skaters? Aren't the skaters just there to compete (and the money goes to the ISU/host federation)?

I don't think I could bring myself to attend any FS comp though...just don't have the time/$$...transportation in my case would simply be enough of a hassle to discourage me by itself...plus, I don't have the interest I used to. I thought the new crop of skaters would renew my interest but so far, nothing doing...the only skater out there now that I even care anything about is Kimmie ...and that's why I've been kind of in and out on the boards recently.

This recent Marshall's show reminded me why...nothing remarkable went down. The only program worth mentioning was B/A's Timberlake (sp?) number. That was refreshing, out-of-the-box, and entertaining.

Yes, the skaters get paid, albeit indirectly... all sign contracts with money associated for shows. At comps, skaters who win tend to get something, but at a lot they have to pay to play. So, I'm feeling your point on that... But I do like to encourage fans to attend comps - for us crazed ubers, its simply the best way to interact and see the skaters you root for in person. It also gives a different perspective.

I'm also feeling you on the whole losing interest thing... The current crop simply don't excite me. That's why I was so over the moon about Miki winning worlds. I'm finding it impossible to root for these jumping beans who haven't really had a chance to develop but are already being touted as the next best thing since sliced bread. But that's just me...

Ohhh.... RD and Kimmie sittin' in a tree... (sorry couldn't help myself!)

 

[Kwanford Wife]

Bo-ring.

True dat... I'm sorry Alyissa is the best excuse for a snack break. And its not that she had jumping issues. She's just boring! And can we please send her to an acting coach to develop a different expression other than: Do you like me? Please like me! See how pretty I smile?

(ok. that was nasty even for me...)

 

[R.D.]

Wow. Harsh words for Alyssa. I'm not going to argue against that point though because you have seen her live and I haven't. I like her on TV, but I don't know how she truly comes across in the atmosphere of the rink.

The current crop simply don't excite me. That's why I was so over the moon about Miki winning worlds. I'm finding it impossible to root for these jumping beans who haven't really had a chance to develop but are already being touted as the next best thing since sliced bread. But that's just me...

I swear...Sorry Ando fans but she's just so :indiff:

Ohhh.... RD and Kimmie sittin' in a tree... (sorry couldn't help myself!)

 

[R.D.]

Yes, the skaters get paid, albeit indirectly... all sign contracts with money associated for shows. At comps, skaters who win tend to get something, but at a lot they have to pay to play. So, I'm feeling your point on that... But I do like to encourage fans to attend comps - for us crazed ubers, its simply the best way to interact and see the skaters you root for in person. It also gives a different perspective.

Maybe, but I think even if I wanted to go...I'd just want to ice skate again and I'd definitely wouldn't go if I didn't at least have a chance to see or meet some of the skaters themselves.

 

[Tonichelle]

I like Alyssa when she's ON - live... when she's off she loses that spark... she's a totally different skater during a good skate.

 

[krenseby]

Wow. Harsh words for Alyssa. I'm not going to argue against that point though because you have seen her live and I haven't. I like her on TV, but I don't know how she truly comes across in the atmosphere of the rink.



I swear...Sorry Ando fans but she's just so :indiff:

Well, I think she was focused on winning this season. Once a skater has confidence that they will land everything, they go artistic. Otherwise, they don't. I think Ando was insecure about her technical side, so that's what she focused on this year.