Do we remember the choreography or the skater?

[yfan1]

The question confuses me.

How can one separate a memorable performance from the performer or the choreography of that memorable performance? It seems to me to be impossible.

 

[Mathman]

I don't follow tennis, so I don't have any opinion either way, but in an interview I read yesterday, Naomi Osaka defended her outlandish entrance costumes and matchwear. She considers tennis to be a performance art-sport and her costumes are part of her performance.

But the tdifference is... Osaka's costumes, however original, fashion-forward and entertaining, do not play a role in determining who wins a tennis match. Figure skaters, in contrast, get points added to their scores for choreography.

 

[Mathman]

The question confuses me.

How can one separate a memorable performance from the performer or the choreography of that memorable performance? It seems to me to be impossible.

That's where synchro twelves comes in . This is a choreographer's medium -- as are group numbers in show skating. :yes:

 

[Diana Delafield]

But the tdifference is... Osaka's costumes, however original, fashion-forward and entertaining, do not play a role in determining who wins a tennis match. Figure skaters, in contrast, get points added to their scores for choreography.

Oh, I agree. I was just adding what I'd read as a bit of trivia. She obviously has her own definition of "performance"

 

[noskates]

I don't think I've ever seen a remarkable and memorable program where the skater AND the choreography weren't outstanding. At the same time, some of the choreo and music are so specific to the skater that for another skater to attempt it would be ludicrous. My immediate example (and I realize Moonvine will be putting out a contract on me) but Michelle Kwan's East of Eden. To this day I watch it and I'm mesmerized (and in it's many versions from short program to exhibition). Gracie's version just left me flat! And you could say that about Jason's Schindler's List interpretation versus some of the other mundane versions out there. Javi's Chaplin program. I can't help but think of him when I see someone else skating to that music. I think the choreography that Benoit Richaud does for Adam SHF would not work well for any other skater!

p.s. JMO but I think Naomi Osaka's outfits are ridiculous!

 

[Ladskater]

The great Christopher Dean springs to mind as he was both skater/competitor/choreographer back in the day. Of course, another amazing choreographer who also competed was Canada's Sandra Bezic, who created Kurt Browning's Casablanca and Singing in the Rain programs. David Wilson and Shae-Lynn Bourne are both outstanding choreographers as well as Jeff Buttle. So in answer to the question I think of both skater and choreographer.