From the two interviews it sounded to me like the sponsor was more involved in the decision of their coaching situation than the Fed. The sponsor must be pretty big, if he can pay for Shpilband and all the extra choreography.
The interview does make it sound that way, but Shpilband was very enthusiastic about coaching them from the very beginning, and he wasn’t at all sure they’d be staying with him till the WC which was disastrous for the Russian ID. Besides, I’m sure Rus Fed pays at least the basic costs for IZ, such as ice time and coaching, like it does for all the skaters on the national team. The French choreographer and the trip to Najarro would be covered by the sponsor. I’m not sure who pays all the specialists. I think after the WC the balance of power in Rus Fed shifted, and IZ got approval to stay at Novi, but Elena didn’t want to talk about this in an interview, obviously, but nor does she mention the sponsor specifically, just talking about Shpilband’s being satisfied with them.
An anonymous "source" on Tumblr is claiming that I/Z's FD will be to
Slumdog Millionaire and other Bollywood selections:
http://ohtheseskaters.tumblr.com/post/144996000791/ilinyh-zhiganshin-are-skating-to-slumdog Of course, anyone can claim authority as an "anonymous" source so I'm taking it with more than just a grain of salt, but it's the first even rumor I've heard so far, so I thought I'd share.
Thanks for sharing! Of course, it may not turn out to be true, but if it is, then I think it’ll work for them. I’m not a fan of Indian music, but I don’t like Queen and the Frida soundtrack either, and I greatly enjoyed IZ’s programs to them – they can sell almost anything. The important thing is that it’s not some song in poor taste, as I feared.
As to feeling uncomfortable with Igor's choice of music, my feeling is that in general, Igor picks music /choreo to align with what the team's goals for the year are. Sometimes the goals are placements, but sometimes the goals are about acquiring or improving specific skills needed to later get improved placements, or to improve the range of the team.
This year may be a learning year...just saying.
Last year was a Chock / Bates learning year in their FD, hence their struggles. Unfortunately for them, their SD had to change mid season, which messed up the process, and shows where the risks can be for Igor's type strategy. The SD was supposed to be a done deal by the first performance, I believe.
Davis / White's 2011 Tango was a learning year. It resulted in a World Championship for them, and they struggled all year with the program. Their waltz SD was easy for them, comparatively.
2009 was a learning year, too, but in that case, the OD, which they never quite mastered, was the learning experience. The FD was supposed to make a huge impression and showcase what they did well.
Based on this pattern, what I expect for Elena and Ruslan is an SD to showcase their strengths and an FD where they are going to have to work to learn something, given that that is the program that Elena is unsure about.
Thank you! That’s a very interesting analysis. But Elena talked about her discomfort about the program, not being unsure, which I wouldn’t have worried about at all. Then again, if it’s Indian film music, I don’t know what would make Elena feel ill at ease about it. I haven’t seen this film, and I don’t understand the lyrics, but judging from the Wikipedia description, I don’t see what would be a problem with it. Maybe it’s a purely physical discomfort with the unfamiliar style of choreography, or maybe they’ll be skating to something else entirely. In any case, it seems to me that the trip to Madrid is prompted by Shpilband’s choice of FD music. Since Elena and Ruslan both had a great connection with Najarro, they probably hope he’ll make them feel the program better and adapt it to make it more theirs. I just hope that whatever it is, it’ll grow on them, and they won’t have to change their FD after the season starts.
Hmm, I actually think Bollywood could be a good fit for them. I think they would have the sharpness and energy needed and they are obviously good performers, which is important with this style. If the rumor is true, I'm cautiously optimistic about how it will turn out. It might not be terribly original, but we all saw how the lovely and original Frida was regarded. At least it wouldn't be just another schmaltzy romantic program (not that I necessarily think those romantic programs are bad but there are just so many of them that I/Z need something different to stand out).
I think IZ’s results this past season are a result of power shifts within the Rus Fed and would have been the same no matter what their music choices. Personally I’d have loved to see them skate to some not overly used classical music, but they should go with the music that speaks to them, of course, and if they do, they’ll do great.
:yay: 
. LOVE that genre of music. But until I hear it from Lena and Ruslan themselves, let's just say I haven't been informed.
