Elena Ilinykh & Ruslan Zhiganshin

[NoNameFace]

I think IZ's biggest problem is consistency. They need to show that they can skate a major competition without mistakes. This has plagued them since their first season.

I remember being so mad at them that first season when they messed up at Euros, they had a medal in hand!! They hadn't messed up all season and then at Euros, when it really mattered, they mess up and don't end up on the podium. Then at Worlds they also didn't skate clean and lost placement in the top 5.

Really since then I think they have had mistakes at almost all of their competitions. In fact, it is easier to count the ones where they haven't made mistakes, it is like only one or two. Oddly, SK are more consistent and that is with Katsalapov disaster twizzle f..muppetry.

The second biggest problem I think is their program choices. Sorry, but I called it. Frida and Bollywood were/are not hits. Both programs have huge potential but require a level of execution that I think IZ are simply not ready for.

Not everything is a conspiracy... IZ have much to work on and their results show it.

this, there is a definite problem with free dances for this team (I have a problem with SD this season too, but nvm) - but, as you've pointed out earlier, I think they have to firstly establish their consistency (especially in tech level) across competitions and then somehow make this Bollywood FD work. The theme chosen I think is good, but I just don't dig the music/choreo/expression combo in that FD - there is something over-the-top, borderline pastiche there, there is no lightness, no authentic joy I always associate Bollywood dancing with. The music is too one-dimensional, wish there would be more 'range' in it, like e.g. a dynamic start to set up the mood, then maybe something more lyrical/instrumental and then an energetic finish. I have a problem with Elena's costume too - she is a gorgeous woman and current costume does not anything to compliment her beauty (maybe besides colour combo) - wish she would have something more simple in the cut (sari-like), but also vibrant in colour (red for example) accentuated with golden trimming, some headpiece and bracelets.

Hope they'll progress, fix issues and hit next competition stronger

 

[lennicky]

I watched IZ´s FD at the Bompard trophee on Spanish TV (the competition were rebroadcasted today) and the spanish commentor ( who has been commenting figure skating competitions since 1984) said that she liked the FD(she thinks that it is really original and that suits them),that the lifts and the twizzles were great (she also said "what a good twizzles" during the SD) and she praised Ruslan´s fast reaction after Elena,s fall.
She considers that both have high potential and to her mind, the problem is that they don´t finish to jell.

 

[bsfan]

This is probably the best summary of this team's issues I've seen, and I agree 100%. It makes me so sad, because I really love watching them and it delights me to see a team that doesn't subscribe to the flowy-lyrical style (not that I don't enjoy it too, there's just too much of it). I/Z seem plagued by freak accidents like random falls, and that lack of consistency certainly doesn't help their reputation. And as much as I adored Frida, it wasn't a "commercial" program. Bollywood COULD be, but something isn't working right now.

Also, thank you for reminding us of Nikita's #iconic twizzles

Agree 100% on this and the one it quoted. IZ need to earn their chance to skate their FD more in front of judges and rest. If they still get score below 100, they might not be able to get out of Nationals just like last year. And the audience may not see them develop this FD either.

 

[borzaya]

I'm a bit lost if this is new information or not... but IZ are going to take part in the Tallinn Trophy - http://tass.ru/sport/3785141

 

[Spiral]

Lightness and joy:
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/622845074
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/617525304
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/622845330
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/622845328
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/617525296
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/617545990
http://www.gettyimages.co.nz/license/617545992
http://komonews.com/sports/sports-c...ay-in-us-canada-figure-skating-meets#photo-34
http://www.absoluteskating.com/index.php?cat=photogallery&id=2016tropheedefrance-dance
http://instaliga.com/ru/ilinykh_zhiganshin_official/1380211667901041974_1564688883
http://instaliga.com/ru/ilinykh_zhiganshin_official/1367769179863908667_1564688883

I'm a bit lost if this is new information or not... but IZ are going to take part in the Tallinn Trophy - http://tass.ru/sport/3785141

That's great news! They were going to go there, but after Elena's injury and then the sutures coming apart, I didn't know if they'd be able to make it. So she must have healed very quickly, because Tallinn Trophy starts this weekend. Good luck to them! I can't wait to see their dances again.

ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/622845074
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/617525304
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/622845330
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/622845328
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/617525296
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/617545990
ht tp://www.gettyimages. co.nz/license/617545992
ht tp://komonews. com/sports/sports-content/photos-grace-and-athleticism-on-display-in-us-canada-figure-skating-meets#photo-34
ht tp://www.absoluteskating. com/index.php?cat=photogallery&id=2016tropheedefrance-dance
ht tp://instaliga. com/ru/ilinykh_zhiganshin_official/1380211667901041974_1564688883
ht tp://instaliga. com/ru/ilinykh_zhiganshin_official/1367769179863908667_1564688883

 

[Marta25]

The Senior Short Dance is on Monday, so they have a little bit more time to rest and train. I`m glad they are going to Tallinn, they really need those ranking points and the chance to climb up the Season`s best list. If the line-up stays this way, their strongest competition are going to be Pogrebinsky/Benoit.

 

[Mattieu]

The Senior Short Dance is on Monday, so they have a little bit more time to rest and train. I`m glad they are going to Tallinn, they really need those ranking points and the chance to climb up the Season`s best list. If the line-up stays this way, their strongest competition are going to be Pogrebinsky/Benoit.

I think you are forgetting Tobias/Tkachenko, who were higher ranked than Pogrebinsky/Benoit in Skate America!
No room for errors from Elena and Ruslan as TT beat them on the FD in Skate America!

 

[Marta25]

I think you are forgetting Tobias/Tkachenko, who were higher ranked than Pogrebinsky/Benoit in Skate America!
No room for errors from Elena and Ruslan as TT beat them on the FD in Skate America!

Ups. Right. Well, IZ beat them already twice this season. I just hope for two clean performances and high scores for Ruslena

 

[tulosai]

Ups. Right. Well, IZ beat them already twice this season. I just hope for two clean performances and high scores for Ruslena

I just want to see clean performances too! I think it would be good for their confidence and lead to higher scores, as well as position them slightly better going into nationals.

Can't wait to see them again either way

 

[Tex]

Have you any of watched the latest TSL "This and That" where Dave and John Kerr discuss Elena and Ruslan (along with some of other ice dance teams)? What are you thoughts? I'm going to respectfully and strongly disagree with John in regard to him saying it looks like Elena looks like she is skating with her younger brother (that's crazy talk IMO). Elena and Ruslan remind me of Phyrne and Jack from the Australian show Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Susie and Jack from the Fabulous Baker Boys. The guy is the strong-silent type while the women is bold, vivacious, and strong-willed. Their chemistry and their personalities would fit well with a Film Noir type program like Body Heat or Double Indemnity.
https://youtu.be/37jOrRyFygo

Sending good vibes and well wishes to Elena and Ruslan for their next competition! In this month of Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I will say I am very grateful for Elena and Ruslan and all the Ruslena fans!

 

[borzaya]

I'm going to respectfully and strongly disagree with John in regard to him saying it looks like Elena looks like she is skating with her younger brother (that's crazy talk IMO)

His own experience has obviously left its mark on his mind - if he is seeing this now in other pairs...

 

[Marta25]

Have you any of watched the latest TSL "This and That" where Dave and John Kerr discuss Elena and Ruslan (along with some of other ice dance teams)? What are you thoughts? I'm going to respectfully and strongly disagree with John in regard to him saying it looks like Elena looks like she is skating with her younger brother (that's crazy talk IMO). Elena and Ruslan remind me of Phyrne and Jack from the Australian show Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Susie and Jack from the Fabulous Baker Boys. The guy is the strong-silent type while the women is bold, vivacious, and strong-willed. Their chemistry and their personalities would fit well with a Film Noir type program like Body Heat or Double Indemnity.
https://youtu.be/37jOrRyFygo

Sending good vibes and well wishes to Elena and Ruslan for their next competition! In this month of Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I will say I am very grateful for Elena and Ruslan and all the Ruslena fans!

I don`t really watch TSL. They mostly discuss singles skating and neither Dave nor Jenny understand anything about ice dance. Honestly, I do think that Elena and Ruslan have a more youthful look than both had with their previous partners, but I alway found this very refreshing. Lately, I`m really annoyed by what the NA and British commentators are saying about them. I understand that Elena and Ruslan look rather unusual as an ice dance team, but saying that Ruslan looks like her younger brother is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[Alba]

Like I said b/s didn't get the levels. They had to leave.

If I am not mistaken, they had (still have) issues with levels even after they left. So....


@Spiral: when I speak about support, I am not ref. to financial support. Although I still don't have a clear pic. of who gets what and how. Sure there are cycles and you can't always dominate but if the ID in Russia is poor right now, I sure do start to point the finger at the top. The fish smells from the head.

@Tex: what you are asking for them (acting coach, bollywood specialist etc.) is all good but they need dinero. Whatever the issue, or non issue, might be with the artistic side, for me the only real issue is the consistency. I agree with tvuckic on this, it has plagued them since their first season and that's where they should be focusing.

I wouldn't bother with TSL or Eurosport which I love (the british guys, not TSL). The brother and sister comment? Borzaya is spot on. Projection. Anyway, opinions are formed based on results. Is that simple. Before winning P&C were not the "Eighth Wonder of the World" we hear now, although they are skating to basically the same program for the last 3 season (*insert my face snoozing and yawing *). If IZ start win, by any chance, they will become the "Ninth Wonder" . Easy peasy. And everybody will go: "We knew there was smth special with this teams since first season". yada yada yada. :yawn:

I don't remember who criticised their FD costumes, but I completely disagree. For the first time, finally, they have beautiful costumes for their FD. Now change that boring SD dress Elena, please. hwell:

Totally LOL about the criticism to her for "making faces" (gorgeous faces I must add, yeah that must suck LOL) while skating to a bollywood dance. I mean, really people?! And it's amusing that it started after they heard one guy on Eurosport saying it. Use your brain to form an opinion, for once.


And stop with the BS weight thing. Not again, PLEASE! It is becoming ridiculous and really disturbing. It says more about people raising the question about a non existent issue, rather than saying anything about that gorgeous young lady, called Elena Ilinykh.



Good luck to them in Tallin. Skate well guys!

 

[gmyers]

If I am not mistaken, they had (still have) issues with levels even after they left. So....!

They do but not as bad. It's still really bad though. They aren't going to be world or Olympic champions because of the levels and they won't move to Detroit to get a good coach.

 

[Spiral]

I've found even better, really great pics on this site.
FD:
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1208-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1225-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1093-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/FD/16SA-FD-3090-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/FD/16SA-FD-3127-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/PracticeF/16SA-PrF-7471-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/PracticeF/16SA-PrF-7457-IZ-RR.jpg.php
SD:
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/SD/16SA-SD-6003-IZ-RR.jpg.php
http://photos.ice-dance.com/2016-17/16SA/SD/16SA-SD-5963-IZ-RR.jpg.php
Ruslan in Paris:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM7O8ISBoZ2/

ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1208-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1225-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16TF/FD/16TF-FD-1093-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/FD/16SA-FD-3090-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/FD/16SA-FD-3127-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/PracticeF/16SA-PrF-7471-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/PracticeF/16SA-PrF-7457-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/SD/16SA-SD-6003-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tp://photos.ice-dance. com/2016-17/16SA/SD/16SA-SD-5963-IZ-RR.jpg.php
ht tps://www.instagram. com/p/BM7O8ISBoZ2/

 

[Alba]

They do but not as bad. It's still really bad though. They aren't going to be world or Olympic champions because of the levels and they won't move to Detroit to get a good coach.

Well, of course is not as before. They were much younger back then. People do improve. As for them not becoming WC or OGM that is a given, and not just because of their levels. Unless of course, a disaster happens to other couples above them which is very hard.

 

[Marta25]

Cool T-Shirt! https://vk.com/blackswanei?z=photo-90089133_456239140/wall-69138676_3481

After Cup of China, I`m cautiously optimistic that the door might still be open for Elena and Ruslan to get on the Euro`s team. They definitely have to make sure that they hit their levels at Nationals, because that`s basically the main reason why their scores are behind S/B`s and S/K`s, but regarding GOE and PCS the other two teams don`t seem to be that far ahead.

 

[uhh]

PCS with a bad FD in France was still 2 points higher that clean SK in China. The Euros spot is definitely open IF they hit their levels.

 

[Mattieu]

PCS with a bad FD in France was still 2 points higher that clean SK in China. The Euros spot is definitely open IF they hit their levels.

Except that was S/K's first competition of the season, let's see what they get in Japan.

 

[bramweld]

I just hope and pray that Elena and Ruslan can get to show some improved skating and scores in Tallinin. Is it confirmed that they're going?