Exhibitions and Maturity

[bruises]

Does it seem like when skaters are doing their exhibitions, they are more musical and look more mature?

I was watching some of the Exhibition skates from both senior and junior worlds and the skaters seemed much more expressive and mature than in their short and free programs.

Any other thoughts on this?

 

[heyang]

I think they are more expressive because the skaters are no longer 'counting' the revolutions in their spins or the # of seconds they are holding a position. They are free to enjoy their skating, instead of competing.

I noticed that Caroline Zhang skated really slow in her SP at Nationals this year and with a bit more speed during the LP. However, her best speed was during the exhibitions.

 

[Skye]

Oh yes, there are some who still manage to "perform" under pressure - Lambiel is the first that comes to my mind - but most of the skaters are usually so focused on making through their elements that the program in whole is somewhat lost. It's really a pity, because even the most beautiful choreography doesn't shine when you're on an auto-pilot mode. (cough, Mao Asada, cough)

 

[Tonichelle]

no, I don't think all of the skaters have that... some are just as stiff in an exhibition. It all depends on the skater...

and again artistry in the exhibition is still subjective... I don't think that Caroline Zhang is anymore artistic or mature in her exhibition programs (such as you raise me up) I think the music is what moves the audience more than perhaps the skating...

she is just one example of many.

 

[bruises]

What about Rachel Flatt? Her style seems completely different in her exhibition from her free.
World Free: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vgde0uwH2ag&feature=related
Exhibition: http://youtube.com/watch?v=L6FyZEvd-_Y

Or Carolina Kostner?
NHK Free: http://youtube.com/watch?v=GyxnfUniEnc&feature=related
Exhibition: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iz3bTmd2okQ

No matter what you think of their skating, it just seems like they connect more to the music in the exhibition.

 

[Tonichelle]

is it they connect or they just aren't as nervous? in an exhibition you can just have fun and skate, you aren't worried about placement

and as for Flaat, I think her competitive programs suit her more than her exhibition at nationals did...

 

[kappa_1]

is it they connect or they just aren't as nervous? in an exhibition you can just have fun and skate, you aren't worried about placement

and as for Flaat, I think her competitive programs suit her more than her exhibition at nationals did...

ITA! I love Rachel and she's my favorite up and comer, but her exhibitions at both nationals and jr worlds both kinda fell flat (hideous pun intended). Takahashi did a Bjork exhibition which was kinda blah. Unfortunate since he is one of my favorite skaters and Bjork is one of my favorite singers.

On the other hand, skaters like Zhang and Meissner (!) both, imo, brilliant exhibition skaters whose competitive programs have far less of an impact for me (esp. Meissner). I could go on and on about skaters who skate better competitively or for show, but I think it all comes down to the individual skater. Some skaters like Kwan, Cohen, Lambiel, Weir, Buttle, Jenny Kirk, Arakawa, Suguri, et al shine under both the lights of the competition and the gala exhibition.