Folk ODs: Are skaters showing the "character" of the dance?

[Tonichelle]

Kurt had similar footwork in one of his programs in the mid 90s to Yagudin's footwork. I was watching a tape of Kurt programs I have and I noticed it for the first time....

I think Kurt's the closest to bring tap dance to the ice...

 

[dorispulaski]

Certainly, Kurt's Singing in the Rain Exhibition was an excellent,excellent tap dance program! For those who haven't seen it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8F5l4_R_38

Here's the original Gene Kelly number:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME&feature=related

The first really good tap dance number that I remember seeing was Susie Wynne & Joe Druar's 1990 FD. They took tap dance lessons to recreate it, AFAIR:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cln6bTkbQE

To keep this on topic, this is an example of skaters who brought a dance to the ice while retaining its character.

However, I doubt very much if the judges would accept tap as an American folk dance.

 

[dorispulaski]

I mentioned Bestemianova & Bukin's Moiseyev Dances FD. I was able to obtain a copy of it, and here it is, from 1984 Worlds. The commentary is by Toller Cranston:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTHeM-GN9Dw

Kalinka is not used

You should notice a number of the Russian dance character features here. It's interesting that the square feet and the jumps are done by Natalia rather than Andrei. The hand behind the head move by the gentleman is prominent. The lunging steps are very, very well done--skaters attempting to bring Russian folk dance to the ice should definitely view B&B's routine.

 

[gio]

What about the Pizzica? Dorispulaski, do you think Faiella/Scali are showing the character of the dance?

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

However, I doubt very much if the judges would accept tap as an American folk dance.

Do you think the dances from the Russian theatre are actually folk dances?

I do not have a problem with Cha Cha, Samba, Mambo which are people dances from the Carribean countries.

I think a definition of a true folk dance should be given. Personally I think all dancing is folk based and augmented by choreographers with variations on the music.

Tap, is Celtic based, in Scotland (Highland) Wales (Clogging) Ireland (Step). Tap is how those immigrants to Canada and the US remember them.

Joe

 

[Mathman]

Is the hula a Hawaian folk dance? Do Polynesian ceremonial and festive dances count? African dances?

American Indian?

OT -- I had a chance to attend a potlatch of the Spokane Indians and related nations last year. Besides a lot of music and dancing, there were gift giving ceremonies. The traditional gift is a blanket. The higher your social staus in the tribe, the more blankets you are expected to give out to your friends.

They used to weave the blankets, or trade for them. Now they buy them in bulk at the local KMart, and give them out still in the plastic coverings. Time marches on. :agree:

 

[gkelly]

Is the hula a Hawaian folk dance? Do Polynesian ceremonial and festive dances count? African dances?

American Indian?

Well, there were African and American Indian themed orignal dances at US Nationals this year, by Navarro & Bommentre and Maxwell & Traxler, respectively.

http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/current/content/sendan08.htm

Here's N&B's OD from NHK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87A2SMXON6A

 

[Tonichelle]

Max and Trax were AWESOME


though watching them practice their OD in their CD costumes during practice at nationals was a little... odd

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

When David Lean was film making Dr. Zvivago, he wanted an original folk song. The Composer for the movie gave him 'Lara's Theme'. Doesn't that raise the question of what is true folk?

Joe

 

[discoduck]

I don't consider Lara's Theme folk music. To me it's more of a waltz. That being said though, the music from Dr. Zhivago is amazing!

 

[dorispulaski]

Folk OD's may be used for the Olympics!

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080228&content_id=44942&vkey=ice_news

Because of the success of the folk dance this year, the dance committee of the International Skating Union is thinking of repeating this rhythm for the Olympic season.

I, of course, am thrilled!

 

[Mathman]

Rosaleen Kaye, Golden Skates' correspondent now reporting on the GS main page from Junior Worlds, got reaction to this news from Samuelson and Bates.

"I had no idea," said Bates. "I don't see any problem with it." "The Olympic season is only two years away," added Samuelson, "so it will be close to this year. I hope that teams would try to portray different folk than the one that they have this year if they decide to go with that. Every original dance theme is a new challenge for every skater, so no matter what they do, it will be good."

About their Russian folk dance this year, Emily Samuelson says:

When we first heard about the OD being folk, we thought it was something new and interesting. We were excited to try something that we had never done before. We bought DVD's and watched Russian Folk dancing so we could really get the feel of what we were supposed to portray on the ice.

Here is the whole article. (contains Jr. World SPOILERS):

http://www.goldenskate.com/articles/2007/jw_3.shtml

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

That is the question, if they use Folk Dancing for the Olys, will the skaters just work on improving their present folk dance or will they bring another 'original' folk dance to the contest? Ardent fans will want a different one.

I don't consider Lara's Theme folk music. To me it's more of a waltz. That being said though, the music from Dr. Zhivago is amazing!

I don't think David Lean thought that either but that's what he ordered. Do you know the background of the Waltz? Two people dancing face to face. Shocking!
I don't think it was choreographed. It just happened.

I believe that many movie background music has now become 'serious' music.

Joe

 

[Tonichelle]

Some soundtracks are absolutely brilliant and stand on their own without the movie. John Williams' compositions are amazing, for example.

I'm excited about the Folk Dance being considered for the Olympic OD...

I want Yankee Polka for the Oly CD!!!!!

 

[beep_beep]

Is the hula a Hawaian folk dance? Do Polynesian ceremonial and festive dances count? African dances?

A Canadian junior team, Ralph/Hill, is also doing an african dance.


Oh, and BTW, GREAT TOPIC DORISPULASKI ! :agree:
I am now less ignorant of folk dances (at least the ones that are not from my country...). Big Thanks !