Gabriella Papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron | Page 237 | Golden Skate

Gabriella Papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron

What we saw today was possibly one of the greatest ice dance performance of all time. More importantly, it was a substantial work of art. It might sound hyperbolic - but I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything of this substance in the history of this sport.

P/C push their music to a different place. It’s not merely performance to a piece of music, as any one else has done, instead they heighten and complicate our understanding of it.

The first movement is heavy and burdened. They themselves were light as air - their hush, controlled, gentle blade work a quiet rebellion against the piece’s demands. The usual swaying sensation that we typically associate with the ostinato triplet pattern (why most imagine a boat swaying on a lake in moonlight) is instead replaced with a forward propulsive movement with the curve lift while they gaze longingly upward as the pitch heightens. A bold interpretation - foreshadowing the possibility of the third movement. That motion propelling us from one of burden to excitement and possibility is then fully realized with a feverish coupled combination spin as the third movement is introduced. In the footwork, their faces and bodies and limbs are no longer small or interior in their motions as they once were - but instead unfurl with excitement and spectacle. We are witnesses to the escape of the burden and interiority of the first movement - again the twizzles are recalled in the footwork to recall the twizzles of the past movement, but instead of being the initial athletic ones of precision and control, they are delicate and freed - a catharsis brought on by juxtaposition. But alas - as the spins had hinted - it was little more than a fever dream. We return to the burden of the first movement, and once again their bodies lack the freedom they did. The straight line lift is now interior - rather than gazing upward dreaming of the possible, they gaze into each other. The dream they just shared was an elusive but joint experience, heightened so perfectly by their exquisite sychronization. They close with a gaze into each others eyes - so emotional with enormous depth - recalling their shared emotional journey they just went on.

This is why this work is so devastating for me - it’s carries you from depression to possibility back to depression. The tempt of excitement just a fever dream. It’s devastating - but to pull it off requires control of their blades, their bodies, their emotions, their faces to so precisely execute such a piece of art. It’s as much an athletic achievement as an artistic one. I don't even know how they will top this, I'm not sure it can but I look forward to watching them try.
 
schizoanalyst said:
What we saw today was possibly the greatest ice dance performance of all time. More importantly, it was a substantial work of art. It might sound hyperbolic - but I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything of this substance in the history of this sport.

P/C push their music to a different place. It’s not merely performance to a piece of music, as any one else has done, instead they heighten and complicate our understanding of it.

The first movement is heavy and burdened. They themselves were light as air - their hush, controlled, gentle blade work a quiet rebellion against the piece’s demands. The usual swaying sensation that we typically associate with the ostinato triplet pattern (why most imagine a boat swaying on a lake in moonlight) is instead replaced with a forward propulsive movement with the curve lift while they gaze longingly upward as the pitch heightens. A bold interpretation - foreshadowing the possibility of the third movement. That motion propelling us from one of burden to excitement and possibility is then fully realized with a feverish coupled combination spin as the third movement is introduced. In the footwork, their faces and bodies and limbs are no long small or interior in their motions as they once were - but instead unfurl with excitement and spectacle. We are witnesses to the escape of the burden and interiority of the first movement - again the twizzles are recalled in the footwork to recall the twizzles of the past movement, but instead of being the initial athletic ones of precision and control, they are delicate and freed - a catharsis brought on by juxtaposition. But alas - as the spins had hinted - it was little more than a fever dream. We return to the burden of the first movement, and once again their bodies lack the freedom they did. The straight line lift is now interior - rather than gazing upward dreaming of the possible, they gaze into each other. The dream they just shared was an elusive but joint experience, heightened so perfectly by their exquisite sychronization. They close with a gaze into each others eyes - so emotional with enormous depth - recalling their shared emotional journey they just went on.

This is why this work is so devastating for me - it’s carries you from depression to possibility back to depression. The tempt of excitement just a fever dream. It’s devastating - but to pull it off requires control of their blades, their bodies, their emotions, their faces to so precisely execute such a piece of art. It’s as much an athletic achievement as an artistic one. I don't even know how they will top this, I'm not sure it can but I look forward to watching them try.
Click to expand...

I remember G/G saying that they try to add a little philosophy to the emotions, and they don't "use" the music but "collaborate with" it. What you said is a testament to their power to communicate all that, to "provide a window into the place they occupy in the universe", as well as to our ability to receive what they give out, to share in their vision. The layers to their performance are fascinating to explore. I agree, the more I watch, the more I am certain that they indeed are the best artists we've seen in many many years.
 
Another bit of media : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkf8e-P6PQs
Use streamable.com if you cannot access it !

Translation :

A "Marseillaise", a Gold medal, a Moonlight (Sonata), it doesn't get much better to end this season, and what a season.

Guillaume : "We know why we do this, when we do this type of program, we're really having a blast and it's part of the best memories that we build."

A 3rd World title to top a perfect season : 4th European title, several WR broken, a Silver medal at the Olympics after a Wardrobe issue, this is for the honors.
The French arrived this morning at the rink for their last work day. Last finished touch, under their coaches eyes for that sublime Moonlight Sonata, danced hundreds and hundreds of time.
Romain : "Everything has to be very musical, the spin. You know, put dance everywhere".
First after the SD yesterday with a WR, despite what can be seen, Gabriella and Guillaume are exhausted by this intensed and loaded season.
Gabriella : "We're fine, we digested yesterday really well, in the right way... I don't know what I'm saying, rubbish. We're fine !"
Interviewer : "It's the last day !"
Gabriella : "Yes. Let's skate, not talk !"

And they never skated like that. The Moonlight Sonata, with the softness of movements and expression, true poetry on ice, danced to perfection.
Gabriella : "I think we did only great performances on this program all season, I'm really proud of us for that."

Youth has humor and talent. Gabriella and Guillaume 22 & 23 years old, broke 2 WR again, the FD and the Total combined. And what do they have in store for us next season ?
 
Bcash said:
"The most beautiful male skater of all time.."
Click to expand...

Yeah, that one. Not the first time hearing it of course, but coming from commentators from the country with the best male skater of all time, that was pleasant to hear ;)
Also that point : "If you had to nitpick he overshadows her, but not anymore". I actually agree, because Gaby adressed herself in the past some confidence issue, but it seems like it's very much gone - well especially at this event, that was hard to miss. Guillaume is a tall strong guy, marvelous dancer, and she is very slim and could easily fade away and it's not happening. She brings the life out of him, out of the performance.
 
Anyasnake said:
Yeah, that one. Not the first time hearing it of course, but coming from commentators from the country with the best male skater of all time, that was pleasant to hear ;)
Also that point : "If you had to nitpick he overshadows her, but not anymore". I actually agree, because Gaby adressed herself in the past some confidence issue, but it seems like it's very much gone - well especially at this event, that was hard to miss. Guillaume is a tall strong guy, marvelous dancer, and she is very slim and could easily fade away and it's not happening. She brings the life out of him, out of the performance.
Click to expand...

A friend who recently discovered them said, he's the one you fall in love with immediately, the amount of supportive work he provides while moving divinely himself is incredible, but she is the one who grows on you and almost breaks your heart in performances.

On the technical side, I do agree that Gabby has become so confident and sharp in execution. She is slender but her foot placements are firm and edging powerful.
 
During the press conference for the podium winners, the latter (particularly Madi and Gaby) mentioned that the requirements for next year were introduced in a technical meeting. The video of the meeting is published online (see link below). Although I have no background on skating, I found the discussion on next year's required rhythm dance (tango) to be interesting (starts at 33:08 of the video). Apparently, it is not called 'rhythm dance', and not 'short dance'. The requirements were discussed using demonstration videos (some from Dancing with the Stars, LOL). I thought the video would be most useful for those in the forum with a more sophisticated and in-depth understanding of ice dance (attention: Anyasnake and others, :-)). But at least now I understand the distinctions between midline, diagonal, and circular step sequences. :-) Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7tYDftWFGg
 
schizoanalyst said:
What we saw today was possibly one of the greatest ice dance performance of all time. More importantly, it was a substantial work of art. It might sound hyperbolic - but I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything of this substance in the history of this sport.

P/C push their music to a different place. It’s not merely performance to a piece of music, as any one else has done, instead they heighten and complicate our understanding of it.

The first movement is heavy and burdened. They themselves were light as air - their hush, controlled, gentle blade work a quiet rebellion against the piece’s demands. The usual swaying sensation that we typically associate with the ostinato triplet pattern (why most imagine a boat swaying on a lake in moonlight) is instead replaced with a forward propulsive movement with the curve lift while they gaze longingly upward as the pitch heightens. A bold interpretation - foreshadowing the possibility of the third movement. That motion propelling us from one of burden to excitement and possibility is then fully realized with a feverish coupled combination spin as the third movement is introduced. In the footwork, their faces and bodies and limbs are no long small or interior in their motions as they once were - but instead unfurl with excitement and spectacle. We are witnesses to the escape of the burden and interiority of the first movement - again the twizzles are recalled in the footwork to recall the twizzles of the past movement, but instead of being the initial athletic ones of precision and control, they are delicate and freed - a catharsis brought on by juxtaposition. But alas - as the spins had hinted - it was little more than a fever dream. We return to the burden of the first movement, and once again their bodies lack the freedom they did. The straight line lift is now interior - rather than gazing upward dreaming of the possible, they gaze into each other. The dream they just shared was an elusive but joint experience, heightened so perfectly by their exquisite sychronization. They close with a gaze into each others eyes - so emotional with enormous depth - recalling their shared emotional journey they just went on.

This is why this work is so devastating for me - it’s carries you from depression to possibility back to depression. The tempt of excitement just a fever dream. It’s devastating - but to pull it off requires control of their blades, their bodies, their emotions, their faces to so precisely execute such a piece of art. It’s as much an athletic achievement as an artistic one. I don't even know how they will top this, I'm not sure it can but I look forward to watching them try.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the analysis. I would say you are right in every word. ANd yes, it will be hard to top this dance and the massive score they were getting all season. But Gabby herself said that they think there is always a room for improvement and that made me quite excited for their next choices. :) Because how can you improve from this? :laugh:
Also, I noticed their reaction whether or not are they going to miss Maddison and Zach and Gabby replied it will be the same, they still be seeing each other in changing rooms, etc. So, that may answer the question of some whether or not are they planning to leave Gadbois. ;)
 
In L'Equipe the journalist interned Catherine Pinard. And she said that during the FD they play the first notes of MS with their hands. Do you have any idea where it could be ?
 
Camille1409 said:
In L'Equipe the journalist interned Catherine Pinard. And she said that during the FD they play the first notes of MS with their hands. Do you have any idea where it could be ?
Click to expand...

Maybe on the twizzles? A couple of months ago there was an article in a Russian fan blog from a musician who analyzed their arm movements from the point of view of the melodic structure. There were even a few pictures featuring how they accentuate the music notation with their arm and body movements.

Here's the link. https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/zapiskisumashedshego/1467321.html
I am not sure that I will be able to translate all this staff, but if you are interested let me know. I will take some time and give it a try.:)
 
floatingworld said:
During the press conference for the podium winners, the latter (particularly Madi and Gaby) mentioned that the requirements for next year were introduced in a technical meeting. The video of the meeting is published online (see link below). Although I have no background on skating, I found the discussion on next year's required rhythm dance (tango) to be interesting (starts at 33:08 of the video). Apparently, it is not called 'rhythm dance', and not 'short dance'. The requirements were discussed using demonstration videos (some from Dancing with the Stars, LOL). I thought the video would be most useful for those in the forum with a more sophisticated and in-depth understanding of ice dance (attention: Anyasnake and others, :-)). But at least now I understand the distinctions between midline, diagonal, and circular step sequences. :-) Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7tYDftWFGg
Click to expand...
Thanks for this Floatingworld.
It gives insight in why nothing ever changes without a guillotine, doesn't it.
I am now wondering whether I should laugh, cry or simply flush my head down the toilet.
 
Dear Coaches,

Since Halina and colleagues are listening to you:
PLEASE tell the committee that if they want to keep this thing alive during the coming decades, start NOW with allowing ANY couple to compete.

Thank you,
Humanity in 2018

- - - Updated - - -

I think I better move to another thread, right?
 
Gotlev said:
Dear Coaches,

Since Halina and colleagues are listening to you:
PLEASE tell the committee that if they want to keep this thing alive during the coming decades, start NOW with allowing ANY couple to compete.

Thank you,
Humanity in 2018

- - - Updated - - -

I think I better move to another thread, right?
Click to expand...

What does this mean? Anything happened?
 
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