Jeff Buttle - I could Watch Him Skate All Day!!!

[Ladskater]

I was absolutely mesmerized watching Jeff skate his programs. He is one of the most graceful skaters I have ever seen. His line is absolutely perfect and beautiful. Even when he is in a group, he stands out. What a treat it was to see him skate live!!!!!

I could watch Jeff skate all day.

 

[ceg15]

I agree completely, he's amazing!

 

[slutskayafan21]

His lines are exquisite, and his posture, his edgework, his polish to all his movements is incredable. If he could only do those jumps more consistently now though.......

 

[Tonichelle]

You know, I haven't been able to get into most of his programs... the only program I liked was his new LP from this season that he scrapped... so *shrugs*

He is a beautiful skater, I just don't get much out of it... I think my mind would probably change if I saw him in person?

 

[kareliz]

Jeff is good on TV but really fabulous live. He is very fast and very smooth. He has tons of personality and charisma on the ice. He pays attention to each moment of choreography. And yes, if the jumps were more consistent, it would truly be the total package.

 

[iluvtodd]

It's a joy to watch Jeff skate. We got to see him at Worlds 2003, and I hope that he will eventually be part of the US SOI cast.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

When Jeff is good he's very very good. He's almost the best.

Joe

 

[Silver Lining]

I saw him last year at Vancouver CSOI and he was definitely the highlight for me!

 

[skatinghunni]

omg i know eh???...............................hes soooo great!

and hes such a nice guy too really down to earth and hes a sweetheart....he gives seminars to everyone at my skating club every once in a while(YAY SUDBURY.....JEFF's HOMETOWN ) and i have the same coacha s he used to have (Wendy Philion) and shes always talking about him we should be getting another seminar from him again soon !!!!!!!plus hes really hott in person lol and hes also funny!

 

[Mathman]

... the only program I liked was his new LP from this season that he scrapped...

That's very interesting, because that's the only one of his programs that I didn't like so much.

To me Jeff is one of the few skaters (none on the ladies' side) who seem to be able to accommodate the requirements of the CoP without sacrificing choreography, transitions, musicality, and edge work. (I know the CoP is supposed to reward those things, too, but I haven't seen much evidence that it is working in that regard.)

MM

 

[Kasey]

You know, I haven't been able to get into most of his programs... the only program I liked was his new LP from this season that he scrapped... so *shrugs*

He is a beautiful skater, I just don't get much out of it... I think my mind would probably change if I saw him in person?

I don't know...I kind of thought this as well, but after seeing him live, I'm still kinda "meh, whatever". Leaves me cold, emotionless and bored. Oh well, to each their own. I'm sure some folks will think I'm "missing out" on something...but I'm sure I would think they are missing out on someone *I* like! So it all works out!

 

[hockeyfan228]

If Buttle had only skated in the group numbers, it would have been worth the drive to Vancouver to see him skate in CSOI. His two solos were icing on the cake.

 

[Ladskater]

I don't know...I kind of thought this as well, but after seeing him live, I'm still kinda "meh, whatever". Leaves me cold, emotionless and bored. Oh well, to each their own. I'm sure some folks will think I'm "missing out" on something...but I'm sure I would think they are missing out on someone *I* like! So it all works out!

Indeed you are! Jeff is what is known in the skating world as "a skaters skater." He has perfect posture; great edges and really gets down into his knees. All techniques figure skaters are taught, but seldom put into practice all of the time. Next time you watch a skater, look for:

Carriage (body line, good posture, arched back, pointed toe, head up - not looking at feet).
Good flow - really using knee action to cover the ice with little effort, good stroking between jumps. Also making the most of ice coverage and using interesting footwork in between the jumps - really adding to the program, not just skating from one jump to the next.

That's what I love so much about Jeff. It's what he does in between his jumps and his interesting entries and landings. The way he flows across the ice, effortlessly. Also I love his wonderful musical sense - it's a gift. He skates with such feeling and connection to the music - I can't understand how you would find him "cold, emotionless and boring." Oh well!!!!

Being a former figure skater, it's a treat for me to watch Jeff. I can appreciate what he does and how he does it.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Kasey]

Thanks for the run down....but for me, having all the technical goods doesn't translate to emotional attachment for me (i.e., many Totmianina/Marinin programs). Jeff has excellent technique, I don't deny that. But some skaters have a certain "it" factor that draw me into their programs and make me feel invested in them. Some of those who do that for me, I'm sure would get some head-scratching from a lot of people, but it's what gets ME into the program. Buttle just doesn't touch me like that....and never has. So for all his excellent qualities, he'll probably always be a skater I can appreciate, but not necessarily enjoy.