Kwan prepares to perform to Bolero

[hrmsk8ngnutt]

What a perfect way to put it!

I just hope people don't get their expectations up too high, and then are really disappointed next week if their expectations aren't met. Michelle says herself in the articles that it is a work in progress for the next few months. Sasha Cohen has hinted at the same thing about her program, too, so I hope people keep this in perspective.

I agree with you, Lucy. I remember when Michelle debuted Lyra Angelica at Skate America 97 in late October. I admit I was not exactly impressed with the program and I hated her costume. I thought the dress was too busy and felt that if she was skated to something titled Lyra Angelica, she should wear white. When she showed up at Nationals in January, it was a different story. First, she had a gorgeous costume. It wasn't white, but the blue was a perfect shade, and the dress was simple but beautiful. And she performed the program so well - no need to elaborate. So, we'll see what happens at the Cheesefest, the Grand Prix events, and Nationals. I can't wait!!!!

Herm (sk8ngnutt)

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Try this link instead, the article I believe is better:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/09/24/sports1542EDT0267.DTL

Absolutely better and thanks RI for the link.

Joe

 

[KwanFan1212]

Wow, I am VERY intrigued by all this and I can't wait to see the debut of Michelle's Bolero. Two weeks til we see it on TV?! Nice. And I guess we all know what Chris Dean will be doing when he's not working with the SOI crew this fall....he'll be trying to catch MK skating in the GP series to see how the program and MK are doing! LOL

 

[GoldPatina27]

Have to agree that the second article by AP was better than the one by Helene Elliot - I like the way Michelle comes across in this interview and hope that someone will fill us in on her debut of the Bolero program one week from tonight.

La...- da -da-da-da-da-da -dum -dee-dee-dum....

 

[BravesSkateFan]

With no 3x3 in a 6.0 competition, she could squeeze out a first place, but she better get the3x3s by Nats and definitely by Worlds.

I think you've got it backwards Joe. I think a 3/3 was much more necessary in a 6.0 competition than in a CoP competion (at least with the way the rules are now). Under the old system there wasn't a specific value for jumps, so skaters who did a 3/3 generally received higher tech marks...but under CoP jumps have certain values, and a combination jump is worth the same as both jumps done seperately. Michelle could do the same jumps, but without a 3/3 combination and still have the same base value.
Examples....
Program WITH 3/3
3L 5.0
3T/3T 8.0
3Z/2T 7.3
2A 3.3
3S 4.5
3F 5.5
3Z 6.0
----------------
Total 39.6

Program WITHOUT 3/3
3L 5.0
3T 4.0
3Z/2T 7.3
2A/3T 7.3
3S 4.5
3F 5.5
3Z 6.0
-----------------
Total 39.6

Both of these programs have the exact same jumps..the combinations are just paired up differently.

So A 3/3 is not necessary at all. In fact it would be smarter to not do one, because it is a higer risk element. She'd have a better chance of getting a higher GOE doing a 2A/3T combination and a solo 3T, than she would doing a 3T/3T and a solo 2A.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Thanks for the hypothetical analysis. It seems that 3x3s are not all together the cat's meow. In your sample, you put a 2Ax3T. Has MK ever executed such a combo? and has anyone else?

Joe

 

[BravesSkateFan]

I don't know that Michelle has completed a 2A combination, but I do recall seeing other skaters complete one. Sorry I can't think of any names right off... maybe someone else knows some names...

 

[MidnightNess]

I remember in 1995, she did a 2axel/2toe combination but I don't recall her doing it since.

 

[floskate]

Joe: Elaine Zayak did double axel triple toe in 1980 and 81 Worlds aswell as 81 Nationals. Debi Thomas also did it at 85 Worlds.

 

[sk8m8]

true, true about the 2-3 combo, but didn't both Tara and Maria B both pull off trip-half-double axle? Would this count the same as a 2A-3T? Michelle's Axel has improved so much over the past 5 years that I would think this combo would be good for her. You have to have a LOT of lift (not shelly's strong suit, she jumps consistantly, but not neccesarily 'high'), however, it's also just as much about timing and edging, both of which she has in spades. It would be and interesting supposition. I've often wondered why MK didn't try a Sal/Loop in her program. I love her edge jumps. Anyway, I assume we'll all find out soon enough. Anyone besides me ready for the Senior Skating Season???

 

[thisthingcalledlove]

true, true about the 2-3 combo, but didn't both Tara and Maria B both pull off trip-half-double axle? Would this count the same as a 2A-3T? Michelle's Axel has improved so much over the past 5 years that I would think this combo would be good for her. You have to have a LOT of lift (not shelly's strong suit, she jumps consistantly, but not neccesarily 'high'), however, it's also just as much about timing and edging, both of which she has in spades. It would be and interesting supposition. I've often wondered why MK didn't try a Sal/Loop in her program. I love her edge jumps. Anyway, I assume we'll all find out soon enough. Anyone besides me ready for the Senior Skating Season???

I think the reason why Michelle didn't try the sal/loop was cos her loop really is her "mind block" jump. i like her triple loop jump (it's not as beautiful as ira's, but it's still pretty), but she seems to have trouble with that jump. that's why it's usually at the front of the programme.

 

[Chrystia Mee]

Interesting article on MK and her preparations to skate to Bolero

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kwan24sep24,1,7287047.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

(sorry, registration is required for this paper)

I for one was happy when I read these articles about Bolero. Bolero wasn't necessarily my first choice for music, but I think it is obvious that Michelle is ery excited about the music and really feels close to it somehow. I think that will speak out when she sktaes. And 3/3;s are never perfect in the beginning. She's got a fair amount of time before Worlds roll around where it might be more crucial. but early on everyone is still adjusting to their new programs.

 

[BronzeisGolden]

Now I am all hyped! The second article was great. It seems Michelle is really excited about this musical selection, and I think that will make a big difference. It is something she wanted. Wow, I'm not used to Michelle being quite so "open". This is unusual and refreshing. I hope she knocks our socks off this season!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I don't know that Michelle has completed a 2A combination, but I do recall seeing other skaters complete one. Sorry I can't think of any names right off... maybe someone else knows some names...

BFS - I have seen 2Lx3T a few times.but never a 2Ax3T. However, I note that Floskate has mentiond Zayak and Thomas. It could be a pretty move if the jumps really flow.

Si8m8 - I'm curious. Just what is a Triple - half -double axel? If it is a triple toe into a half loop, there is no way one can do an axel after that unless the preparation is from a back inside edge. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that I have not seen anyone prepare for an axel from a bi edge in decades.

BG - ITA. I can't believe she is opening up. I am so tired of her being a mystery woman.

Joe

 

[R.D.]

Now that this rumour is true, there will be no more MK rumours. well, for the time being, anyway

As I said before, I like the song Bolero, but I don't know how it would work skated (remember, I haven't seen a Bolero program before).

In my selfish opinion...This is MK's chance to get me to really like her skating, if she can do a great job w/the song. Didn't quite work for Fallin'...

 

[Kwanisqueen81]

Kwan finally takes a risk!!

WOW, I guess I am the ONLY person happy that she is skating to Bolero. The music I am really nutural on, I think not every skater can do it justice, but I also love T/D's version of it. For all the people who wanted Michelle to start taking risk and to "shake things up" well it seems she is doing just that.

I am glad to see Michelle take a serious risk by picking music as "difficlut" to interpate as Bolero. How ever I give her major Kudos for soliciting the services of Chris Dean to do the Choerography. How else better to do the choerograph? Also she gets his blessing and official backing so any talk about her using T/D's signature piece will be laid to rest.


In my opinion and anaylsis, as a Kwan fan I am happy to hear about these developments in the 2 articals that came out recently: They the current state of the 2 major factors that will dertermine Kwan's future success they are...

1. Michelle has to know that she has to fight for the top spot now. With Sasha, Miki, Shizuka and many others that days of relying on your presentation to win are over. All thses girls have good presentaion, the presentation gap has narrowed.
Kwan now seems ready to fill her programs with choreography that will reignite her artistic passions. I am not worried about her not doing a 3/3 right now because it is best for Michelle to build her body to a peak at worlds and possible the olympics. Remember that under COP 3/3's are not the end-all-be-all they were under 6.0. Michelle can do very well with just 6 or 7 well exicuted triples.

2. Motivation for olympics is another factor. I agree with Michelle's day-by-day approch to the olympic. Kwan has always been a process orientated person. I think this approch she has taken will lessen the pressure she will fell in the olympic season. Because now it is Truly is NOT about medels and titles for Michelle Kwan at this point, no it is soley about the performance. I think these articles show that Michelle is ready to thow the gauntlet down once again.

 

[Mathman]

Great analysis, Kwanisqueen!

 

[Kuchana]

Hi all I'm new here. I decided to join since the discussion piqued my interest.

As for the topic at hand, I was a little surprised to learn that Michelle was going to use Bolero for her lp this year. Can't say I'm altogether thrilled since I have a mute liking to the music but I'm interested to see what Michelle will make out of this. It's heartening to know that she apparently has the approval of one of the masters of Bolero himself - Dean. I can't wait to see her own spin on it.

 

[Mathman]

Hi, Kuchana. Thanks for posting, and welcome to the forum!

Mathman

 

[show 42]

Great article and great "back-up" thoughts, Sk8m8..........as for those who wonder whether or not Michelle will every do her triple-triple again (I wonder that myself from time to time), remember the dry spell Brian Orser had with his triple axle. It left him for years until he got it back at the Goodwill games in the late 90's..........it could happen.

Is anyone else getting nervous about Skate America? I can't wait.......

By the way, welcome to GS, Kuchana........... 42