I am clearly in the minority here, but I really like Michelle's Bolero program. In fact, it's one of my favorite programs of hers in years. Granted, she didn't have a perfect skate last night, especially with the ending coming after the music, but overall I really do like the program. I feel like the very nature of the music--slow, steady, but very intense and passionate--mirrors Michelle's style on ice and is therefore a great choice for her.
I thought she had a really good skate last night--up until the last minute. Then things kind of fell apart. I'm disappointed and concerned that she doubled the second Lutz. That's exactly what she did at Worlds and the spring cheesefest last year. Michelle's ability to reliably land two triple Lutzes in her long programs (and six or seven triples overall) has, in my opinion, always been a cornerstone of her success (as it was for Kristi Yamaguchi). It's especially important for Michelle, in light of the fact that she's never developed a consistent triple-triple. To see her becoming
inconsistent with the Lutz, and doing only five-triple programs,
really worries me. She really, really needs to get that consistency back to maintain her top-three placing at Worlds.
I also agree with Dick that her straight-line footwork at the end of the program didn't really sing. I question whether the straight-line footwork really works as a climax point in that program. The nature of the music feels more continuous and circular, as opposed to linear and climactic, and I don't know if the straight-line footwork fits it. I felt like the serpentine footwork in the beginning of the program worked better. But perhaps the straight-line just didn't work last night because Michelle was already a little off and behind the music.
I am nonetheless optimistic about Michelle's chances at Worlds. I personally like the program and think it suits her. Her jumps look a little higher, her spins a little faster this year. And based on what I saw last night, I think she has added the difficulty in footwork and transitions that she needs for COP. Now if she can just fine-tune the program a bit and really go for *all* her triples, I think she will have a good chance at Worlds even without a triple-triple combination.
I agree with a previous poster that 4CC could give Michelle a great opportunity to test out COP without the pressure of Worlds. And going to 4CC would also really win her some brownie points with the ISU, which is not happy with her right now for skipping Grand Prix. That in turn could help her get those little extra tenths of a point from the judges at Worlds. So I really do wish she'd consider 4CC. But even without that, I do feel optimistic about Worlds and am really looking forward to seeing her there.
As to other women, well . . . I personally felt Michelle was very much the class of the field, even with a relatively subpar performance for her.
Sasha's performance was pretty much what I expected. Basically, her usual skate at Nationals--good but not perfect. The Nutcracker program is nice, but not exciting or innovative in any way. To me, it represents a step backward from her Tarasova long programs. I feel like the coaching change back to Nicks is a mistake too. Again it's going backward, when Sasha ought to be moving forward and trying new things. I am completely in awe of Sasha's talent, and at her worst she is still far better than most skaters will ever be. But her window of opportunity, competitively speaking, is passing her by. She was on the verge of a breakthrough in 2003 and 2004, but I feel like that is slipping away now.
I have similar feelings about Jenny Kirk. Jenny is so lovely and so talented. But she has had many opportunities and has not taken advantage of any of them. Last night was another example of that. Her time, too, is starting to pass by.
Kimmie Meissner clearly seems to be the skater of the future for U.S. ladies. Her consistency, solid technique, and competitive cool remind me of Michelle at that age. In terms of artistry and presence on the ice, though, she has quite a way to go. Even aside from the age rule, I think it's right for her to go to Junior Worlds and not Worlds this year. Like Cynthia Phaneuf, I think she will benefit from another year to develop. I do expect that she will probably make the Olympic team next year, though.
I enjoyed watching Katy Taylor. She obviously isn't as sound technically as Kimmie right now, but to me she has more personality and zing on the ice. Katy is fun; I like her skating. I hope she'll get more consistent with the jumps next year. What's interesting is that it looks to me like Katy is starting to develop a bit, whereas Kimmie clearly is not. That could account for Kimmie's continued success this year, whereas Katy seems to be struggling a bit. Who knows, the roles could be reversed next year. Growing up certainly isn't easy, is it?
Beatrisa Liang skated really well! She's always been a jumping bean, but now she's getting more consistent and developing her presentation skills more. I enjoyed her programs and hope she does well next year. I think the switch to Christy Ness could be good for her. Christy has always struck me as a very steady coach who focuses on the whole picture, as opposed to just jumps, and that's definitely what Bebe needs right now.
Overall it was a great night of skating! Michelle is looking good and there are some exciting young skaters coming up.
