Nathan Chen
- Thread starter matmuh
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2018
I saw it too. Well, it's a choice for sure. The age difference isn't bad I suppose, but they have a sibling vibe and it was awkward because of that and other reasons. I'll pass for now.
though I did laugh at a tweet that said to put the shotglass down, you are underage Nathan
https://twitter.com/nwcgold2018/status/983015736527306753
from zach's IG story.
he looks like he needs a long nap
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUNu5uFSJG/
from worlds.
though I did laugh at a tweet that said to put the shotglass down, you are underage Nathan
https://twitter.com/nwcgold2018/status/983015736527306753
from zach's IG story.
he looks like he needs a long nap
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUNu5uFSJG/
from worlds.
hhh, you make a good point about Scott. I am very grateful to Scott for all he's done for American skating and for his support of Nathan through some difficult times, so I don't want to neglect mentioning that.
SkatingMusic,
Nathan's posture is my #1 gripe about his skating.
I think for Mao's Last Dancer in particular Lori worked long and hard with him on how he's supposed to present himself, based on various articles, and she tried to get him to ingrain that posture. I was thankful his posture in that program was largely good even through Worlds. But attention to posture seems not to apply to Back from the Edge, possibly because nobody has been there saying, you aren't portraying my choreography correctly. (For Steal the show last year, his posture was intermittently bothersome to me, but not to the extent that Back from the Edge bothers me).
I think the many years of playing hockey was detrimental to his posture. Posture can be corrected with dedicated attention, but... I feel ice basketball is also very bad for his posture, because it reinforces the hockey habit of just moving without paying attention to posture, as long as you get there as fast as you need to. So I'm not excited to hear about any more dribbling on ice for a gala program.
Some of those pictures with Ashley made me wince, his shoulder hunching is very noticeable. But I don't think it's solely because he's nervous about having to skate with a partner. it's visible even in photos when he's just standing on the ice. It's so chronic, I wish there was a way for him to remember to pay attention to neck and shoulder posture whenever he's on the ice, or just all the time.
His posture was so good in the Bolero bit from the Legends finale.
It's a shame about his posture, *particularly because the other aspects of his skating are so good*. His line is glorious, his movements are wonderful, but if he's hunched over stiffly in his shoulder and upper back, it spoils the effect. And unlike the camel spin turn out and toe point issue, the posture issue is not a blink-and-it's-over, it continues throughout a program
I'm especially grateful for the programs where his posture is good. The *moments* where his posture is good, rather. I just wish I saw a real HD (smooth, like recorded from a TV broadcast straight to DVR and not recorded over the internet) version of the Bolero finale from the Legend show in Japan, although of course I'm very grateful that aboutNathan and the other youtube uploaders kindly shared their recordings with us.
re: comments from other folks
his posture bothers me in Back from the Edge, because that's a program I would watch many times. The dance with Ashley thing... uh, I feel uncomfortable for his sake and wish he'd look less uncomfortable with it, because I'm sure he takes pride in being able to skate to any music, in any style, but I'm unlikely to watch that dance group number. Don't they say 'fake it til you make it'? maybe with only a few days to learn choreo for a group number, everybody's too relieved not to injure each other to pay attention to how stiffly one manages the choreo. It also doesn't help that they didn't partner him with Karen Chen or someone significantly shorter than him, so a lot of those moves that depend on the man's greater height compared to the woman look especially awkward. But bottom line, I just want him to PAY ATTENTION TO HIS POSTURE, lol. it's possible that if his posture were good in that awkward Ashley thing I would re-watch it... just to see him wearing blue for the first time since 2016 Nationals
Thanks again for all the links. The Don Quixote was especially wonderful, because I always disliked the way Marina Zueva repeated that phrase in Le Corsaire when she cut the music, and this gets rid of it! I do understand why choreographers do that, because of the specified duration for short and long programs, but it makes me extra grateful when I hear a well-cut piece of music, like Nathan's Chopin, both junior and senior music length, and also Mao's Last Dancer.
SkatingMusic,
Nathan's posture is my #1 gripe about his skating.
I think for Mao's Last Dancer in particular Lori worked long and hard with him on how he's supposed to present himself, based on various articles, and she tried to get him to ingrain that posture. I was thankful his posture in that program was largely good even through Worlds. But attention to posture seems not to apply to Back from the Edge, possibly because nobody has been there saying, you aren't portraying my choreography correctly. (For Steal the show last year, his posture was intermittently bothersome to me, but not to the extent that Back from the Edge bothers me).
I think the many years of playing hockey was detrimental to his posture. Posture can be corrected with dedicated attention, but... I feel ice basketball is also very bad for his posture, because it reinforces the hockey habit of just moving without paying attention to posture, as long as you get there as fast as you need to. So I'm not excited to hear about any more dribbling on ice for a gala program.
Some of those pictures with Ashley made me wince, his shoulder hunching is very noticeable. But I don't think it's solely because he's nervous about having to skate with a partner. it's visible even in photos when he's just standing on the ice. It's so chronic, I wish there was a way for him to remember to pay attention to neck and shoulder posture whenever he's on the ice, or just all the time.
His posture was so good in the Bolero bit from the Legends finale.
It's a shame about his posture, *particularly because the other aspects of his skating are so good*. His line is glorious, his movements are wonderful, but if he's hunched over stiffly in his shoulder and upper back, it spoils the effect. And unlike the camel spin turn out and toe point issue, the posture issue is not a blink-and-it's-over, it continues throughout a program
I'm especially grateful for the programs where his posture is good. The *moments* where his posture is good, rather. I just wish I saw a real HD (smooth, like recorded from a TV broadcast straight to DVR and not recorded over the internet) version of the Bolero finale from the Legend show in Japan, although of course I'm very grateful that aboutNathan and the other youtube uploaders kindly shared their recordings with us.
re: comments from other folks
his posture bothers me in Back from the Edge, because that's a program I would watch many times. The dance with Ashley thing... uh, I feel uncomfortable for his sake and wish he'd look less uncomfortable with it, because I'm sure he takes pride in being able to skate to any music, in any style, but I'm unlikely to watch that dance group number. Don't they say 'fake it til you make it'? maybe with only a few days to learn choreo for a group number, everybody's too relieved not to injure each other to pay attention to how stiffly one manages the choreo. It also doesn't help that they didn't partner him with Karen Chen or someone significantly shorter than him, so a lot of those moves that depend on the man's greater height compared to the woman look especially awkward. But bottom line, I just want him to PAY ATTENTION TO HIS POSTURE, lol. it's possible that if his posture were good in that awkward Ashley thing I would re-watch it... just to see him wearing blue for the first time since 2016 Nationals
Thanks again for all the links. The Don Quixote was especially wonderful, because I always disliked the way Marina Zueva repeated that phrase in Le Corsaire when she cut the music, and this gets rid of it!
I do understand why choreographers do that, because of the specified duration for short and long programs, but it makes me extra grateful when I hear a well-cut piece of music, like Nathan's Chopin, both junior and senior music length, and also Mao's Last Dancer.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2018
I regret that I clicked on the dancing with Ashley clip. It was wrong on so many level. Need to wash my eyes with his other performances.
I think his posture automatically improves with classical music because the muscle memory from his years of ballet training kicks in. The ill fitting shirts however make the slouching appear worse than it really is.
Re Ashley number, they needed 3 couples and the Shibs were ruled out because of the song. It came down to Nathan and Jason, and Nathan probably had more partnering experience. I’m guessing he’s most comfortable with Ashley because he knows her best since they train together.
Re Ashley number, they needed 3 couples and the Shibs were ruled out because of the song. It came down to Nathan and Jason, and Nathan probably had more partnering experience. I’m guessing he’s most comfortable with Ashley because he knows her best since they train together.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2018
@skfan great analysis. I really hope he focuses on his posture. It undermines the beauty of his skating. And it bothers me to no end
Also really dislike the pairing with Ashley. Who came up with the idea? :dev2:
Also really dislike the pairing with Ashley. Who came up with the idea? :dev2:I understand that not all dance is perfect posture ballet, and I want to see him in a costume that doesn't obscure his lines in Back from the Edge. But I think the bunchy shirts hide bad posture, and this has been the case from way back in the days of 'Best day of my life' gala.
I disagree that in the olden days his posture was fine. I preferred Nam Nguyen's posture back in their younger days when fans were comparing Nathan and Nam. Nathan's Vivaldi (stiff hunched shoulders) and Chopin (especially dislike the Nationals version shoulder posture) both featured at best passable posture IMHO. It's also because he tenses up in competitions--there's footage of him skating in practice with gloves performing Vivaldi, and though I despise gloves, his posture was much better during this practice (Minsk JGP, iirc).
I do think his posture was fine in the Three Musketeers program, Hungarian Rhapsody, and the Godfather, but though it is sacrilege, I disliked his posture in the iconic Peter and the Wolf program from 2010 Nationals.
I don't especially like ballet posture if it means excessive tension and stiffness, either, but at his best Nathan achieves just the right balance, so that there is no unnecessary tension anywhere in his movements. The most recent example of good posture is from the Bolero Legends Finale. I really appreciate those thirty or so seconds I got to enjoy him skating with just gorgeous lines, with this sense of freedom, almost like he's exulting in the joy of moving on the ice.
Johnny Weir specifically pointed out an aspect of Nathan's posture that stemmed from hockey--I believe it was something like the way he always keeps his head stiffly locked facing forward, no matter the movements of his shoulders, other parts of his body. It's a hockey player thing, Johnny said. I cannot remember the exact broadcast, but it rang true to me. This is the skater who can't even remember that he's wearing figure skating blades/boots and thus trips over his toepick because he's so deep into hockey, after all... more Johnny Weir, source also not citable because I've forgotten during which broadcast Johnny said this, though I think it was probably in the 2014-2015 or 2015-2016 season.
If he had better skating skills, it would de-accentuate how much he has to hunch over and push to gain speed across the ice, and I think that might improve his posture as well. But even if he doesn't work assiduously on skating skills--after all, there are only so many hours in a day, and he will be taking some college classes somewhere, according to his plans-- I hope he at least works on his neck, shoulder and even lower back posture.
I disagree that in the olden days his posture was fine. I preferred Nam Nguyen's posture back in their younger days when fans were comparing Nathan and Nam. Nathan's Vivaldi (stiff hunched shoulders) and Chopin (especially dislike the Nationals version shoulder posture) both featured at best passable posture IMHO. It's also because he tenses up in competitions--there's footage of him skating in practice with gloves performing Vivaldi, and though I despise gloves, his posture was much better during this practice (Minsk JGP, iirc).
I do think his posture was fine in the Three Musketeers program, Hungarian Rhapsody, and the Godfather, but though it is sacrilege, I disliked his posture in the iconic Peter and the Wolf program from 2010 Nationals.
I don't especially like ballet posture if it means excessive tension and stiffness, either, but at his best Nathan achieves just the right balance, so that there is no unnecessary tension anywhere in his movements. The most recent example of good posture is from the Bolero Legends Finale. I really appreciate those thirty or so seconds I got to enjoy him skating with just gorgeous lines, with this sense of freedom, almost like he's exulting in the joy of moving on the ice.
Johnny Weir specifically pointed out an aspect of Nathan's posture that stemmed from hockey--I believe it was something like the way he always keeps his head stiffly locked facing forward, no matter the movements of his shoulders, other parts of his body. It's a hockey player thing, Johnny said. I cannot remember the exact broadcast, but it rang true to me. This is the skater who can't even remember that he's wearing figure skating blades/boots and thus trips over his toepick because he's so deep into hockey, after all... more Johnny Weir, source also not citable because I've forgotten during which broadcast Johnny said this, though I think it was probably in the 2014-2015 or 2015-2016 season.
If he had better skating skills, it would de-accentuate how much he has to hunch over and push to gain speed across the ice, and I think that might improve his posture as well. But even if he doesn't work assiduously on skating skills--after all, there are only so many hours in a day, and he will be taking some college classes somewhere, according to his plans-- I hope he at least works on his neck, shoulder and even lower back posture.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2018
I'm a new fan. So how many things did Nathan do before concentrating on skating? He also played gymnastics. Did he seriously train for hockey before figure skating? For how many years? And he is still only 18.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2018
I agree.
I've always liked most of Vera's costumes even though I think they can be better. Nathan's bold choice of simplicity is actually one of the reasons I was attracted to him in the first place. I wish Vera could show us more creativity and make him some top quality costumes for his shows. IMO, its way more difficult to design a simple, masculine yet elegant costume than sewing up 1000 pieces of gemstones and sequins to a ombré dyed fabric
yes I was waiting for that, the only reason I am watching NBC recap is that few seconds or minutes (later on) of Nathan.
I have doubts they will show his vanilla vera SP though. maybe they will completely skip vincent (like CBC:sad21
.. I don't know. fingers crossed.I don't like J&T couple, but Tanith Belbin is cute.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2018
Thanks, all Nathan videos, photos, etc are a treasure
I find this video in youtb, I love it :luv17: https://youtu.be/zho2yOm4kR0
Thanks for the video, I‘m happy to see how their brotherhood has blossom not just before the camera/event promo purpose, I hope he can show Nathan a few signature niches this offseason or soon
I understand balletic upright posture is a fundamental element FS fans appreciate, and he needs to improve on it when the music and choreography require it. As some skaters like Nathan slowly grows into his own, I’m one that doesn’t mind and do appreciate the non-balletic aesthetic other dances offer in his performances be it a competition program or ex, as dance is an impulse channeling through music and dancer’s rhythmic movements, it involves in delivering the story of the music to the audience and each music piece is different, given the wide range Nathan has, I think it’s a plus for him to grow as both athlete and artist. Tbh, the posture of a handful of top skaters all need some work so let’s see how each refines their skills.
Weir has also complimented his balletic lines so yes he needs to improve meanwhile delivering the goods that’s involve in other dances. The Shape of You was awkward for him, considering he’s hardly (or never) had an ice dance partner, to skate with a female on a sensual song and to have 3 days of practice, I wonder what he feels about this one haha Watching him swinging Ashley in a loop reminds me of cowboy trick roping
but hey a good experience nevertheless.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2018
I’m glad you have come to the Dark Side haha Style is a personal thing without a debate, her tailoring and attention to details to me is what makes his costumes stood out among the usual gem-packed ones, they highlighted his physique and certain parts of his programs under certain angles and camera shots.
Nathan your POSTURENathan I love you but please fix your posture.
I quote myself during NBC breaks, just to bring the attention to Nathan's posture again.
Some of you mentioned Nathan's better posture in last dancer, but towards the end of this Season (Nationals, OG, Worlds), Nathan reverted back to his usual hunched posture. Especially in that crucial moment in Last dancer-- the erhu moment. he forgot his original beautiful and sensual choreo instead gave us a hunched back.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2018
@oatmella oh yeah they did, the costume forms also subtly exhibited his becoming manliness, I’m still marveling at some of the great shots the photographers took at OG and Worlds, so beautiful and hot hehe
- - - Updated - - -
https://mobile.twitter.com/aboutNathan0505/status/983050404400324608/video/1
All three are down lol
- - - Updated - - -
https://mobile.twitter.com/aboutNathan0505/status/983050404400324608/video/1
All three are down lol
also, I don't think Nathan's posture problem will resolve if he skated to classic music. to me, his posture problem does not related to music type.
His posture is okay (at least suited to the style) in Nemesis which is not classic music, and his posture is not ideal in parts of his junior Chopin program.
it seems to me the problem is that Nathan is used to balance with certain bad posture. and it has been there since baby days.
One reason maybe due to his nature built (anatomical structure), his shoulders are not naturally open. Vincent also has similar issues (he said his shoulder blades are naturally inward) and he is working on that.
I think this posture problem can be solved, I think as Nathan grow old, his shoulder will become more open (as it is indeed better now). But Nathan needs to pay attention to his posture, and he needs a specialist (maybe a choreographer) who values these things, understand these things and how to improve, to reminds his on daily basis, tweak the details, break his old habit on the site.
EDIT: may Chinese figure skating fans (not necessary Nathan fan) have expressed their concern about Nathan's posture thought his upper back, shoulder, neck area and coordination is weird some times.
His posture is okay (at least suited to the style) in Nemesis which is not classic music, and his posture is not ideal in parts of his junior Chopin program.
it seems to me the problem is that Nathan is used to balance with certain bad posture. and it has been there since baby days.
One reason maybe due to his nature built (anatomical structure), his shoulders are not naturally open. Vincent also has similar issues (he said his shoulder blades are naturally inward) and he is working on that.
I think this posture problem can be solved, I think as Nathan grow old, his shoulder will become more open (as it is indeed better now). But Nathan needs to pay attention to his posture, and he needs a specialist (maybe a choreographer) who values these things, understand these things and how to improve, to reminds his on daily basis, tweak the details, break his old habit on the site.
EDIT: may Chinese figure skating fans (not necessary Nathan fan) have expressed their concern about Nathan's posture thought his upper back, shoulder, neck area and coordination is weird some times.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2018
Just turned on my TV. It's ice dance now. Will men's programs be on later or have I already missed it?
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