Original Dance

[wushuang122]

Actuly, I have seen both of their OD, I would like to say that the step sequence od D/S is much slower and easier than B/A's and because D/S is Russian, they could get a high marks than they shoud have!!! Look back to the Olypics history, Russian won all the Gold except 2002!!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I'll never understand scoring Ice Dance. D&S won by 1.3 plus points. That's basically a tie. The Compulsories they did better, but I don't think one just adds up the scores in Ice Dance. Isn't it done by percentages?

Joe

 

[slutskayafan21]

I think Tanith and Ben must be dying inside right now. They should be confused. The way the judges were picking 'em, they were slotted to be the next champions once N/K retired, but it still hasn't happened and may never will. I already prefer the young teams D/W and especially V/M!

Yes they may well have had the rug pulled out from underneath them. I have gotten that sense for awhile. Meanwhile Domnina/Shabalin are posting even bigger #s then Virtue/Moir from SC and they arent on their home turf either. They are looking pretty good if the early season indicates anything.

 

[oleada]

Actuly, I have seen both of their OD, I would like to say that the step sequence od D/S is much slower and easier than B/A's and because D/S is Russian, they could get a high marks than they shoud have!!! Look back to the Olypics history, Russian won all the Gold except 2002!!

Actually, a lot of it was done on 1 foot.

 

[slutskayafan21]

D/S's lead is not the end of B/A even here. They are only 4 pts behind after the OD. And 3 of those points were from the compulsory. It still could go either way.

That said, I liked D/S's OD.

That is too many points unless Domnina/Shabalin have a fall in their FD.

 

[Mafke]

Russian D/S leave have that same sort of unstoppable juggernaut feeling behind them that T/M had in pairs. And like T/M, they basically leave me cold. I suppose they're technically okay (if not brilliant) but too much going for safe, stereotyped options.

I like B/A's OD better (though I'm not a fan of them either) and think the hat business is distracting (and they should lose it - it's not even the right type of hat).

 

[Tonichelle]

What type of folk dance are D/S skating, that could also have made a difference... Tanith and Ben are skating to something very... *American* and that might not go over well in other parts of the world...

 

[dwiggin3]

What type of folk dance are D/S skating, that could also have made a difference... Tanith and Ben are skating to something very... *American* and that might not go over well in other parts of the world...

Toni I really have to agree with you on this. When I first heard it was folk music, I was sure we'd see tons of Zorba the Greek, Riverdance and Dark Eyes - and we may still. I had heard rumblings that teams were struggling with music, trying to define what folk music was in the eyes of the ISU. I think B/A choice fundamentally is a good one - Appalachian/Bluegrass folk has some really nice qualities that could be expressed well in a OD. However, I think they went really wrong with their music selection. I can appreciate wanting to tell a story but this music is too gimicky and more like a show-dance than anything. Telling the kind of story they are is always risky...some may/may not like/get it. Add that to unusual music, and it's a risk. In this case, I don't think it works out well at all. It's too cutesy/gimicky. I would have preferred something with more substance but still equally engaging. Their costumes also DO NOT help - helps to give the sense that this a show number not a OD. However, there are some odd/wild costumes out there.

As far as their FD...I think they went wrong in the other direction. I don't think there is a story in that dance - not sure if there was ever one to begin with or if there is suppose to be one. I don't see B/A developing this one at all. I fear they are repeating last year....My question is if they liked the Amalie program so much and wanted to develop it more, why not use it this year? I know recycling is not looked upon well in dance but as far as strategy goes, this year seems like the year to do something different (granted, they are but I don't like this kind of different).

 

[Hsuhs]

I am a fan of neither team, and thought D/S costumes looked cheap. But D/S were good, IMHO. They had that x-tra something in their performance. They really connected with the audience.

 

[Tonichelle]

I like their FD... it's so smooth and polished to me... I really get tired of the angsty stories we have to endure because it's teh more "appreciated" style...

 

[rain]

I am a fan of neither team, and thought D/S costumes looked cheap. But D/S were good, IMHO. They had that x-tra something in their performance. They really connected with the audience.

I haven't seen B/A's OD here yet, did see it at SA though and didn't like it that much. Thought it was too cutesy. However, I also didn't like D/S's OD here (found a youtube vid). Hate the costumes. I mean HATE. So, so dreadful, to the point of being utterly distracting throughout the performance. I also hate their music and found their choreography uninspiring. Those things said, I did think they skated quite well, with good speed and they really did reach out to the audience.

Of the ODs I've seen so far this season, my fav by far is V/M's so far. I'm really curious to see Del/Schoen's.

 

[Hsuhs]

Of all Russian folk dances this season I liked Emily SAMUELSON / Evan BATES's the best. They presented their OD at Junior Grand Prix in Lake Placid (Aug/Sept). I thought they were more Russian then Russians, in that dance. That is how it ought to be done.

 

[Tonichelle]

I'm in the minority, I guess... I like B/A's OD and FD this season lol

 

[discoduck]

I like B and A's FD which is something that I usually don't say. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of the OD. I guess it's because it's called appalachian hoedown and they're dressed like hillbillies. As someone from the south, I've spent my whole life trying to convince people that I was not Ellie Mae Clampett and I had the sense that God gave a wombat. I don't know, maybe I'm too sensitive but I wish Igor would spend some time in TN and learn that we don't all look or act like refugees from the Beverely Hillbillies.

And before someone mentions V and M's Tennessee Waltz, I didn't like that either!

 

[chuckm]

Didn't know wombats were indigenous to Tennessee.

 

[Antilles]

I don't like B&As OD this year, either. I normally like their ODs, but this one makes me think of the movie Deliverance. it's just a little too hick for me. I have yet to see D&S.

 

[discoduck]

Didn't know wombats were indigenous to Tennessee.

They're not but I'm just fond of saying that.

 

[Antilles]

I finally saw some of these on youtube. Loved seeing John Kerr wearing a kilt. I'm happy someone finally used Lough Erin Shore, as I alwasy thought it would make great skating music. I though it was an Irish piece, though.

I liked D&S's OD. Their first lift looked a little funny, but overall I thought they did a great with it.