Pairs FS Worldwide: The Divine Discipline

[BlissfulSynergy]

Having said that, I still have a lot of teams to be excited about, if perhaps less with a kind of 'want them to win' feeling for either of them compared to four years ago. I still love Sui/Han who are so expressive, I still love Tarasova/Morosov (the one team whom I really would wish to skate well at the OG, because they had such a bummer at the last one), I genuinely like Mishina/Galliamov and since this weekend I am really a fan of Kavliachenko/Khodykin because they bring something new to the table. I'm excited about James/Radford, a really big fan of Cain-Gribble/Leduc, and I also like and admire Boikova/Kovlovskii, Knierim/Frazier and Calalang/Johnson. I'm really excited about Japan coming up with a great Pairs team as well as Spain and Hungary (I'm still in love with Ioulia's smile). Also, there are quite a few interesting teams on the rise for the next cycle like Lu/Mitrofanov and Liu/O'Shea (I so hope they're okay). Maybe one or more of these teams will give me back the excitement I felt in 2017-2018.
....

So, yes, less excitement than four years ago, but still a lot to enjoy!

Yes, of course. I am simply a pairs aficionado, and so I notice a lot about the discipline that I enjoy discussing. I have an historical interest and perspective (which you probably can see by how I riff in long passages about pairs, and singles too). I don't understand as much about ice dance. It is a discipline that came about much later than the other disciplines. The Olympics began to include ice dance only in the 1970s, as I recall.

All the teams you cite are definitely interesting. However, if you see and understand exactly what I was saying in previous posts, you'll realize that I am developing a complicated argument. It's not that simple. Chiefly, there's always transitional cycles in pairs and in all the disciplines. This current cycle has been severely impacted by the pandemic. A particular team that has been very affected, e.g., has been Calalang/Johnson who lost all their momentum by not being able to compete at a Worlds for the first time in 2020. Then huge bad luck this season, as we know, ending in them not going to 2021 Worlds. While I think U.S. figure skating would like to send C/J and K/F to the Olympics, C-G/LD have made a great case for themselves to be selected. It will likely come down to a battle royale at U.S. Nationals in January. All the more reason why I was so disappointed that U.S. pairs were unable to grab that oh so available third spot for pairs when they were wonderfully positioned to do so after the sp at 2021 Worlds. But, them's the breaks. At least, K/F and C-G/LD have been trying mightily to make this a possible ground-breaking season personally, and for U.S. pairs as a whole.

I had intended to mention Miura/Kihara in terms of the excitement factor. Everyone seems to be pulling for them around the world. I enjoy them, and I think it's great -- they are talented, and they are very hard workers. It will be interesting to see if Japan can continue to build on what M/K are creating with the help of their coaches/choreographers. I still say that their scores experienced a huge increase, but they've been so far able to back up the praise and the rise in scores with relative consistency. It helps their consistency to have brought back programs from last season. At the very least, their programs work well for them and aren't boring.

Peng/Jin are definitely another team who I have found interesting. They usually have good programs, but they haven't always lived up to their promise, in part due to injury, and because they are in a holding pattern behind Sui/Han.

 

[ladyjane]

I forgot to mention Peng/Jin. My bad. They are a pair I really like, and can even get truly excited about! I forgot because they regrettably withdrew from a second GP and then their names disappeard from my forward consciousness. They definitely should have been part of my post!

I wasn't reacting to your post exactly @BlissfulSynergy , except for the 'being excited' part, and why I am less excited though still enjoying the discipline (a lot). I'm actually looking forward to the Battle Royale in the US if I can even watch (that's often a problem as I can usually only see the results, and the programmes only much, much later). As well as the one in Canada, because I don't believe MT/M are just going to let go (and their last outing just this weekend wasn't that bad, I'm sure they can rise up).

I totally agree that the pandemic has been devastating, and not just for pairs in Figure skating. At least we've got the numbers back at a high level (There were 28 pairs at Worlds 2018 and that number was nearly as high in 2021 - 24), and there's quite a few pairs on the rise that only can be watched in the 'lesser' competitions. And they really are great competitions.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

^^ Yes @ladyjane! What we need is an international pairs club where we can meet & greet and chat to our heart's content. With more head-to-head conversation, we would get to know each other's views better and not have to deal with the miscommunication and misuderstandings often caused by impersonal non face-to-face chat on forums. Of course, the explosion in social media has been wonderful for engaging with other fans at all. But by now, with the dearth of good figure skating coverage, and the disparate ways the sport is covered, it can be so frustrating. Interesting conversations get started, but then drift away, because that's the nature of forums.

There is a lot going on, and there always is in the sport. However, with the way social media is today, I see a great pull back from athletes and coaches in the skating community from putting too much out there, because of a lot of things becoming misconstrued and affected by gossip on social media forums. Nothing is announced until individuals are ready. And sometimes things are never announced, until you notice entries at competitions, which reveal new pairings (e.g., Ian Somerville being paired with Emily Bratti for U.S. senior ice dance is interesting, but it was never announced, just as his split with Katarina DelCamp was never announced -- Kat simply stopped posting on her Instagram, until her new partnership with Billy Wilson-French was ready to be revealed. I recently posted in the British skating thread that Katarina wrote a post the other day, alluding to her split with Somerville being upsetting, but she didn't go into any details). Oh well, that's for ice dance threads, but it is an example of how a lot of things are happening without any announcements, aside from some clues here and there on individual social media accounts.

At least we've got the numbers back at a high level (There were 28 pairs at Worlds 2018 and that number was nearly as high in 2021 - 24), and there's quite a few pairs on the rise that only can be watched in the 'lesser' competitions. And they really are great competitions.

Yes. I believe the excitement during the pandemic season with the paring of Knierim/Frazier who match so well and who came together quickly with results, has inspired a lot of recent pairings worldwide. Also, the increased competitiveness of U.S. pairs has been inspirational. In addition, there is still residual excitement regarding what James/Cipres created in their final three seasons with the help of their coaching team and choreographers.

I agree that watching lower tier teams develop can be interesting. But we need to have more diversity, innovation and excitement at the top too, to balance the lower level development arc. It enlivens fans, and inspires those who are hoping to move up and compete with the best.

Yay and hip hip hooray for pairs! But again, a lot of the GPs this season have been frustrating and underwhelming. Some bright spots of course, but a very mixed bag.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Canada has some interesting junior pairs partnerships developing. I recall that Brooke McIntosh & Ben Mimar skated in seniors at the 2021 Skate Canada virtual event. But they competed in juniors at the recent 2022 Skate Canada Challenge event (for nationals qualifying).

Chloe Panetta (Ben's former partner) looks very good with Kieran Thrasher (but they are a bit behind Brooke/Ben in skill level). Still, Chloe/Kieran won the junior pairs event at the inaugural John Nicks Challenge. There are a few other seemingly promising junior pairs in development in Canada.

After looking at the U.S. Championship series pairs qualifying in juniors, I have to say that the U.S. has some very strong juniors at the moment, especially Baram/Tioutmentsev (a recent pair training with Meno/Sand in Irvine); Cayla Smith/ Andy Deng -- a fairly young team who look exciting already; veteran partners Isabelle Martins/ Ryan Bedard (who train with Berton/Brubaker in Chicago); and the recently paired Kam/Meyh also look promising, among other teams on the junior level in the U.S.

With the likely retirements of Kirsten/Michael; and the expected move to show skating by the newly paired team, James/ Radford, there will be opportunities for Deanna/ Maxime to make an impact and move up, fingers-crossed for them. They are an entertaining and fun to watch team. They pick different music and they have been developing difficult lifts and transitional moves. I also wonder how Brasseur/Daleman are developing. They look good together, but they need to successfully master all the senior level elements. Which other promising pairs teams have I missed in Canada (aside from Matte/ Ferland)?

 

[labgoat]

3t-3t from Wenjing Sui in practice
https://h5.video.weibo.com/show/1034:4711455807963145

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

^^ So Sui is trying to bring it. I imagine they are thinking of a 3-toe/ 3-toe combo? She really needs to make sure she lands her 3-salchow cleanly. The Olympics being in Beijing will help Sui/Han. IMO, Peng/Jin have the better programs this season, but P/J still have to wait their turn behind top-favored S/H, which can be a hindrance and a distraction for P/J, unless they just don't think about that fact and simply go for it in competition.

The judges are in love with Mishina/Galliamov, and tend to reward them humongous points when they skate clean, as a resounding exclamation point on their deserved win at 2021 Worlds. Even with that deserved win, it happened in part because veteran teams faltered. M/G are still not a fully developed pair, and they still lack in maturity, overall polish and in some PCS categories. They are generally over-scored on PCS, and their programs are simply not very exciting this season. The sp is old and overly cutesy by this point. The fp music is boring, albeit that the tempo picks up at the end. It is still not an impactful program, but the judges don't care because M/G are an attractive, classic-looking pair who can perform all the difficult elements well, and they are coached by Moskvina.

 

[skylark]

Peng/Jin have the better programs this season,

100 percent!

The judges are in love with Mishina/Galliamov, and tend to reward them humongous points when they skate clean, as a resounding exclamation point on their deserved win at 2021 Worlds. Even with that deserved win, it happened in part because veteran teams faltered.

That's the way the sport works. The boards, twitter, and who-knows-what-else -- (I certainly don't) -- echo and resound with remarks that "So-and-so" would never have won "X" competition if their competitors hadn't faltered.

Sometimes the "better" or veteran skaters are intimidated by the newcomer or less favored by the judges. Such as Tarasova/Morozov appear (to me) to be intimidated this year by Mishina/Galliamov. So far at least. But anything can happen in the next few months ... thankfully, that's also how figure skating works!


ETA: And in my opinion, Mishina/Galliamov deserve ... and earn ... every one of their humongous points! Not in your opinion, obviously.

 

[skylark]

I came across this interview of Oleg Vasiliev, dated today. It starts by asking him about the Russian women, goes on to Kolyada, and then the interviewer makes his way to asking about pairs. Not who Oleg favors currently, but there are a couple of (to me) more interesting questions, and Oleg's thoughts, on pairs skating.

Oleg Vasiliev: “Tuktamysheva is a woman of mystery. She could have won everything in the last Olympic cycle, but lost because of the lack of appropriate attention to training, competitions and her shape.”

Oleg Vasiliev shared his opinion that Elizaveta Tuktamysheva could have won everything in the previous Olympic season, but lost to her competitors in little things. Explained why he does not like the acrobatic style of Daria Pavliuchenko and Denis Khodykin and what prevents Mikhail Kolyada from...

fs-gossips.com

An excerpt:

Oleg Vasiliev: It’s incredibly difficult. Compared to the times when I skated myself, the sport has become completely different. In our time, there were no such competitions as Grand Prix series, competitions of such a format, so everyone started the season leisurely and gradually gained shape for the main competitions. When the Grand Prix series had started, the competition still allowed not to show your maximum at all events and at the same time stay at high positions. In other words, the skaters did not have an urgent need to keep in shape from October to the end of March. Now, all athletes are in the public eye from the very first competition of the season, especially in the Olympic one. Because of the high competition they have to skate on the edge of their capabilities. To keep this level is firstly traumatic, and secondly, it is very difficult psychologically, because you need to constantly force yourself to train at the limit, keep the weight strictly. It’s insanely difficult, but there is simply no other way.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Such as Tarasova/Morozov appear (to me) to be intimidated this year by Mishina/Galliamov

Maybe T/M are somewhat concerned about the judges' high-scoring love for M/G, but T/M also surely respect their M/G compatriots' talent. I would not call it intimidation. What goes on between T/M competitively with the random mistakes far outdates competing against M/G. Were T/M 'intimidated' by James/Cipres when J/C beat them at some major comps in 2018 - 2019? I think not.

T/M are their own worst enemy. T/M may be self-conscious, thinking too much during performances, and over-conscious of rival teams at times, but likely not to a great degree. Plus, that's not being intimidated, it's just being stuck in a bad groove. At their best, T/M are a mature, polished team who if they were consistent, would regularly score higher than M/G. T/M can put on a pairs clinic when they are in-the-zone.

IMO, when the judges saw that T/M were not going to be consistent again this season, the regard and the scores for them dropped. That's the way it goes. The judges adore M/G's talent, despite their youth and their need to improve some weaknesses (and despite their boring programs this season). It is M/G's tech talent and relative consistency that gains them the often overly high scores. This is not to say that M/G have been perfectly clean this season. But their mistakes were minor, and few and far between. The biggest drawback for me is I wish M/G and their coach, Moskvina, had come up with something fresh and more exciting this transitional Olympic season.

The boards, twitter, and who-knows-what-else -- (I certainly don't) -- echo and resound with remarks that "So-and-so" would never have won "X" competition if their competitors hadn't faltered.

Yes, often such comments and critiques are overdone. But many times, these comments occur because it's just simply the truth. No matter how great M/G's fp was last season, had the veteran teams not faltered in too visible a fashion, M/G would have made the podium, but with less odds for the top spot because they are a young team who do need more polishing and experience. In fact, M/G didn't perform well at their Nationals, but with the quality of their new programs and Moskvina as their guiding force, I don't think they were ever in danger of not going to Worlds, outside of illness or injury.

BTW, it was genius for Moskvina to employ the fp music's lyrics only at 2021 Worlds!

And in my opinion, Mishina/Galliamov deserve ... and earn ... every one of their humongous points! Not in your opinion, obviously.

IMO, a lot of skaters don't deserve some of the gift points they receive. And some others deserve better scores for their quality than the judges are willing to give. Again, that's the sad nature of the sport. It is what it is. I will be happy to cheer for M/G, and their scores (no matter how high) when they bring exciting material to the ice again, and continue to improve their connection and presentation. When rare programs work magically and with uplift, it is irrelevant to my enjoyment how high the scores are. I look forward to seeing something better from M/G in the future, without the OTT mugging and cutesy quality of their current, yet last season's sp, and the boring rapping off of elements to music that isn't very engaging or complementary, in their current fp.

In your eyes, I know M/G can do no wrong. So I'm sure you're stoked for them.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I love the fact that Peng/Jin have managed to bring new and interesting programs to the ice, so I'm cautiously optimistic for them. Sui/Han still wield a bit of magic and loads of respect, but they really need to bring on more drama and excitement to their programs. I feel that S/H and their coaches simply wished to do something safe and in their comfort zone this season, so that S/H could be more focused on overcoming the physical challenges, rather than distracted by the necessity to perform challenging program themes and music.

With the Olympics in Beijing next year (albeit their are some significant side issues happening internationally we should all take note of), I look forward to seeing whether Peng/Jin might be able to harness some excitement and bring audiences to their feet. I had originally thought it might be S/H who brought some cultural themes and resonance to the Olympic season, but it is Peng/Jin instead. Perhaps it's more fitting for P/J, so that if these programs really resonate, it will raise their profile even higher moving ahead, which would help them during the next 4-year cycle.

I have been reading a book on Chinese dance, so I have discovered some fascinating history and comparative nuances between Western dances and Chinese dance specifically. If anyone has an interest, this is the book:

Chinese Dance

As China becomes increasingly important in world relations, many components of the country’s cultural arts remain unknown outside its borders. Shih-Ming Li Chang and Lynn E. Frederiksen’s Chinese Dance: In the Vast Land and Beyond undertakes the challenge of discovering the relationship between...

books.google.com

Chinese dance utilizes different movement techniques that have been less widely appreciated and understood in the West. Of course, since 2006, the famous Shen Yun touring company (created in New York) has been introducing Western audiences to the ancient art form of classical Chinese dance, in which "movement begins with the heart." This approach offers rich possibilities for storytelling:

Shen Yun Performing Arts Intro - Videos

Heavenly music, breathtaking dances, and timeless legends.

www.shenyunperformingarts.org

The difference between classical ballet and classical Chinese dance, explained:

7 Differences Between Ballet and Classical Chinese Dance - Shen Yun Performing Arts

In the West we are familiar with ballet and performances like the Nutcracker or Swan Lake. But there’s another classical dance form with a long history that has only recently burst onto the world scene. It is called classical Chinese dance.

www.shenyunperformingarts.org

Nine Characteristics - Shen Yun Performing Arts

Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. It was established in New York by elite artists inspired by a shared mission—to bring back the lost world of traditional Chinese culture.

www.shenyunperformingarts.org

Explore: Chinese Dance

Chinese Dance | Explore | Shen Yun Performing Arts

www.shenyunperformingarts.org

The reason I bring this up is because I think it is important to draw upon a variety of cultural resources to find different approaches to developing fresh programs in figure skating. The Beijing Olympics is a wonderful opportunity for Peng/Jin to tap into some of their unique cultural themes, music and storytelling. I'm not sure whether P/J are incorporating classical Chinese dance technique or movement style, because their programs are choreographed by Western choreographers (Lori Nichol - fp; Marie-France Dubreuil - sp). P/J's fp music is composed by Chinese-born American composer, Tan Dun.

In figure skating, there is an over-reliance on Western music, Western dance and movement styles, with some eclecticism, but not enough fresh approaches or risk-taking in music selection. One of the reasons Davis/ White's Bollywood SD worked so well in 2010, is because they were diligent in their research and crafting of the program, which was gorgeous and respectful to East Indian cultural dance forms.

One of the reasons I enjoy and respect Cain-Gribble/LeDuc so much is that they are truly a team who have been thoughtful and intentional in developing their on-ice signature. They accept who they are, rather than succumbing to the ubiquitous criticism about lack of height difference. Ash/Timothy respect each other's unique personalities, and they have made concerted efforts to highlight their strengths and to bring the nuances of who they are individually and as a team, to the ice.

Even if pairs teams try something that doesn't fully succeed, I think taking viable risks in bringing something different to the ice, and harnessing their unique strengths, is important. Obviously, the demands of competition tend to have skaters choosing war horses or staying more in their comfort zones with safe, well-worn approaches. But please relieve us from boring...

 

[Dawn825]

Thanks for all that Bliss, and for reminding me to get my Shen Yu tickets for next week

There are a lot of things i dont know about pairs, so can someone explain to me why P/J's FS death spiral looks the way it does? I see that they get a level 3 instead of a 4, and I assume thats because her legs are basically upright and only her torso is bent way over. Is there a reason she cant get her whole body more horizontal like the others, or like she does in the SP?

 

[skylark]

Maybe T/M are somewhat concerned about the judges' high-scoring love for M/G, but T/M also surely respect their M/G compatriots' talent. I would not call it intimidation. What goes on between T/M competitively with the random mistakes far outdates competing against M/G. Were T/M 'intimidated' by James/Cipres when J/C beat them at some major comps in 2018 - 2019? I think not.

I've watched all T/M's competitions this 2021 autumn, and they won every event except the ones where they skated against M/G. (I checked Wiki.) I think there's a clear indication that T/M feel intimidated by M/G. You don't, and it's fine that we have differing opinions. This is not the same situation as when T/M competed against J/C. In my opinion.

Yes, often such comments and critiques are overdone. But many times, these comments occur because it's just simply the truth. No matter how great M/G's fp was last season, had the veteran teams not faltered in too visible a fashion, M/G would have made the podium, but with less odds for the top spot

Well, since you keep repeating your view, I'll say mine again. Such remarks are so common in this sport. But if the veteran/favored skaters falter, then the skaters who skate clean and brilliantly win. Not always, but often.

BTW, it was genius for Moskvina to employ the fp music's lyrics only at 2021 Worlds!

Actually, that isn't the case. Here's their performance at the Channel 1 Trophy, in which the lyrics had been brought in. It's got an inset box showing the whole Team of Firsts (except Boikova/Koz) standing and singing along with "We Are the Champions." Adorable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDRfdujpMLE

I read an interview of Moskvina last season when she detailed exactly how and when she changed M/G's music. It was even earlier in the season that the lyrics were brought in. I think at Russian nationals, but I can't find that video at the moment (and I have to leave shortly for my lap swim appointment )

I look forward to seeing something better from M/G in the future, without the OTT mugging and cutesy quality of their current, yet last season's sp, and the boring rapping off of elements to music that isn't very engaging or complementary, in their current fp.

In your eyes, I know M/G can do no wrong. So I'm sure you're stoked for them.

That's not quite the case. But it's true that I prefer to say what I like rather than what I don't like. So I suppose it may come across to some that I'm simply blind to mistakes or shortcomings. I said in several threads last year that I wasn't fond of their SP, because it just isn't the type of program that I enjoy. I like it a little better this year, although I miss "that" lift, which had to be changed because the lift requirement changed.

 

[skylark]

Davis/ White's Bollywood SD worked so well in 2010, is because they were diligent in their research and crafting of the program, which was gorgeous and respectful to East Indian cultural dance forms.

One of the reasons I enjoy and respect Cain-Gribble/LeDuc so much is that they are truly a team who have been thoughtful and intentional in developing their on-ice signature. They accept who they are, rather than succumbing to the ubiquitous criticism about lack of height difference. Ash/Timothy respect each other's unique personalities, and they have made concerted efforts to highlight their strengths and to bring the nuances of who they are individually and as a team, to the ice.

Even if pairs teams try something that doesn't fully succeed, I think taking viable risks in bringing something different to the ice, and harnessing their unique strengths, is important.

percent!

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I've watched all T/M's competitions this 2021 autumn, and they won every event except the ones where they skated against M/G. (I checked Wiki.) I think there's a clear indication that T/M feel intimidated by M/G. You don't, and it's fine that we have differing opinions. This is not the same situation as when T/M competed against J/C. In my opinion.

Sure, but that's not really proof of T/M feeling 'intimidated' by M/G. It's only proof that both teams are talented, but M/G are managing to be more consistent so far this season. Both teams are loved by the judges, and routinely get very high scores. T/M's scores are dropping the more comps where random mistakes creep in. The judges like to be able to rely on talented teams to consistently fulfill how they are viewed and scored.

Also, it's not just when T/M are competing against M/G that they make random mistakes. I'll repeat that IMO, the problems T/M have with inconsistencies are self-inflicted. At their best, T/M would be getting a bit higher scores from the judges than M/G, because T/M have more experience, maturity and polish. The fact that T/M are failing to consistently be at their best, I doubt has anything to do with being 'intimidated' by other pairs teams, especially NOT by M/G. It's other teams who marvel at T/M, even with their inconsistencies. I know you believe that M/G intimidate T/M. The big question is whether M/G feel their success is intimidating to T/M. On the other side, I think T/M clearly respect M/G's talent, and they know M/G will beat them if they aren't at their best. But that doesn't equate to being intimidated. M/G aren't the only team T/M can lose to when they make mistakes.

The fault for T/M lies in themselves. They've had plenty of people trying mightily to help them through the years, including the judges. In the end, it's up to skaters themselves to figure out what they need to do to break out of a downward spiral and bad habits. OTOH, what begins to happen with a team like M/G after winning Worlds early in their career is that they become more confident, and they continue to be highly rewarded, and it's a snowball effect. Plus, there isn't a lot of deep competition at the top right now to challenge M/G.* There's only the respected, but vulnerable Sui/Han, as they try to finally win Olympic gold, and the extremely vulnerable but superbly talented T/M who are also trying to finally win Olympic gold.

M/G still have a lot to learn, despite their technical talent and enviable physical look on the ice. But for sure, they will be giving S/H and T/M a huge run for their money, sadly with the unexciting fp Moskvina gave them this season, and the old sp from last season that isn't wearing well. This is why I really hope something unexpected happens, like Peng/Jin making a big push and coming to the fore with the great programs they have.

* Addendum:
There are a lot of new and developing teams who look very promising. But it takes time to improve and to become one with your partner. So, we'll see how things develop in the pairs field at next year's Olympics and beyond

 

[skylark]

There are a lot of new and developing teams who look very promising.

So, did you watch their FS, with lyrics, from the Channel 1 Trophy? It's a real treat ... both the program and the little rectangle with the team. Also some cute shots of Moskvina.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

^^ Thanks @skylark, I didn't see all of WTT performances earlier this year. This was a great, clean performance by M/G (and probably their last one to this music, at least for now). Reminds me of when James/Cipres were on a high after their first Euros medal in 2017, and although they faltered slightly at Worlds, their performances at WTT were perfection and they won. J/C had great programs for three years straight, and they were shaping up to have something special working with Shae Lynn Bourne. To this day, pairs teams are clearly inspired by the excitement, the dance elements, and the creativity J/C and their team of coaches & choreographers brought to the ice. This, despite the fact that many people in the skating community don't want to acknowledge J/C's impact and influence.

It's too bad that Moskvina didn't bring something as special to the table for M/G this season. In any case, M/G are still learning and growing. They have tremendous talent, but they are still developing as a young tea, especially in terms of connection with each other and the audience, and overall polish. Right now, they appear very centered and confident, even though they have made a few errors this season (which proves how difficult pairs skating is). Being coached by Moskvina increased M/G's confidence by a lot, and for good reason.

 

[skylark]

^^ Thanks @skylark, I didn't see all of WTT performances earlier this year. This was a great, clean performance by M/G (and probably their last one to this music, at least for now).

No, this wasn't their performance at the WTT. This was skated at the Russian Channel 1 Trophy in January 2021. Evgenia Medvedeva was the captain of the Team of Firsts, and Alina Zagitova was the captain of the other team. Just the 2 teams, an intra-Russian competition. I really think you'd enjoy it if you watch it (it's only 8 minutes). Besides the team fun, there's the interaction of Tamara once she sits down with the whole team.

The reason I wanted you to see it in the first place was because you said M/G only added the lyrics for Worlds. Actually, it was much earlier; and the program kept evolving all the way to March. ETA: this isn't silliness with the teams like WTT, fwiw and IMO.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Responding here, as in general this is off-topic in the competition thread where the conversation began:

Sadly this [KM-T/MM's struggles] is starting to remind me of Lubov & Dylan when he was very injured going into nationals and it was kept quiet.

Yeah, that's a sad memory. But Dylan is doing well, skating professionally with Meagan Duhamel, and doing his skating podcast, That Figure Skating Show, with Asher Hill. I hope Lubov is finding happiness in her personal life (she's engaged to be married). I believe she also might be coaching. I suppose it's difficult for Luba to go back to Cirque, where she was doing well. It's probably hard to go back when they might think she'll quit to try competing again, if the opportunity arose.

As far as Kirsten & Michael, I don't suspect physical injury, outside of the usual aches and pains. It appears like there exists some injured feelings, especially for Kirsten. Also, I wonder why Bruno isn't traveling with them anymore. Allison Purkiss (Michael's former coach) has been with them in the kiss 'n cry this season.

Maybe it's harder for Kirsten in the sense that she & Michael seemed to have developed a strong bond with Julie Marcotte, their former choreographer. And Eric Radford had originally choreographed their sp for this season. So perhaps Kirsten has felt a bit out of sorts in being overly focused on thinking she's lost the support of Eric & Julie, plus the sense of no longer being Canada #1 in pairs. Moreover, KM-T/MM felt the need to scrap the Eric-choreographed sp, and get something different from Mark Pillay (whom Kirsten previously worked with when she was paired with Dylan).

Getting and learning a new sp could present a training distraction, but I think they did it early enough before the season started. Still, if they really liked the program Eric gave them, why not keep it? Why not approach the new developments with more sportsmanship and camaraderie that might benefit the entire Canadian pairs discipline? For example, why not try to project a positive attitude, such as: "The more the merrier, but I'm going to go out and show how much I want to win!" This positive approach would seem to work better than allowing gossips like Dave Lease leeway to keep suggesting that you are pissed about the Eric/Vanessa partnership.

 

[labgoat]

Dylan is doing well, skating professionally with Meagan Duhamel, and doing his skating podcast, That Figure Skating Show, with Asher Hill. I hope Lubov is finding happiness in her personal life (she's engaged to be married).

I love Dylan & Asher, their love of the sport is evident and they are refreshingly fun. It doesn't hurt that I really liked them both as skaters. I often thought Kharis and Asher were underscored for their creativity. Lubov is recently married, pictures were beautiful.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

No, this wasn't their performance at the WTT. This was skated at the Russian Channel 1 Trophy in January 2021. Evgenia Medvedeva was the captain of the Team of Firsts, and Alina Zagitova was the captain of the other team. Just the 2 teams, an intra-Russian competition. I really think you'd enjoy it if you watch it (it's only 8 minutes). Besides the team fun, there's the interaction of Tamara once she sits down with the whole team.

The reason I wanted you to see it in the first place was because you said M/G only added the lyrics for Worlds. Actually, it was much earlier; and the program kept evolving all the way to March. ETA: this isn't silliness with the teams like WTT, fwiw and IMO.

I already viewed the video link. It was great. I wasn't paying much attention to what kind of event it was. Thanks for the explanation.