Required Viewing: Toller Cranston - 1975 World Championships Cinderella FS

[labgoat]

Toller Cranston - 1975 World Championships Cinderella FS​

This extremely rare footage was just posted 4-20-2022 for the late Toller Cranston's birthday. Required viewing for all skating fans. This is an excellent example of why Toller is so revered as a stylist. Note the innovative spins and choreography to Cinderella. Paging @el henry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dMqskfCRb8

 

[Mathman]

Most impressive to me was how he made the jumps, including doubles and non-rotartional jumps, seem an inevitable part of the choreography.

 

[el henry]

The Youtube channel for FLOSkate is treasure of Toller videos, thanks for posting this.

Almost 50 years later, and many of those moves could still be incorporated in today's skating programs. In fact, many of today's programs would be much better if they did incorporate them.

 

[4everchan]

this was stellar . Deep understanding of the music expressed in pure, refined and detailed choreography. Unfortunately, this no longer happens much in today's skating. We get some bits of programs in which the elements are integrated with fluidity but a lot of crossovers leading to big jumps.... I wonder if the ISU (that's why I am running for Prez) could create a very jump oriented SP with big quads, but have the LP have a better integration of what figure skating used to be... even if not completely done, like here... but at least, some more interwoven steps, turns, spins, jumps etc..

 

[MCsAngel2]

Toller is literally the only skater I've ever seen that has moved me to tears. How I wish he were still alive.

 

[mrrice]

Most impressive to me was how he made the jumps, including doubles and non-rotartional jumps, seem an inevitable part of the choreography.

I remember Kurt Browning saying that Jeremy Abbott reminded him of Toller. I remember thinking what a huge compliment that was. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[el henry]

I remember Kurt Browning saying that Jeremy Abbott reminded him of Toller. I remember thinking what a huge compliment that was. I'll see if I can find it.

Kurt also said commenting on a comp that Jason's Russian splits were "Toller Cranston good".

He knows how to compliment a skater.

 

[mrrice]

Kurt also said commenting on a comp that Jason's Russian splits were "Toller Cranston good".

He knows how to compliment a skater.

Right...When Kurt says it, you know it's true and comes from the heart. Love that man.

 

[LadyB]

Toller Cranston got me interested in a sport I otherwise would have never ever bothered with. There was magic that happened to me when I was 12 years old.
I have to laugh when I read posts about armography and how the one or the other does it 'to perfection'. It was Toller who introduced it. I'll never forget the 'Graduation Ball' as long as I live.
As for wonderful Jason: it's not only his Russian splits, but also his high kicks that reminds me of Toller

 

[el henry]

Toller Cranston got me interested in a sport I otherwise would have never ever bothered with. There was magic that happened to me when I was 12 years old.
I have to laugh when I read posts about armography and how the one or the other does it 'to perfection'. It was Toller who introduced it. I'll never forget the 'Graduation Ball' as long as I live.
As for wonderful Jason: it's not only his Russian splits, but also his high kicks that reminds me of Toller

I was hoping to see you in this thread @LadyB . Toller's magic brought so many into this sport, and he is our first love. Graduation Ball is indeed

Such a good point you raise and what I noticed as well in this video. The arms. The precision, the elegance, the timing with the music. Perfection in armography must indeed be measured against Toller.

 

[rugbyfan]

I have never really watched Toller - this was filmed before I was even born. His commentating when I was in Canada put me off really badly and I never went back to watch his videos but I cannot see how anyone who likes figure skating would not think this was super. Thank you for posting - a revelation for me.

 

[el henry]

I have never really watched Toller - this was filmed before I was even born. His commentating when I was in Canada put me off really badly and I never went back to watch his videos but I cannot see how anyone who likes figure skating would not think this was super. Thank you for posting - a revelation for me.

I am so happy to hear this, thank you for sharing.

It is one thing for a skating auntie like me to say how much we loved Toller, but it is good to hear that he can still touch viewers so many years later.

(And yes, his commentary was, well, snarky. But I knew him first as a skater so I forgave him. )

 

[LadyB]

His commentating when I was in Canada put me off really badly and I never went back to watch his videos but I cannot see how anyone who likes figure skating would not think this was super. Thank you for posting - a revelation for me.

It's a wonderful thing to learn that someone whose first knowledge of Toller (his commentating) triggered instantly a negative attitude towards him, is still open-minded enough to appreciate the real genius behind the skater!
I love all facets of him, he was true to himself (pretty much) all the time. People, who speak their mind are bound to be controversial. So much easier to play to the gallery.

Thank you!