Russian Test Skates 2014

[skatedreamer]

Also, I hate that music. I hate Adagio as a song version, just hate it, hate it!

Right there with you, Alba (like just about always ). I actually couldn't watch the performance all the way through b/c the vocals were making my head explode -- will have to go back & try it w/o the sound! There are some pieces of music that should absolutely never EVER have vocals and IMO, this is one of them. :scowl:

Also agree re: the dress. Perfect color for Anna but it does look a bit tacky. I thought her last season's LP costume was worse, though. She needs Yulia's designer!

 

[YLFan]

I like it and I think its an example of a song with lyrics that works.

 

[starlight97]

Thanks to DobrinFan on FSU: Sot did no jumps, no 3/3 from Liza, some problems with jumps from Julia/Maria, Anna/Alena/Radio were decent. Alena 3t/3t (working on 3f/3t).
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...th-love-14-summer-to-autumn-2014.92797/page-6

I hoped Sotnikova would emerge with such confidence this season that she would start being consistent. If course there could be many other reasons why she did absolutely no jumps, but it looks like she's playing it save because her jumps aren't reliable. You know she carries a lot of pressure as the Olympic champ. ..but even more as a doubted Olympic champ.
I could be totally misinterpreting this, but that's the most logical explanation for me.

Hope Yulia had a bad day or sth, but on the other hand Elena fell twice in her SP during 2013 test skates. ... never saw her fall in it again

 

[humbaba]

I have to vote thumbs down on Pogo's choice of music. First, I hate the singer's melodramatic, overwrought delivery. Second, the music seems to overpower Anna, especially toward the end when it reaches its brain-shattering crescendo.

 

[elif]

Pogorilaya looks beautiful No wonder she uploaded her video. I think she feels confident. I can't say I like the music. :scowl: Her jumps still good and high. I think 3Lo and 2A both will be in second half so she is can to get some bonus points. I'm happy we are going to see her white skates, instead of tights. First spin looks better but second is still little bit uncontrolled. She is fast and mostly centered but they look ugly.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

She needs Yulia's designer!

I don't think going to Yulia's designer would be a smart choice since from my understanding it is her mom. Would you trust one of your closest competitors mother to design your outfit?

I've never really understood Pogo's style myself nor do I have much opinion of her skating. I think having to watch her at GPF and Russian Nationals stink it up really soured my impression. Oh well...I'm sure some find her quite entertaining and there is no denying her beauty and potential after seeing her WC debut.

 

[skatedreamer]

I have to vote thumbs down on Pogo's choice of music. First, I hate the singer's melodramatic, overwrought delivery. Second, the music seems to overpower Anna, especially toward the end when it reaches its brain-shattering crescendo.

:yes: Spot on, humbaba! A more subdued performance w/ a smaller voice might have helped. Per my earlier post, I honestly couldn't listen to all of it but from what I did hear, would agree that the music doesn't really suit Anna. IMO, she needs something lighter that she could really have some fun with.

 

[skatedreamer]

I don't think going to Yulia's designer would be a smart choice since from my understanding it is her mom. Would you trust one of your closest competitors mother to design your outfit?

Duh...that does change things just a wee bit. I knew Yulia's mom had a lot of input on her dresses (as did Yulia, right?) but didn't think she was the actual designer. Major kudos to Mama L for her taste, though!

 

[YLFan]

For me Anna's song works. The main reason she used this music is it was so well received in her exhibition so its not like shes going with something on a lark. With her classic beauty she is stepping into the more mature glamorous girl niche well.

 

[Ophelia]

:yes: Spot on, humbaba! A more subdued performance w/ a smaller voice might have helped. Per my earlier post, I honestly couldn't listen to all of it but from what I did hear, would agree that the music doesn't really suit Anna. IMO, she needs something lighter that she could really have some fun with.

Maybe she can ask them to turn down the volume when she's competing.

 

[Alba]

I like it and I think its an example of a song with lyrics that works.

For me Anna's song works. The main reason she used this music is it was so well received in her exhibition so its not like shes going with something on a lark. With her classic beauty she is stepping into the more mature glamorous girl niche well.

Are you really suggesting that the song version is better, or works better, than the original?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMbvcp480Y4

 

[LRK]

:yes: Spot on, humbaba! A more subdued performance w/ a smaller voice might have helped. Per my earlier post, I honestly couldn't listen to all of it but from what I did hear, would agree that the music doesn't really suit Anna. IMO, she needs something lighter that she could really have some fun with.

I couldn't make it all the way through, either, skatedreamer....

 

[YLFan]

Yes I think the vocals in that song act like a powerful instrument that makes it more dramatic.

 

[Amei]

Duh...that does change things just a wee bit. I knew Yulia's mom had a lot of input on her dresses (as did Yulia, right?) but didn't think she was the actual designer. Major kudos to Mama L for her taste, though!

That's probably why Yulia is dressed age appropriate.

 

[Rhodium]

I guess it is raining in Megapolis?

 

[zamboni step]

I guess it is raining in Megapolis?

Oh lord not again, how many times is Julia going to use that face? That pose looks almost identical to the one near the start of "You Don't Give Up On Love".

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

Oh lord not again, how many times is Julia going to use that face? That pose looks almost identical to the one near the start of "You Don't Give Up On Love".

She has to look up like that to acknowledge the last row of fans giving her a Standing Ovation. It's called being polite.

In all seriousness I kind of expected her SP to be a bit of the same feel as last years programs. Hoping for her to expand some on her FS though with some fresh and refined movements. Look at how well Evgenia improved. Baby steps make giant strides visable to the keenest of eyes.

 

[papa]

She has to look up like that to acknowledge the last row of fans giving her a Standing Ovation. It's called being polite.

 

[skatedreamer]

She has to look up like that to acknowledge the last row of fans giving her a Standing Ovation. It's called being polite.

Well, we all know that politeness goes a long way. Kudos again to Mama L; she's dressing her daughter beautifully and teaching good manners as well -- just like my mom! (Although in my case, not sure if the manners lessons ever really sunk in... )

 

[MalAssada]

I was silently wondering how long it would take for the performance to end. IMO, the song is terrible! Now I'm listening to the original one and it is SO MUCH better, very delicate and with the right amount of drama. Pogo's program felt like an Opera to me, and as much as I like operas, that is a bad one.

Maybe she will change it to the one without vocals for competition?