Sasha Cohen's I spin

[Chrystia Mee]

I don't get why people refer to that spin as vulgar. Rhythmic gymnasts show waaay more crotch than that (as they split their legs over 180 degrees and fold in half) and artistic gymnastics (the ones Americans are more familiar with) do the same moves in leotards with BARE legs. Sasha is wearing tights underneath her dress and it's the nature of the sport that the dress is going to fly up. I can see people saying that they don't like the spin b/c it's overused but not b/c it's vulgar.


As for me, the spin is great b/c it really showcases her balance and flexibility. As for the grimace: you try getting your leg up that high and spinning fast. That move requires lots of STRENGTH. It't no different from the exertion of a weightlifter and they grimace all the time.

Sasha is by no means at a loss for moves that demonstrate her flexibility. She has done a lovely bielman, charlotte, spiral, split jump, and layback among many other things that show her flexibility and balance. I don't think the I-spin is attractive. Yes it is difficult to do, but it doesn't change the fact that it isn't pleasant to watch. I know some people do, and that's why everyone has their different favourites. But the only time I have felt her I-spin worked was in Malaguena. In all of her other programs I've always thought it was vrey uncharacteristic to the music.

 

[gezando]

It is an ugly spin. At skate America, when Sasha skated onto the Gala ice with the I spin pose, I could hear audience gasped, "not that again"

 

[shine]

Just thought I'd point out that this spin is not only done by Cohen but also a few others who do the spin just as good if not better than Cohen, including Bebe Liang (who IMO has the best, easiest looking I spin) and Lina Johansson etc.

 

[dlkksk8fan]

Sasha's spin reminds me of the rhythmic gymnast that grab their leg and spin a couple of times while doing their routines.

 

[Ptichka]

Here is Lina Johansson doing the spin.

 

[soogar]

Yeah , I also noticed that everyone got on the I-spin wagon after Sasha started showing off her flexibility. Lina is 15 years old. Sasha was more flexible when she was younger too.

 

[Pau-goodle76]

Although Sasha is a very talented skater and flexible and all that, I wish she would do a different move. I agree with those who would like to see her do a Biellman spin but I just do not like the I spin. First of all, she appears to be in pain (and I know that it is a seriously difficult position to do while spinning) and it just looks kinda icky. Now don't beat up on me too much, I'm just telling my opinion! I'm also kinda scared that she might hurt herself doing that move.

 

[Courtneysk8s]

I hate that spin and wish she would stop using it! The fance she makes during it is waaaaaaaaay worse than most of the usual "spin faces" we see, its just a grimace of total agony, or so it looks to me. Also, the way she curls her body when she does it is unattractive, it would look a bit nicer if she straightened up on it but I still wouldn't like it. Also, I hate the fact that she uses it in every single program. Get something original please. (Same goes for Irina, I absolutely ADORE her but I do wish she would not use the bielman in every program).

 

[Frau Muller]

It's grotesque.

 

[GlitterTwist]

I think the spin is okay, but Sasha does overuse it. For softer, gentler music something like a Beillmann would work better =)

 

[sk8rgrl3]

I think that it is amazing. Have you ever tried to spin with your leg just in a "Y" position? I don't know how many of you are former competitive skaters, but this element is extremely difficult. As for the bielman spin, I wish that Irina would find a different position than overusing that one.Over and over again. It is amazing that she hasn't had back problems. I am glad that Sasha doesn't do the beilman, especially with her back problems. It really compresses the lower lumbar area. I know of a lot of skaters that ended up with chronic back pain from doing that spin. I even know a few that had shoulder problems as well.

 

[swannanoa54]

Personally I don't like this spin and I don't like the Biellmann spin. I think they're both ugly and I'd rather see Sasha's headless spin than the I spin.

 

[Dee4707]

I voted for amazing. Anyone who can do that especially on skates is wonderful!!

Dee

 

[Shanti]

I voted for amazing. It is extremely difficult however not extremely beautiful. Though I think this Sasha's spiral is much more vulgar and ugly.

http://www.kp.ru/daily/23483.3/38066/

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I think the bottom line on this and the Bielman spins is genetics and or starting out with limbering exercises when you are three for whatever sport (diving, gymnastics,others) requiring unusual turns of the body.

Sasha's I spin is the best I've seen and there are a number of skaters doing it now. It is not unique anymore, but she has the best one. jmo.

Joe

 

[IDLERACER]

If it's of any interest, HERE is a picture of Shizuka Arakawa doing one.​

 

[Vicky458]

Spin

I hate the spin and don't think it is very becoming. I also thing that the Bielman Spin should only be done by Denise Bielman. Nobody does it (including Irina) as well. I also hate illusions. That move should be banned!

 

[K-Mo]

A difficult move does not make it fun to watch. I HATE both the I spin and the Biellman. I know they're harder to do, but it's like Gumby on ice!

 

[R.D.]

If it's of any interest, HERE is a picture of Shizuka Arakawa doing one.​

Another thing. Many other skaters perform this move (it's not rare), but Cohen gets all the blame/criticism for doing it.

 

[gezando]

Many skaters do the I spin from time to time, Cohen is the only who puts the beaver cleaver in practically all her programs. In gala exhibitions when the top 4 -5 lady present on the ice as a group, Cohen goes out in a beaver cleaver position while the other ladies skates.