State of Russian Ladies in skating: 2014-15 Season

[Eclair]

I don't even know there's a non-animated Mulan movie. But this sounds too "Oriental" (new age though) & too tragic to me; Even Zijun does not use any traditional Chinese music for her program. The Disney movie may not be a good reflection of the true story, but the music is better for Yulia's childish innocence appeal.

from 0:27 the music is not so oriental anymore and I assume the movie is well known in Shanghai since it starrs arguably one of most popular chinese actress Vicky zhao, therefore a wild crowd is almost guaranteed
I agree that Yulia's performances does not have the depht yet like e.g. Suzuki's, but I think the tragic music + the faster fighting parts would hide her lack of interpretation very well. I imagine it to have a similar effect as her Schindlers list - tragic music and although some of her movements were a bit rushed and juniorish, with the right package most people got the message.
On top of that the mulan theme - simplyfied = girls can be as couragious and smart even in medival times as boys also has a slight political message, though maybe not as strong as the schindler's list programm did.
As you can see, I'm totally for her skating to mulan Pity it's now too late.

 

[Sandpiper]

from 0:27 the music is not so oriental anymore and I assume the movie is well known in Shanghai since it starrs arguably one of most popular chinese actress Vicky zhao, therefore a wild crowd is almost guaranteed
I agree that Yulia's performances does not have the depht yet like e.g. Suzuki's, but I think the tragic music + the faster fighting parts would hide her lack of interpretation very well. I imagine it to have a similar effect as her Schindlers list - tragic music and although some of her movements were a bit rushed and juniorish, with the right package most people got the message.
On top of that the mulan theme - simplyfied = girls can be as couragious and smart even in medival times as boys also has a slight political message, though maybe not as strong as the schindler's list programm did.
As you can see, I'm totally for her skating to mulan Pity it's now too late.

Well, the original Mulan story was more about filial devotion than female empowerment. Mulan goes to war in place of her aging father and young brother, not to "discover herself" or anything like that.

That being said, I too would like to see somebody (Yulia or otherwise) skate to music like this.

 

[silverlake22]

It's too bad so many talented ladies in Russia are still competing. I think Sakhanovich, Medvedeva, and Sotskova are all ready to go on the senior GP next season, but there is just a lack of space. Sakhanovich and Sotskova especially, this season I think their skating has improved a lot, they don't look or skate like juniors anymore. Medvedeva doesn't have the best programs and is so tiny that she seems more juniorish to me, but on the technical side of things she is one of the strongest. It makes me sad that there isn't room for everyone. Though if Leonova continues to underperform and Sotnikova remains a question mark, there would be some more room available. Still around 7-9 ladies deserving 2 GPs though..

 

[Eclair]

Well, the original Mulan story was more about filial devotion than female empowerment. Mulan goes to war in place of her aging father and young brother, not to "discover herself" or anything like that.

That being said, I too would like to see somebody (Yulia or otherwise) skate to music like this.

That's very true for the original Mulan story in written form, but even the non-disney mulan movie gives hints about how the girl learnt kunfu despite social stigmata and and had a strong sense of justice. Female empowerment might be a bit of a stretch, but rightly packaged the Mulan theme still has a strong message

 

[Totentanz]

It's too bad so many talented ladies in Russia are still competing. I think Sakhanovich, Medvedeva, and Sotskova are all ready to go on the senior GP next season, but there is just a lack of space. Sakhanovich and Sotskova especially, this season I think their skating has improved a lot, they don't look or skate like juniors anymore. Medvedeva doesn't have the best programs and is so tiny that she seems more juniorish to me, but on the technical side of things she is one of the strongest. It makes me sad that there isn't room for everyone. Though if Leonova continues to underperform and Sotnikova remains a question mark, there would be some more room available. Still around 7-9 ladies deserving 2 GPs though..

A nation can get maximum 6x3=18 spots at GP series.

1. Radionova, Pogorilaya, Tuktamysheva and Lipnitskaya = 8 spots
2. Sakhanovich, Medvedeva, Sotskova = 6 spots
3. If Sotnikova competes = 2 spots, remaining 2 spots can be filled by Leonova and/or Artemieva.
4. If Sotnikova doesn't compete = 4 spots can allow both Leonova and Artemieva get 2 events or even Gosviani may have a chance.
5. I think Proklova should be junior next season for JGP final and Junior Worlds medals. (The latter she can still earn this season)

 

[MalAssada]

It would be nice if Russian ladies continue to sweep the JGPF and JrWorlds podium for a few more years.

And about Zhenia vs Maria, well, Zhenia scores high, but Maria has an amazing maturity and presentation.

 

[silverlake22]

A nation can get maximum 6x3=18 spots at GP series.

1. Radionova, Pogorilaya, Tuktamysheva and Lipnitskaya = 8 spots
2. Sakhanovich, Medvedeva, Sotskova = 6 spots
3. If Sotnikova competes = 2 spots, remaining 2 spots can be filled by Leonova and/or Artemieva.
4. If Sotnikova doesn't compete = 4 spots can allow both Leonova and Artemieva get 2 events or even Gosviani may have a chance.
5. I think Proklova should be junior next season for JGP final and Junior Worlds medals. (The latter she can still earn this season)

Thanks for the update! Glad it is still possible for Sakhanovich, Sotskova, and Medvedeva to move up next season and still get GP events without "taking" them from the other strong ladies in Russia. I agree about Sotskova's presentation, it is very lovely. The international judges also seem to regard her more highly than the Russian judges. Last year at GPF her score was much higher than Medvedeva, but at this Russian Cup event it was considerably lower. Sakhanovich scores well under all systems, and Medvedeva can too if she skates well (which she usually does). I am interested in seeing the JGPF. I'm curious if the Russians will sweep the podium.

 

[Totentanz]

There are skaters who made Senior GP, then went onto Junior Worlds at the same season. Maybe Maria, Evgenia or even Serafima may choose to do so next season. Anyway, I suppose it's still too early to think about these. We still don't know whether they want to compete at senior GP next season or not.

Regarding the JGP final and Junior Worlds podiums, it will be difficult this season because Wakaba Higuchi is amazing too!

 

[Sandpiper]

That's very true for the original Mulan story in written form, but even the non-disney mulan movie gives hints about how the girl learnt kunfu despite social stigmata and and had a strong sense of justice. Female empowerment might be a bit of a stretch, but rightly packaged the Mulan theme still has a strong message

I'm talking about the original narrative. I haven't seen the film. I think filial devotion, done right, could make a powerful theme on its own--but it'll require a really strong program and skater.

 

[Isabel_O'Reilly]

On FSuniverse there's a war going on in a thread about more spots for Worlds for the countries with an abundance of skaters in one discipline. After reading the arguments from both sides and agreeing with points from each, I'd like to see this happen: Right now we know that the three Russian girls who compete at Worlds could sweep the podium. But how likely is it? It statistically unlikely that all six programs will be exactly what's needed. After thinking of this I changed what I was going to propose, first I thought if they sweep the podium they should get one extra spot for next year, that's manageable right? But it's unlikely. So my proposal is this: If the three Russian ladies all place in the top five there's should be one extra spot granted. It could work, right?

 

[Amei]

But it's unlikely. So my proposal is this: If the three Russian ladies all place in the top five there's should be one extra spot granted. It could work, right?

I actually wouldn't mind this - if a country sends 3 skaters to Worlds and they all place in the Top 5, I would support them getting a fourth spot. It would be a rare occurrance but it would allow more of the best performing.

 

[Amer]

Senior: Sima and Zhenia (competing against Yulia, Lena, Liza and Anna, considering Ade retires. I also think about Anna sitting out in order to compete for Ukraine). Possible GPF sweep.

I think it would be a smart move on Pogorilaya's part to represent Ukraine.

 

[Pippuripihvi]

I think it would be a smart move on Pogorilaya's part to represent Ukraine.

I doubt it will ever happen. Who's going to sponsor her?

 

[Krunchii]

I think it would be a smart move on Pogorilaya's part to represent Ukraine.

I heard a while ago in an interview Anna said it wouldn't happen so I doubt she'll switch

 

[Totentanz]

Do you guys think that international judges start to like Leonova and give her more PCS than they did before?

She peaked at 2011-2012 season, then the multi-talented junior ladies become senior. She was under big pressure and the things haven't gone well for her. This season she is in a better shape, though she is usually a late season skater. Her skating usually peaks at Russian Nationals. She always managed to go to either Euros or Worlds. I think this season she can surprise us at Russian Nationals with two clean (or almost clean) skates.

 

[starlight97]

Any news on wether Adelina will compete at nationals?

 

[penguin]

Do you guys think that international judges start to like Leonova and give her more PCS than they did before?

I don't know if it's a judging thing that's held her back, I feel like they would have been willing to give her high scores if she stayed clean, but the past few seasons she just hasn't been able to pull it together. Now that she's back out there with solid programs and looking strong strong again, they're giving her good marks for it. I'm happy for her, because while I wasn't a big fan of her back when she medaled at Worlds, I think she's developed nicely and her maturity is great to see.

 

[MalAssada]

I actually wouldn't mind this - if a country sends 3 skaters to Worlds and they all place in the Top 5, I would support them getting a fourth spot. It would be a rare occurrance but it would allow more of the best performing.

It would be very nice (and difficult!). I'm still a fan of the proposed system of the winners of 4CC and Europeans getting a bye to Worlds no matter their country. We seem to have nice options. If only the ISU listened to us

 

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Any news on wether Adelina will compete at nationals?

The last news was about a week ago when the coach said that the plaster is off and she started training. But she did not confirm Adelina's participation in the nationals which are in 2 weeks. Seems too little time to get back in shape.

 

[sunnystars]

The last news was about a week ago when the coach said that the plaster is off and she started training. But she did not confirm Adelina's participation in the nationals which are in 2 weeks. Seems too little time to get back in shape.

that doesn't sound good for her unless she pulls the NHK-Hanyu move
I seriously hope that she doesn't participate then. Don't want her to aggravate her injuries.