The World's Impressions

[Joesitz]

The World's Impressions

This was my first and I hope not my last. The excitement and tension around the arena was totally diffierent than watching a TV skate. Fans are easy to meet and not so critical about the skaters. They are pleasant to be around even if one doesn't agree with another.

I got to see the whole kit and kaboodle even the compulsory dance, many practices and all the ceremonies. Most of all I got to see ALL the skaters. Skaters I didn't even know existed. It was a great opportunity to see some of the promising young skaters.

If you have but one life to live I would suggest you see at least one Worlds if not an Olympics.

Here are some of my skaters to watch in the future: Stephane, of course! Carolina, of course!

Sara Meier; Jenna McCorkell; Dan Fang; Joannie Rochette; Anne Sophie Calvez;

Kevin Van Der Perren; Roman Skorniakov (he's Malinina's husband); Min Zhang; Gheorge Chiper, Sergei Davydov.

Some disappointing skates: Ilia (I cried); Michael; Jeffrey;
Julia Sebestyen; Yoshie, Shizuka, Sarah, Alisa Drei,

All in all, it is heart breaking to see any skater fall. Julia Lautowa (Austria) was having the skate of her life when at the end of her routine, her skates slipped upwards and she landed on her bottom and slid along the ice to the last beat of the music. The crowd sighed and then gave her one of the best ovations at the competitions.

Advice: Save up the pennies and go to a Worlds. I am told that Dortmund has sold out its all event tickets but singles are still available. I also heard that costs are much cheaper in Europe than in USA but there is the air fare.

Joe

 

[eltamina]

Re: The World's Impressions

I have put Dan Fang, and Kostner in my watch list.

Kostner is only 16, I wonder if she has training in figures, the flow, the edge quality speed and ice coverage is at the tops.

Off topic:

This is the first time I watch Fumie live. I am very impressed with her basic skating skills. I sat next to a lady who is a reacreational skater for >50 years. She was pointing out why Michelle's basic skating skills is so good. <strong>QUIET EDGES</strong>. She thought Fumie's edges are not as quiet. I kept asking her how about Fumie's soft knees, and flow!!! So IMO, MK and Fumie's basic skating skills are about equal. Yuka Sato has the best of soft knees, speed and quiet edges

Further off topic:

I said it before, and I repeat here again (off topic) I wish MK will go to Japan and train with Nobou Sato for a while. (Mr. Sato's students have wonderful edges. Arakawa, and Fumie's edges are better than Yoshie's). I wish for MK to achieve Yuka like skating skills. I know she will never leave Brad and her family for Japan. Maybe a brief period of training with Yuka will be nice too.

<span style="color:red;font-size:small;">eltamina, totally mesmerized by Fumie's edges!!!!</span>

 

[Ewdokia]

Re: The World's Impressions

Joe, was it a reliable source who told you that the all-events tickets for Dortmund are already sold out? I really wanted to go there for my first big live skating event as it's pretty closed to my country. I believed that it would be early enough to start with making all the arrangements in late summer. I've never thought that there are so many other FS-freaks out there that some tickets might be sold out one year prior to the event!
Sorry about using the term freak, but you know, I took one week vacation from my job in order to watch all the events live on TV which were broadcasted in Europe until 5 o'clock in the morning. You should have seen the face of my boss when she asked me if I'm going to do something special during my holidays and I told her "yes, sitting on my coach for the whole day watching FS." Well, she probably thought that I'm completely crazy and actually she might be right.

 

[berthes ghost]

Re: The World's Impressions

Here's a link to the 2004 worlds site

www.worlds2004.de/tickets.html

I don't know how much y'all paid for DC, but these prices are twice what the past 2 Euro Champs were. Guess I'll just have to start saving up, as I still want to go.

 

[IWannabeASkater]

Re: The World's Impressions

ITA about Kevin Van Der Perren being one to watch. I thought his free skate was very good and unfortunatly I didn't get to see his qual. or short program. I met him during the gala and he is also a very nice guy.

I also agree about Jeff's skate being dissapointing. His artistry was good as always he just couldn't seem to land the jumps. At the end he looked so sad I almost wanted to cry. Then he turned around and gave the audience a brave smile. I really hope he can strengthen his jumps for next year because consistantly falling and placing low would be such a waste to his artistic talent. The same goes for Ryan Jahnke, although he didn't seem quite as upset as Jeff did at the end.

~ Jen

 

[Ladskater]

Re: The World's Impressions

Joesitz:

Nothing like being at a competition! I used to attend all of my brothers' competitions and Skate Canada as well as the Canadian Nationals. I could not afford to go to Worlds when it was here in Vancouver, but I did go down and see the figure skating hall of fame and rub elbows with the crowd and some of the skaters. It is always exciting. What I love about being at a competition is that one gets a chance to see all of the skating not just what is shown on tv. It's not chopped up into little pieces and disected. It's wonderful. One feels the energy of the skaters. It's fun to even go watch the competitions at your local arena. It doesn't always have to be the big competitions!

Ladskater

 

[Verbalgirl77]

Re: The World's Impressions

I agree that Lautowa's reaction was a great highlight. The way she just started laughing had everyone going along with her.

I am so thrilled that I got to finally see the qualifying rounds. I won't soon forget the amazing skates of Kevin Van Der Perren, Stephane Lambiel, and good o'l Ryan Janke. Truely amazing! Plushenko & Tim skated pretty great as well.

It wasn't until I got home that I found out that Ryan & Brian Joubert were both in the same hotel that was evacuated in the middle of the night before the qualifying round. The French guys just could not get it together in the qualifying round which was so disappointing. I really wanted Brian to challenge for a medal here. He did rebound in the short & long, which was nice to see. I just love his short program.

Tim's short program was a great, great improvement. Good for him to rebound so amazingly after Nationals.

Michelle was just an amazing treat to watch all week. Even her long program practice the day before qualifying got a standing ovation!

 

[sk8guy2k2]

Re: The World's Impressions

Could someone PLEASE tell me what happened to Yoshie???

 

[Joesitz]

Re: The World's Impressions

Ewdokia. I did hear it from one ofl my neighbors at the arena. She was a Swiss gal who goes to all the Worlds. The all event tickets that are left are not the best for viewing. But, according to her, one can buy the individual tkckets for better viewing. There are pensions in Dortmund which are cheaper than hotels and some are right near the venue. Go to the website and see what's happening.

Cheers - Joe

 

[Joesitz]

Re: The World's Impressions

Jen - Sad about Jeff B. He's a good fskater but I think the nerves get to him. Maybe a sports/shrink can help. And yes, Kevin VP is the one to watch.

Lad - Absolutely, live competitionsare the way to go.

Verbalgirl - Indeed, Kevin VP is very promising; Stephane has the whole package. He needs consistency and 2 solid quads. I see him as a top 3 fs. Ryan, after a sensational QR was not able to do it in the SP and LP. But he did well.

I'd rather not discuss EP and TG in this thread. This thread was meant to get posters interested in going to live competitions especially Worlds. Discussing the aforementioned stars will just turn the thread into something else.

Sk8guy - I would rather not discuss Yoshie. It was bad and not her. Hopefully, she can get something out of it.

Joe

 

[berthes ghost]

Re: The World's Impressions

" ITA about Kevin Van Der Perren being one to watch."

I don't. Well, I agree that he is worth watching. :lol: But usually the expression means someone who will advance in the near future, and as much as I love Kevin, I don't think that this is true.

I'm not an expert, but I think that there must be problems with his basic skating skills because even when he skates clean, he never gets high marks. At the Olys I was so proud to see him skate a flawless short program with a 3x/3t, 2x and 3z, the same layout that had Ilia in 1st place just 4 years before. But where was Kevin? Back in 13th behind Plushy, Todd, Elvis, Weiss and others who splatted.

This year was clearly a problem with the injury and all. Even at nationals, where he literally had no competitors, he skated better. The 3s/3t/3r was cool, but without a solid 3x and/or a 4t or two, he ain't goin' nowhere. JMHO.

 

[Verbalgirl77]

Re: The World's Impressions

If I remember correctly, Kevin didn't land a 3A in his long. Without a 3A or a Quad he couldn't really make an improvement on his placement. I didn't like the overall design of his SP, but his LP was terrific, and what a great opening jump sequence! That really got the crowd into it and everyone seemed disappointed in his scoring. Hopefully he'll get his quad in gear, since his 3t, 3s, and 3l all seem to be very strong.

Stephane really was great. I was so happy for his standing ovation and his 3rd place behind the top 2.

 

[Kasey]

Re: The World's Impressions

I've never been lucky enough to attend a competition the caliber of worlds...but it's true, there is something SO much better about seeing it live! The speed is easier to see...the edging and flow is easier to appreciate, and the jumps look SO much higher than they do on TV! Some day, I'll get to go to a worlds!

kasey

 

[Joesitz]

Re: The World's Impressions

There is something about a skater when he/she takes the ice and begins his/her routine. Within 30 seconds one can tell if this skater has presence in performing. I find this in Kevin and ignore the absence of high level jumps unless they are there and with the music.

Other skaters I see with presence within the first 30 seconds are MK, of course, Sasha, Viktoria, Fumie, Galina M., and now, Joannie Rochette.

Among the boys I see Kevin, of course and Stephane, Yags if he still is an amateur, Ryan, and who else? Can't think of any more, off hand.

But the above get my attention early on. Whether they fall or not or omit the almighty 3/3 and quad is irrelevant. Those moves just enhance the program.

Joe

 

[IWannabeASkater]

Re: The World's Impressions

Joe, that's the very thing I noticed about Kevin. He was the first skater of the night and actually one of the few until a good way through the competition who really caught my attention. His presence just filled up the arena. I would say the same as you have about Ryan although with a slightly gentler quality I think, and most definitly Alexei - Stephane just doesn't do it for me as much. Also I think Jeff Buttle when he's really on. I was totally mesemerized by his short from World's last year, but that's slightly OT LOL.

Anyway, back to Kevin. He did double all his axels in his free skate, and I do think he needs a quad if he wants to move up a lot. I know I read in his ISU bio that he's landed quad loops in practice, so I assume he's probably working on toes and/or salchows as well. But even without them he has been improving some in his placements. And wasn't he 2nd at Jr. Worlds last year? I guess then this is his first full year in seniors. He's only 20 - he still has some time. I wish they showed him in the US so I would have a better basis to judge him on though.

BTW, Joe, I agree that a sports psychologist might help Jeff Buttle. I did read though that he's been working really hard on the quad toe and so he and his coach decided to include it in his programs. He's been trying hard to land it but hasn't been totally consistent so that has resulted in some nasty falls. Hopefully with more experience he can get some better consistency on that. I hope he continues to so well because I really enjoy his skating and he has some really gorgeous and unique spins and in-betweens.

~ Jen

 

[berthes ghost]

Re: The World's Impressions

Kevin skated at the senior level last year at Euros, Olys and Worlds as well as Junor worlds. Same this year (except Olys). IIRC, he withdrew half way thru Jr. Worlds. He was also scheduled for the GP series but withdrew due to injury.

His SP at worlds was not the same SP that he did at Euros and Nationals, so it may have been brand new.

I agree with Joe about "presence" when it comes to us fans, but no skater (especially men) will get to the final warm-up group on "pressence". When/if the new judging system kicks in, "presence" will be left in the dust behind quads and 3axels.

Stephane and Carolina are "the ones to watch" in my book. They're young, came in 4th at thier first Euros, attempt (and sometimes land) all of the most difficult jumps and combos, have good basic presentation, etc... It's all just future for them.

Everyone else on Joe's inital list, IMHO, will stall in the Liashenko/Milot ranks. We fans will continue to enjoy them, but they won't make it above 10thish. JMHO.

 

[DORISPULASKI]

Re: The World's Impressions

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>This thread was meant to get posters interested in going to live competitions especially Worlds. [/quote]

Joe, With the above in mind, first I want to say that there are many, many reasons to go to World's. Not only do you get to see the invisible skaters, some of whom are very, very good.
You also get to see the skates of skaters who had one Great skate out of 3, and therefore will get chacked by the media because they are not in the top six.

It was definitely, definitely worth going.

For those who are considering going to live competitions and are worrying about the money, probably it would be worthwhile to give any good tips on saving (and any on improving enjoyment) that we have:

Here's mine:
1. Especially if you are going with a couple, you will lose money using a tour group. Couples with Dash tours at the Red Roof Inn where we stayed in Washington were paying twice what we paid. It is not hard to set up your own trip with the web these day.

Go to the web site, order your tickets as early as
possible. Consider the cost of air fare, driving, hotel.
You soon realize that the difference in price in tickets
is not big compared to the total cost of trip. Buy the
most expensive tickets you can afford. The view is
worth it.

The web site will tell you the name of nearby hotels,
and generally will link to their web sites. Make your
reservations the same day you order your tickets if
you don't want to be driving miles to the event.

Consider booking at Suite type hotels. They serve
a breakfast and a large enough snack on weekdays
that you can make that supper. Have your big meal
at lunch, if you need one. Lunch is always cheaper.

Arenas do not always allow you to bring food in. DC
did. At the very least bring your drinks. Even buying
drinks from hotel vending machines at $1 per is better
than paying $3.75 to $4.00 for water or soda at the
rink. You must buy in plastic bottles, because they
are concerned about the terrorist implications of cans
and do not let you take them in.

2. If you have a disability don't be afraid to go! There is always in North America, disabled seating, a motorized Rascal type motorized cart can be rented from www.scootalong.com for about $18 (American) a day. It is a Canadian company, so this is your chance to play the exchange rate lottery) The chairs in the disabled area are generally very uncomfortable folding chairs. Other scooters are much more expensive to rent. They deliver it to your hotel and pick it up in your hotel. You drive it to your room and plug it in at night. This can save on transport, since you don't need cabs or alternatively have to pay for parking for your car. And you don't have to cope with the Metro.
Disabled seats, even the most expensive, are always at the farthest area from the ice in the section at the level of the entrance. If you can't walk well, but can get from the entrance level down into the bowl to your seat, you can generally arrange with security to park the scooter in the back of the disabled area, or elsewhere that they designate and walk down to your seat.
An up (and down side) of disabled seating is that if you are seated center ice, that peopel stand behind and next to you waiting to get to their seats. We have met/seen up close a large number of skaters, and their families that way.

3. If you know when the practices are, and want to see skaters up close, at DC they walked to and from their hotel to the rink, pulling their skates in carryon bags. This is free.

4. I heard that DC did not have separate practice passes for sale. (Another poster has told me that this was not so, so be sure to ask at the box office.) They always come with the total ticket package. If available, a practice pass is a good deal. Go to the earlier practices where full runthroughs are most likely to be done. You can get in to see all the skaters over many days in all events. And it is the best place to get autographs, if that's what you like to do. (We don't)

5. good seats for Qualifiers were relatively cheap and easy to get. If you are in the area of a big competition and can't afford the Big Event, go to the qualifiers. Plush's best LP skate was his qualifier in DC. Sasha's best skate was her qualifier. Don't fear that you will be seeing inferior skating. Go to the qualifier if you can't go to anything else.

6. Consider going to Grand Prix events. Skate America 2003, which is in Reading, PA, is $150 for the best seats for all
events. They go over 3 days, which means less hotel bills.
Plus the hotels do not seem to inflate the prices as much as at Worlds. Hotels in the area of Skate America can be gotten as cheap as $69/night. Similar prices should be available for Skate America 2004 in Pittsburgh.

7. Nationals cost as much as World's and except in the ladies
the skating is worse, obviously. However, it is fun to be able to see the juniors and novices coming up, so you have the ability to see 12 different events (4 disciplines, 3 levels) if you have the stamina.

8. If you're single, you can often arrange to share a room with a friend.

9. If you live in the city, very near to the event, tickets will come up for bid on ebay and can be gotten cheaper than the face price. In fact, I have seen people give away tickets at the box office because through odd circumstances they had two tickets. My friend in DC had a not so good ticket, and my husband did not want to go to the dance final. She took his ticket and gave away hers. So you never know.

Whatever you do, try to go to at least one competition live! It is really worth it.

dpp

 

[Joesitz]

Re: The World's Impressions

Doris - Nice going! Those are great tips for going to a Worlds. I would also suggest that fans put their change in a piggy bank at the end of each the day and af the end of each month put it in a savings account.

Although you do not need someone to go with (it's easy to find people to discuss the events right there) it will be cheaper if you find another fan to share expenses. I met some Canadian gals who go to every skating event and they get a room for 4 people. So expenses can be limited to your taste.

Now, get thee to a Worlds.

Joe

 

[crazy4michelle]

Re: The World's Impressions

I just happened "into" two tickets for '92 Worlds in Oakland, CA. Unfortunately, I was at the beginning of my skating fan career and I only had tickets to the pairs final. But the experience was absolutely wonderful. I loved being able to watch all the young skaters (good and bad!). I wish I had known what I was seeing (I got the tickets the night of the performance) at the time, but I am so glad I was able to experience a world class event.

Thankfully, I was able to get all-event tickets to the '96 Nationals and enjoyed every second of it. I wholeheartedly agree that everyone should see a competition live at least once. My husband is pushing for us to get tickets for Nationals in Portland (2005, I think)!!

 

[cazzer]

Better yet...

...if you are in the town of a major skating event (Nationals, World's), volunteer to help!
In 1996, the office organizing the Nationals in San Jose was in my office tower, so I walked in and asked if I could help. I told them I had prior skating experience, and they said they wanted someone who could tell the difference between gold silver, bronze and pewter medals, so I got to arrange the medals on the pillows. I also was the last to touch the gold medal that was given to Rudy Galindo, and our volunteer office was right across from the drug testing room, so we got to see every skater up close, and watch all the events/practices for free. What a blast!