This and That: 2015 Skate Canada Recap

[xibsuarz]

Yeah I think the Shibs have a lot of fan support. I guess their sex appeal is what has people talking about how skilled they are. But that simply reveals the Shibs' weakness, so hopefully they can learn to improve in that performance area.

Alex Shibutani to me seems like he's really upset with results a lot of the times while Maia seems to just be calm about it. I wonder what their thoughts on it are. During the gala practices, there were pics of Alex Shibutani and he looked like he didn't want to be there at all haha. I just don't get the feeling that he loves figure skating. ShibSibs on social media seem to be really into modeling, youtube, photography, and product advertisement to fashion related things. I just wonder what their feelings towards the sport is.

I recall some skaters when asked about what their favorite thing about skating is and they just never have an answer... I just can't understand how an international senior competitor can not have an answer to that...I remember Gracie answered that way last year during an ice network video Q&A of her and the Shibutanis. Shibs answer was "we love it because we get to travel and meet all of these people from around the world." but if you didn't get those travel perks, what would you love about it? Do you love it, or do you just love the fact that you get to travel to exotic places and take nice selfies there?

If the Shibutanis didn't love skating, they wouldn't invest themselves so much into their programs (as we saw in the FD), their accomplished faces said it all right after they finished. Neither would they choreograph their own EX like this year. They love making their videos, but they've said they always forget to record during practices because they're so focused on it. Skating at that level means a lot of effort and sacrifices, and someone who is not in love with the sport would found it extremely difficult to do.

And at least for me, is not sex appeal that makes me think they're skilled (and it's not like they do sexy programs :sarcasm, is because I can see it. Even with my untrained eye for ice dance, I can see that they're skilled, not perfect, but skilled. I also get the feeling that sometimes Alex is not satisfied with their scores, but from what I've read, many people also think they haven't got the numbers they deserve.

 

[andromache]

I recall some skaters when asked about what their favorite thing about skating is and they just never have an answer... I just can't understand how an international senior competitor can not have an answer to that...I remember Gracie answered that way last year during an ice network video Q&A of her and the Shibutanis. Shibs answer was "we love it because we get to travel and meet all of these people from around the world." but if you didn't get those travel perks, what would you love about it? Do you love it, or do you just love the fact that you get to travel to exotic places and take nice selfies there?

Asking someone to love their job is a tall order, especially when it's something as demanding as figure skating--or most other sports, for that matter, particularly expensive ones with little chance for a lot of money or fame. At least other jobs with relatively low pay/low recognition, like social workers or teachers, can say that they love helping people. It's probably hard to say what one loves about figure skating, especially when most days there's a ton of grind and little to no reward.

That said, I'm sure most skaters, if they were to quit skating, would really, really miss it. That so many of them are willing to do it every day must mean they love it--even if they can't express why, or don't FEEL like they love it--because otherwise these overachievers could go to college and get a great job that is probably a lot easier and more well-paying than skating is.

 

[yuzushenko]

If the Shibutanis didn't love skating, they wouldn't invest themselves so much into their programs (as we saw in the FD), their accomplished faces said it all right after they finished. Neither would they choreograph their own EX like this year. They love making their videos, but they've said they always forget to record during practices because they're so focused on it. Skating at that level means a lot of effort and sacrifices, and someone who is not in love with the sport would found it extremely difficult to do.

And at least for me, is not sex appeal that makes me think they're skilled (and it's not like they do sexy programs :sarcasm, is because I can see it. Even with my untrained eye for ice dance, I can see that they're skilled, not perfect, but skilled. I also get the feeling that sometimes Alex is not satisfied with their scores, but from what I've read, many people also think they haven't got the numbers they deserve.

Oh shoot, I was talking about Madison and Chock when I said the sex appeal thing haha woops. Hm I didn't know they choreographed their own EX this year.. did they perform it at Skate Canada?

Asking someone to love their job is a tall order, especially when it's something as demanding as figure skating--or most other sports, for that matter, particularly expensive ones with little chance for a lot of money or fame. At least other jobs with relatively low pay/low recognition, like social workers or teachers, can say that they love helping people. It's probably hard to say what one loves about figure skating, especially when most days there's a ton of grind and little to no reward.

That said, I'm sure most skaters, if they were to quit skating, would really, really miss it. That so many of them are willing to do it every day must mean they love it--even if they can't express why, or don't FEEL like they love it--because otherwise these overachievers could go to college and get a great job that is probably a lot easier and more well-paying than skating is.

True. I guess I forget that for these professional athletes, it's their job. From an amateur's perspective, it's always a dream, so I guess we forget that it does become like a job with the constant "day in and day out" of the sport.

 

[skateluvr]

Dave I don't know if you avoided the Debi Thomas question because iit is controversial but I think if you left out content in the interview you might be one of the few people that can comment on if she is well or not. I have good intentions and many people want to know if she is able to work as a doctor or not or if she gets any offers to talk to skate fans or as a motivational type speaker. Because you are who you are you can say much more than say moi.

I don't subscribe to the OWN and I would like to see the interview with ilanya vanzant if that is spelled remotely correctly.

Will you be having her return or be watching that interview. She has gotten much shade about the Go Fund Me thing her and on FSU. I'd like to see a serious attempt at treating this woman who may not be well at this point with the respect she earned as a skater student athlete and seemingly caring surgeon. It seems that what she has put out there on video left many unanswered questions and confusion. We were invited to General conversation and q and A. I think it's really exciting you are here given your insider status as an interviewer and Jenny is a former international skater with many contacts so it is great you can speak about the serious subjects. Debi Thomas meant a great deal at the time in the black community so I hope,we find out what is really holding her back.

And as for shorter videos without the banter? I vote for the fun banter. As you say it is figure skating and you and Jenny approach it as fun which it is supposed to be. To do to watch and to,discuss. So again let me say I think many folks are thrilled you are here and I hope Jenny will be participating here as well. :gclap:

 

[xibsuarz]

Oh shoot, I was talking about Madison and Evan when I said the sex appeal thing haha woops. Hm I didn't know they choreographed their own EX this year.. did they perform it at Skate Canada?

Oops, sorry, I thought you meant the Shibs, that threw me off for a second. But yeah, Maia and Alex choreographed their Clair de Lune EX which they performed at SC

 

[Ice Dance]

Who was your best dressed?

I have no idea, but it didn't involve blue/purple hair.

What was your moment of the week?

The Shibutanis' free dance performance.

Who has better skating skills, Hanyu or Chan?

TBH, I found Hanyu's more impressive. During the practices. He just seemed to fly across the ice. Chan, of course, had the most polished free skate on the final night of competition. Kudos for stepping it up in front of his home audience.

What would it take for the judges to allow the Shibutanis to win U.S. Nationals?

Well, a win over Papadakis & Cizeron at NHK beforehand would be pretty awesome.

Do Maia and Dice need to give more facial expressions?

Maia's facial expression is wonderful. She and Alex have always had the IT-factor for me. I think you will find--if they skate like this at Worlds--that the crowd in Boston will agree. There were certainly plenty of viewers here and on FSU in tears after watching them skate. Their performances, both during the competition and the practices, were the highlight of the event for me.

Dice can certainly improve as a performer, but I believe he has really worked at holding & smoothing out his elements--as well as skating to the music--since last season. He had to be in shock to be leading after the short. Superior expression during the LP was probably too much to ask. I give him major kudos for not imploding during the free skate. He was my pick for bronze because I figured he didn't have the pressure of the favorites here; but I'm pretty impressed that he stood up in that free after leading in the short. He's one of Frank's though. The only full run-through I saw during the men's practice on Thursday afternoon. And onto the podium.

 

[Skater Boy]

If the Shibutanis didn't love skating, they wouldn't invest themselves so much into their programs (as we saw in the FD), their accomplished faces said it all right after they finished. Neither would they choreograph their own EX like this year. They love making their videos, but they've said they always forget to record during practices because they're so focused on it. Skating at that level means a lot of effort and sacrifices, and someone who is not in love with the sport would found it extremely difficult to do.

And at least for me, is not sex appeal that makes me think they're skilled (and it's not like they do sexy programs :sarcasm, is because I can see it. Even with my untrained eye for ice dance, I can see that they're skilled, not perfect, but skilled. I also get the feeling that sometimes Alex is not satisfied with their scores, but from what I've read, many people also think they haven't got the numbers they deserve.

The Shibs are true dancers; Chock and Bates are drama but I just don't understand why the judges hold them up; it is not like there aren't other decent teams in the US as well as the world - P and C, W and P; the Russians are all teams that fairly could be put ahead.

But right now there are a lot of very good dance team or potentially good teams but they do not have the majestic quality of Davis and White or Virtue and Moir and neither of those teams arguably had the complete it package of Klimova and Ponomarenko or Torvill and Dean. But none of them are really there - so what you have is some very good medicore teams winning gold - that's why a 13th place team can win gold - and they were pretty good but I am not sold on them yet. I do think the Russians all have huge potential but major flaws and a tendency to make big mistakes. Which one will break through. I think Stepanova and Bukin are in trouble with injury and there are only two spots. Ironically S and K; B and S and I and Z might shoot themselves in the foot as even at the end of Nationals less than two months away it may not be clear who is no. 1. I think the key to watch out is if S and K make the GP finals and if somehow the three teams knock themselves out of the GP in their skate fight. (I am trying to think the faves would be Chock and Bates, Weaver and Poje, the shibs, the Italians leaving the last two spots to be fought among the three Russians, Gilles and Porier, Coomes and Buckland and maybe the third Americans.

 

[GF2445]

I side with Dave on the Shibutanis.

If
-they give it a little more with the facial expressions
-make some of their movements more dynamic (convey the change of emotion from a sad start to a triumphant ending)
-dance closer in hold

their PCS should increase closer.

 

[Barb]

Yeah I think the Shibs have a lot of fan support. I guess their sex appeal is what has people talking about how skilled they are. But that simply reveals the Shibs' weakness, so hopefully they can learn to improve in that performance area.

Alex Shibutani to me seems like he's really upset with results a lot of the times while Maia seems to just be calm about it. I wonder what their thoughts on it are. During the gala practices, there were pics of Alex Shibutani and he looked like he didn't want to be there at all haha. I just don't get the feeling that he loves figure skating. ShibSibs on social media seem to be really into modeling, youtube, photography, and product advertisement to fashion related things. I just wonder what their feelings towards the sport is.

I recall some skaters when asked about what their favorite thing about skating is and they just never have an answer... I just can't understand how an international senior competitor can not have an answer to that...I remember Gracie answered that way last year during an ice network video Q&A of her and the Shibutanis. Shibs answer was "we love it because we get to travel and meet all of these people from around the world." but if you didn't get those travel perks, what would you love about it? Do you love it, or do you just love the fact that you get to travel to exotic places and take nice selfies there?

i had read almost each interview and several times they said that love ice dance, when they were asked advices for other skaters they always says the most important thing is to love what you do, that it is a lot of sacrifice but they do it because they love to skate. if they only enjoy to travel they could do it with the money they invest in their skating. Sometimes Alex looks frustrated but I think it is because the poor results.

 

[TSLDave]

By the way is anyone playing the TSL fantasy league game? I went from #531 from SA (Ohh Gracie you are killing me!!) to #90 at Skate Canada currently 168 points! Yeahh~ to me eace:

Just a reminder to get your fantasy picks in early, as Cup of China starts earlier. http://woobox.com/vameiz

 

[Celine]

... I guess their sex appeal is what has people talking about how skilled they are. But that simply reveals the Shibs' weakness, so hopefully they can learn to improve in that performance area..."

I know yuzushenko clarified that the comment relating sex appeal to skill was not about Maia and Alex. But I disagree about it "revealing the Shibs' weakness." Obviously "selling sexy" in their choreography is not a performance option for Maia and Alex as siblings.

If you're talking sex appeal though, I don't think they're lacking in that department. Figure skating is a performance sport where the "look" definitely matters. I think the majority of the elite ice dancers are extremely attractive.

Some gorgeous photos of Maia and Alex from Herb Ritts' protégé David Michalek, whose work and major installations has featured dancers.

https://instagram.com/p/5a8Z6lS7gh/?taken-by=maiashibutani

https://instagram.com/p/5a8iMiQm7h/?taken-by=alexshibutani

 

[daphenaxa]

Who was your best dressed?
Men: Yuzuru FS
Women: Ashley FS actually

Worst dress: Liza FS. Seriously Liza you gotta change that horrendous dress. I really liked last year's dresses actually. But this one is an abomination.

What was your moment of the week?
idk, that was a very underwhelming competition for me. Yuzuru's spread eagle-3A-spread eagle.

Who has better skating skills, Hanyu or Chan?
Chan. I do feel Hanyu didn't actually show his real skating skills here though. He was completely focussed on the jumps and then dying in the end so skating skills and even interpretation were a bit left aside i feel. I don't think the gap between the two is actually that big at all.

What would it take for the judges to allow the Shibutanis to win U.S. Nationals?
they medal at GPF while Chock/Bates don't. If this happens, they'll arrive at US nationals on an equal footing.

Do Maia and Dice need to give more facial expressions?
No. They need to feel and interpret the music with their whole body, really forge a connection to the music and not fake one by giving face. "Giving face" in the way Ashley Wagner or Alexa Scimeca do is caricaturing the emotions and showing us that they feel whatever (fake) emotion instead of making us feel this emotion.
I also personally feel that giving face is a very western way of conveying emotion, where everything has to be exaggerated and externalised. It very often appears fake to me and usually makes me cringe.

Also hi Dave. I love the skating lesson, it's a great show! Even though all your favourites are like my least favourites

 

[kwanatic]

Just a reminder to get your fantasy picks in early, as Cup of China starts earlier. http://woobox.com/vameiz

I just voted. I'm feeling really confident about my picks for the ladies seeing as that's the discipline I follow like a hawk...

I feel pretty good about my 1st place picks for the men and ice dance but I can admit I took a shot in the dark on everything else. Fingers crossed I get lucky!

 

[yuzushenko]

... I guess their sex appeal is what has people talking about how skilled they are. But that simply reveals the Shibs' weakness, so hopefully they can learn to improve in that performance area..."

I know yuzushenko clarified that the comment relating sex appeal to skill was not about Maia and Alex. But I disagree about it "revealing the Shibs' weakness." Obviously "selling sexy" in their choreography is not a performance option for Maia and Alex as siblings.

If you're talking sex appeal though, I don't think they're lacking in that department. Figure skating is a performance sport where the "look" definitely matters. I think the majority of the elite ice dancers are extremely attractive.

Some gorgeous photos of Maia and Alex from Herb Ritts' protégé David Michalek, whose work and major installations has featured dancers.

https://instagram.com/p/5a8Z6lS7gh/?taken-by=maiashibutani

https://instagram.com/p/5a8iMiQm7h/?taken-by=alexshibutani

oh yeah, i definitely think they're attractive individuals lol. bless their parents for creating such attractive people. maia is gorgeous, alex has this sexy intense angst lol.