Skaters and their supporters are a heinously obsessive compulsive bunch. This season, it is going to bug all of us that the 'rhumba' is nothing like we'd expect in the world of ballroom dance. That said, it is one of the more engaging compulsory patterns. We've had to sit through years of golden waltzes, but now we get to enjoy a little fringe and Jef Billings'-like glam.
Voir's debut of their remixed Samba went off smoothly for a 68.74. It is a tad 'busy' and worked better as a free dance, but their improved condition is evident. Tessa got another new dress for the program (#4 now) and looks to be far more confident than at the World Championships. The program is successful and they demonstrate fantastic skating skills, but it far from unbeatable. Just like when Mao turned a free skate into a short program, condensing the vision just doesn't feel natural. Judging by his hip action, Scott Moir is awful is bed.
Results
The second-place Shibutanis just don't look natural shaking their naughty bits. Poor Maia has likely never even been to a high school dance and you know their mother who tapes all of their practices is going to view silver medals as a total Asian F. Their compulsory pattern is stronger than it was last year and they continue to improve in terms of skating skills. This program has a lot of room for growth, but it will ultimately force them to be better dancers and help them in the long run. In order to stand out, they will need to sell this dance like no other. They can't rest on being sweet and cute much longer. (58.45)
Madison Chock has never sizzled quite the same way. Having a more masculine partner is working for her, even if Evan does looks like her nerdy lab partner. They are more interesting to watch than either of their previous partnerships, but they have a ton of work to do if they hope to represent the US in international competitions. It will take more than Igor's pull to get them the bronze at Nationals. (53.91)
Guignard and Fabbri (51.05)
(49.68)
Gorshkova and Butikov are returning the more understated Pasha/Krylova history of ice dance...
i'm sorry, but as much as chock and bates sizzle-- its a trashy kind of sizzle.
ReplyDeleteLMAO @ the Shibs commentary.
ReplyDeleteoh, and Maia needs to get rid of that marching band baton girl dress PRONTO.
ReplyDeleteOf the top 3 teams' skaters, only Tessa really sold the routine - at times. Really do not like the music cuts now AT ALL though. Agree the routine worked much better as a FD.
ReplyDeleteShibs: my impression is they are rushing through what is a nightmare style for them to get to the FD. They are like Fred & Adele Astaire and I don't think (though could be wrong) Fred ever attempted 'hot' latin ballroom dancing in his movies. My point being, very few can do EVERYTHING well and I still value the Shibs for what they are good at.
Chock/Bates: Zzzzz routine and they don't seem to be very well in synch yet. Watching their routine so close to V/M's, it really strikes me how Madison physically comes off as a 'lesser' Tessa - hopefully in the FD she will have a look that differentiates her more.
Actually, the US team with the best SD will probably be Donohue/Hubbell. They're the only American team that knows how to shake it!
ReplyDeleteIf Marlie and Voir are on the same track competing at regular competitions, I think even reigning World champs can't beat Voir's skating skills, chemistry, and connection on the ice as they tend to grow intensely by events. Meryl's facial expression, upper body movement is impressive but it's got a long way to top Tessa's and her skating skills.
ReplyDeleteSurprising that all of Igor's teams separated the two sections of the Rhumba pattern and did the circular non-touching sequence at the end. And I think the Shibs' circular sequence is actually more effective to the music than Voir's.
ReplyDeleteTessa looked much more comfortable with her routine than Scott. Love her dress
ReplyDeletelolol someone on GoldenSkate said Voir's SD is vulgar..people these days smh
ReplyDeleteI have to say I wasn't expecting to love Tessa and Scott's program as much as I do. That girl can dance! Maia and Alex had some nice hip action going I thought. And I have no thoughts on Chock/Bates, their program left no impression on me at all.
ReplyDeleteCan we at least wait until we see Meryl and Charlie's SD, before deciding whose is better?
ReplyDelete