A few one liners to sum up the OD ...
Davis and Whites od is bollybrilliant (sorry cheap shot), completely unique and my favourite of all the OD's I have seen so far.
Cappelini and Lanotte was a pretty bog standard OD with some nice easy transitions which all looks nice.
Rubleva/Shefer aka Barbie and Ken looked like they had just skated out the packaging in a toy shop at Christmas. But its a bit different so pleasing enough, prefer it to their free dance.
Free Dance
Ok so Chock and Zuerlin oh wait ... its Davis and White. I complained about the French P/B using the clock theme which was done by the Germans previously but at least it wasnt done in the same olympic cycle Davis and White have a got a second hand free dance, after they were done with it obviously Madison/Greg were looking to sell it off cheaply.
Aside from the complete lack of originality (I actually cant believe they had the nerve Im just going back to check i was watching the right team), the skating was really good. Costumes pretty old fashioned, but I love their lifts .. esp when she does the little rotational twists in the middle of the lifts (the Kerrs do this too :D). Twizzles remain some of (if not) the best in the world. Their edge work and basic skating wasnt as great as at worlds 09, however I guess this is partly an early season issue and will be gone soon enough. I like the collapsing on their knees in the middle to catch their breath back made to look intentional ;-) But to summarise a well deserved first place. But someone PM me when they have got their own free dance sorted im sure that will be great - understand we are in a recession and all.
Onto Cappelini/Lanotte, I did not predict these to finish as high as they did, owing to how could anything live up to their Love Story free dance and the change of coaches can take a while to adjust to. Reqium for a dream was a bit of a let down after love story, and is an over used peice of music in skating of late, whilst love story has been used a lot I never tire of it. Didnt feel they really connected with the music, and like P/B transitions were not great - the French coaching team must have decided this is the route to more points, faster skating in place of better transitions. Loved the lift where he is in a teapot I have been waiting and willing a team to do this! So kudos for that. All their lifts were pretty good, and despite the bland music there was some innovative choreography. Skating skills however well down on Davis and White. And they too have joined the black and white FD costume gang - maybe you get a discount on the costume if they are black and white.
And a wobbler of a performance from Rubleva/Shefer. There was something resembling Chemistry between them. costumes were not bad although russians have strange concept of what colours go together. No elements which stood out for me, it was all a bit bland. THey didnt pull of the music I didnt feel, but then I didnt get the music at all didnt mean much to me was a bit nothingless. Choreography was pretty multi purpose and in no way unique to the program. Few places where if they had slowed any more they would have stopped. Dont see this team as any threat to the big guns.
Crone/Poirer's video on youtube had had the soundtrack removed so wont review them.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Friday 23 October 2009
Plushenko is back
Hope to be able to give some reports on the actual skating when/if the youtube videos appear! But for now, its day 1 of the Rostelecom Cup, and Mr Plushenko is back! In first place after the short, which makes me happy as I predicted he would win this event ;-) After that was surprised Florent Amodio was not higher.
In the Dance expected Crone/Poirer to be higher, and impressed to see Cappelini/Lanotte in second place with their fairly recent coaching change, but all in all apart from Davis/White the scores for the CD were pretty low, but plenty of time for things to change.
In the Dance expected Crone/Poirer to be higher, and impressed to see Cappelini/Lanotte in second place with their fairly recent coaching change, but all in all apart from Davis/White the scores for the CD were pretty low, but plenty of time for things to change.
Monday 19 October 2009
Grand Prix of Russia Preview
See below for my predictions but this is potentially one of the most interesting, and difficult to predict events. At first glance it may lack the top competitors seen at TEB especially for any observer that only joined the sport last year, but Russia have thrown in some 'dark horses' returning after some time who may amaze, disappoint or not turn up at all - Evgeni Plushenko, Sinead Kerr says hes jumping skills are certainly not lacking but skating has evolved a lot since he left ... I predict him first, after all hes reigning olympic champion so he deserves such pressure! Other contenders Jonny Weir ...
In Pairs Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV havent been out long and were stunning skaters when they left - cant remember where I predicted these to come but they could upset the field.
In Dance and Ladies its the event to be in for an easy route to the final at first glance. However competitions are rarely predictable, but my moneys on Mao Asada, and Davis/White.
British interest in Jenna - if she can put two clean skates in and there are mistakes from others a medal is not totally out of realms of possibility, Id love to see a top 5 skate from her. Wondering if she has decided which short program she'll be using yet :s
In Pairs Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV havent been out long and were stunning skaters when they left - cant remember where I predicted these to come but they could upset the field.
In Dance and Ladies its the event to be in for an easy route to the final at first glance. However competitions are rarely predictable, but my moneys on Mao Asada, and Davis/White.
British interest in Jenna - if she can put two clean skates in and there are mistakes from others a medal is not totally out of realms of possibility, Id love to see a top 5 skate from her. Wondering if she has decided which short program she'll be using yet :s
Sunday 18 October 2009
Grand Prix Final Dance Predictions
My predictions for the dance final based on my medal guesses for each event:
TEB: 1st Virtue/Moir, 2nd Pechalat/Bourzat, 3rd Kerr/Kerr
Russia: 1st Davis/White, 2nd Cappellini/Lanotte 3rd Crone/Poirer
China: 1st Khoklova/Novitski 2nd Belbin/Agosto 3rd Faiella/Scalli
Japan: 1st Davis/White 2nd Kerr/Kerr 3rd Crone/Poirer
USA: 1st Khoklova/Novitski 2nd Belbin/Agosto 3rd Cappellini/Lanotte (Assuming D/S will not start)
Canada: 1st Virtue/Moir 2nd Faiella/Sali 3rd Pechalat/Bourzat
1. Virtue/Moir 30, 2. Davis/White 30, 3.Khoklova/Novitski 30, 4. Belbin/Agosto 26 5. Pechalat/Bourzat 24, 5. Kerr/Kerr 24, 6. Cappellini/Lanotte 24. 7. Faiella/Scalli. Ok so I have got 7 teams only 6 will make it ... but I wouldnt like to predict it any further than this! And should D/S make it back for the GP series things will get very interesting.
TEB: 1st Virtue/Moir, 2nd Pechalat/Bourzat, 3rd Kerr/Kerr
Russia: 1st Davis/White, 2nd Cappellini/Lanotte 3rd Crone/Poirer
China: 1st Khoklova/Novitski 2nd Belbin/Agosto 3rd Faiella/Scalli
Japan: 1st Davis/White 2nd Kerr/Kerr 3rd Crone/Poirer
USA: 1st Khoklova/Novitski 2nd Belbin/Agosto 3rd Cappellini/Lanotte (Assuming D/S will not start)
Canada: 1st Virtue/Moir 2nd Faiella/Sali 3rd Pechalat/Bourzat
1. Virtue/Moir 30, 2. Davis/White 30, 3.Khoklova/Novitski 30, 4. Belbin/Agosto 26 5. Pechalat/Bourzat 24, 5. Kerr/Kerr 24, 6. Cappellini/Lanotte 24. 7. Faiella/Scalli. Ok so I have got 7 teams only 6 will make it ... but I wouldnt like to predict it any further than this! And should D/S make it back for the GP series things will get very interesting.
TEB 09
The Season Kicks off ... Im afraid my review is based purely on youtube vids and the highly entertaining reviews on FSU (figure skating universe) but nethertheless may it entertain you!
Going on the programs alone I would have had the order 1: Virtue and Moir, 2: Kerr and Kerr 3. Pechalat and Bourzat. But I would have to agree that the elements of P/B looked harder than some of those of K/K.
Free Dance Reviews
Tessa and Scott (V/M) If I listen to different music whilst watching it its brilliant - but sadly its another drab classical piece of music with no real beat which seems to now be an ignored requirement for dance music. But that is my only criticism of it - oh and the bland black and white costumes which are being used by a very high percentage of the dance teams this year. The skating you cant fault, Im not sure how some of the lifts are scored as there are a lot of them. But their lifts are amazing and in particular I love how she performs a little rotational jump out of one lift which incidentally has been copied by P/B.
Natalie and Fabien (P/B) Last year they copied the idea from T&D's Barnum, this year they are copying the Germans R/L Clock routine. When will they get an idea of their own? I liked the elements of this team, especially the lifts - one of which they use a little rotational lift copied from V/M. However he was not really into his knees ... didnt have much of a softness. And their transitions - well what transitions, I thought the Kerrs transitions were lacking until I saw this team. They had the odd trick in there but mainly it was very slow paced crossovers to gain maximum speed. Judges didnt seem to care so I guess this tactic worked. Disappointing to watch though. They do manage to avoid the black and white trend for free dance costumes this year one of the few positives I have for them.
Sinead and John (K/K) Its original its new its modern ... but I dont really like it. The music leaves you somewhat cold and unenthused. But you have to commend them for real originality unlike P/B. Shame the theme within it is so similar to Muse last year as it takes away from the originality. The transitions looked pretty bland, and lifts were good but not new and exciting. There long lift which was meant to I think go with the crescendo of the music was late if it was. Twizzles were back on today - had not been expecting to be more worried about Sinead than John on these but thats whats happened so far. The costumes - Im keeping my fingers crossed that these are not the final ones. Im sorry you cant wear jeans in a free dance - it looked like Johns movement was restricted as a result. If you are able to skate your free dance in jeans then its not challenging enough is my personal opinion. Hate to criticise this team but I really want to see them go out on a high if this is to be their last season. And really they would have been looking for second place at the end of this event - the technical score in particular is needing some work.
Entered the figure skating universe prediction competition and was first in all the events but the pairs - well it wasnt a predictable result now was it. Although in the case of the dance I had hoped I wouldnt be correct with the order of the top three."Add Joannie and you've got a world champs" "Welcome
back
Sasha ... oh wait" "The over-scoring of Kim Yu-Na" "Can Jou-bert the falls
oda-wise it may be the last headcase standing" "Where its legal for siblings
to
touch each other up"
Going on the programs alone I would have had the order 1: Virtue and Moir, 2: Kerr and Kerr 3. Pechalat and Bourzat. But I would have to agree that the elements of P/B looked harder than some of those of K/K.
Free Dance Reviews
Tessa and Scott (V/M) If I listen to different music whilst watching it its brilliant - but sadly its another drab classical piece of music with no real beat which seems to now be an ignored requirement for dance music. But that is my only criticism of it - oh and the bland black and white costumes which are being used by a very high percentage of the dance teams this year. The skating you cant fault, Im not sure how some of the lifts are scored as there are a lot of them. But their lifts are amazing and in particular I love how she performs a little rotational jump out of one lift which incidentally has been copied by P/B.
Natalie and Fabien (P/B) Last year they copied the idea from T&D's Barnum, this year they are copying the Germans R/L Clock routine. When will they get an idea of their own? I liked the elements of this team, especially the lifts - one of which they use a little rotational lift copied from V/M. However he was not really into his knees ... didnt have much of a softness. And their transitions - well what transitions, I thought the Kerrs transitions were lacking until I saw this team. They had the odd trick in there but mainly it was very slow paced crossovers to gain maximum speed. Judges didnt seem to care so I guess this tactic worked. Disappointing to watch though. They do manage to avoid the black and white trend for free dance costumes this year one of the few positives I have for them.
Sinead and John (K/K) Its original its new its modern ... but I dont really like it. The music leaves you somewhat cold and unenthused. But you have to commend them for real originality unlike P/B. Shame the theme within it is so similar to Muse last year as it takes away from the originality. The transitions looked pretty bland, and lifts were good but not new and exciting. There long lift which was meant to I think go with the crescendo of the music was late if it was. Twizzles were back on today - had not been expecting to be more worried about Sinead than John on these but thats whats happened so far. The costumes - Im keeping my fingers crossed that these are not the final ones. Im sorry you cant wear jeans in a free dance - it looked like Johns movement was restricted as a result. If you are able to skate your free dance in jeans then its not challenging enough is my personal opinion. Hate to criticise this team but I really want to see them go out on a high if this is to be their last season. And really they would have been looking for second place at the end of this event - the technical score in particular is needing some work.
Strictly not about skating!
So I have just expanded the content of my blog to include my Strictly review from last night! After I saw the dances were the Jive and the Viennese and the Jive I was expecting brilliant things and they just didn't happen (contrary to what Aleshas 10 indicated).
Ricky and Erin Jive. 6 or 7 – debating whether to give more weight to his clever use of a prop which makes me think 7 or the highly repetitive choreography (did Erin have a brain freeze and forget there are other Jive steps?lol). Trousers don’t fit. More smiling and less goldfish faces needed I think.
Ian and Jade. Not the most traditional of dresses. Ian looks like his been stunned and like a goldfish with that initial pause. Her posture is nearly there but she still manages to look awkward. Arms are starting to droop. Closeness is good. Well no choreography needed for that as with all Viennese waltzes. Cant help wondering if there is something going on between these two … both very flirty with each other. As I always say with these two almost there but not quite. Was a bit easy – could have been more turns and a faster pace of music. Craigs not all that happy – too much rise and fall what planet is he on. That’s kind of the point of a waltz. Kept Len happy as expected. 8 is my score! If this was to be best dance of the night in for a disappointment. I for see 9’s and maybe even a ten tonight.
Ali and Brian – oooooooooo Bruce that’s cheeky, Leave them alone poor people. Oh look Brian did get her on a sort of date. She needs to find her neck as she doesn’t have a v long one. But loving the dress and shes got the cheesy smile. Think shes got herself some lower heels. Or maybe not. Her face is giving away a couple of dicey moments. It needed more bounce but brilliantly fun and controlled. I feel some criticism from Alesha. I'm not sure if she has a point. Lens got the right analysis of it – less is more principle would help her. I think it should be equal with jade but I don’t think its going to happen.
Brendan my boy! Whats with the grey hairs and Joe. Viennese waltz – I cant see this going well. Confidence coach is a good idea. I fear for her – Viennese waltz gone wrong is never fun. And whats with the unfinished weddings dress. Head is nice and gentle but look up not down. Some skipping going on and she cant keep up with Brendan. Not bad though. I think I would give her a 5. Come on judges put a positive spin on it HA HA Craig compares her to a kangaroo and then mentions he doesn’t want to destroy her confidence PRAT. Lens right it was a difficult routine. Was up to standard though for an average beginners Viennese waltz. Oh look another waffle-y statement from Alesha but wont complain too much if her marking is sensible. Oh I didn’t notice Brendan walks off. Did it ever occur to him he would be better off staying with her and supporting her rather than having his toddler tantrum. 7 wouldn’t have gone that high but can go with 5 or 6. She has great character about her though.
Zoe zoe zoe this is bad. Very flat footed. Heavy. Nice hips but that’s all. Oh and cheesy with some nice facial expressions. Shes obviously never heard of pointing her foot. Biggest disappointment of the night, oh did she loose her boob too – oops. Oh look now Craig likes her now he saw her boob – the rubbishy kicks and flicks are suddenly overlooked. Judges aren’t nearly as critical as me of it. I think the judges saw a different dance to me.
Gorgeous Ricky doing Viennese. Hah this could be funny. Shes trying to lead him – needs to let him do it. Ooh yes take the top off that will vastly improve the Viennese.
Shes dressed as Barbie. Interesting. SMILE Ricky. Hes not getting the variation in the rise and fall between the natural and reverse correct but this is pretty good and he is leading and definitely has the character of it. SHUT UP Alesha, and Bruno no way was that a pro’s performance. There were some definite technique issues. Oooh dear Lens got issues. Or maybe not. Think it has to be 8-9 for that. If it he'd been a lady Id only give an 8, but as he was leading it Ill call it a 9. NOOOOO That was not worthy of the first ten of the series. And he is not naturally a ballroom dancer
I'm still so annoyed at Alesha … But Craig was doing ok, but he is now just stomping around. Ooh no hes back on the game. He does have an nice bounce when hes moving. And who stole her skirt. He has a nice smile. Poor Craig … lol Len picks up on the costume or lack of it. Poor Craig – I thought it was better than how they described it. Maybe 6? Ouch Craig – 4 was uncalled for, and Alesha! And Bruno! I thought that was his best dance.
Welsh Joe and Christina. This couldn’t be worse than my expectations …. Come on Joe!!! Some nice moments in this. Hes legs clearly don’t have much movement in them. The most confident he has looked. Almost better than Craigs. It was fun he has a personality. This dance was by far his best yet. He looked happy Yey finally I'm see some vague signs of potential. Liked it, as much as you can given his lack of dance ability. 6. Yep Len agrees – oh and Alesha I cant be right then, guess she copied Len again on that one.
Natalie and Vincent – VW don’t see that this can go very well. Think maybe good posture but she only has little legs and with her stomach the closeness between them will be limited so Vincents going to have a touch one here. Dress makes her look twice as big as she is. Her start looked awful. What was that cheesy singing. What on earth was she doing with her feet swinging them around in the air. And now we are hopping around floor and its not v good body posture.
Have to laugh at Laila … she know how to laugh at her. Drunken rag doll I think a drunken ostrich is more accurate. Anton is failing again to teach latin. Lens got his knickers in a twist. Anton you need to be introduced to wax … or do your shirt up. You don’t have Brendans body Im sorry. I do love his sense of homour though, destined to take over from Bruce. I keep missing his comments to write this!!!! I didn’t get round to scoring it – maybe 7.
Phil! Hes so cute to watch. Think it has the potential to be passable and quite nice. He can do the face. I do like the silver look surprisingly. Oh look he can walk give the man a prize. Ooh this is fast. Good luck mate. Not surprisingly he cant keep up with this. Shame as it looks like he could have done a lower tune. Natural turns looking quite good. Nice smile and quite good posture. Great quote “Think Balls!” Only Len!
I agree with Alesha (shock) it was charmingly nice. 7 from me. He could have done better with a slower rhythm.
Chris and Ola I like these two. Hes the second best man I think. Jive … maybe maybe. Love his outfit he looks soo cute. Not that that’s really a good thing but never mind,. Much better when his arms are down. Some nice footwork, I see pointed toes. And he has a cute personality which works for this. Got a bit stompy now. Some good bits though.
Dance off – not a bad set of couples. I thought James and Zoe were seriously over marked for their jive earlier and this is no better. Her heels don’t leave the floor and she dances it like a cha.
Poor Joe looks like the end of the road for him – and he did so well this week compared to previous – ah well gets to go out on a high.
Ian and Jade. Not the most traditional of dresses. Ian looks like his been stunned and like a goldfish with that initial pause. Her posture is nearly there but she still manages to look awkward. Arms are starting to droop. Closeness is good. Well no choreography needed for that as with all Viennese waltzes. Cant help wondering if there is something going on between these two … both very flirty with each other. As I always say with these two almost there but not quite. Was a bit easy – could have been more turns and a faster pace of music. Craigs not all that happy – too much rise and fall what planet is he on. That’s kind of the point of a waltz. Kept Len happy as expected. 8 is my score! If this was to be best dance of the night in for a disappointment. I for see 9’s and maybe even a ten tonight.
Ali and Brian – oooooooooo Bruce that’s cheeky, Leave them alone poor people. Oh look Brian did get her on a sort of date. She needs to find her neck as she doesn’t have a v long one. But loving the dress and shes got the cheesy smile. Think shes got herself some lower heels. Or maybe not. Her face is giving away a couple of dicey moments. It needed more bounce but brilliantly fun and controlled. I feel some criticism from Alesha. I'm not sure if she has a point. Lens got the right analysis of it – less is more principle would help her. I think it should be equal with jade but I don’t think its going to happen.
Brendan my boy! Whats with the grey hairs and Joe. Viennese waltz – I cant see this going well. Confidence coach is a good idea. I fear for her – Viennese waltz gone wrong is never fun. And whats with the unfinished weddings dress. Head is nice and gentle but look up not down. Some skipping going on and she cant keep up with Brendan. Not bad though. I think I would give her a 5. Come on judges put a positive spin on it HA HA Craig compares her to a kangaroo and then mentions he doesn’t want to destroy her confidence PRAT. Lens right it was a difficult routine. Was up to standard though for an average beginners Viennese waltz. Oh look another waffle-y statement from Alesha but wont complain too much if her marking is sensible. Oh I didn’t notice Brendan walks off. Did it ever occur to him he would be better off staying with her and supporting her rather than having his toddler tantrum. 7 wouldn’t have gone that high but can go with 5 or 6. She has great character about her though.
Zoe zoe zoe this is bad. Very flat footed. Heavy. Nice hips but that’s all. Oh and cheesy with some nice facial expressions. Shes obviously never heard of pointing her foot. Biggest disappointment of the night, oh did she loose her boob too – oops. Oh look now Craig likes her now he saw her boob – the rubbishy kicks and flicks are suddenly overlooked. Judges aren’t nearly as critical as me of it. I think the judges saw a different dance to me.
Gorgeous Ricky doing Viennese. Hah this could be funny. Shes trying to lead him – needs to let him do it. Ooh yes take the top off that will vastly improve the Viennese.
Shes dressed as Barbie. Interesting. SMILE Ricky. Hes not getting the variation in the rise and fall between the natural and reverse correct but this is pretty good and he is leading and definitely has the character of it. SHUT UP Alesha, and Bruno no way was that a pro’s performance. There were some definite technique issues. Oooh dear Lens got issues. Or maybe not. Think it has to be 8-9 for that. If it he'd been a lady Id only give an 8, but as he was leading it Ill call it a 9. NOOOOO That was not worthy of the first ten of the series. And he is not naturally a ballroom dancer
I'm still so annoyed at Alesha … But Craig was doing ok, but he is now just stomping around. Ooh no hes back on the game. He does have an nice bounce when hes moving. And who stole her skirt. He has a nice smile. Poor Craig … lol Len picks up on the costume or lack of it. Poor Craig – I thought it was better than how they described it. Maybe 6? Ouch Craig – 4 was uncalled for, and Alesha! And Bruno! I thought that was his best dance.
Welsh Joe and Christina. This couldn’t be worse than my expectations …. Come on Joe!!! Some nice moments in this. Hes legs clearly don’t have much movement in them. The most confident he has looked. Almost better than Craigs. It was fun he has a personality. This dance was by far his best yet. He looked happy Yey finally I'm see some vague signs of potential. Liked it, as much as you can given his lack of dance ability. 6. Yep Len agrees – oh and Alesha I cant be right then, guess she copied Len again on that one.
Natalie and Vincent – VW don’t see that this can go very well. Think maybe good posture but she only has little legs and with her stomach the closeness between them will be limited so Vincents going to have a touch one here. Dress makes her look twice as big as she is. Her start looked awful. What was that cheesy singing. What on earth was she doing with her feet swinging them around in the air. And now we are hopping around floor and its not v good body posture.
Have to laugh at Laila … she know how to laugh at her. Drunken rag doll I think a drunken ostrich is more accurate. Anton is failing again to teach latin. Lens got his knickers in a twist. Anton you need to be introduced to wax … or do your shirt up. You don’t have Brendans body Im sorry. I do love his sense of homour though, destined to take over from Bruce. I keep missing his comments to write this!!!! I didn’t get round to scoring it – maybe 7.
Phil! Hes so cute to watch. Think it has the potential to be passable and quite nice. He can do the face. I do like the silver look surprisingly. Oh look he can walk give the man a prize. Ooh this is fast. Good luck mate. Not surprisingly he cant keep up with this. Shame as it looks like he could have done a lower tune. Natural turns looking quite good. Nice smile and quite good posture. Great quote “Think Balls!” Only Len!
I agree with Alesha (shock) it was charmingly nice. 7 from me. He could have done better with a slower rhythm.
Chris and Ola I like these two. Hes the second best man I think. Jive … maybe maybe. Love his outfit he looks soo cute. Not that that’s really a good thing but never mind,. Much better when his arms are down. Some nice footwork, I see pointed toes. And he has a cute personality which works for this. Got a bit stompy now. Some good bits though.
Dance off – not a bad set of couples. I thought James and Zoe were seriously over marked for their jive earlier and this is no better. Her heels don’t leave the floor and she dances it like a cha.
Poor Joe looks like the end of the road for him – and he did so well this week compared to previous – ah well gets to go out on a high.
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