aftershocks
10-02-2011, 10:02 PM
...
You mean this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXtHYSAmLMg)? Nice performance, smooth connections in and out of the elements, maybe even some "magic," but I don't see anything noteworthy or groundbreaking in terms of transitions. What are you referring to?
If I had to single out one skater as having "invented" modern (IJS-era) transitions, I'd give that honor to Jeff Buttle. But I wouldn't -- it's a process that all skaters and choreographers, elite and not elite, contribute to.
Carnival = show, not competition.
Yep "this" -- an iconic performance that has been studied and copied on a number of levels, but Weir is the sport’s favorite whipping boy, so pooh-poohing and largely dismissing any possible contribution by him and downplaying his inspirational impact is par for the course. Johnny’s style of movement, flow over the ice (beautiful ice coverage), exquisite jump landings, and musical interpretation are so effortless in his 2004 TEB Rondo Capriccioso. Perhaps you don’t see any significant so-called “transitions” (a term I am not really enamored of anyway) or innovations because the twists and turns, difficult steps into jumps, speedy movements on one foot, graceful arms, not to mention opening concept, gorgeous posture, and costume style/ theme have been copied so often since this performance. If you need help, watch closely from about 1:15 to 2:59, or better yet, simply enjoy the entire performance. There are not necessarily innovations in terms of moves that never existed before, but in the whole of how the program was put together and how it was performed, RC, as well as other Johnny performances (including, The Swan, Otonal, and My Way) did change how people viewed men’s figure skating and Johnny’s presence did contribute to pushing the sport to a new level. For me, there’s no “maybe” about magic.
With my phrasing “invented” I may be exaggerating on the opposite end of those who snicker or bristle whenever Weir’s name is mentioned. Kudos to Buttle for his exquisite edges and his sublime execution of great choreography. Thanks to Johnny’s eye-opening performances, I think what Buttle and indeed Lambiel had to offer the sport began to be recognized and rewarded more, as the sport moved a bit beyond the macho jump-focused influence of Elvis and Plushy, and began to realize once again in a fresh and different way (due to a variety of changes and influences) the impact and possibility of men exhibiting aesthetic beauty along with athleticism and well-rounded programs. Alas, Matt Savoie was never fully appreciated by the judges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAsNpBJbk0
It would have been quite interesting to see Johnny perform a Tom Dickson choreographed program.
Uh oh, re the CoP speak gkelly and Zemgirl. Ya got me there, as I’m so not into analyzing the protocols. I trust my eyes and my years of watching figure skating. I’ve learned a lot from you esteemed and knowledgeable CoP-centric fans, but still, I trust my eyes and sensibilities more than I do the still evolving CoP judging system and ever-present figure skating politics. I’m so not an expert, and definitely not a judge, just a fan with strong opinions. Kudos to all the “fair-minded, knowledgeable” fans. :)
Carnival = "amusement show, usually including rides; a period of merrymaking; riotous excess," etc. Be it competition, exhibition, or combination of both, this may prove to be one rockin’ Carnivalesque season. Enjoy.
You mean this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXtHYSAmLMg)? Nice performance, smooth connections in and out of the elements, maybe even some "magic," but I don't see anything noteworthy or groundbreaking in terms of transitions. What are you referring to?
If I had to single out one skater as having "invented" modern (IJS-era) transitions, I'd give that honor to Jeff Buttle. But I wouldn't -- it's a process that all skaters and choreographers, elite and not elite, contribute to.
Carnival = show, not competition.
Yep "this" -- an iconic performance that has been studied and copied on a number of levels, but Weir is the sport’s favorite whipping boy, so pooh-poohing and largely dismissing any possible contribution by him and downplaying his inspirational impact is par for the course. Johnny’s style of movement, flow over the ice (beautiful ice coverage), exquisite jump landings, and musical interpretation are so effortless in his 2004 TEB Rondo Capriccioso. Perhaps you don’t see any significant so-called “transitions” (a term I am not really enamored of anyway) or innovations because the twists and turns, difficult steps into jumps, speedy movements on one foot, graceful arms, not to mention opening concept, gorgeous posture, and costume style/ theme have been copied so often since this performance. If you need help, watch closely from about 1:15 to 2:59, or better yet, simply enjoy the entire performance. There are not necessarily innovations in terms of moves that never existed before, but in the whole of how the program was put together and how it was performed, RC, as well as other Johnny performances (including, The Swan, Otonal, and My Way) did change how people viewed men’s figure skating and Johnny’s presence did contribute to pushing the sport to a new level. For me, there’s no “maybe” about magic.
With my phrasing “invented” I may be exaggerating on the opposite end of those who snicker or bristle whenever Weir’s name is mentioned. Kudos to Buttle for his exquisite edges and his sublime execution of great choreography. Thanks to Johnny’s eye-opening performances, I think what Buttle and indeed Lambiel had to offer the sport began to be recognized and rewarded more, as the sport moved a bit beyond the macho jump-focused influence of Elvis and Plushy, and began to realize once again in a fresh and different way (due to a variety of changes and influences) the impact and possibility of men exhibiting aesthetic beauty along with athleticism and well-rounded programs. Alas, Matt Savoie was never fully appreciated by the judges.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAsNpBJbk0
It would have been quite interesting to see Johnny perform a Tom Dickson choreographed program.
Uh oh, re the CoP speak gkelly and Zemgirl. Ya got me there, as I’m so not into analyzing the protocols. I trust my eyes and my years of watching figure skating. I’ve learned a lot from you esteemed and knowledgeable CoP-centric fans, but still, I trust my eyes and sensibilities more than I do the still evolving CoP judging system and ever-present figure skating politics. I’m so not an expert, and definitely not a judge, just a fan with strong opinions. Kudos to all the “fair-minded, knowledgeable” fans. :)
Carnival = "amusement show, usually including rides; a period of merrymaking; riotous excess," etc. Be it competition, exhibition, or combination of both, this may prove to be one rockin’ Carnivalesque season. Enjoy.