Can Hoffman/Zav challenge Bob/Sol at CoC for Bronze?

[Tak]

I had written Hoff/Zav off as one of the also-ran couples of ice dancing - and then I saw their new programs on YouTube.

H/Z SD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbLzoYv5ypw

H/Z FD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCU9h...eature=related

For the first time, I really LIKE their programs, and they look much sharper than they ever have. Did they change coaches? Or just get a new choreograper? I know they made some mistakes, but this was early in the season and I see real potential here, which surprised me. Their SD especially is one of the best Ive seen so far. And does a good job of choreographing the elements to fit the music.

Here are Bob/Sol programs for cf. Again, from early in the season.

B/S FD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL9XggnuZ-g

B/S SD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyccGQ8u2WU&translated=1

The style of their FD suits them, but the music is very soft and understated - maybe too much for my tastes. I might like it better on TV though. And it does highlight their very balletic style.

Their SD is just weird. I dont think they understand the words to that song at all. Do they realize they are doing this lilting, ballroom waltz to a song about an obsessive psycho who stalks and murders his girlfriend - knifes her to death - and then sits at home singing about it as the police break down his door to arrest him???

I am just wondering if H/Z have improved enough this season to be any kind of threat for bronze at CoC.

[blue_idealist]

I like Hoffman and Zavozin. Their OD was good last season and I even enjoyed their 80s FD lol, even though it was sort of cheesy. I'm now looking forward to seeing the new programs (don't have time to watch the youtube videos right now). My first thought is to say that Bobrova and Soloviev will beat them, but I'll reserve judgment until I see the new routines.

[GarrAarghHrumph]

I think I'd put Hoffman/Zavozin in fourth in this competition, for my picks; with B/S ahead of them. But I actually do believe that H/Z can challenge for a medal at this event. And my personal hope is that they win one. That would just be such a great thing for them.

[blue_idealist]

I love H/Z's programs, both of them! I couldn't even get through the B/S SD and didn't bother watching the FD, either. They're really not a team I like - Adagio was so run of the mill last year, and that sailor OD wasn't my favourite eihter.