Davis/White #11 - Can't wait to see them "on the floor", er...ice!

[inthemiddle]

From an IN article:

"Of course we want to get all Level 4's, but we also want to get plus-3 GOE's (Grades of Execution) across the board and lots of speed," White said. "Making it as impressive as possible is really what we aim for. If I have to spin until I lift off of the ice [in the rotational spin], then that's what I will do."

Every time I re-watched their FS after reading this, I keep waiting for them to lift off and fly away leaving judges and the crowd in awe and disbelief.

[Proustable]

From an IN article:

Every time I re-watched their FS after reading this, I keep waiting for them to lift off and fly away leaving judges and the crowd in awe and disbelief.

He managed to get all threes without levitation. I would love to understand the mechanics of that lift.

[DORISPULASKI]

Well, clearly Charlie White has a phonebooth back behind the KnC somewhere :

http://thenostalgialeague.com/cr/huh/huh15.html

[fanofskate]

Charlie now wants to add the helicopter to the butterfly he does on ice.

[DORISPULASKI]

Or maybe they use pixie dust, which Meryl shakes from the orange ball of light in this picture of their FD

http://web.icenetwork.com/images/201...1/9NbVoqjB.jpg

(I don't know what the orange ball is, but the picture cracks me up)

[Sylvia]

Here's the link to a new Marina Zoueva interview translated by TAHbKA from Russian to English: http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/show...&postcount=771

[missysays]

Here's the link to a new Marina Zoueva interview translated by TAHbKA from Russian to English: http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/show...&postcount=771

Interesting article! Marina is always so forthright in her opinions it makes for a fun read. But I don't always agree with her. She mentions that she's been blessed with many pairs and couples with chemistry- G/G, V/M, and even now new couple - Chock/Bates. But she thinks that D/W don't have chemistry. I disagree with that- I think when they've worked out the kinks in their programs and when Charlie pays attention to Meryl and looks at her they have a great deal of chemistry. It's a kind of chemistry that is not overt but can be sensitive, deep, and tender- it glimmers in and out of their programs so you have to pay attention to see it and it's probably something that has to be programmed in but that doesn't make it any less effective.

Their connection and synchronization of their performance was much improved at GPF. This is actually a very difficult dance for them because of all the details. They still have many details to tend to- Charlie needs to pay more attention to his full body position and position his leg and foot better in those little leaps with his leg behind him that are such a part of this dance. Also Meryl does this little flick with her hand and arm in time with the music that could be less abrupt. There's another harsh arm movement that she thrusts out towards the end of their last footwork sequence down the length of the ice that is a little at odds with the otherwise light as foam movement in the rest of the piece. She might want to study Katya Gordeeva's arm movement that I always thought was masterful- clean, soft, yet well articulated with good energy coming out of her finger tips. That's also a critique I'd level at Tessa Virtue as well who has graceful arms but no energy coming out of her hands or fingers.

Ahh the joys of armchair critiquing.

[semogal]

Or maybe they use pixie dust, which Meryl shakes from the orange ball of light in this picture of their FD

http://web.icenetwork.com/images/201...1/9NbVoqjB.jpg

(I don't know what the orange ball is, but the picture cracks me up)

I saw this yesterday and thought the same thing!!! Meryl truly is magical!!!

[semogal]

Interesting article! Marina is always so forthright in her opinions it makes for a fun read. But I don't always agree with her. She mentions that she's been blessed with many pairs and couples with chemistry- G/G, V/M, and even now new couple - Chock/Bates. But she thinks that D/W don't have chemistry. I disagree with that- I think when they've worked out the kinks in their programs and when Charlie pays attention to Meryl and looks at her they have a great deal of chemistry. It's a kind of chemistry that is not overt but can be sensitive, deep, and tender- it glimmers in and out of their programs so you have to pay attention to see it and it's probably something that has to be programmed in but that doesn't make it any less effective.

Their connection and synchronization of their performance was much improved at GPF. This is actually a very difficult dance for them because of all the details. They still have many details to tend to- Charlie needs to pay more attention to his full body position and position his leg and foot better in those little leaps with his leg behind him that are such a part of this dance. Also Meryl does this little flick with her hand and arm in time with the music that could be less abrupt. There's another harsh arm movement that she thrusts out towards the end of their last footwork sequence down the length of the ice that is a little at odds with the otherwise light as foam movement in the rest of the piece. She might want to study Katya Gordeeva's arm movement that I always thought was masterful- clean, soft, yet well articulated with good energy coming out of her finger tips. That's also a critique I'd level at Tessa Virtue as well who has graceful arms but no energy coming out of her hands or fingers.

Ahh the joys of armchair critiquing.

But Meryl DOES have energy coming out of her finger tips, just reference the photo Doris found!!!

[Theatregirl1122]

Catching up on photos..... my pics from Saturday dance practice.

I like the blue dress Meryl wore in practice. She wore it the first time I saw their SD in Canton last year. I like the one she wears for competition better, but I'm always impressed with Meryl's endless supply of beautiful dresses.

[TanithandBenFan]

I like the blue dress Meryl wore in practice. She wore it the first time I saw their SD in Canton last year. I like the one she wears for competition better, but I'm always impressed with Meryl's endless supply of beautiful dresses.

I was impressed she had the matching mask this time. But I should know Meryl never goes halfway with her ensembles.

[mia joy]

I think when they've worked out the kinks in their programs and when Charlie pays attention to Meryl and looks at her they have a great deal of chemistry. It's a kind of chemistry that is not overt but can be sensitive, deep, and tender- it glimmers in and out of their programs so you have to pay attention to see it and it's probably something that has to be programmed in but that doesn't make it any less effective.

I think the connection between them on ice is very subtle - they do have chemistry, but it's not the lovey-dovey or the hot and passionate chemistry many people seem to look for in ice dancing. It's different, but it doesn't mean it's not there. For me it's more of a relationship between a fragile nymph and her protector than lovers, but it's still a relationship.

Maybe that's why the tango didn't work that well for them. They're just not the passionate kind of team. But then again, neither are Tessa and Scott. They are the lovey-dovey type.

[TanithandBenFan]

Last batch of my photos - Sunday practice, Free Dance, and Exhibition (plus a few videos of Meryl and Charlie during the Exhibition finale)

I was so excited I got some great shots of Meryl and Charlie at the exhibition because they move so fast I was afraid they'd all be a blur under the spotlights!

[shan]

Great photos! Thank you so much for all of your reports and photos.

[~tapdancer~]

Meryl and Charlie's chemistry reminds me very much of another team I loved...Bourne and Kraatz. They skated together for many years and most of their programs were neither hot/passionate nor were they lovey-dovey. But it was obvious to me that they had a solid caring relationship during the years they competed.

Meryl and Charlie just fit together. Yes, their physical looks are very different but they look right together on the ice. Every time I watch them skate, I just feel happy. Maybe that's trite and sappy but it's true. And while I want them to win because I know it makes them happy and yes, it makes me happy, I'll still love to watch them skate no matter what happens. Well, except for the Cup of Russia OD 2008.

And TaBfan...thanks so much for the photos and reports!

[Bournekraatzfan]

I also think they have a lovely connection to each other, albeit one that is subtle and may not garner responses of 'get a room.' Theirs is based on mutual respect and a real joy for skating with each other. I also think their chemistry has really developed over the last few seasons. and I agree with ~tapdancer~--they just fit together on the ice and it makes me happy to watch them. I know Tracy Wilson has also noted their connection, mentioning that "there were such moments of tenderness" in their 4CC 2009 FD (CBC) and I feel the same way. and Dick Button...well, he certainly sees/feels their chemistry

skip to about 0:39:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc9K5Bny3JE

Perhaps they will get told to 'get a room'

[Bournekraatzfan]

Last batch of my photos - Sunday practice, Free Dance, and Exhibition (plus a few videos of Meryl and Charlie during the Exhibition finale)

I was so excited I got some great shots of Meryl and Charlie at the exhibition because they move so fast I was afraid they'd all be a blur under the spotlights!

thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and photos from the event!

[allezfred]

But it was obvious to me that they had a solid caring relationship during the years they competed.

[DORISPULASKI]

Some of the shibutanis' banquet photos

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

Tesa has really tall heels or is really tall or both compared to Maia & Meryl. All look gorgeous
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

Alex, Charlie & Scott & Marina
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

All 3 North American couples
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

[professordeb]

Some of the shibutanis' banquet photos

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

Tesa has really tall heels or is really tall or both compared to Maia & Meryl. All look gorgeous
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

Alex, Charlie & Scott & Marina
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

All 3 North American couples
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=3&theater

In the last photo, did anyone notice who else wanted their picture taken?

I love the photo of "the girls". Simply beautiful. And speaking of Tessa's height, I noticed that they went down in height from left to right. Simple things make me