no problem, and I am glad you joined the club
Also, welcome Marta24!
I forgot to give my report from SOI Toronto. As everyone has already said, W&P were fabulous! I loved "Shake It Out" and think it is perfect for them. It seemed to be about that rawness and that desire for freedom...something that I really enjoy about their skating. I have always loved Kaitlyn's expression but what I noticed in this number was how much Andrew has grown as a performer. When they each turned towards the audience and shimmy, Andrew looked looser and freer in his upper body than I have seen him in the past, like he is really coming into his own. and I liked the contrast of these more spontaneous movements with the more controlled ones that were held. They also had great speed and energy. I hope they keep this as their ex for next season.
Their abbreviated version of "Je Suis Malade" was captivating. The omission of the two footwork sequences and the twizzles didn't seem to impede their ability to tell the story. They were really committed to this story, and the emotion felt real. Something I really appreciated seeing live was the way in which the story unfolded...in the beginning, the skating was a bit softer and they had these light smiles on their faces that reflected happier times in their relationship, but almost with a sense of foreboding. When the music became a bit more melancholic and dramatic and they really captured the change in mood. Andrew turned away from Kaitlyn and it was like something went through her. And it wasn't just their faces, but their entire bodies as well. One of my favourite parts of this FD is when Kaitlyn slides down Andrew's body and I had chills watching this part live. And I think the music edits for the show version worked nicely; I especially liked the part where they omitted the instrumentals. Kaitlyn and Andrew had to carry that part on their own and it also heightened the impact of the spectacular rotational lift that occurred just as the instrumentals came back in. They effectively conveyed a troubled relationship, and I really felt her pain and desperation. Powerful performance.
They were also great in the group numbers. My favourite ensemble number of theirs was the one based on the movie "Up." Their charleston was playful, youthful, and dancey, as they both carried the rhythm and portrayed the characters really well. And when Kaitlyn did her solo, she remained in character. She swayed a bit and lightly moved her shoulders forward and then backward, making one more prominent, and at times she pushed her chest out and tilted her head up as she stepped back and forth...she was so engrossed in the character and the dance.
Kaitlyn and Andrew were a wonderful addition to this show, and I hope I get to see them again next year
Full version of "Up" number:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXtIZiJqXEg
Thank you !!
Thanks BKfan.That was a terrific report. You are very talented with words, and your reports are always well thought out and very detailed..
I hope they are in SOI next year too. From what I've read, they are a well received addition to the show and maybe I'll get a chance to go next year.
Addicted to FSU
I think when they first came on the scene they did try to copy V&M.
VM were ( and are) the goal standard in Canada a young and very naturally talented team. Since then they are trying to find their own style. Je Suis Malade is a well rehearsed and well performed routine. But, when they had the boys or the girls numbers in CSOI the difference in quality between V &K or A & S was huge.
Its clear that determination and hard work have brought success to A&K
I don't know why they would have. When Weaver & Poje first teamed up, Virtue and Moir were the Canadian bronze medalists. I would think, if they'd been trying to emulate anyone, it would have been Dubriel and Lauzon. And in their first competitive season, W&P ended up 3rd, to V&M's 2nd - trying to emulate the team immediately ahead of you wouldn't be the smartest strategy (that would be like Hubbell and Donohue trying to emulate the Shibutanis).
I've never thought these two teams had similar styles.
no problem and thank you for the support! I find it very difficult to put my thoughts into words, so that means a lot.
Also, I left out a couple of things:
-part of the happier section I mentioned was right in front of our end of the rink, so I got a good look at their faces as they smiled lightly at each other and I can tell you that it was such a quiet moment in contrast to the rest of the program...they looked so lovingly at each other and their connection was really something. And by the end of the program, I was so emotional. They delivered a very sincere performance, imo.
-Seated next to me was a lady who was attending SOI for the first time with her granddaughter, who looked to be in her late teens or early twenties. I asked if there was anyone who they were particularly keen to see, and the granddaughter mentioned Kaitlyn and Andrew (and I think the grandmother nodded) and said that they were "amazing," I believe. and these two were definitely well-received, you are right, clarie![]()
When Weaver and Poje teamed up V&M were world junior champions ( 2nd one year and then first) and a tremendous buzz surrounded them in the Canadian ice dance world. Part of the reason was that they had missed going to the Olys by a very small margin. Even at that time if you watched them (VM)skating they appeared destined for greatness. 6th in their first worlds and on the world's podium ever afterwards.
Sorry Beebee - I was replying to Impromptu who was replying to me. Am technologically challenged so dont yet know how to highlight the section!
Like every one else I do love Je Suis Malade ( and Last year's SD) and applaud them sincerely for the hard work they have put in to make that happen.
((Emdee))
I value you in this thread.
Oh, and they rocked it in SOI Vancouver tonight. Sometimes, I admit, they get a little lost in the mix of the many skaters I love, which is completely nonsensical because they are such AMAZING performers. Every time I see them live I'm absolutely floored by how naturally they "get" the crowd. How do they do it? They have a mysterious crowd pleasing effect.
"Je Suis Malade" was just beautiful and magnificent to see live. What a treat.
Just to let everyone know, the GP assignments are up, and W/P have been given Skate America and Cup of China!! I'm not surprised to see them not assigned to Skate Canada, since it's in no one's best interest to put the #1 and #4 ranked teams at the same even representing the same country. Best to give W/P a chance at getting gold somewhere else instead of locking them into silver at SC. I am a bit surprised to see them only doing two events, since doing three has seemed to work for them, but I guess they are no longer in need of the extra exposure. They have arrived!!
Just for a quick update, W/P have announced that their SD music will be the Sound of Music. The program is apparently in honour of Andrew's grandmother, who passed away on the weekend. My condolences to Andrew and his family.![]()
Hope this works. I have opened these photos for public viewing. They are outtakes from the IFS Shoot I had with them...enjoy
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1593297&type=3
softball