Davis/White #12 - The journey continues in the Year of the Bat

[Susan M]

I realize they probably just pick the best idea and not "oh, now it's your turn to pick this year's music" but I would like to see what Meryl could come up with for a FD. Meryl did say S&D was her favorite, so I like her taste.

It seems to me that their best programs have come when Marina Z picked the music (S&D and this year). I wonder if she has any other selections saved up that she sees them dancing to in her mind's eye.

Anyone know who chose Prince Igor, because I thought that music also suited them to a T.

[literaryfreak]

It seems to me that their best programs have come when Marina Z picked the music (S&D and this year). I wonder if she has any other selections saved up that she sees them dancing to in her mind's eye.

Anyone know who chose Prince Igor, because I thought that music also suited them to a T.

I have noticed this too, at least in terms of universally loved programs. Marina also came up with the idea of an Indian OD, allegedly. I hope they stay on her good side from now until the Olympics.

I like to think Igor picked Prince Igor but I don't actually know. I would love to know the answer too. There are so many beautiful shapes in that FD, IMO.

[mia joy]

It seems to me that their best programs have come when Marina Z picked the music (S&D and this year).

Also, in both cases she stressed that she'd wanted a team to skate to those pieces of music for a long time, but she was waiting for the right team/momentum. Especially with S&D I love it that she figured Meryl and Charlie were the perfect team to do it. She was so right!

[DORISPULASKI]

The penalty for a music violation is -2.

[missysays]

I like the discussion that's happening here about wishing that D/W's next FD will have a storyline. I heartily agree! Having a story-based program helps Marina create more interesting and engaging choreography for them.

I saw them in person last week in San Jose and while I enjoyed their program the first time I saw it on TV and they did a good job of it at this Nationals there was something very one note about the movement. A lot of swaying back and forth and little hops. All done with great elegance, polish and aplomb to gorgeous music but a bit bland when it came to variety in steps/movement.

They for sure need to find more interesting FD concepts for the next couple of years if they want to stay competitive through SOCHI.

Their SD on the other hand was really eye-catching. (I've always found their SDs more original and unique for some reason than their FD selections.) Some of it due to the nature of the style of dance this season (Latin) but also some of it because it's one of the most interestingly choreographed SD's this season. (Though the Shibs new SD is a close favorite of mine now.)

Wonder if we'll see any changes in the FD before Worlds.

[TanithandBenFan]

My Exhibition photos are included in my Sunday batch on my blog. Got a couple of the Michelle Kwan award presentation to Meryl and Charlie.

[Theatregirl1122]

My Exhibition photos are included in my Sunday batch on my blog. Got a couple of the Michelle Kwan award presentation to Meryl and Charlie.

But can you explain why Charlie is wearing a Tom Brady jersey?

[Debbie S]

But can you explain why Charlie is wearing a Tom Brady jersey?

It looked like Meryl wore a Manning jersey. I guess they decided to salute the Super Bowl teams. Although given that they were in a city/region whose team lost in the conference championship game, it might not have been the best choice.

[Theatregirl1122]

It looked like Meryl wore a Manning jersey. I guess they decided to salute the Super Bowl teams. Although given that they were in a city/region whose team lost in the conference championship game, it might not have been the best choice.

Due to my loathing of Manning, I was forced to ignore Meryl.

[TanithandBenFan]

But can you explain why Charlie is wearing a Tom Brady jersey?

I think they may have had to tape a Super Bowl piece for NBC, which might've been part of the reason. Charlie didn't seem to mind wearing the jersey since Brady is a UofM guy Tanith and her friends behind me were all getting a kick out of it.

[shan]

Great pictures TaBfan! Love the ones of Meryl and Charlie's exhibition.

[mollymgr]

They never showed a truth booth interview during their FD broadcast. I'm hoping they have one for today's Gala.

[Susan M]

Is the ISU sending a message to not create these storyline programs? They surely seem to be leaning more towards just dancey programs.

My take is that it's not so much an question of story lines as it is about overall sense of the dance. I think the message the ISU is sending is that dance needs to look first like a sport and not like a theatrical piece. After SLC (where ice dancing got the blame for the pairs judging fiasco), the IOC made it clear that if the ISU wanted to keep ice dance in the Olympics it needed to look like a sport and be judged using sporting criteria. I think that is why the judges are rewarding D-W so much - they make dance look like sport and have elements that look high-risk. Their sportiness stands out from all the others no matter what style they are doing.

[DORISPULASKI]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhzwn...bedded#t=7m03s

Meryl & Charlie's Ice Desk interview with Johnny Weir & Peter Carruthers is up on the blogspot.

All that ponytail hair is Meryl's own!

[shan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhzwn...bedded#t=7m03s

Meryl & Charlie's Ice Desk interview with Johnny Weir & Peter Carruthers is up on the blogspot.

All that ponytail hair is Meryl's own!

That interview was equal parts and

[mia joy]

Meryl's hair is so stunning. I wish mine would be like this, it's so damn thin...

I also wonder if the pretty waves are hers as well, or if she curls her hair a little. Either way, it looks absolutely beautiful.

[Wyliefan]

You know, I think that's actually the first time I've seen their "Someone Like You" exhibition! Somehow I've always missed it before. It's just beautiful.

[literaryfreak]

You know, I think that's actually the first time I've seen their "Someone Like You" exhibition! Somehow I've always missed it before. It's just beautiful.

It's even better live.

[chipso1]

This is really random but something I just noticed: in "Die Fledermaus," right before they go in to the "polka" section, Meryl always gives a little wink to the judges. I love how expressive she's become the past few years!

[mollymgr]

My take is that it's not so much an question of story lines as it is about overall sense of the dance. I think the message the ISU is sending is that dance needs to look first like a sport and not like a theatrical piece. After SLC (where ice dancing got the blame for the pairs judging fiasco), the IOC made it clear that if the ISU wanted to keep ice dance in the Olympics it needed to look like a sport and be judged using sporting criteria. I think that is why the judges are rewarding D-W so much - they make dance look like sport and have elements that look high-risk. Their sportiness stands out from all the others no matter what style they are doing.

I would like to believe that D&W and their coaches can come up with programs to top their previous ones whether it be with or without a storyline. The Bollywood OD didn't really have a storyline and it will be in the history books for various reasons. I just hope that they are not limited in their choice of music or themes due to certain rules. It definitely helps if people don't advise you to scrap your program and create a new one once you worked on it all summer. I can't believe we are almost halfway to Sochi.

That interview was equal parts and

It reminds me of the American version of Yutaka's room