From Russia With Love - Autumn 2012

[Sylvia]

I will try to compile/re-post all the test skate videos so far into this first post, stay tuned...

Ivan Bariev SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfBX3uTPUbw

Stepanova & Bukin Junior SD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejm6nUyjrbQ

ETA: It's easier just to add the link to this uploader's video playlist titled "2012-09-12 Team russia test skate, day 1": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...RCPNdfjmI7Gi2u

[love_skate2011]

another video links:

http://www.youtube.com/user/mihsersh/videos?view=0

Sinitsina/Zhiganshin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvSQjHXEIhY&feature=plcp

Stepanova/Bukin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJSM5UMX3sw&feature=plcp

[Sylvia]

Thanks! People should feel free to continue to post individual video links (ETA: please post the skaters' last names if possible -- "Victoria and Ruslan" above = Sinitsina/Zhiganshin).

Moving these 2 posts below over from the last thread - link to videos from 1st Cup of Russia in Perm (Sept. 11-12 2012), also cross-posted in the "Russian Cup Series & other Russian competitions 2012-13 season" thread in Kiss and Cry: http://www.youtube.com/user/Ericheni...&page=1&view=0

Bobrova & Soloviev Free dance
Earned a 92.94

I like it! the music cuts are scary beyond all reason, the concept is vague and it's not clean. BUT!!!- and it's huge for me- the body language is much edgier, they show me they can so smth. modern ( and I hope they keep going into modern direction), and I finally- finally!- notice and appreciate Soloviev. Everything can be improved upon, and yet I can root for them in this incarnation. Dance for me cannot be completely enjoyable with a partner utterly in the background both physically and emotionally ( well... unless it's Navka) and her eye-candy Kostomarov). I really appreciate Zhulin giving Soloviev an expressive part on ice, and I feel he is capable of fully growng into it.
Looking forward to seeing more of the this year. Music is weird though. Wish they'd taken something modern- edgy. I dunno. Philip Glass. Or some comtemporary ballet score.

[Cherub721]

I do agree with dinakt - one good thing about B&S' FD is that I'm noticing Soloviev a lot more!

[julieann]

I was finding videos to watch when I ran across this gem from the end of July of Kavaguti and Smirnov. It must have been their original 'Cats' short program from this summer. I don't know where Moskvina got it in her head to change it to a waltz; I think it could have been really good with some miles on it. At any rate, here it is. Thanks to whoever uploaded it to youtube, I hope it's OK I posted it here. I thought it would be neat to compare the two.

[Anya]

Photos from the first day of Test Skates

[Cherub721]

I was finding videos to watch when I ran across this gem from the end of July of Kavaguti and Smirnov. It must have been their original 'Cats' short program from this summer. I don't know where Moskvina got it in her head to change it to a waltz; I think it could have been really good with some miles on it. At any rate, here it is. Thanks to whoever uploaded it to youtube, I hope it's OK I posted it here. I thought it would be neat to compare the two.

That program wouldn't have been to everyone's taste and would have had its detractors, but I liked it. It had loads of choreo that actually made sense. They both had excellent expression and the program suited both of them; it allowed Yuko to be her cute self and Alexander to be all rawwwr yet it worked.

I don't how understand how skaters can change their programs around all the time and still end up with crap (cough R&T cough)....

[julieann]

That program wouldn't have been to everyone's taste and would have had its detractors, but I liked it. It had loads of choreo that actually made sense. They both had excellent expression and the program suited both of them; it allowed Yuko to be her cute self and Alexander to be all rawwwr yet it worked.

I don't how understand how skaters can change their programs around all the time and still end up with crap (cough R&T cough)....

I certainly understand not everyone would have liked it but at least it would have been different; and if it wasn’t working out, by all means-change it. But to throw him in tails and her in an old dress from 2009 (hopefully it’s JUST for the test and a better dress is being made) and make them skate the waltz again is a .

They skated to it numerous times for an exhibition program then used it the Olympic year. She could have thrown in any song, but to choose THAT one?!? It doesn’t do them any favors. They have time until the first GP to clean it up but it seems really boring. Not as slow as I thought from other cameras and I do like the lift and spins. I hope she comes to her senses and changes it back.

Oh well, there’s always the free skate!

[Coco]

I liked B/S free more or less. I found I couldn't look away, and that's not a typical reaction to most free dances under COP.

My theory is that it's a dream sequence, perhaps like a David Lynch movie. The random cuts of Tosca fit because, well, there's lots of randomness in dreams.

[Macassar88]

Bobrova's Tosca is the voidiest version of that music that I've seen. I will have to watch it again in the morning or something to get my full comments on it.

[shan]

B/S's music is not my favorite, but it is nice to see them change direction. The lift where he swings her around by her neck is It was kind of strange to see her lift her hair for him to grab her.

I didn't see scores for any other couples. Does anyone know what R/T scored? Or Z/S?

[Jemestone]

B&S are competing at the 1st Cup of Russia. The rest are participating at the test skate this week so no scores for them.

[~tapdancer~]

Definitely a different style for B/S, I like it for them. I especially enjoy seeing her not overwhelmed by her costume. Vast improvement there.

[casken]

I'm one of the few B&S fans, and I have to say I actually preferred their old style more. Everything that I found fascinating about their style of movement has been muddled now.

This FD starts out interesting, but begins to fall apart around half way. The violin with a backseat version of a classical piece has been done to death too. I can't believe this is the music they were so excited about using.

The footwork sequences still aren't crisp enough for the music they're using either, and I guess Zhulin is going to keep recycling lifts like he does with every other team. And I'm sorry, but this packaging is not working for her any more than her previous look. The FD dress makes her look stout and like she has no neck.

I was looking forward to seeing them more than anyone else and while the SD is decent, I'm just kind of about it all.

[DaiKozOda]

Ice-Dance:

Stepanova & Bukin were my favorites by far. Really loved their SD and I think that the moment they turn into the senior ranks the other russian couples will have a headache.
Sinitsina & Zhiganshin and Riazanova & Tkachenko were a bit of a disapointment. Yes, I know that it is to early to jump conclusions and there is a long way to go. But still, I hoped for something a bit different. Riazanova & Tkachenko did show improvement on the twizzles but what about the lifts? There was clearly some recicled stuff from last year FD including the final part and ending pose. Seriously? Maybe they didn't have time enough to completely change their FD since I remember reading that "The Godfather" wasn't their first choice at all.
Bobrova & Soloviev - Nice start to the FD. The music is exactly the same as a program Zhulin did to Kazanova and Kostomarov on Ice and Fire tv show. It looked promising but then when the music changes I totally got lost.
Starigyna & Volobuiev were enjoyable as always. I wish to see more of them in the future.
Pushkash & Guerreiro - Against my initial expectations, I loved their music and their FD. Looks promising.

Pairs:

Stolbova & Klimov Great music choice and presentation.
Kavaguti & Smirnov - I really like this pair and I want them to do well. Nevertheless, I was watching their SP and wondering why I was having a dejá vu feeling.
Tarasova & Morozov - Crossing my fingers for them. Love the amplitude they can get on their elements.

Men
Menshov - Liked it a lot.
Voronov - Not sure what to think.
Kovtun - Liked the beginning of the program. Just wondering why the hell the end of his music sounds like the french national anthem.

Ladies
Makarova - Loved the idea and music of her LP. Suits her well. Lovely choreography. If she's able to put herself together and land those jumps it will be lovely.
Leonova - Again... not sure what to think

[shan]

B&S are competing at the 1st Cup of Russia. The rest are participating at the test skate this week so no scores for them.

Oh okay. Thanks!

[Tak]

I will try to compile/re-post all the test skate videos so far into this first post, stay tuned...

Ivan Bariev SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfBX3uTPUbw

Stepanova & Bukin Junior SD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejm6nUyjrbQ

ETA: It's easier just to add the link to this uploader's video playlist titled "2012-09-12 Team russia test skate, day 1": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...RCPNdfjmI7Gi2u

Thanks for all the links! Love_Skate too - a BIG Thank you!!!

Wow - Russian skating is getting interesting again for me - where to start?!

Loved Bob/Sol! - and I never thought I'd say that! For once, not bored at all - loved the music - and thought they used it very well - did Zhulin choreograph this??? Modern and edgy really suit them. With more practice and a better performance this could be stunning! They do need more speed though - parts of this looked really s-l-o-o-w.

R/T - This could be my favorite FD of the season. Loved the way the choreo actually reflected the music all the way through [B/S too] - this is really rare to see in Dance these days. With more practice again this could be great. Did Sphilband do this??? If so, why the hell was he hiding behind Marina all these years???!!

S/Z - Although some of their moves were great - and I loved the opening - I dont think their choreo is as good or as interesting as the other 2. How I wish THEY had gone to Zhulin. What a waste! She is a classic Diva-in-the-Making [and I mean that as a compliment]. Why couldnt they jump ship like their team-mates did. This team I think have the potential to be FANTASTIC, but I cant see it happening with Kustarova and this kind of choreography.

M/K - this dance really suited them and of all the teams they seemed the most polished and prepared. But the style is just to me.

Star/Vol - LOVED the opening pose - she is starting to get that expressive back - a la Bobrova. The beginning was not bad and I thought they had improved, but it got a lot worse as it went on. And it was just similar enough to K/N gypsy dance to make me wish yet again he was dancing with Yana - I really cant see them going anywhere - which makes me sad because he at least is not bad and I think could be a lot better with a decent partner. Are they married/a couple? I cant see why they stay together.

Step/Bukin - loved the SD, but it needs more work. At least the music will wake you up. I esp loved the way they took the goose lift and raised it to a whole new level. Wish it didnt look so tentative though. She esp seemed kind of scared in it - they need more practice and security or this could end in disaster [I hope not!].

Thanks again for that sneak peak!

[Aerobicidal]

I am teknik-illiterate, but watching the ice dance programs makes me wonder why in the name of all things (un)holy Svinin/Zhuk aren't prioritized as the go-to coaches.

They are the only ice dance coaches that consistently create programs that don't suck. In a world of Zuevas and Morosovs, has that become a liability?

[kwanfan1818]

I loved Monko/Khaliavin's SD, or, at least I really loved them skating it. I wish I could see Riazonova/Tkachenko do this FD live.

I think Kawaguti/Smirnov's SP is fantastic, and except for some of the footwork section, they were dead on the music. Those SBS spins, between the closeness and the synch, were to die for.

[love_skate2011]

I am teknik-illiterate, but watching the ice dance programs makes me wonder why in the name of all things (un)holy Svinin/Zhuk aren't prioritized as the go-to coaches.

They are the only ice dance coaches that consistently create programs that don't suck. In a world of Zuevas and Morosovs, has that become a liability?

Svinin/Zhuk are good coaches but then there was that time they dried up when they didnt have any good students, now with Stepanova/Bukin as their new star , hopefully they get more recognition again and also more political clout