Canadian Ladies 2017-18 season news & updates

[Karpenko]

It is and he is a great contributor (for the Canadian program), I just wish that some class could be shown to their biggest competitor by the biggest contributor. I feel like if it were shoe on the other foot... that would've been demanded to be taken down by you guys. Or at least reworded because of hitting so much. It would be a joke to you guys because of how much Medvedeva hits her program if she were one of yours.

You don't need to insult the 2-time world champion in an Olympic season so blatantly IMO, it already gets so crazy that it's just going to be bait for Evgenia fans if she keeps hitting, and it opens the door for Canadian ladies to be negatively viewed (because one of the biggest Canadian ladies fans is always disrespecting the champion). That's why I'm such a jerk about him, it's not necessary and I can't believe none of you guys have called him out on it. It most definitely would've been done by now had Osmond been the consistent world champion being disrespected!

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

It is and he is a great contributor (for the Canadian program), I just wish that some class could be shown to their biggest competitor by the biggest contributor. I feel like if it were shoe on the other foot... that would've been demanded to be taken down by you guys. Or at least reworded because of hitting so much. It would be a joke to you guys because of how much Medvedeva hits her program if she were one of yours.

You don't need to insult the 2-time world champion in an Olympic season so blatantly IMO, it already gets so crazy that it's just going to be bait for Evgenia fans if she keeps hitting, and it opens the door for Canadian ladies to be negatively viewed (because one of the biggest Canadian ladies fans is always disrespecting the champion). That's why I'm such a jerk about him, it's not necessary and I can't believe none of you guys have called him out on it. It most definitely would've been done by now had Osmond been the consistent world champion being disrespected!

Sour negativity is never welcomed... but good sportsmanship, yes. That is said, keep it mind, skating is just skating, this board is just a skating board... Breathe in, breathe out, there are worse things going on in this World...

 

[barbarafan]

Hmm. I've never thought of it as sultry before, but maybe it's because I hate the music so much that I find it hard to focus on the programs it is skated to.

I do recall Joannie Rochette skating to it, but don't recall it as being sultry. Joannie can play up the sex appeal like the best of them, but sultry, not IMO.



For once AxelAnnie and I actually agree on something.

Either that or something from Cabaret..something with sparkle...leave heavy drama for the long

 

[vesperholly]

Bull..... you highlighted only one phrase from my post, which was specifically about Summertime.

The irony is when "body wiggling and sultry gestures" are used bluntly inappropriately.

"Porgy and Bess" is an American Classic, of specific time and place, and with unique history. It covers subjects of poverty, despair, drug addiction, death and suffering. There is not one single note in the script and place in the libretto, in ALL 3 acts, where "sultry and butt-wiggling" is even remotely appropriate... let alone given the placement and lyrics of the Song. It is sang in 2 places, when Clara holding her infant walking among laboring women, and later when Bess, suffering from drug withdrawal, is holding this now an orphan child because Clara and her husband just died. Plus the LYRICS in the song are intended for a child - it is a Lullaby......

So, where according to you logic, is it appropriate to "wiggle your butt and act sultry"? during "sleep little baby"? the funeral? the suffering of invalid Porgy? the death of Clara? during Bess' cocaine shakes?

When is it fittin to do the bump and grind??
Here? when holding the child with other working women? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7-Qa92Rzbk

Here? after funeral?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLsDcWWaTHU

Here? when a drug dealer is trying to get Bess back on drugs, leave the baby and run off to New York and she calls him a snake?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh5ijrsHx5Q

Ironic, is not it.....

So, I have to ask, did you watch the video?

Here's the link again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr9q3hepiRM

She's skating to an upbeat, big-band version of Summertime, not the very slow operatic song that most of us would think. I didn't see any body wiggling or much acting sultry, let along a bump and grind. Kaetlyn is interpreting the music and the way the song is sung vs what is being said. This is a figure skating program to one song, not a re-enactment of the opera. Is she supposed to interpret poverty, despair, drug addiction, death and suffering?? Come on. Not even the great G&G did that with Porgy & Bess.

 

[Tinami Amori]

So, I have to ask, did you watch the video?

Here's the link again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr9q3hepiRM

She's skating to an upbeat, big-band version of Summertime, not the very slow operatic song that most of us would think. I didn't see any body wiggling or much acting sultry, let along a bump and grind. Kaetlyn is interpreting the music and the way the song is sung vs what is being said. This is a figure skating program to one song, not a re-enactment of the opera. Is she supposed to interpret poverty, despair, drug addiction, death and suffering?? Come on. Not even the great G&G did that with Porgy & Bess.

Ok...... first of all G&G skated to a) an instrumental orchestral arrangement/no words, and that allows more freedom for interpritation b) their costumes and choreo were NOT contradictory to the theme of the opera, as there are several couples "in romantic relationship" in that script, c) both couples act gentle, carrying and supportive towards each other, forming loving partnerships against life's adversities, and G&G's programme reflects these sentiments. No wiggling or acting "seductive or sultry"....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc2bzFl1fM0

I loved Osmond's "Piaf/Paris Girl".... she, her costume, her gestures, her chore were ideal, just perfect.
This time her costume and some moves are out of place..... especially since the song has WORDS which are sang to a CHILD because it is a lullaby..... Nobody wiggles butt when singing to a child.

Charleston, South Carolina, life circa late 1920's, in "Porgy and Bess" neighborhood..
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.co...--charleston-south-carolina-charleston-sc.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvYgLVCwY...MI4/QJwJ5a0JRZ0/s800/RussellLee-17-F-600w.jpg

... was NOT the same as Uptown Manhattan's Harlem Renaissance music/jazz/blues scene.... where yes, women did the shakin' at the Apollo and the Cotton Club.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M82fXiWRJew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgcJyZA-rrE

Osmond has other music to pick from if she wants a fancy dress and be sultry and keep it bluezzy...... Mabel Lee for example....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbATcwogLX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svTNrPPxG-A

 

[AxelAnnie]

Just to clarify. It is sung as a lullaby, and

The song is sung several times throughout Porgy and Bess. Its lyrics are the first words heard in act 1 of the opera, following the communal "wa-do-wa". It is sung by Clara as a lullaby. The song theme is reprised soon after as counterpoint to the craps game scene, in act 2 in a reprise by Clara, and in act 3 by Bess, singing to Clara's now-orphaned baby after both its parents died in the storm. It was recorded for the first time by Abbie Mitchell on July 19, 1935, with George Gershwin playing the piano and conducting the orchestra (on: George Gershwin Conducts Excerpts from Porgy & Bess, Mark 56 667).

and..

“Summertime” is ostensibly a lullaby; it’s sung to a baby, after all, whom the singer tells to “hush,” in the traditional fashion. Among the songs that seem to have shaped it are “All My Trials,” itself based on a lullaby from the Bahamas and an inspiration for the lyrics, and “Pipi-pipipee,” a Yiddish lullaby. (A Ukrainian lullaby, “Oi Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon,” has also been suggested as a possible source.) Some slower versions of the song emphasize its sleepiness: Ella Fitzgerald was wont to perform it this way, for instance, and so was R.E.M., though not as often. Others elicit its melancholy undertow: Mahalia Jackson, who recorded it as a medley with another of its musical sources, “Motherless Child,” did a sad “Summertime” that cannot be outdone.

No butt wiggling for sure.

Sultry seems to fit, though:

1. 1.
   (of the air or weather) hot and humid.
   synonyms: humid, close, airless, stifling, oppressive, muggy, sticky, sweltering, tropical, heavy; More
   hot;
   informalboiling, roasting
   "a sultry day"
   antonyms: refreshing
2. 2.
   (of a person, especially a woman) attractive in a way that suggests a passionate nature.
   synonyms: passionate, attractive, sensual, sexy, voluptuous, erotic, seductive
   "a sultry film star"

Origin

 

[coppertop1]

It seems way too soon to be so pessimistic. Most programs don't stand out. I think we should watch as the season progresses before judging

 

[vesperholly]

Ok...... first of all G&G skated to a) an instrumental orchestral arrangement/no words, and that allows more freedom for interpritation

Summertime lyrics:

Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry

One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky

But till that morning
There's a'nothing can harm you
With daddy and mamma standing by

(first two repeat)

What's to interpret?!

 

[AxelAnnie]

UM----the context of the opera? That might be a good interpretation starting place.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Tinami Amori said: ↑
Ok...... first of all G&G skated to a) an instrumental orchestral arrangement/no words, and that allows more freedom for interpretation

Summertime lyrics:
What's to interpret?!

G&G are not skating to the melody of "Summertime" but an intro from 2nd or 3rd act (don't have time to check). They are skating to an orchestral arrangement of the Opera called "Porgy and Bess: a symphonic picture". GG have an option of portraying "relationship", which is what the Opera is about.

GG - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of0C0HfQJC4
Orchestral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obr6-h-TruM

For goodness sake, Porgy and Bess/Gershwin/USA in the 1920's/Charleston/Etc.... is not even my history/culture/geography..... i have no horses in this race..... But "Classics" and "History" and "Opera Librettos" require respect.

 

[pointbleu]

..... But "Classics" and "History" and "Opera Librettos" require respect.

Your own conception of the world does not apply to all. People may think and act differently than according to your own values.
You are outrageous about Osmond's choreography on Summertime. It doesn't fit with what the original Porgy and Bess meant. I get it. We get it. And I don't care. I don't know as much as you about the history behind it all. And I don't care. What I do care about is skating skills, flow, technical elements being right on, steps and movements being made on the music, emphasing the musical phrasing.

There was a reason why lyrics weren't allowed before... exactly not to get into this type of argument. Judges are not supposed to judge if the choreography goes with the lyrics, but the musical phrasing. If I were to skate on a Japanese folk song, I would not hold the judges responsible to learn the meaning of the lyrics to see if it fits the choreography.

Can we move on to the skating aspect now? Who will watch QSS stream this week? Who will win the competition among the senior ladies?

 

[fsfann]

LOL. This thread is getting ridiculous.

=)

 

[danafan]

Who will watch QSS stream this week? Who will win the competition among the senior ladies?

I'll be watching! I'm looking forward to Mallet's return after missing last season with injury. And hopefully Kim Decelles will make her season debut after having to miss Minto. And of course Alaine Chartrand is in the lineup and I'm curious to see how her programs have grown since Minto.

 

[fsfann]

On another note though, i re-watched Kaetlyn's SPs from the past 5-6 years...wow...so many great programs. I had forgotten about Mambo... (2013 SP) Loved that program, Big Spender (2014), La Vie En Rose (2016)...

 

[VGThuy]

I truly dislike Osmond's SP as of right now (it's only August and she has a whole season to win me over), but when have skaters ever interpreted "Summertime" so literally as if they're recreating Porgy and Bess? Usova/Zhulin, Torvill/Dean, etc. seem to play up the bluesy nature of the original tune but I never thought they were actually singing to an infant and acting out the scene from the opera. There's been hundreds of interpretations of this song. Many versions certainly add a bit of a sultry quality and/or even straight-up sex into their versions (either singing it or dancing to it), but there are also versions that add a different quality moving away from that. Some more angsty and sad (playing up the blues), some are sultry and sexy, some closer to the original version (more like a lullaby), and others more poppin' and upbeat.

I mean there's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLix4tHkXuS9gGbq022b2ug52tYJRidIJq&v=OWLt0m3aaRo

and there's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmztHpSIT4E

https://youtu.be/J_exxGGmRV8

I'm a fan of the Janis Joplin version myself. It's raw and desperate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guKoNCQFAFk

I wish Osmond would skate to that version and that her interpretation matched it.

 

[chewy]

All of you are insane nitpickers. How about we go back to the days when we were happy when a Canadian lady attempted a triple lutz ferchrissakes and the stroke we had when one was landed. We've got the best bunch of Canadian ladies in a long time that can jump their asses off and that is what is going to count no matter what the package.

 

[Bellanca]

 

[honey]

On another note though, i re-watched Kaetlyn's SPs from the past 5-6 years...wow...so many great programs. I had forgotten about Mambo... (2013 SP) Loved that program, Big Spender (2014), La Vie En Rose (2016)...

I love her Mambo program! Along with going back to last year's short, I would also be on board with reworking the mambo program and bringing it back.

I'm just gonna put this here as reminder of what she's capable of from a performance standpoint:

https://youtu.be/MId9_QOVips

 

[barbarafan]

I truly dislike Osmond's SP as of right now (it's only August and she has a whole season to win me over), but when have skaters ever interpreted "Summertime" so literally as if they're recreating Porgy and Bess? Usova/Zhulin, Torvill/Dean, etc. seem to play up the bluesy nature of the original tune but I never thought they were actually singing to an infant and acting out the scene from the opera. There's been hundreds of interpretations of this song. Many versions certainly add a bit of a sultry quality and/or even straight-up sex into their versions (either singing it or dancing to it), but there are also versions that add a different quality moving away from that. Some more angsty and sad (playing up the blues), some are sultry and sexy, some closer to the original version (more like a lullaby), and others more poppin' and upbeat.

I mean there's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLix4tHkXuS9gGbq022b2ug52tYJRidIJq&v=OWLt0m3aaRo

and there's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmztHpSIT4E

https://youtu.be/J_exxGGmRV8

I'm a fan of the Janis Joplin version myself. It's raw and desperate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guKoNCQFAFk

I wish Osmond would skate to that version and that her interpretation matched it.

ok...I listened to the Janis Joplan version & you r right ....it totally gripped me & I could picture Kaitlyn skating the sh**it out of it so I will let it be for now..It is just that I have really cheesy taste and she is such an amazing performer...sigh...I hope she gets extra PCS for not having mimes....that would be good.

 

[barbarafan]

I love her Mambo program! Along with going back to last year's short, I would also be on board with reworking the mambo program and bringing it back.

I'm just gonna put this here as reminder of what she's capable of from a performance standpoint:

https://youtu.be/MId9_QOVips

me too....

 

[Brenda_Bottems]

Osmond's programs are fantastic. I do not see any American ladies at her level. Polina if she gets her jumps back,perhaps.

-BB

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

All of you are insane nitpickers. How about we go back to the days when we were happy when a Canadian lady attempted a triple lutz ferchrissakes and the stroke we had when one was landed. We've got the best bunch of Canadian ladies in a long time that can jump their asses off and that is what is going to count no matter what the package.

We've come a long way. The entlity has changed among the coaches and the skaters. Asking them to be the best they can, knowing they belong to the world stage. With great results come higher expectations, for any athle, for any artist. It's a good sign we have this discussion, no? It's a good signs some foreign fans come and nitpick at our skaters? If they were just middle-pack, nobody would really take any notices. Let's celebrate!

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

I'll be watching! I'm looking forward to Mallet's return after missing last season with injury. And hopefully Kim Decelles will make her season debut after having to miss Minto. And of course Alaine Chartrand is in the lineup and I'm curious to see how her programs have grown since Minto.

My take : Pineault on the podium. What do you think?

 

[kwanfan1818]

Jazz singers have done jazz versions of nearly everything, including operas, classical songs, show tunes, etc., adding many aspects that seem to contradict the lyrics.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Osmond's programs are fantastic. I do not see any American ladies at her level. Polina if she gets her jumps back,perhaps.

-BB

And her speed.

-ANL

 

[Marco]

I am absolutely in love with Kaetlyn Osmond's Black Swan. It's everything I wish were in Ashley's version in 2012. Such beautiful lines and crisp moves, long sweeping edges, and I just can't take my eyes off of her. Totally transfixed. Already jumping and spinning very well for this time of the season, and I was positively calling out for the choreographic sequence. If anything, I wish she would replace one of the SEs with a more daring field move. Total masterpiece. I haven't loved a program debut this much in such a long time. If clean, this would absolutely bring the house down.

I like Summertime too, but it to me does not bring out the ladylike quality in Kaetlyn as much as her old short programs did. I would actually love it if she would return to La Vie En Rose.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

^^^^ At the moment I prefer Ashley's dress and spiral more. Osmond seems to have that bend in her knee for the leg that is on the ice in the spiral.

The rest of the program I prefer Osmond's.



PLEEEEESASEEEEEEEEEEEE can we have a headdress!!!

 

[Rock2]

KO's short from last year needed to be retired. Just like her latin short in 2013 it's a stunner but could risk wearing out if kept another year.

There are many skaters bringing back programs for comfort reasons and to be able to peak for the Olympics (earlier) but that comes with risks. For KO I think she's at her best when she's fresh.

I think people will love Summertime more than they think come the GP season. Just a hunch.

 

[Japanfan]

You are outrageous about Osmond's choreography on Summertime. It doesn't fit with what the original Porgy and Bess meant. I get it. We get it. And I don't care. I don't know as much as you about the history behind it all. And I don't care. What I do care about is skating skills, flow, technical elements being right on, steps and movements being made on the music, emphasing the musical phrasing.

There was a reason why lyrics weren't allowed before... exactly not to get into this type of argument. Judges are not supposed to judge if the choreography goes with the lyrics, but the musical phrasing.

I digress, but wanted to comment that this post stood out for me because it summarizes exactly why I don't like lyrics being allowed in skating.

I always thought that the skater's movements and program choreography were the lyrical elements of FS. IMO the presence of lyrics always seems like an unnecessary added layer of content to a program, and at times I even find it invasive.

 

[honey]

To add to the list of things I never thought I'd see, is a triple flip-half loop-triple sal from Kaetlyn Osmond. That combo looks great.

https://instagram.com/p/BXlyKPRhiqd/

(and now back to the regularly scheduled fight about her short program)