I find myself looking at Nathan's SP and enjoying it on its face, but what was said here about it being sort of - skating by numbers, look, I can do something different, instead of really getting into the music is bothersome. It's only September but the feel of the program is just: Nathan showing us "look I can do hip and cool and modern too" and because he doesn't seem into it, it falls totally flat... I dunno I'm rambling.
Yeah, everyone has their opinion, and their faves.
With the way Nathan has come out of the blocks this season though, the continued nitpicking is a bit much. IMO, Nathan is looking very good, as well as focused, and much improved on his spins. And IMO, Nathan's already demonstrated his cool, edgy, modern style in his exhibition program last season, and in his show programs during the off-season. That's likely one reason why Shae Lynn and Lori were so inspired to help Nathan bring out more of the 'hip, cool, modern' style he already possesses. For me, neither program is 'put-on' by Nathan in a self-conscious,
'Look what I can do' fashion, as you suggest. Maybe you don't like the music, or can't get into what Nathan's expressing with his sp. I love it, and I think it works quite well within the very challenging confines and strictures of IJS/COP.
Sometimes audiences need to do their homework too re the fact that Nathan plays the piano himself and therefore this music and the musician and the song & lyrics seemingly appeal to him in a way he will likely find stimulating over the course of the season. I applaud Nathan and Shae Lynn for exploring something that's a well done effort and that's fresh and very promising for the Olympic season. All skaters and their choreographers can be hand-cuffed by IJS/COP, so I give Nathan and his team kudos for their creativity and for trying to think outside-the-box. Both Shae Lynn and Lori have done a great job working with Nathan. Thumbs way up from me for both programs.
I think Nathan has a great feel for the music and he also knows how to skate to the music. He's definitely into both programs, although right now his cool style is such that he's not projecting a great deal to the audience in the way that Jason Brown does quite naturally, and that Dai Takahashi did and can do so brilliantly. For Nathan, enhanced expressiveness might come with more maturity. Perhaps Nathan's contained and calm personality will further evolve with more competition experience and life experience. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying every minute of watching this young man continue to grow, to slay, and to up-end status quo apple carts.
... after this comp is over, his new official PB will be 44.40. I simply don't think this performance, on this day, deserved those scores. JMO.
Maybe, but we are dealing with a random PCS scoring system that's never judged equitably across the board for many reasons that have never been appropriately addressed by the ISU. So it is what it is. And Nathan's marks are not out of line from what they've been throwing out to other top quadsters. Shoma moves differently and he may gesture dramatically with more exaggerated expressions, but that does not make him more expressively mature than Nathan. And I don't think Shoma understands the nuances of his music as well as Nathan does (certainly Hanyu and Javi do not, despite their greater maturity of experience).
Shoma and Nathan are both young and both very talented. From how each are looking at this point, I don't see why Nathan's marks on PCS would not be comparable to Shoma's. So, as someone expressed earlier, it's not the actual numbers as much as the relative scoring. But even then, we are talking about PCS manipulation and figure skating scoring that's partly based on politics and reputation.
@misskarne@aftershocks I think my point about being generic on the last two jumping passes/between spins is because [Nathan]
uses the generic flowy skating ballet arms. I love the sharp movements on the opening and the step sequence (that chasse in the 3A transition is great) - but it seems very much contemporary dance rather than ballet. The music is also very jazzy/blues/soul with sharp backing beats making ballet arms seem very off. I love the program minus those transitions, ...
I disagree with the bolded part. From my viewing, I see Nathan's arm movements in his sp to be very consistent with the character of the music, as well as the style and theme of the choreography. Also, it might help to remember that ballet today is the foundation for all forms of dance movement. Still, Nathan's arms are not used in a strictly balletic way in his sp. As I said, he stays with the style and character in the way he moves throughout the performance.
I liked Nathan's LP more than the SP in that I feel it has more potential but is still quad-quad-quad, must spin here... Footwork sequence is great! Did anyone else feel the music was a bit disjointed? Haven't seen anyone else yet as I have never bothered with an IN sub due to all the issues they have. Kid could be one of the all time greats, that's for sure.
If you feel that way, perhaps you don't like or understand the music. I see both programs as Olympic worthy. I think it will be exciting to see how they develop further over the course of the season. But for Nathan, this well thought out, strategic debut of both programs is already outstanding.
Goal for Jason? Team bronze? That was mentioned, but, not a trick answer, if Jason makes the team, good chance that he is not selected to participate/compete for team bronze.
As someone already mentioned, Jason already has a Team bronze from Sochi Olympics. Jason's got what it takes as a competitor, and I will never count him out. He's a gamer, and he's always enjoyable to watch.
... than Nathan, Yuzu and Shoma on [the podium]. I just can't see it....but I'm good with it.
As someone mentioned already, don't count out Javi Fernandez. Plus there are some other accomplished contenders, and as expressed many times, anything can happen in figure skating.
... As cool as he appears I can't imagine Chen won't be affected by the Oly hype...
Nathan has never seemed fazed, and he's been setting his eyes on the Olympics, as many young skaters do. I'm sure he has the usual nerves that every competitor experiences, but the key is in knowing how to manage those nerves under a variety of competition circumstances. Nathan is far ahead in that aspect. Plus, as he's indicated previously: Dreaming of a goal and reaching it is not a time to back down or succumb to pressure.
IMO, Nathan seems prepared to handle all that will come his way. Anyway, it's Nathan's imagination, confidence and determination that counts.
