From Russia with love [#29]: Spring 2018 and beyond

[Ka3sha]

Alina Zagitova became new Shiseido global ambassador
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl7JuJdj3Bz/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ypaf19t2epm
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl7DQf3jO47/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=n718b9g4vtfw

 

[Eislauffan]

Here's the video from Match featuring Ustimkina/Rogonov
https://youtu.be/fkWfZQhhz6w

Thank you for the link. Indeed she is only 13 cm shorter than he is (as it is said by the reporter). But the lifts seem to work well. The throws probably never will be huge, I think, but anyway, this pairing could work. Interesting to see if the Russian Fed will invite them to the test skates. Given the situation with not so many senior pairs right now in Russia, they should get the chance to participate in the test skates if they are ready for it.

 

[Eislauffan]

Alina Zagitova became new Shiseido global ambassador
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl7JuJdj3Bz/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ypaf19t2epm
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl7DQf3jO47/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=n718b9g4vtfw

Looking at these and other pictures of Alina, she looks really grown up now compared to even the end of last season.

 

[hanca]

Thank you for the link. Indeed she is only 13 cm shorter than he is (as it is said by the reporter). But the lifts seem to work well. The throws probably never will be huge, I think, but anyway, this pairing could work. Interesting to see if the Russian Fed will invite them to the test skates. Given the situation with not so many senior pairs right now in Russia, they should get the chance to participate in the test skates if they are ready for it.

I can’t imagine how they could be ready in September if they got together in July...

 

[Eislauffan]

I can’t imagine how they could be ready in September if they got together in July...

They are both experienced pair skaters. After about two months of training they could show two programs, maybe with reduced degree of difficulty.

 

[Rina RUS]

Artemiy is training in CSKA and has recently competed at CSKA open championship (in May)
SP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCWhHPSO-to
LP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxT2-_g4w5k

Thank you for the videos, Ka3sha. They say Artemiy started skating when he was 5 years old, but he has been practicing seriously only during this year.

 

[Rina RUS]

Evgeniya's new boyfriend, well few months "new"..
https://discover24.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/3ljc8doakitoun5e.jpg
https://ovideo.ru/images/posters/0028/1134/0001.jpg
They met in spring this year, his name is Kristian Kostov, he is a pop-singer, a child-star from reality show "Voice". He is half Bulgarian, half Kazakh, born in Moscow, just turned 18 in march. very cute.
https://images6.cosmopolitan.ru/upl...3b176596e9530ef804a0a4b3cb_fitted_740x700.jpg
http://hotnews.bg/uploads/news/2017_20/p1/00121981.jpg
http://cache2.bgdnes.bg/Images/cache/286/Image_6754286_308_0.jpg

I remember Kostov after the "Voice. Kids" show, so... it is even strange: I still have a feeling, that he is a child, but I don't have a feeling, that Evgenia is a child, even though she's very young. Time goes quickly...

 

[Ananas Astra]

I see why Evgenia might like Kristian since he looks like a perfect anime boy
No, really, he is a very handsome boy.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I see why Evgenia might like Kristian since he looks like a perfect anime boy No, really, he is a very handsome boy.

They both look great together! https://uznayvse.ru/images/content/2018/7/uzn_15313091597.jpg
https://img1.goodhouse.ru/upload/img_get/2a/2a40ccf457bc4d12b7bbc98cc3287ab4_cropped_612x408.jpg

Kristian can easily blend into Med's favorite boy band EXO as if he is one of them. I think it is terrific that she can find the exact physical type that she likes in her own country speaking same language.
EXO: https://s2.narvii.com/image/gn6oub33auaazkpe7qwp66e3r4be72fw_hq.jpg
Kostov: https://ruspekh.ru/images/articles/34334/2018-03-14.jpg


Zagitova's Shiseido press-conf:
short version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTIomm5uifs
long version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmNWIZ0FCy4
In russian segment Zag says "she is grateful to her coach Eteri for introducing her to Shiseido in earlier years because these make up are easy and quick to use and to apply, which saves her time and makes her feel beautiful. She thanks Shiseido for choosing her and contributing to her skating".

 

[PRlady]

They are both experienced pair skaters. After about two months of training they could show two programs, maybe with reduced degree of difficulty.

She’s a cutie, with lovely extension. Although I’m so glad we are not losing him that I’d be pretty happy with any decent new partner.

 

[Mad for Skating]

Wait, we don't get to criticize a bad program unless it kills somebody? Well, that's going to make for an interesting season . . .

Haha I was just trying to say sometimes people blow things out of proportion and forget that at the end of the day, it's just skating. After what happened to dear Denis, it puts things in perspective.

Anyways, on a happier note, I'm glad Rogonov found himself a partner! I loved him ever since he and Kristina did their Lindsey Stirling doll program (I saw it live!!!!!). I don't know anything about his new girl but I'm excited to see what they can do!

Esbrat and Novoselov splitting...if this is just a dirty trick to get me all worked up thinking Ksenia and Fedor have split, I will kill someone...

 

[aftershocks]

Here's the video from Match featuring Ustimkina/Rogonov
https://youtu.be/fkWfZQhhz6w

Thanks for sharing. I'm happy for Alexei finding a new partner. I think Alexei and Alina look good together, and they both seem to be enthusiastic about their partnership. I wish I could understand Russian. I tried to get an English translation in the closed caption subtitles but it was perfectly awful, so I only have a faint gist of what they might have been saying about working together. Alina apparently spoke sweetly about Alexei calling her and that she listened to him happily. I think that's what she was saying.

I took a look back at both of their previous partnerships before checking out the clip of them working together.

Ustimkina/Volodin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mv7kfxNug4 World Juniors sp 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bmZvRXP2FQ JGP Dresden fp 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHsWD9gdqFY Russian Junior Nationals fp 2017

Ashtakova/Rogonov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr1ShLOgdNg NHK sp 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Alsrh-Edc City of Stars fp 2017-18 -- I loved this program on them!

Alina and Volodin were okay together as juniors but somewhat lackluster and not that well-matched. Volodin is a nice skater, but he doesn't seem to have great flexibility. Alina's jumps are not very high, but she seems to be fairly consistent. She obviously has a lot of work to do with refining and polishing her skills, as well as improving her mechanics. She does seem to have decent basics. Since Alexei is an excellent partner and he's got so much more experience, perhaps he can guide her to improve, along with the help of their coach Artur Dmitriev.

Alina has nice lines and lovely long legs, so working together with Alexei, they will need to define their style as a team. And as with any team, they need to work on rhythm and timing as well as focusing dedicated attention on the necessary training involved in improving their overall weaknesses and building on their strengths. Alina has good lift positions and very nice air position on her throws, but she doesn't appear to have much power, speed or snap to her skating. She definitely needs to improve height and velocity on her throw twist. Still they are both very attractive, and there is some potential. Alina has a lot to work on though, and they will need to choose music and choreo wisely. Alexei is clearly very passionate and he has a lot of flair and charisma, so I hope he will be able to make this partnership work and bring Alina up to his level and beyond.

It might be nice if Alina were a tad shorter, but I don't see a problem with the smaller height difference between them. Alexei appears to be shorter than he actually is, perhaps because he does not have a long, lean body structure. But I think they can work with what they've got together and build on their strengths. Alexei also looks younger than his 30 years, so that is an effect in his favor.

I know they aren't thinking about packaging at this point, but it is something they need to reflect on with creative diligence in order to stand out. For example, they appear to both be dirty blondes.* At first, I thought Alina is more of a strawberry blonde, so it might work for her if she added reddish highlights to her hair. I'm not talking about dying her hair a harsh red, as that wouldn't work, but simply adding a bit of a soft reddish sheen. And Alexei could either go lighter or darker blonde, and lengthen his hair a tad, or do something different with his hair-styling. Perhaps lighter blonde highlights would work for him, I'm not sure. Maybe longer locks in a starving artist kind of way for Alexei, or perhaps shorter hair with edgy flair and dash in a more upswept style? They should really experiment with this and come out with a complete style makeover. And also work on upping their fitness and strength levels, and work on increasing Alina's speed and power.

*Remember how well contrasting hair color and styling worked for Meryl Davis & Charlie White. They were both dirty blondes with straight hair. Meryl went dark auburn red, and it did wonders for her face. It brought out her beautiful eye color. And Charlie lightened his hair, and rocked a curly perm with longer locks. It worked fabulously for the two of them. Of course, they had boffo talent too, which has to come first. Also, Marina Annissina & Gwendal Peizarat looked striking together with their deliberately contrasting hair colors.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I don't know about Fedor Klimov and his skating future.... he just posted this with a comment "(compensating for) my tough childhood" https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8wERQAwyn/?taken-by=klimov_f

 

[Coco]

Here's the video from Match featuring Ustimkina/Rogonov
https://youtu.be/fkWfZQhhz6w

They are adorable together and will do just fine.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Vsevolod Knyazev is with Eteri’s group as of this July.
Born 2007, originally fr. St. Petersburg.
https://vk.com/eteritutberidze?z=photo-97272391_456262769/wall-97272391_74172

… and he comes with a Rinkside Grandma..
https://vk.com/sevaknyazev?z=photo193431293_422056094/photos193431293

Spring 2018 programmes
SP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQV1hwEO9j4
LP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDq8W8Ly4tk

2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hv4fs4LqlY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLBVShUFNjU

 

[aftershocks]

They are adorable together and will do just fine.

I hope so. I enjoy Alexei's skating and his on-ice personality.

It's more than just a notion switching to a new partner at the age of 30, especially in today's era with the unbelievable depth! With hard work, sure Alina and Alexei can do well. Alexei has good partnering skills and experience that will hold them both in good stead. And Dmitriev is a good coach, so that's another positive. Alina has good basics, but IMHO, she needs to work on the aspects I previously mentioned. Also putting thought and effort into overall packaging can make a big difference in helping a team to stand out.

 

[aftershocks]

Vsevolod Knyazev is with Eteri’s group as of this July.
Born 2007, originally fr. St. Petersburg.
https://vk.com/eteritutberidze?z=photo-97272391_456262769/wall-97272391_74172

… and he comes with a Rinkside Grandma..
https://vk.com/sevaknyazev?z=photo193431293_422056094/photos193431293

Spring 2018 programmes
SP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQV1hwEO9j4
LP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDq8W8Ly4tk

2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hv4fs4LqlY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLBVShUFNjU

Thanks. Dare I ask how his name is pronounced? Or at least, what is his nickname? He looks like a very promising dynamo on the ice.

 

[znhurston]

Alina and Volodin were okay together as juniors but somewhat lackluster and not that well-matched. Volodin is a nice skater, but he doesn't seem to have great flexibility. Alina's jumps are not very high, but she seems to be fairly consistent. She obviously has a lot of work to do with refining and polishing her skills, as well as improving her mechanics. She does seem to have decent basics.

I also watched videos of Ustimkina and Volodin when they competed as a junior pair and I think both of them "traded up" with their new partners. He looks much more polished, refined and mature with Atakhanova and I hope the same is true for her with Rogonov.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Thanks. Dare I ask how his name is pronounced? Or at least, what is his nickname? He looks like a very promising dynamo on the ice.

Vsevolod Knyazev
I think the "nickname" for his given name is "Seva" which is short for Vse-vo-lod.
Familia name is pronounced "K-nia-zev" first part should should like "neah.." except with a "k" in front. And second part is dull "z" and short "ev".. "zev". I don't know how to do "pronounce lettering" right..

 

[SmallFairy]

She's so cute! I'm really excited for them.

 

[aftershocks]

I also watched videos of Ustimkina and Volodin when they competed as a junior pair and I think both of them "traded up" with their new partners. He looks much more polished, refined and mature with Atakhanova and I hope the same is true for her with Rogonov.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PateACAhuFM sp A/V
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jagKgHYnNBg fp A/V

Volodin looks like he's grown a slight bit, and matured more in a year's time; Amina Atakhanova is shorter than Alina, and yes, Amina seems a better match for Volodin, physically and otherwise.

 

[Mad for Skating]

I don't know about Fedor Klimov and his skating future.... he just posted this with a comment "(compensating for) my tough childhood" https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8wERQAwyn/?taken-by=klimov_f

We stan an adorable dork I wouldn't worry, even the best skaters need time to relax, and it's not like he has a partner right now.

 

[Ka3sha]

Alina Zagitova, new SP (Phantom of the Opera) from The Ice
https://youtu.be/6_7rghizj_o

 

[Bigbird]

Alina Zagitova, new SP (Phantom of the Opera) from The Ice
https://youtu.be/6_7rghizj_o

Zhenya's got this.

 

[VGThuy]

WTF are those music cuts? Has the choreographer never seen POTO or at least listened to the various cast recordings/movie soundtrack in order? That said, I actually like Alina's movements. It seems very different from her past routines. Usually skaters skate to variations of the same choreography.

 

[Eislauffan]

Artur Dmitriev says for now Alina Ustimkina and Alexei Rogonov are still trying out and he is their consultant, but wouldn't call himself their coach. If this pair will really stay together will become clear only in a month. He also said that they're not going to be at the test skates in early September but if everything goes well he thinks they can do events of the national Russian Cup series (if they want to compete at Nationals they probably will need to qualify through these events).
Link to the interview with Dmitriev (in Russian): https://rsport.ria.ru/figure_skating/20180802/1139999370.html

 

[Bigbird]

WTF are those music cuts? Has the choreographer never seen POTO or at least listened to the various cast recordings/movie soundtrack in order? That said, I actually like Alina's movements. It seems very different from her past routines. Usually skaters skate to variations of the same choreography.

Her biggest issue is her poor posture.

 

[VGThuy]

Her biggest issue is her poor posture.

I think because I've seen worse that my standards have gotten lower through the decade or so.

 

[Ka3sha]

Her biggest issue is her poor posture.

Her basics in terms of actual skating are also quite poor.

 

[WillyElliot]

Alina Zagitova, new SP (Phantom of the Opera) from The Ice
https://youtu.be/6_7rghizj_o

Quelle surprise. Alina has developed into a stunning young woman (as if no one saw that coming). I like this program, not in love, but she looks happy (and fed, in all the best ways). I was so happy for her OGM. She achieved her dream. Now her skating is for her. Do I think she will be competitive when all the juniors come up? Probably not. But I will enjoy her skating.