Me too. I really loved the SP - Sandra Bezic did not only the choreography, but weighed in on the costuming and look. There's a reason it got such a reaction at Skate Canada!
She doesn't come across as unhappy to me, and I don't think her facial expressions appear anxious. But, I think anxiety about landing jumps often leads skaters to focus on their jumps and not focus on facial expressions that interpret the music. (Loena comes to mind.) And it takes energy to express the music with your body. That could be an issue for Lindsay. I don't think the long program works as well and it may be because the music is a little more dynamic in that program and her skating doesn't always reflect that.
I'm not sure about that. I think that's true in some circumstances, especially with some younger skaters who may think they are just supposed to look happy and perky. But, I think we sometimes see skaters smiling during sadder or darker or more serious music because they haven't even given much thought to what kind of expression the music really calls for and their coaches aren't focusing on that. And sometimes the skaters are just very happy about landing a jump or being near the end of a program that is going well and aren't focused on the expressive part of their program.
It's so interesting the way people's perceptions vary. I don't see Isabeau as "smiley-sunny." I do think that she tries not to show her anxiety and tries to interpret the music. But, her focus on completing everything perfectly can sometimes interfere with that.
changed mind
) - it's the 1st day of November. Fingers crossed that she will be recovered and training for Nationals soon.
I agree, but also this is figure skating were talking about, and this is overreaction season.Let's not panic about Bradie just yet (about her withdrawals today from Cup of China & NHK Trophy
There's a season for figure skating fans overreacting?
Early season in any sport is always overreaction season - later in the season the reactions can be justified, or at least more so.
I agree about Sasha Cohen; watching her in Washington at 2003 Worlds was like watching someone check off a grocery list: OK, I just put my footwork in my basket, now let me find the aisle where axels are for sale. It was so mechanical and the performance never went beyond her face.
You're going to jinx her! Do you want her to break her face again?
I don't think she's mechanical or emotionless. I think there are parts of her programs where she is quite expressive, and not just with her face. But, she sometimes breaks out of it when she's concentrating on technical aspects of her program. She definitely could improve, and it sounds like she is trying to. I do wish that she would start working with some choreographers, though, and not just on the steps themselves, but expressiveness as well.
I don't see that changing unless someone shows they can be counted on to finish in the top 8 at least besides isabeau who you know most likely isn't going to bomb unlike someone like Amber. Bradie in past years could be counted on for a top 7 finish but she's not been exactly reliable her last two Worlds appearances either.
Uh...there's ALWAYS an alibi with Amber. Having been a fan of Cohen and Nagasu, sometimes you just have to admit your fave is a headcase and live with others' (justifiable) doubts...Is there any room left in your windowless van?
Seriously. We only need a 13. Last year was Amber's first appearance at world's and she had some unusual stuff happening just before.
I think Isabeau could be a strong 3-4-5 finisher, which means the second USA skater (ahem Amber) could be 8-9-10. Heck, on a good day, skating clean with her 3A (I know, I know, stars need to align), Amber could be a top 4 skater.
