Kinoshita Group Cup - Dance RD & FD

[Marta24]

My thoughts:
I was a bit disappointed with Z/K's choreo. One issue was that at the point where the Juliet's death part of the music starts, I always have the picture of Peizerat going into a spiral in my head. A/P's ending position was also much stronger.

I'm not sure what to think about L/Q's FD. They probably try to capture the feeling of their Umbrellas FD, but I'm not feeling this programme yet.

L/LG's skating was never my thing. They have better packaging than last year, which will probably help them to get that third Olympic spot.

Overall, I'm not going to overanalyze the scoring. The challengers have sometimes strange results, even in ice dance.

 

[PRlady]

I thought Z/K’s FD was a rather angsty reading of the story but I liked it. Needs more innovative choreo but that’s this team’s weakness being with Igor. Emilia gets better all the time.

 

[Karen-W]

I thought Z/K’s FD was a rather angsty reading of the story but I liked it. Needs more innovative choreo but that’s this team’s weakness being with Igor. Emilia gets better all the time.

Didn't Benoit Richaud choreograph this FD for them?

 

[dancefan17]

I think Benoit did choreograph Z/K’s FD. Lines were lovely annd energy was great. Actually agree that putting her in a different color dress, which seems kinda of silly on the surface, would help. Everything seems monotone and matchy-matchy and they need more variation between them.

 

[peibeck]

Just me, or are LesGacs PCS just really surprising here? Those seem really high this early in the season, and especially for a team who are showy but less technically finessed than other teams in their range.

 

[Debbie S]

Yes, my first thought was that Emilia should be in a different color...dark red, purple? I like the program but I was expecting more of a modern take/modern dance moves. Particularly after their program last year. But it's possible they got feedback from judges wanting them to portray a specific story, something more literal.

 

[Rukia]

Just me, or are LesGacs PCS just really surprising here? Those seem really high this early in the season, and especially for a team who are showy but less technically finessed than other teams in their range.

just challenger things I imagine. I suspect it will go back down some when gps start.

or maybe scott really is learning to politik and we'll see cpom getting suddenly higher scores too (yes we know which option I prefer)

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I loved everything about Z/K's FD - the costuming, the choreo, the music. I thought they looked elegant and sexy, and I found a lot of the choreo unexpected but well suited to the music. I think they have a winner on their hands.

I also really enjoyed N/M's FD. It had some unique moments and was something very different from the plethora of lyrical crap we get these days.

 

[Wyliefan]

Nes/Mark's FD is interesting, I'll say that. If I had remembered that it was Napoleon from the start (I see now that it was listed in the program thread some time ago), possibly I would have felt less confused by it. It's a unique idea, at least. But it struck me as a little choppy, which works against them, because big sweeping gliding movements are one of their biggest strengths. We'll see if they can work on it and develop it into something stronger.

 

[Tinycities]

Just me, or are LesGacs PCS just really surprising here? Those seem really high this early in the season, and especially for a team who are showy but less technically finessed than other teams in their range.

This page from skating scores really showed that to me too. 127 total from the New Zealand judge is significantly high than I expected.

https://x.com/skatingscores/status/1964674128620978323

I think one thing was clear is this was Lauriault/Le Gacs third outing so far this season and this was Zingas/Kolesniks first. As said earlier, they’re at different parts of their individual seasons. it does look like it would be a good idea for z/k to do another challenge before the GP to iron stuff out.

This might also just be a case of something like Pate/Bye winning autumn classic.

 

[clairecloutier]

I'm glad Zingas/Kolesnik took a more traditional route with this Romeo & Juliet FD. When we heard they were doing choreo with Benoit again and R&J, I feared a second coming of Hubbell/Donohue's 2018-19 contemporary-take R&J , but this is not that. I like that they went with Prokofiev, darkest and most dramatic of the R&Js. This style looks very, very natural on Vadym. And overall I feel they're looking more mature and in sync in this program. I think it's a good choice for them.

Lauriault/LeGac's FD is kind of typical and less interesting than their other recent FDs, but they're definitely skating well, and their speed and partnering seem strong.

Neset/Markelov--To me, this looks like a "developmental" FD, intended to expand their range and improve their skills in new areas. Certainly watchable, but needs much more attention to line and detail. It's a similar overall style to Z/K's FD, and watching them back to back, you see the difference in maturity and polish. All to be expected, considering how young these two are!

Lim/Quan--Some lovely moments in their free dance. Seems like it should be a good package for them (although I do not get Ye's military costume?). Something feels a bit off, though ....

 

[BlueRidge]

Well I liked Fabbri & Ayer but it could use something more I think. LeGacs was lively so that grabbed me a lot. Hensen & Lickers did a great job on that but not my fav music.

Z&K I like I think it will develop along the way. ITA with @Wyliefan that Neset & Markelov seemed choppy. I think I'll like it but not sure.

Lim & Quan, just no. Can we please liven things up more, everyone?

 

[Debrah]

I am enjoying Le Gac's this season, while usually entertaining performers, they are FINALLY paying attention to TES, and it seems to be paying off for them. It has taken me a very long time to become a fan. Le Gac's should send thank-you gifts to F/A for last season's wake-up call, to get their technical act together. I do hope they can continue to build upwards, in this OLYMPIC season where extreme politics, shake-ups, and comebacks will likely drive the 2026 standings; which teams will dance off with spots to the big show and the medals? I am betting on a likely upset of the current status quo. Ice is slippery, but dance politics are even more so. In terms of Canada, it does not matter which teams go with G/P, no matter how talented they are, as the trade-off will likely be huge dumpage to keep G/P in contention. History proves my point when it comes to Olympic results. Worlds, are a different beast.

Another hugely generic warhorse Z/K snoozefest, yes, it is early going, but if they ever had IT, and despite the Igor push, and shiny new USA passport, IMO, "IT" is going, going, will be gone; as I am sensing the Shib sibs will be dancing in the Olympics, their backstory, along with Marina's support, is just too good and may even lead to Hollywood...LOL! Gosh, I may even feel a bit sad for C/B, threats from home and beyond, but hey, I just remembered the gifts they got this quad, so KARMA! Let the snarking begin!