2017-2018 Program Music and Choreographers

[Spun Silver]

Laurine Lecavelier LP music: Bye Bye Baby and My Heart Belongs to Daddy, sung by Marilyn Monroe

 

[Spun Silver]

Muramoto/Reed SD music:
Cha Cha: I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez
Rhumba: Mondo Bongo by Joe Strummer
Samba: Batucada de Sambrasil by Estudios Talkback

FD according to ISU bio:
The Last Emperor (soundtrack) by Ryuichi Sakamoto
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence by Ruyichi Sakamoto

Their choreographers are listed as Zoueva and Scali - it would be reasonable to assume that both worked on both, no? I also saw a post in Kana's Instagram that they worked with Randi Strong, a dance choreographer, "again," but she didnt say on what.
http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00035204.htm

 

[chapis]

Muramoto/Reed SD music:
Cha Cha: I Like It Like That by Pete Rodriguez
Rhumba: Mondo Bongo by Joe Strummer
Samba: Batucada de Sambrasil by Estudios Talkback

FD according to ISU bio:
The Last Emperor (soundtrack) by Ryuichi Sakamoto
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence by Ruyichi Sakamoto

Their choreographers are listed as Zoueva and Scali - it would be reasonable to assume that both worked on both, no? I also saw a post in Kana's Instagram that they worked with Randi Strong, a dance choreographer, "again," but she didnt say on what.
http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00035204.htm

thank you, in goldenskate the FD music is listed like Sakura cherry blossom theme from Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, I was like, what? . So it is from Marina and Massimo, I don´t know but I suspect that Massimo had more input than Marina , I love both programs . I hope Japan pay more attention to ice dance.

 

[Spun Silver]

I hope Japan pay more attention to ice dance.

Well, they finally have good reason to. Kana has the "it" factor and Chris is a better stem to her flower than he was as a co-star to his sibling.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Kana and Chris' FD is my favorite of the new FDs I've seen this season. Their movement was so thoughtful and beautiful.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Apparently they said they will use Chaplin next season as they were told at ChampsCamp to go back to Ghost.

I find that interesting.

Who told them? And why? And do you have to do as you are told? Or will there be fallouts?

Personally I think to skate to Chaplin you need to be quite expressive. Chris is not what I think of when I hear the word expressive. I think of Luca Lanotte or Javi Fernandez.

So how does it work? Dean was still paid and everything? Do choreographers gets insulted or perhaps embarrassed when skaters ditch their programs?

 

[kwanfan1818]

It’s an Olympic year and a skater of Chen’s caliber should not risk the same reaction as Stranvinskiy received at this premier…

It wasn't strictly Stravinsky's music that caused the reaction: it was equally, if not more, about Nijinsky. The premiere of his Jeux not long before set some balletomanes off, and they came to Rite ready to fight, kind of like Sandra Bezic in SLC.

 

[Cleo1782]

I find that interesting.

Who told them? And why? And do you have to do as you are told? Or will there be fallouts?

Personally I think to skate to Chaplin you need to be quite expressive. Chris is not what I think of when I hear the word expressive. I think of Luca Lanotte or Javi Fernandez.

So how does it work? Dean was still paid and everything? Do choreographers gets insulted or perhaps embarrassed when skaters ditch their programs?

At ChampsCamp there are numerous people involved in evaluating programs. Many skaters (Zhou, Bell, Wagner, etc) were told to change programs. It's why they have these camps. I am sure you don't HAVE to listen to them, but someone in Alexa/Chris's position (with one Olympic spot on the line) would be stupid not to listen to the feedback given.

Choreographers get paid for the work they did regardless of whether its used or not. Whether or not they are insulted/embarrassed is not something anyone but the choreographer could answer.

For what its worth, I heard S/K's Chaplin wasn't bad. Not clear on why USFS didn't like it.

 

[meggonzo]

I thought Ashley had already changed her LP back to Moulin Rouge before Champs Camp?

 

[kwanfan1818]

USFS does not want to lose a team medal and, I'm sure had hopes for silver. The US Pairs team is likely to go up against D/Rr, T/M or S/K, S/M, S/H or P/Z, M/H, and J/C,in the SP, along with a Japanese and Korean team and then whoever gets the last spot. Plus the US team is going to have to skate four programs in four (or five) days, which probably none of the other teams will have to.

I'm sure they're hoping that the Knierims will beat at least two of those teams.

 

[Cleo1782]

I thought Ashley had already changed her LP back to Moulin Rouge before Champs Camp?

Sorry I was unclear. I think Zhou and Ashley both change their programs before Champs Camp. But its on the advice of monitoring that happens all the time. Coaches bring in people to monitor and Vincent did some summer comps. My point was that they basically have to take the advice given.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

At ChampsCamp there are numerous people involved in evaluating programs. Many skaters (Zhou, Bell, Wagner, etc) were told to change programs. It's why they have these camps. I am sure you don't HAVE to listen to them, but someone in Alexa/Chris's position (with one Olympic spot on the line) would be stupid not to listen to the feedback given.

Choreographers get paid for the work they did regardless of whether its used or not. Whether or not they are insulted/embarrassed is not something anyone but the choreographer could answer.

For what its worth, I heard S/K's Chaplin wasn't bad. Not clear on why USFS didn't like it.

Thanks for your insight. I wonder why then they were told to say Bye Felicia to Chaplin.

Also can't believe the folks involved at Champs Camp told so many skaters to "go back to last years programs." Man, programs need a couple performances (at least one) until they breathe and gel. I wonder why they want to promote a culture of repeating programs even if they are in their 3rd incarnation.

Im too much of a rebel. If I was told to ditch a program Id tell them to ditch their spouse / outfit / attitude on life. LOL. It would want to make me skate to that program even more. But thats me, marching to my own drum.

Anyway, thanks for your insight.

 

[sap5]

Im too much of a rebel. If I was told to ditch a program Id tell them to ditch their spouse / outfit / attitude on life. LOL. It would want to make me skate to that program even more. But thats me, marching to my own drum.

How old are you? I'd think it's hard for many of these young skaters, who have done nothing but skate their whole lives, and are aware of the tremendous sacrifices they and their loved ones have made for their skating, to tell a judge (as USFSA often has current judges evaluate programs at Champs Camp) to stuff it in an Olympic year.

 

[VGThuy]

Jason Brown did it when they wanted him to change Riverdance from what I heard. Served him well. But Jason seemed to be more artistically-minded and driven than most skaters.

 

[CoolGuy]

With Nathan Chen's LP program, I'm just glad Lori Nichol had him do the opposite of the egg-laying pose going into the footwork sequence: instead of going on the toe-picks and bending the knees in a squat position, have the skater go on their heels and extend their legs instead.

 

[Tinami Amori]

The premiere of his Jeux not long before set some balletomanes off, and they came to Rite ready to fight, kind of like Sandra Bezic in SLC.

Ohhh! history gossip!.. ... i have to go and read about this one! thanks!

 

[chapis]

Jason Brown did it when they wanted him to change Riverdance from what I heard. Served him well. But Jason seemed to be more artistically-minded and driven than most skaters.

Jason? Who least expected it.

I just imagine to Ashley paying plane tickets, hotel, paying the choreographer, spending days listening the music, chosing cuts, working days for the choreography, days that could be vacations, family meets. So after all that, she realize or someone tell her that the program is not working. It must be horrible. At least Yuzuru did not lost time, money and effort in a useless program. I have more respect for her than Yuzu because at least she tried it.

 

[missing]

This is the New York Times article about what happened with Riverdance.

Reviews were still mixed in August at Champs Camp, the United States Figure Skating seminar staged at World Arena to help top American skaters and coaches prepare for the coming season.

Ade said officials were confused about the meaning of the program: Was it traditional “Riverdance” or a twist on it? What was Brown looking at here? Why was he serious there?

“We didn’t really have a story,” Ade said.

She devised one as she lay in bed one night: a tale of a hero whose village is under attack and who uses the dance as his battle against the invader and then as a way to celebrate victory.

“For sure it helped,” Brown said. “You’re doing your footwork and instead of it being like, Did I get this turn?, it’s more like duck, hit, punch, punch, duck.”

The article is one of the best ones I've ever read about figure skating. It was a pleasure to go back and reread it.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

How old are you? I'd think it's hard for many of these young skaters, who have done nothing but skate their whole lives, and are aware of the tremendous sacrifices they and their loved ones have made for their skating, to tell a judge (as USFSA often has current judges evaluate programs at Champs Camp) to stuff it in an Olympic year.

LOL, what does that have to do with the price of tomatoes? I have the same values and principles today as I did when I was 16.

Its just who I am as an individual. If you don't like my program come Nats then fine send the chick who has done the same program for 3 years and see how the international judges judge it. Its gonna be compared to the year you won silver and if it aint drastically better I can't see it medaling.

Im 110% aware of all the sacrifices and sweat and tears and thats why if you ask me to repeat last years number Id withdraw. I aint spending all this time, money and sacrifices for me to be asked to do last year's number.

And this is a new phenomenon. I never heard of anyone (even pre Champs Camp) telling Michelle... hey dump Lyra Angelique and go back to Salome. And Bobek hit repeat for Dr Zhivago. And Sarah ix-nay on Daphne and Chloe and serve up for one more hashing of Don Quixote.

IMO if you as an artist can't interpret more than one program every 2 -3 years there are problems with the sport and those who are controlling the lives of others. JUST my opinion. The message is almost like..."Hey its an Olympic year. No need for risks or challenges. Comfort zones only please. La La Land / Chaplin next year please. Whatever you've been doing since 2015 is just fine."

OK, time to go watch an Angela video.

 

[meggonzo]

Sorry I was unclear. I think Zhou and Ashley both change their programs before Champs Camp. But its on the advice of monitoring that happens all the time. Coaches bring in people to monitor and Vincent did some summer comps. My point was that they basically have to take the advice given.

I was hoping you meant that they told Ashley to change her program after seeing Moulin Rouge again.

 

[Sedge]

Laurine Lecavelier SP
Shazam came up with....Shining Silver Skies performed by Ashram

 

[Spun Silver]

This is the New York Times article about what happened with Riverdance.
.

This stood out for me after the discussion of USFS making skaters return to old programs:

Ward, sifting through ideas on the Internet, had a eureka moment. “He had this burning fire in his eyes,” Brown said, “and it was like, this is what you are going to do.” ... Brown was reeling at the up-tempo, cardiovascular challenge it would present on skates. “I was like, ‘Rohene, you are crazy, I cannot pull this off,' ” Brown said.

Ward’s response was immediate, Brown said: “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Jason, this is something you’ve never done before, and that’s what the Olympic year is all about.' ”

 

[Marco]

Laurine Lecavelier LP music: Bye Bye Baby and My Heart Belongs to Daddy, sung by Marilyn Monroe

Laurine Lecavelier SP
Shazam came up with....Shining Silver Skies performed by Ashram

The bigger question is whether she changes her dress mid-way.

 

[skatfan]

I just imagine to Ashley paying plane tickets, hotel, paying the choreographer, spending days listening the music, chosing cuts, working days for the choreography, days that could be vacations, family meets. So after all that, she realize or someone tell her that the program is not working.

Plus, she had a whole video done of the choreography getting set with Shay, so it really, really must suck to go back to old music when you thought you had a great vision.

I'm NOT a fan of all these repeats. Save the "greatest hits" for shows.

 

[Meoima]

Jason? Who least expected it.

I just imagine to Ashley paying plane tickets, hotel, paying the choreographer, spending days listening the music, chosing cuts, working days for the choreography, days that could be vacations, family meets. So after all that, she realize or someone tell her that the program is not working. It must be horrible. At least Yuzuru did not lost time, money and effort in a useless program. I have more respect for her than Yuzu because at least she tried it.

Ashley doesn't have to go back to her previous program if herself believes it works. Ashley is smart and is strong willed. No one can force her this and that. Lalala land ost has proven to be questionable in skating at least from the programs we have seen so far. To throw it away, It's Ashley herself knows it doesn't work. It is called individuality.
Yuzuru also took suggestion from his federation people to reuse Chopin because his original choice was considered too risky. The decision is made by the whole team.
But of course Yuzuru is considered lazy by you because he took suggestion from his federation. And Ashley is not lazy because she lost some money for a program she thinks it's not suitable for this season. Nice try.
And yes, Yuzuru is lazy as he spent whole summer to do the music editing himself, 33 different of music cuts. But of course he is lazy.

 

[Willin]

I don't think either of them are lazy for changing their program. It must stink no matter who you are to put all that time, money, and effort into learning something you don't use.

As for Ashley, I wonder if part of it is that she has trouble learning programs (she says she has memory problems due to her concussions). It seems that she'll learn a program with more basic transitions and then slowly add in difficulty or more complexity by Worlds, maybe because it takes a while for her to get those more complex transitions learned than just one summer. I wonder if she went with something that already had the difficult choreography/transitions in there because she wouldn't have time to redo/learn the Lala Land transitions before the Olympics as opposed to Worlds? (Since the Olympics are in February as opposed to late March/early April)

 

[Meoima]

I don't think either of them are lazy for changing their program. It must stink no matter who you are to put all that time, money, and effort into learning something you don't use.)

Yuzuru has (maybe more than one) unused program. I shall not name it here or someone might contact me and threaten me but yes he did practice some sort of a new program but it was not chosen who knows why. Maybe federation people think it's too risky as he messed the SP whole last season so they want a more guaranteed choice. But of course Yuzuru is lazy and doesn't deserve respect from some people because he comes back to his old music (which no one else ever skates to before in competition).

 

[MAXSwagg]

Ashley would've wasted money regardless. Wasted money in the sense that whatever unique and interesting transition Shae-Lynn put in would be taken out because she simply doesn't have the caliber of skating skills to execute them. Do any of us actually think the programs she skates are any semblance to what they were when she got them? They're watered-down versions. So it doesn't matter if the program is new or old, really.

 

[Wyliefan]

Lalala land ost has proven to be questionable in skating at least from the programs we have seen so far.

So questionable that Firus just won a medal with it.

 

[Meoima]

So questionable that Firus just won a medal with it.

Still sounds horrible. Honestly I haven't seen a La La program that doesn't sound too weird in the arena.