Canadian Pairs 2017/2018 Season News and Updates

[Bellanca]

Here's wishing and hoping for a wonderful, successful Oly season to the lovely KM-T and the awesome MM!! Good things for good peeps!!

 

[Cant Skate]

According to a post on Davin Portz facebook page, he and Natasha have been assigned to Ondrej Nepala Trophy. Congratulations to them!

 

[chewy]

Much better styling for MT/M this year in the short compared to what I found to be fairly generic for their first two years in Montreal. I saw their LP at camp last year with MT skating through the jumps all concussed and it still made a strong impression. I'm glad they are giving it another year to develop.

The Koreans. Ginette Reno for North Korean skaters. Why??
I honestly think you have to be Quebecois to fully appreciate her because to outsiders her voice and music has got to be pretty hard to listen to. And this coming from someone who grew up close the Quebec border and thus had her music in my house.

I'll just assume Julie is getting a kickback from the Quebec government as a cultural ambassador. Otherwise,

Definitely Julie is getting a kickback from the PQ govt for promotion of quebecois(e) artists. There can be no other explanation. I am waiting for the ultimate: L'Oiseau, by Rene Simard. Actually Rene is a very nice mature male singer these days, but Julie would HAVE to use the child version to get full cultural GOE. Or maybe his Ava Maria instead.

 

[pointbleu]

Definitely Julie is getting a kickback from the PQ govt for promotion of quebecois(e) artists. There can be no other explanation. I am waiting for the ultimate: L'Oiseau, by Rene Simard. Actually Rene is a very nice mature male singer these days, but Julie would HAVE to use the child version to get full cultural GOE. Or maybe his Ava Maria instead.

Uh?! Too much imagination, dudes! Heehee! I'd rather have my taxes spent in rebuilding good roads than given to some figure skating coach! Since lyrics are allowed, I guess Julie picks up what she knows... Ginette Reno has a powerful voice and one can feel the emotion in her songs even if they don't know the language, IMHO.

 

[barbarafan]

Definitely Julie is getting a kickback from the PQ govt for promotion of quebecois(e) artists. There can be no other explanation. I am waiting for the ultimate: L'Oiseau, by Rene Simard. Actually Rene is a very nice mature male singer these days, but Julie would HAVE to use the child version to get full cultural GOE. Or maybe his Ava Maria instead.

Do you have any sort of backup for this kickback business. There are many french songs with tremendous passion,drama, emotion which suit both long and short programs and that is why I would pick them as possible figureskating music...I am including singers and songs from France in this. Edith Piaffe is included in this.

 

[Rock2]

According to a post on Davin Portz facebook page, he and Natasha have been assigned to Ondrej Nepala Trophy. Congratulations to them!

Great to see. They do have some potential and I'm in favor of giving everyone possible a shot to get Olympic qualifying TES scores if they have close to enough talent and content. It allows them to dream big and will only in turn make nationals more meaningful.

 

[Rock2]

Uh?! Too much imagination, dudes! Heehee! I'd rather have my taxes spent in rebuilding good roads than given to some figure skating coach! Since lyrics are allowed, I guess Julie picks up what she knows... Ginette Reno has a powerful voice and one can feel the emotion in her songs even if they don't know the language, IMHO.

Oh for sure some people will find her voice appealing. She's made money.
I listened to her music in both English and French and the language never mattered to me. She could sing in Portuguese for all I care. For me personally I can deal with about 20-30 seconds and then I have to turn it off. Lyrics are irrelevant; her voice and music is a polarizing. She won awards in Canada but never really got traction outside of the country, in either language. So I have to think her appeal isn't as wide as some would want.

That's just me. Others will disagree...and the more who dig her, the better I say. I wouldn't expect a Korean audience to latch on to it too deeply, though. If the Olympics were somewhere else it might be a better strategic choice.

In fairness she did have one really good English language hit that I thought was cool. My parents played this album for years and years and even as an infant who could barely talk I thought this tune was pretty catchy: Beautiful Second Hand Man

 

[pointbleu]

Oh for sure some people will find her voice appealing. She's made money.
I listened to her music in both English and French and the language never mattered to me. She could sing in Portuguese for all I care. For me personally I can deal with about 20-30 seconds and then I have to turn it off. Lyrics are irrelevant; her voice and music is a polarizing. She won awards in Canada but never really got traction outside of the country, in either language. So I have to think her appeal isn't as wide as some would want.

That's just me. Others will disagree...and the more who dig her, the better I say. I wouldn't expect a Korean audience to latch on to it too deeply, though. If the Olympics were somewhere else it might be a better strategic choice.

In fairness she did have one really good English language hit that I thought was cool. My parents played this album for years and years and even as an infant who could barely talk I thought this tune was pretty catchy: Beautiful Second Hand Man

I had always thought that she could have had that international career while she was with René Angélil (they both wanted it, she could have been his first Céline) but they ended their deal two years later, as he wanted her to fit a certain image and she couldn't stay that slim (got into an eating disorder) and then after she didn't want to make such sacrifices for an international career. But that's my memory at work, I could dig into it.

That is said, I had the same reaction when I was the NK team skating to "Je ne suis qu'une chanson". Maybe it's because Imthink of North Korea as a very closed country and hearing a well-known song to their skating was somewhat... unexpected. That is said, I don't think Nort Korean would be allowed to skate onto American music. My take.

 

[clairecloutier]

I don't really see why Ryom/Kim skating to a Quebecois song is really any odder than them skating to a Beatles song or Tchaikovsky. None of this music is native to their culture--and who cares? The majority of skaters probably use music that is not native to their own country's culture. I find this whole debate . Why is a Quebecois singer more of an obscure or head-scratching choice than relatively little-known European electroswing singers who were used by other pairs last year, or obscure singers covering songs by better-known artists (such as J/C's LP music this year or D/R's SP music this year)?

 

[pointbleu]

I don't really see why Ryom/Kim skating to a Quebecois song is really any odder than them skating to a Beatles song or Tchaikovsky. None of this music is native to their culture--and who cares? The majority of skaters probably use music that is not native to their own country's culture. I find this whole debate . Why is a Quebecois singer more of an obscure or head-scratching choice than relatively little-known European electroswing singers who were used by other pairs last year, or obscure singers covering songs by better-known artists (such as J/C's LP music this year or D/R's SP music this year)?

True, but it surprising for me, the effect of surprise to me comes from the fact that song is from my own culture. And Beatles/classical music have become international music. Not Ginette Reno.

 

[Rock2]

Btw the whole kickback conversation isn't serious.

And sorry to beat the Ginette Reno thing to death. I'm happy to move on in a sec.

It's not simply that it's a song from a different culture because I'm all about that (and to that point I'd love to see Julie pump out some awesome Russian, Italian or African music, but I digress...). My point is that -- irrespective of language -- I don't think Reno's specific voice or brand of music would connect well with many other cultures other than that of Quebec. And likely not in Asia, I suspect. But again just MHO, which I'm sharing as such because I don't have science to back it up, which might be the next comment...aha.

 

[Tinami Amori]

My point is that -- irrespective of language -- I don't think Reno's specific voice or brand of music would connect well with many other cultures other than that of Quebec. And likely not in Asia, I suspect. But again just MHO, which I'm sharing as such because I don't have science to back it up, which might be the next comment...aha.

I strongly disagree. Reno's style is not new. Her songs are lovely! Sound perfect for skating, the voice, the melodies, the style.... It's similar to many singers from the late 60's early 70's who sang lyrical "french chanson".
Dalida, Mireille Mathieu, Marie Laforet, and many more. These singers and their style was and still is very popular in Europe, Russia, Asia and Latin America..... and the more popular song in this category is "Je Suis Malade"....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEoft6dypiQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE6e3-YNqE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02g1dwMr-V8

I really liked the routine and the music for that Korean couple..... and music was a big part of it. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5wuj14

 

[pointbleu]

I was going to write about the same thing as Tinami. I know russian love big powerful voices and French songs such as Fabian (Radionova), Garou, etc. Other countries have other tastes, that's why traveling is always so interesting!

BTW, there are a good bunch of Quebec singers who are known outside of Quebec and many anglophones are not aware of this (it's not a must-know, it's just that the two cultures in this country are more than often not very well-known by the other equally) I think of Mario Pelchat's success in
Lebanon (when he was starting to be considered "out and dull" in Quebec), Ima being a household name in Turkay and so on. Other cultures see things with different eyes, hear with different ears...

(And Reno has had a brillant career in Europe and even got the "ordre des arts et des Lettres" by Mitterand)

 

[Alvyne]

I've been waiting for years for someone to skate to music from Starmania.

 

[newskatefan2]

Uh?! Too much imagination, dudes! Heehee! I'd rather have my taxes spent in rebuilding good roads than given to some figure skating coach! Since lyrics are allowed, I guess Julie picks up what she knows... Ginette Reno has a powerful voice and one can feel the emotion in her songs even if they don't know the language, IMHO.

You are right!!! Emotions is key. Language is second. No worse than Pavoretti or Iglesias; I do not speak Italian nor Spanish, yet I like their melodies and the way that they put emotions into their songs.

 

[dramagrrl]

Anyone have news about why Seguin/Bilodeau withdrew from Quebec Summerskate?? I am crossing all my fingers and toes that it's not another injury.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I've been waiting for years for someone to skate to music from Starmania.

this year would be perfect for it.... or the english language version "Tycoon".
But i am quite sure some idiots would want to change the ending and stab "Janvier" in the finale instead of let him win the presidency. Just to think... the musical was written in 1976... back then they did not stab presidents on stage...

Both versions have some great pieces of music and unlimited costume variation. I would LOVE to see someone skate to it..... but how many people know what it is about?...

I would love to see "Sadia's song", "Ziggy's song" or "Businessman's blues"....... in any version, in any language. Celine Dione recently sang few pieces in concert.
Sadie's "Travesti" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnyCzZlLsLc
Ziggy - La Chanson de Ziggy - by Hanston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWJVCoihp1M
Zero Janivier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OJIUuyXkGs
Celine Dion has a cool version... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0427CotFg
and so does Tom Jones for "Tycoon" version although lyrics are different - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP6bMJn-1nI

Thank you for remembering it @Alvyne!

 

[Alvyne]

this year would be perfect for it.... or the english language version "Tycoon".
But i am quite sure some idiots would want to change the ending and stab "Janvier" in the finale instead of let him win the presidency. Just to think... the musical was written in 1976... back then they did not stab presidents on stage...

Both versions have some great pieces of music and unlimited costume variation. I would LOVE to see someone skate to it..... but how many people know what it is about?...

I would love to see "Sadia's song", "Ziggy's song" or "Businessman's blues"....... in any version, in any language. Celine Dione recently sang few pieces in concert.
Sadie's "Travesti" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnyCzZlLsLc
Ziggy - La Chanson de Ziggy - by Hanston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWJVCoihp1M
Zero Janivier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OJIUuyXkGs
Celine Dion has a cool version... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0427CotFg
and so does Tom Jones for "Tycoon" version although lyrics are different - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP6bMJn-1nI

Thank you for remembering it @Alvyne!

Starmania is a classic in my books! My favorite version is the 94 version, with Bruno Pelletier and Luce Dufault, that I saw live. Those are great songs you quoted, but my favorites are Le monde est stone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAfvowjfVCg, Céline's version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=520lmraj9V0) and SOS d'un terrien en détresse (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA0oyKJFsyE). The most depressing ones ;o). But I'm not sure SOS would be good for skating.

 

[patchris84]

An angel on SOS.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=7MnaNA1VjDI
Version Daniel Balavoine with Brian Joubert
https://youtube.com/watch?v=FAjpqeppMi8

 

[patchris84]

A lovely version of "The bird"
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fYcXLPrDVEw

 

[Sylvia]

Here's a thread in which you can post your music suggestions : Music you have been waiting for to be used for an entirely too long time

To watch at the Thornhill event next weekend:

4 senior pairs
Natasha Purich / Davin Portz Calalta FSC/Calalta FSC
Lubov Ilushechkina / Dylan Moscovitch Toronto CS & CC/Toronto CS & CC
Shalena Rau / Johann Wilkinson Preston FSC/Preston FSC
Brittany Jones / Joshua Reagan Hamilton SC/Hamilton SC

8 junior pairs
Isabella Mancini / Christian Reekie Burlington Skating Centre/Gloucester Skating C
Marin Ono / Kurtis Schreiber Japan/Japan
Olivia Boys-Eddy / Mackenzie Boys-Eddy Skate Canada Brampton-Chinguacousy/Skate C
Allison Eby / Matthew den Boer Ayr SC/Racquet Club of Victoria SC
Patricia Andrew / Paxton Knott London SC/London SC
Mariah McCaw / Steven Adcock London SC/Kitchener - Waterloo SC
Evelyn Walsh / Trennt Michaud London SC/Trenton FSC
Alison Schumacher / Zachary Daleman Riverside SC/Toronto CS & CC

and 2 Novice pairs
Brooke McIntosh / Brandon Toste Canadian Ice Academy/Canadian Ice Academy
Mackenzie Ripley / Owen Brawley Kitchener - Waterloo SC/Kitchener - Waterloo S

Saturday August 19
6:25 PM Pre-Novice & Novice Pair Short
7:10 PM Junior Pair Short
8:15 PM Senior Pair Short

Sunday August 20
11:55 AM Pre-Novice & Novice Pair Free
12:30 PM Junior Pair Free
1:40 PM Senior Pair Free

The live streaming link for Thornhill is: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5x0ddg

Competition thread in the Kiss and Cry section: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...o-summer-skate-aug-17-20-in-thornhill.101694/

 

[barbarafan]

Here's a thread in which you can post your music suggestions : https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...be-used-for-an-entirely-too-long-time.101285/

The live streaming link for Thornhill is: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5x0ddg

Competition thread in the Kiss and Cry section: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...o-summer-skate-aug-17-20-in-thornhill.101694/

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5x0ddg
http://www.skateontario.org/summer-skate-start-ordersresults/

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

I would love to see "Sadia's song", "Ziggy's song" or "Businessman's blues"....... in any version, in any language. Celine Dione recently sang few pieces in concert.
Sadie's "Travesti" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnyCzZlLsLc
Ziggy - La Chanson de Ziggy - by Hanston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWJVCoihp1M
Zero Janivier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OJIUuyXkGs
Celine Dion has a cool version... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0427CotFg
and so does Tom Jones for "Tycoon" version although lyrics are different - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP6bMJn-1nI

Thank you for remembering it @Alvyne!

I'd go with Garou's version of "Le monde est stone" which would be more "skatable" (it's a little more upbeat) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3r9xTyP4Qk)

 

[Catherine M]

Mathieu Ostiguy has posted on facebook that he and Chloe Choinard have receive confirmation that they will be competing at the JGP event in Riga, Latvia. Second time for Mathieu to make the trek over to Riga, as he went there in 2015 with Justine Brasseur so that should make it easier for him to help Chloe make her international debut as a pairs skater.

Good luck to them and Evelyn & Trennt as the JGP gets started with pairs in a few weeks. And hopefully the ISU Youtube feed will be working with no problems so we can all enjoy the skating as the field looks quite competitive.

 

[shan]

I'm so glad that Lubov and Dylan are competing this weekend. Looking forward to seeing new programs from them!

 

[honey]

Has there been any news on Lubov's citizenship?

 

[aftershocks]

It would be cool if a team ever skated to 'Ziggy's' song.

 

[Sylvia]

Replying to @honey (originally posted in the Quebec comp. thread):

I'm curious about their work with Zimmerman. Have they actually been down to Florida yet this summer? Or has he come to work with them? I don't recall seeing anything from them to indicate they've spent time with him yet?

Duhamel/Radford are in Miami now and here's a photo of them at the rink with John Kerr: https://twitter.com/mhjd_85/status/898300614375034880

 

[barbarafan]

Has there been any news on Lubov's citizenship?

They are expecting news around september.....fingers crossed

 

[screech]

I hope it works out. If only because she has been so vocal about how much she loves Canada and even outside skating, I think she'd be extremely proud to be Canadian.

(And I love her and Dylan and want them to compete at the Olympics)