Can't Help Falling In Love ... with Hubbell & Donohue (fan thread #2)

Just like with the Ashley one, I compiled the Q&A for easy reading and so it doesn't get lost in the future.
Original AMA link: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comme...ice_dancers/?sort=old&st=j73kmelf&sh=a09348c6

Q - Question, M - Madison / Z - Zach when when specified, A - Answer otherwise


Q: I don't know much about ice dancing, but do you have any thoughts on the nhl not participating in the Olympics this year?
A: Hey, this is Madison. I speak for both of us when I say we didn't realize they weren't! OOPS! Does that make us bad future Olympians?
I guess the same way that you aren't an Ice Dance fan, we are not big NHL fans! :/


Q: What about the space olympics?
A: ???
Q: Thank you for just even acknowledging my stupid comment. You both are awesome.
A: Madi here...I was genuinely intrigued. Too bad :P hehe


Q: Hi! Do you guys have any favorite songs you love to practice to but have never performed with? Excited to see you compete!

M: Zach and I have a bit different preference when it comes to music. I basically love anything you can sing to, while Zach listens more to the instruments. I personally would love to skate to something like Rihanna, Love on The Brain.

Z: Funny thing about skating is that there is so much music out there, but we only get to make two programs per year. :(
With all of the rules about timing, change of character, rhythm, etc...it can be hard to take a song you really enjoy to the ice, and also find another track that mixes well with it.
Plus a lot of the music I like to listen to, may or may not contain language not suitable for all audiences.
I love the Weeknd, but I dont think that will fly!

Q: But think of the dance you could choreograph to 'Starboy'

A: Those are intense lyrics! :/
Madi here, and I am a total nerd, but I would say that in most hip hop songs, I don't understand the lyrics! Sorry ;P



Q: I love all of these Olympics AMAs. The ice dancing is so beautiful. It's the one I wait for every year. How much do you think being an actual couple helps? I feel like so much of it is the passion you feel with your partner.

M: I think each partnership works differently. Zach and I have competed together as an off ice couple in the past, but we have actually been in separate relationships for the past 3 years. I think the most important thing is a friendship and respect between the two people, or at least I hope we haven't lost our passion!! Most of the top teams in the World are not actual couples, so I think it isn't crucial.

Q: You look so in sync I assumed you were a couple. Thank you awesome, good luck

M: Well, many people assume. I take it as a compliment, we are doing our sport well!


Q: Can you share how you met each of your SOs? It always amazes me how the skating world is so small!

M: I met Adrian Diaz in 2008, in a junior international event. We have a few facebook messages from after the first time we met, kids flirting. He was training in Europe, and the spark quickly fizzled. Fast forward 7 years, and in the 2014-15 season, it seemed like we were at every competition together. We reconnected for the first time at Skate Canada 2015, and immediately fell for each other! The move to Montreal, where he trains, made our relationship even closer. We live together, have our Pomsky puppy Nova, and plan to live our happily ever after! Skating is a small world, and it has given me many great friends, and also my amazing relationship!

Z: Olivia and I met at the 2015 World Championships in Shanghai. We recognized a similar energy between the two of us...a fun loving, spontaneous, goofy kind of spirit. I didn't see her again until she made the move to Montreal, to skate with Madison's boyfriend Adrian. I thought that square created between the four of us would be awkward...and so initially, I didn't want to go for it. Our attraction to each other eventually won out, and we have been together now for a year and a half.



Q: Hi Madison and Zach! Thanks for doing this AMA. I LOVE Ice dancing and became a big fan last games when I watched Meryl & Charlie. Can I ask you, are you also gymnasts? Were you gymnasts first or ice skaters first. GOOD LUCK! We will be routing for all of you! :)

M: OH MY! I could not be further from a gymnast! I tried to join my local gymnastics gym as a kid, which happened to be connected to my skating rink. I took a few classes, and after somersaulting my way into a bloody nose, I realized I was not made to be that agile! Not to mention, I don't see many 5'8" and 6'2" gymnasts running around. Thanks for cheering us on, and I am flattered that you considered that a possibility. I must appear more acrobatic than I feel!

Z: Getting my large frame off the ground to fly through the air is not a challenge I am ready to undertake.


Q: I love ice dancing but don't know a great deal about it yet. How does the early training work? Do you start out training more like a figure skater, or is there ice dance training from the start?
This is my favorite winter Olympics event, and I can't wait to see you guys perform. Best wishes!

M: When we begin as children, we basically learn the same basics. The typical track seems to lean more towards freestyle, since there are more coaches around the country that teach freestyle. I did freestyle, but quickly realized that dance was where my heart was.


Q: Hi Madison and Zach! I loved seeing you guys at Skate America this past October. I look forward to seeing what you guys are bringing this season. It seems that you grew up with many of your current competitors. Are you friends with any of them?

Z: Yes, we have been training and competing with the same people for many years. Of course there are rivalries, between you and fellow competitors. For me, to be an elite athlete requires a level of respect for your fellow competitors. I am friends with Evan Bates, Scott Moir, Nikolas Sorenson, only to name a few.


Q: Hi guys, long time fan of your skating! Do you watch So You Think You Can Dance and if so, who have been your favorite dancers/routines?

Z: Thanks for being a long time fan of ours, Zach here. I love watching the show, and I am always inspired watching different styles of dance. I would have to say that my favorite is still Travis Wall, both in his personal performances and his choreography. It is hard to pick out one piece that is my favorite, but I haven't seen any I don’t like yet.

M: Ok, Madi here, I am butting in! I can't stay silent about this any longer!
I love this show!!! I don't want to know what percentage of my life has been spent watching these performances, on FOX or on YouTube! Let's be real...these dances are time consuming, because you may go online in search of one dance in particular, and then suddenly you look up at the clock to see that 3 hours of your day has flown by.
I started obsessed with Mia Michaels...and my love for the show grew from there.
A few I love in particular, excuse my made up names for them...
The Obsession Dance The hummingbird and the Flower The Mercy Dance...
Basically, I like all of them


Q: As someone who does not skate, I was wondering if you could tell us how exactly both of you fell into figure skating and then ice dancing?

A: Hey! For Madison, she watched skating on TV. She wanted to be just like Kristi Yamaguchi, and so she begged her mom to begin at 5 years old. Zachary was taken to a public skate at 12, and he was picked up by some local coaches because he was very talented.

M, (follow up later): .... I just reread this post. You were the victim of my awkwardness! Madison here, and I had no idea how to make it sound normal to speak one at a time. It seems weird to type "Madison here, Zach here" over and over. So while this totally doesn't sound like we wrote it, we did! I am just not very handy with social media and technology!!
Im off to bed, sweet dreams!


Q: Hi Madison and Zach! Big fan of ice dance and I loved your Free Dance last season! My question is mainly for Madison (sorry Zach, you're cool too!). Since you're quite tall for an ice dancer, what are the challenges we might not think of as fans for you? I remember you said that Yankee Polka pattern is more challenging for taller dancers so I'm interested in hearing your thoughts!

M: I loved our free dance of last season as well, thanks for your question.
Being tall is just as much of an advantage as a disadvantage. I feel really lucky to be in this era of Ice Dance, since I am not sure I would have succeeded previously. I am not only tall, but I am also an athletic body type. If only you could see photos of me as a child, I had quads as a toddler!
Currently, many of the dancers in the world are a similar size to me... Kaitlyn Weaver, Gabriella Papadakis, Tessa Virtue.. This makes me a feel a bit more normal. Within my own country, I can feel a bit out of place, since my competitors are all quite a bit shorter than I am.
While some quick twitch dances are challenging with our height, the biggest challenge is in the lifts. The "acrobatic" lifts of our competitors, such as Chock/Bates, are not possible with my height. These lifts can be impressive, and a quick way to rack up points. Our focus, instead, has to be on making unique, beautiful positions that add to the choreography and story line of our program. It can take time to find lifts that add value to our programs integrity, but in the end, the judges appreciate both ways of achieving the level. And while acrobatics may be more challenging for us, long lines and power can be more challenging for our competitors!
So I feel lucky to have my height, and my strength...Bring it on!


Q: Thank you so much for this wonderful answer! I happen to think Zach is a wonderful lifter and I loved your long lines in your straight line lift and rotational lift from your FD last season.
All the luck again to you and Zach!

M: I can agree that Zach is a great lifter! Thanks


Q: 5 things you appreciate most about your partner?

M: First things first, great username. Obviously this is Madison, and I love lavender! It is the scent of my home :)
Here a 5 things I appreciate about my partner...
  1. He always shows up. Seems simple, but trust me...there are days when your body is screaming "NOOOO!!!" and your mind has to be strong enough to push ahead. I can count on him for that.
  2. He loves to compete, and we share a mutual comfort in the spotlight.
  3. He has a really good voice! So, hands down, if he wanted to ditch skating, he would be a famous musician. He doesn't usually sing in front of me, because he knows I am always ready to take a secret video.
  4. He doesn't complain about my size. I know, this sounds bad. But it isn't always easy to throw about a girl that is 5'8". Well, it is never easy. But he makes me feel really secure, and comfortable in my skin! That is really important in a visual sport like Ice Dance.
  5. He is spontaneous...which I appreciate sometimes, and hate other times. He keeps me on my toes, and is full of energy. When I am irritated, or tired, I don't always love that. But it is a good quality nonetheless.
Z: My turn now!
  1. Talent..I mean, who doesn't want a talented partner?! She is hard working as well, but her natural talent gets her pretty far!
  2. I love her dedication every day. She doesn't waver, she just goes forward towards what she wants.
  3. She is an incredibly passionate person, on and off the ice. Nothing she does is empty, everything comes from her heart.
  4. Her patience! I can be a handful, and she handles me better than most could!
  5. Her charisma is infectious. She doesn't let it out for everyone, but when she isn't holding it in, she is one of the most fun people I have ever met.

Q: If you guys could change any rule(s) to ice dance, what would it be?

M: Great question! Where to start?! In my dream world, there would be no rules! I know that it isn't possible, but grass is always greener on the other side! The older generations felt the sport needed structure, and justice, so they made rules. Now, with a large rulebook we have, I dream of complete freedom. I guess that is why we have show programs.
Seriously, though, the only room I really want gone is about Free Dance Music. We are required to make a medley of songs, with atleast one change in timing, rhythm, and expression! As if skating to one piece of music for 4 minutes would make it less dance, or more boring!
Also, we need an audible beat! This is tricky, since all music has a timing, but not always an audible consistent beat! It kills us to see people enhancing the instruments of music as timeless as Mozart!

Z: For me, the first rules I would want to see changed are about Dance Lifts. I believe that the rules, in an attempt to differentiate us from Pairs Skating, are too closed. We see too many lifts that look similar to one another, and we feel limited by the laundry list of Do's and Don'ts!


Q: Do you ever miss competing compulsory dances? (From when you were with other partners.) Or do you prefer creating short dances every year?

A: We both miss the compulsory dances, but also understand why they have begun to phase out. To create more interest for spectators, the Short Dance is WAYYYY more interesting! Or, at least we hope. I think it is smart that the young kids continue to compete compulsory dances until Junior, since they are great for learning basic techniques and fundamentals to partnering. But...let's compare! Midnight Blues for two turns of the ice rink, or Short Dance ending in "Turn down for What!" haha


Q: What are some unique challenges in ice dance that do not exist in the other disciplines?

M: Ufff!!! This is the question. Training with another person is hard! It is like marriage. Except, doing something physically demanding with the same person every day. For me, this is the challenge. It must be the same way in Pairs, so it isn't totally unique. But, imagine the aggression and excitement you get out of a really challenging workout, mixed with the anxiety before a big test! Now...go!
haha
For some reason I just imagine a potato sack 3 legged race. When you do well, you think your partner is the greatest. When you crash and burn, the initial reaction in your brain is to blame the other. Learning patience and respect is an ongoing challenge, and for me, the hardest part of ice dance.

Z: She said it well. That is the hardest thing for us. I think because we are an equally matched team in skating ability, the skating part is actually our easier component compared to mentality.


Q: Working in the ballroom industry I am curious how the stoning on the ice dancing costumes differs from Ballroom. Do you have to be careful how much goes on and where it goes on due to the handwork in routines? We have done one championship ice dancing costume since my employment here so I don't have much comparison!

M: Its madi, and after inhaling so much E600 rhinestone glue in my life, I deserve to answer this one. My mother makes my costumes, and her attention to detail really allows us to create anything we want. One costume this season has 12,000 Swarovskis, and she carefully glued them on with E6000 (Best glue out there) The other costume is hand beaded with lace appliques. She hand sewed each bead and sequin, individually knotting after each piece. This ensures that the beads don't rain down during lifts and other strenuous moves.


Q: How tough was the fall at Worlds last season when you were primed for a spot on the podium? How did you overcome the disappointment of that competition?

Z: Since it was my fall, I will take this one. Honestly, the fall was heartbreaking. I had never cried over skating, until that day. I overcame the fall by facing it head on. My coaches, family, partner all made me stay in reality. We don't pretend it didn't happen, but we don't wallow in it either. My coaches helped me a lot, sharing their experience of falling in the Olympic Games. I was lucky that it happened to me then, and not in 6 months in Pyeongchang. I guess I needed a wakeup call!

Q: No matter the fall you two are just great and I can't wait to see you at nationals! Your FD was sublime every time you skated it...even with the fall.

Z: Thank you. That means a lot!


Q: My son is five and just started skating, he loves watching you guys too. :) He wants to try dance when he's old enough! I'm so excited to finally see you skate live!! :) Your FD gave me chills every time!

M: I am excited. We need more boys in our sport. He is never to early to start dance lessons. He should do some off ice dance stuff...it will help a lot in the future.

Q: Have Nova and Jaxon & Duke [their dogs] met?When will you teach them how to skate?

M: Yes, they have met. Nova is a female, and doesn't seem to like the rowdy energy of Jaxon, and Duke. Maybe because Nova is part Husky, she only like playing with large dogs. She has been on the ice, but she is substantially better and pulling in the snow!


Q: If you were in singles skating which song would you probably pick for an Olympic freeskate? best of luck next season, can't wait to see you at your first Olympic games!

Z: Really cool question. If I could pick any music for my Olympic Free Skate, it would be Exogenesis:Symphony part III (Redemption). Not because of Ashley, but it doesn't hurt ;) She is a bada$$

M: For me, I have NO idea! I think I would choose something lyrical, and haunting. Send in The Clowns comes to mind...we skated a group number to that in Stars On Ice, and while I usually don't love Barbara Streisand, I really enjoyed skating to this piece.


Q: Zach, I love your dogs! Why did you choose puggles?

Z: haha funny question with an even funnier answer. I didn’t actually pick them, my girlfriend Olivia Smart did. What makes it funny is that her favorite breed is Daschund, and my favorite are French Bulldogs. So, we weren't looking at Puggles, but when we saw the two brothers for sale, we fell in love. We had to take them home.


Q: What ice dancing couples who came before you do you most admire?

M: I didn't actually grow up watching any ice dance. I began competing Ice Dance when I was about 9, and it wasn't until I was 19 and training with Pasquale and Anjelika that I started watching and appreciating previous teams. In fact, when I began training with them, I didn't know who they were. I was living under a rock or something. Now, I have watched many famous performances, and I have appreciation for most. I always loved Virtue/Moir, and it is great to train along side them. I also love Punsalan, Swallow...Torvill/Dean...my current coaches...and many others!


Q: What's your favorite performance of your program(s) so far in your career? Favorite program from another team/skater from last season? p.s. Madi excellent and insightful blog posts!

Z: Short Dance from this past Worlds was an exhilarating moment. Also, the previous season we had two great performances at the Worlds Championships.

M: Thanks for the compliment! Stay tuned. It has been a little while, but I plan to post another blog soon!


Q: Do you have nicknames for each other? And looking down the road, what are your career interests for when you eventually leave competitive skating behind? Do I recall correctly that Zach wants to be a (skating) choreographer?

M: Unfortunately, yes he calls me nicknames. Nothing good! Example : Hubbellator :( Is that supposed to be a compliment? Am I indestructible like the terminator, or do I look like a huge body builder?

Z: Yes, it is supposed to be endearing!
After skating I would like to be an Olympic level choreographer, working alongside my skating school. I also want to open a fitness center for elite athletes...so basically, I am gonna be busy and I need to a lot of money!

M: Ok, first, I want to be a mom! I am not sure why, because it seems like the hardest job ever, but I can't resist the face of a cute little baby! I am also in the process of starting a clothing brand with my mother. It is a project that will continue to gain momentum through the year, so stay tuned for more news!


Q: To Madi, when does costume prep usually start and how do you come up with style ideas? P.S. I love your blog!

M: YAYYY!!! My Favorite username also loves my blog!
Sorry for not posting one in the past few weeks, I promise it is coming!
Costume prep begins as soon as we select our programs. This year I began searching for inspiration and fabric in May. My mom drove 12 hours for the initial fitting in July, and then again last weekend to drop off the finished garments. :) I hope you like them.
The inspiration for the style varies year to year...sometimes it is a recreation of a dress we have seen, and sometimes it is a truly unique design.


Q: What made you guys get into ice dancing in the first place instead of competing in ice skating?

M: Ice skating is the term that defines all disciplines, but I actually began skating in freestyle. After a few years of skating alone, I began dreaming of doing pairs. My coaches and mother had to break it to me...if you are 5'6'' at 11, pairs isn't in your future. Eventually I tried Ice Dance, and I fell in love. I love to skate with a partner, and I love the artistry of Ice Dance.

Q: I saw you live at TDF 2016 and GPF 2016, you're even better live. Does Madi's mother continue to design and create your costumes for this season? Apart from trying to highlight your movements on the ice, what are the most important things to consider in the creation of your costumes?

M: I am glad you were pleasantly surprised with our performances live. It is always a shame when people say, "You looked prettier on tv" haha
What am I supposed to say to that?!
Yes, my mother still makes my costumes, and I feel very lucky. For me, the first priority is how you look. I mean, how does your body look. Are you showing all of your best assets, and hiding those flattering angles. It is kind of the Little Black Dress theory...simple is best. Secondly, we try to make the story of the program come together with our costumes. We want to add a layer of understanding with our garments. Lastly, it needs to be safe and functional. We don't want any Janet Jackson boob flashes, or costume deductions!
This season, my short dance dress is quite simple compared to many latin designs. I wanted something womanly, sophisticated, and very glamorous!
Free Dance is more based on the story, and the style we wanted to create. Do you know the show suits? We wanted to look dressed up... after all, we dont want to be on the Olympic podium looking like bums!


Q: Should Snowman Building be a official event at the next Olympics?

A: as Frozen's "Do you want to Build a Snowman" plays in the background, both loudly shout YESSS!!!!


Q: How did you continue your on-ice partnership after ending your off-ice relationship?

A: Well, here is the thing! I think that the same reason it is hard to date an elite athlete, is the same reason that it was possible for us to transition from dating to friends. Elite athletes have one top priority, and that is their sport. We were fully committed to each other on the ice, and the relationship off the ice had to support that first and foremost. We found it better for us to focus on our careers, and take some space from each other off the ice. It proved very difficult to spend 24/7 with one person, in such an intense training environment.
We consider skating to be a good test...if you can train and date successfully, life and marriage will be a piece of cake!


Q: What do you think about synchro? As a synchro skater myself, I would love to see it at the Olympics. Although I have competed at a national level in Canada, there really isn't much hype surrounding the sport, which is a shame. Do you have any experience with it?

M: First, congrats to you for your career in Synchro! I trained in Ann Arbor for many years, while the Hockettes were very competitive. I guess that the logistics of bringing in SOOOO many athletes for one event is too challenging for many venues! It is unfortunate that it is hard to get the credit you all deserve. After all, I find it hard to match my one partner, let alone another 20!


Q: Zach, are you in any way related to the guy on the right? Asking for a friend.

Z: "He is my second cousin, once removed on his mother's side. And my third cousin twice removed on his father's side, if you follow me." ;)


Q: Besides the competition events themselves what is your favorite thing about competing in the Olympics?

A: First, answer us this! What is the kitten conspiracy? [askers username]
Second, we have never been to the games before. We are anticipating that meeting all of the other athletes from different sports and different countries will be a highlight. Skating is a small world, and it will be fun to explore the dynamic of being thrown in a village with people from all different events.


Q: I was wondering what (each of your) favourite and least favourite things about training with a few of your biggest rivals is?

M: The only thing I don't like about training with the best teams in the world...They always look so damn good! We can't have just one day of peace, you know? They are always there, training, and taunting us with their talent. The little voice in our heads saying "You better get going!"

Z: I agree with Madi. Everything else about training with these teams is great. And I guess that what she said can also be seen as good too...good for motivation!


Q: What are you looking forward to most about going to Pyeongchang, South Korea?

M: I am not sure anymore! Of course, my excitement to go to the Olympics is separate from my excitement to go to Pyeongchang. We had the pleasure of going last February, and we were surprised by the good weather and beautiful beach near the Coastal Cluster where we will compete. I was looking forward to the food, particular Korean BBQ. Unfortunately, I had to go ahead and watch "What the Health" on Netflix, and I m vegan now! SOOOO...better for my health, but it takes Korean BBQ off the table!


Q: How different is it for you to choose a FD music and an EX music? (P.S: I watched videos of your "Stand By Me" at SOI 2017 and I hope we'll get to see this EX again)

A: We like this subject. So, with the rules of Ice Dance, the pool of music that we want to skate to is cut in half. We need to compete with music that has an audible beat, changes of character, and changes in timing! Some pieces just don't fit into the rules, and it is those pieces that don't fit the competitive rules that we make into our show programs. We are glad you enjoyed our "Stand By Me" program, which was Zach’s suggestion. I am not sure, however, which program we will do for exhibition this season. We get bored easily, and love to switch things up!


Q: What the hell is ice dancing?

A: Great question...I find myself thinking the same thing sometimes! I would suggest going online and searching for some videos. If you wanted to see us in particular, search for Hubbell and Donohue. We basically are a team of one man, one woman, dancing on the ice. We have technical elements that are integrated into 3-4 minutes of performance. Most people like it...I hope you will join the fanbase of our sport!


Q: Pineapple on pizza or no?

A: It is unanimous! We both say, Why the hell not?!?! We love all food!


Hey guys! We have to run back to the ice! Thank you so much for your questions, it was great to chat with you all! We will be logging on throughout the week to get to any questions we missed, so feel free to keep posting!

If you didn't get enough, and want to check out some more info, read my blogs at www.hubbell-donohue.com


Q: Have You seen Yuri on ice?

M: Answering a few more questions before I go to bed. Yes I have. Last year when we all had a good laugh with Tessa and Scott, because they actually made a video with all of their choreography! It is impressive the amount of work that goes into creating those animations!


Q: Can you perform the iron lotus? If so did Chaz Michael Michaels teach you?

M: Yes, of course we can! It is simply against the competition rules, so we don’t do it!
 
Love the twizzle to the music at the end of the SS! Also the spin movement right at the end.
Remember D/Vanagas skating to this!
Can't see the dress close up but it doesn't look very latiny :) Looking great H/D.
 
nuge said:
Love the twizzle to the music at the end of the SS! Also the spin movement right at the end.
Remember D/Vanagas skating to this!
Can't see the dress close up but it doesn't look very latiny :) Looking great H/D.
Click to expand...

I like the dress. It's not "in your face" with the sexiness, like most ice dance latin dresses are. It's more about the wearer being sexy, rather than the dress itself.
 
sap5 said:
I like the dress. It's not "in your face" with the sexiness, like most ice dance latin dresses are. It's more about the wearer being sexy, rather than the dress itself.
Click to expand...

I have a feeling I'm going to like the aesthetics from the Montreal teams because I bet they're going to go for a more "real world" Latin look rather than the flashier ballroom ones.
 
I totally understood what Madison was doing with her blog post. I'm happy she feels that sense of responsibility towards the fans and other skaters.
 
VIETgrlTerifa said:
I totally understood what Madison was doing with her blog post. I'm happy she feels that sense of responsibility towards the fans and other skaters.
Click to expand...

+1. Phil Hersh is such a tool. Was he ever an athlete? He writes like he has no understanding of the athletic mindset. What's odd about feeling nervous about the first competition in an Olympic season? What does past success have to do with it? If anything, expectations would make one even more nervous. WTF, Phil?
 
I thought that was an odd article when I read it this morning. Madison has been sharing how she feels in her blog- why would it suddenly be strange to share that particular emotion (that she's nervous)? He finds a way to nitpick things and make them bigger than what's necessary.
 
LOVE that SD; it's so fresh, and I think they're going to stand out really well with this program. I also really like Madison's dress-if anything, I'm not totally in love with the skirt, but that's me being nitpicky. It's a flattering cut on her though, IMO, and the color is perfect as well. I cannot wait to see this program grow throughout the season!
 
I'm not really loving it. Like I said in the K&C thread, slowing down the first song to fit the pattern makes them look like they skating in molasses or something.
 
I liked the preview a lot, but I'm not sure if I like the program as a whole. There are great moments throughout, such as the way their twizzle section at the end of the No-touch midline step went with the music and how they exited out of their actual twizzles to the beat. I just felt there was a big tonal dissonance between the pieces and the middle section felt a lot less Latin and more of the same soft-flowy style that they've adopted since moving to Montreal. There was really pretty moments though in that section and it's very early so I know they'll keep improving on it and their performance to make it really sing later on.
 
Just watched it the SD. Very promising start! I'm trying to understand the low levels on the twizzles and the partial step sequence, but I love the way they're approaching the music and choreography.

The dress is pretty, but it doesn't have any latin flavor. It actually seems more appropriate for a disco program. So I strongly think they need a design that displays a more assertive, latin, visual cue. It's tricky to portray, both, the fun/celebration feel of the samba and the sensuality/elegance of the rhumba in one dress, but I think they can find a way :)
 
semogal said:
I am very happy with this early version of the program. Because you know this won't be the final one. Lots of room to tweek and grow and improve. It is really going to be something by Nationals.
Click to expand...
I agree. There are certain things that need some tweaking and I'm sure it will, as the season progresses. I'm not the biggest fan of the end pose. The dress could be better. Love the length and the side slit, but not so fond of the style and the color. For this SD, I think a halter neck dress would be perfect for Madi. A classy program needs a classy dress.
 
I agree that the program is not quite perfect yet, but this is a really good starting place for them for the season. They looked really prepared yesterday.

I'll be at a wedding during the FD, so best of luck to them!! I'll try to check in for the results. :)
 
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