Paul and Islam: "No Matter What"

Emdee said:
Good to see Nam and Roman skate. Have seen others there from time to time. I hope Gabby Daleman skates as well.
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Same! I'm hoping the entry list for the senior events get's more substantial (althhough I would make the trip for Nam and Roman alone).


As for the Autumn Classic, I'm selfishly hoping that the fact that it's in their home town lures P/I to the event, since I live close enough to Barrie to make the trip. :D I would love to see them there, especially if they opt out of Thornhill.

I'm excited to see the GP entries come out tomorrow. I know that P/I said they were hoping for Skate Canada and NHK (in their Two for the Ice interview). I hope they get Skate Canada as well. It always seems to be a good competition for our teams to get momentum early in the season, and it's been a particularly good event for P/I in the past. Regardless of where they get assigned, though, I'm SO happy that they're guaranteed two events!

Also, this is cute :lol::
http://instagram.com/p/ptqwwRJFKh/?modal=true
 
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IIRC, last year Thornhill only had P/I and Ralph/Hill competing (and I think R/H only did the SD) in senior ice dance, so perhaps they've decided the event isn't worth it for them this season. (As it is, there are no senior ice dance teams listed.) The new Autumn Classic will no doubt be a better fit for where they are in their careers, with more competition rather than almost a... judged exhibition. Not to mention, they'll have had a later start to their off-season than last year, and could probably use the extra time to prepare.

I'm so thrilled for them that they'll have two GP assignments again this year. Hopefully Skate Canada, though I suspect that SC will be for sure wanting W/P and might then not be as concerned with either P/I or G/P, who will be guaranteed two spots regardless. I'm also thinking SC might want Orford/Williams or Edwards/Pang, given that they would be 'at home' for the event.
 
Or they may also opt for an earlier and established Senior B like Nebelhorn again, depending on Grand Prix assignments. The possible trouble with the Autumn Classic is that it just comes so late compared even with Finlandia's old schedule (though that's pushed back now, too), which would make it a little less useful for feedback if there are only a couple of weeks before the next event.

They had a longer than usual season, of course, so they may just have decided that summer is simply too early to debut their work, especially after ending last season with such a strong impression.
 
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Grand prix assignments are up. P/I got Cup of China and TEB. A bit dissapointed about them not getting Skate Canada, but they've already been their twice, so it makes sense for SC to share the wealth. So psyched for TEB though. They'll go head to head agaiinst G/P there!
 
Not so much longer now until the fun begins :), although I hate seeing an end to summer. I expect them to move up the ranks, and hope they have their "bad luck" years behind them.
 
clarie said:
Not so much longer now until the fun begins :), although I hate seeing an end to summer. I expect them to move up the ranks, and hope they have their "bad luck" years behind them.
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Well, if the past season was any indication, it looks as though they're on an upward swing. :D

Just to let everyone know, the final entry lists for the Thornhill Summer Skate have been posted, and P/I are not registered to compete. Not surprising, but still a bit dissapointing (for me at least, since I'll be attending the event). Here's hoping they choose to compete in a Sr. B event so that we don't have to wait until November to see their programs!
 
Apparently they're speaking to schoolkids today by Skype, based on something Mitch retweeted. :)

Each day I find myself hoping this will be the day they announce that free dance music...one of these days it will be, right?
 
lavenderblue said:
Apparently they're speaking to schoolkids today by Skype, based on something Mitch retweeted. :)

Each day I find myself hoping this will be the day they announce that free dance music...one of these days it will be, right?
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That's so sweet! :)

Here's hoping we get that music announcement soon. I'm getting so restless (for Weaver/Poje also, who have thusfar remained silent). I'm hoping their mix the Paso Doble with Flamenco rhythms for the SD, and go for something Jazzy/Bluesy for the FD, but I'm sure I'll enjoy anything they choose to bring to the table. What do the rest of you want to see them do?
 
Maybe P/I will be at Skate Detroit? Or maybe they do not want such an early match up with Paul and Piper?
 
I think it's most likely they're following the lead now of most of the more established teams around them -- they had a long season and probably want to refine their programs as much as possible and go for an international as their unveiling rather than a summer event.

I bet they will go for a flamenco in their SD, but as for the FD, I'm of course with you, skatingfan, on the jazzy/bluesy hopes. If we don't get that this year, then I would like modern. Definitely want them to go for a style that's new for them, but still showcasing their strengths -- and I'd love to see them show the difficulty level in one of those styles that a strong team can present.

(Also, awww.)
 
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lavenderblue said:
I bet they will go for a flamenco in their SD, but as for the FD, I'm of course with you, skatingfan, on the jazzy/bluesy hopes. If we don't get that this year, then I would like modern. Definitely want them to go for a style that's new for them, but still showcasing their strengths -- and I'd love to see them show the difficulty level in one of those styles that a strong team can present.
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Out of curiosity, what do you consider to be modern? I have quite a bit of dance training (nothing super professional, but jazz, ballet, contemporary and some Latin ballroom), and where I was trained 'modern' is what we call 'contemporary,' which is like a stylized version of classical ballet with jazz and other styles mixed in, usually danced on bare feet. When I think of ice dance programs with 'contemporary' movement, two come to mind from recent years: Virtue & Moir's 'Carmen', and Weaver & Poje's 'Humanity in Motion'. I suppose some of the movement from Gilles & Poirier's 'Hitchcock' would fit the bill as well. Is that what you were thinking of? If so, I LOVE it! With Alex's balletic style, Mitch's much improved arms and elegant carriage, and their general ability to pull of amazing lifts effortlessly, I think they would be absolutely fabulous at that type of program (and manage to make it classy instead of weird or trashy like some teams).
 
As far as recent ice dance is concerned, I'm mostly thinking in the vein of V/M's work with Jennifer Swan -- and as much as I adored Carmen, I really regret that Pink Floyd never got to blossom, and honestly I think P/I could handle that program (and probably a little harder, since it was simplified for Tessa's injury). That one was, I think, movement-wise based more on contemporary ballet with its traditional modern dance background (links go to how I'm thinking of the styles) than some of last year's popular voidy programs.

I'd be fascinated to see another kind of abstract program, but as executed with stronger skating skills and more multidirectional movement and closer skating than those programs last year demonstrated, along with the grace both partners could bring to the piece.
 
lavenderblue said:
As far as recent ice dance is concerned, I'm mostly thinking in the vein of V/M's work with Jennifer Swan -- and as much as I adored Carmen, I really regret that Pink Floyd never got to blossom, and honestly I think P/I could handle that program (and probably a little harder, since it was simplified for Tessa's injury). That one was, I think, movement-wise based more on contemporary ballet with its traditional modern dance background (links go to how I'm thinking of the styles) than some of last year's popular voidy programs.

I'd be fascinated to see another kind of abstract program, but as executed with stronger skating skills and more multidirectional movement and closer skating than those programs last year demonstrated, along with the grace both partners could bring to the piece.
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For some reason, I didn't even think of V/M's Pink Floyd (which is sad, since it was a superb piece of work), but I would have listed that one as well had it come to mind. We're thinking along the same wavelength, as per usual :). I agree re. P/I being able to handle Pink Floyd. In fact, I think they're at least that strong technically at this point, if not stronger. I too would prefer 'modern' programs more if they maintained a bit more of a traditional feel in terms of dance holds as you mentioned (I think V/M's Carmen was a masterpiece, but would have loved it even more if they had spent a tad more time in traditional closed holds). I think P/I would be one of the few teams capable of that at this point (blending modern dance movements with more complex traditional dance holds), simply because they have the physical ability to be balletic and graceful combined with the technical skill required to complete complex holds and changes of hold without making them look choppy. I would love to see them try that type of program as well, but not quite yet. While I think they're more than capable physically, performace wise I believe another season of growth would be needed to have a program like that truly reach it's full potential. They're almost there, but not quite. That's why I'd prefer the blues/jazz this time around, as a tool for artistic growth, and then a more modern, avante-garde program later on.

In the interest of making a suggestion that completely off in left field, what do you think of Bollywood as a potential FD style? I know that Bollywood is tricky on ice because the style relies on quite a bit of movement that remains stationary when performed on the floor, but I am by no means educated on the style, so I'd love to learn more. I know that Davis/White did it quire successfully in 2010, but I wonder if that style could truly be maintained for a full 4 minute program. If it were somehow possible, I'd love to see P/I try that. I know that a lot of the movements involve intricate, quick changes in hand and feet positions, but P/I are quite brilliant when it comes to having polish and attention to detail in their hands and free legs, so I could see it working for them. Performace wise, Bollywood is usually quite playful, something that P/I are also good at (from what I've seen). It would definately create an opportunity for the use of some unique, stylized lifts. Realistically, it would probably work better as a gala program though. Still, I'd love to see it!
 
skatingfan04 said:
In the interest of making a suggestion that completely off in left field, what do you think of Bollywood as a potential FD style? I know that Bollywood is tricky on ice because the style relies on quite a bit of movement that remains stationary when performed on the floor, but I am by no means educated on the style, so I'd love to learn more. I know that Davis/White did it quire successfully in 2010, but I wonder if that style could truly be maintained for a full 4 minute program. If it were somehow possible, I'd love to see P/I try that. I know that a lot of the movements involve intricate, quick changes in hand and feet positions, but P/I are quite brilliant when it comes to having polish and attention to detail in their hands and free legs, so I could see it working for them. Performace wise, Bollywood is usually quite playful, something that P/I are also good at (from what I've seen). It would definately create an opportunity for the use of some unique, stylized lifts. Realistically, it would probably work better as a gala program though. Still, I'd love to see it!
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I know that you were not asking me, but that would be interesting. The American out of juniors team Aldridge/Eaton (coached by Krylova and Camerlengo too, by the way) did that last season, though - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQyNVIYaX90 . That's also an answer to your question whether a 4 minute Bollywood style program can be done. Paul/Islam certainly have better lines and technique, but I wonder if it would be a good idea to repeat such a distinct style that a slightly lesser team coached by the same coaches did just the previous season.
 
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lauravvv said:
I know that you were not asking me, but that would be interesting. The American out of juniors team Aldridge/Eaton (coached by Krylova and Camerlengo too, by the way) did that last season, though - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQyNVIYaX90 . That's also an answer to your question whether a 4 minute Bollywood style program can be done. Paul/Islam certainly have better lines and technique, but I wonder if it would be a good idea to repeat such a distinct style that a slightly lesser team coached by the same coaches did just the previous season.
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Thanks for the reply!:D I meant to pose the idea to the entire forum, actually!

I hadn't thought of Aldridge/Eaton. I just gave the program a watch, and I have to say, I liked it. The theme was really nicely maintained throughout all of the elements (I especially liked how they kept it going with their hands while in hold), and they managed not to stay static for too long. My only criticism here is that the hand movements were getting sloppy as the program went on, and they looked a bit stiff at times, but A/E are of course a younger team with less experience as seniors (they look like a lovely team, BTW. Thanks for directing me to them). As you said, I doubt P/I would have either problem if they were to do it. I guess it is a doable style for the FD. It could be a cool idea for P/I in the future (you have a point about it perhaps not being the best idea for them to do right away after A/E)!
 
Well, if we're going to be accurate, P/I have already done Bollywood. ;)

Thinking back to this season, if they did go for blues, what sort of music would you want? Because this is one genre where there are really a few very different style directions a couple could go simply starting with music.
 
Skate Canada announced the entries for the Nebelhorn Trophy, and P/I are not listed as competitors (Weaver/Poje are).

I'm assuming that this means they'll likely skate the Autumn Classic or the US Classic. I doubt they'd skip pre-season competition altogether, and I believe SC is only sending skaters to those three events. My guess would be the Autumn Classic. It's close to home, and while its a late event, P/I's grand prix season doesn't start until CoC, so it will still be early enough for them to make changes.
 
Loved their ALS challenge. One of the best ones I've seen for keeping the focus on the disease. And cute, obviously!

Man, this is turning out to be an incredibly long off season! It's the middle of August, and still no FD news, still no Senior B assignment confirmation... feels like we're in a time warp. I was so disappointed they didn't go to Thornhill, I was going to try to go this year to see them. But they know what's best for them, of course. They really have the opportunity to make a statement this season, so hopefully the extra time will pay off and result in some very special programs :)

In the meantime, I have something to share - video of their new gala from the Margaret Garrison Show! My apologies for not getting around to posting it sooner. Still cannot get over how exquisite this program is :love:
http://www.mediafire.com/watch/25cb...Wanna_Be_Loved_By_You_-_COS_Ice_Show_2014.mp4
 
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