I usually don't watch juniors until they hit the JGP (unless they're doing a Leonova tribute program or skating to Candyman
), so here are some quick first impressions.
Valieva didn't do anything for me at all. 2 seconds in I can tell she's an Eteri skater, which is great, but I found it hyper-rushed, a little nervy, and not relating to the music. Ridiculous speed and transitions.
Maya Khromykh, which google translated as Crystal Maya,
was so much more my style. Lovely, held spread eagle into the 2A and again a held spiral into the 3Lo. Lacking transitions compared to Valieva, but this just seemed so much more mature and organic, if not a little detached.
I love Tarakanova, but girl, this is going to be your third year on the JGP, give us some face! How can you skate to this with absolutely no facial expression whatsoever? Seriously, a plastered-on smile would be an improvement. I like the program quite a bit, it highlights her power, but she needs to perform, just a little bit. She also gets major points for the only fast-paced music selection.
Kanysheva.
Stunning program. It looks like she's grown, and I feel like the ice coverage and speed is significantly improved from last year. This program is a perfect vehicle for her. I've already watched it twice.
Sinitsyna. Major points for wearing a graphic tee. Good save on the lutz. There was some interesting choreography at points, but halfway through I found myself looking for Tsareva in the stands...
Usacheva. I liked her, even though this program screams Danny G. I'd probably score her highest overall, but I didn't enjoy the program as much as I liked Kanysheva, Tarakanova, or Crystal Maya.
I am disappointed in the music selections, this was waaaay too ballad-heavy, even for junior ladies. Hopefully we'll mix it up a little bit for the long programs.
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though, but what did we expect from a Volchkova skater?)
Presumably all the ones assigned to France/USA and the sub list.
