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Zagorski/Guerreiro - Interview. Sport-Express. March 2019.
https://www.sport-express.ru/figure...ffani-zagorski-i-dzhonatana-gurreyro-1529327/
“Tuktamysheva is not the first one to strip on the ice. Pluschenko also had a revealing programme”.
Q: In dance Papadakis/Cizerone won the Worlds again with a large advantage. Yet many think that year to year they do pretty much the same type of programmes, their choreography is very similar and it is becoming boring. What is your view on this.
Tiff: They have their own style, they found it and use it.
Jon: It’s a trick question, but I think the French are genius, and this style is what makes them this. They are the founders, and within it they prefect themselves. Maybe of course, it is boring to some, but judges like it and reward them with high scores time after time. While I do not deny that in certain aspects their programmes are similar, but let me repeat, that it works. Although, during the Olympics, let’s say, I was cheering for Virtue/Moir, I always liked them.
Q: In principle, should dancers sometimes make radical changes in their style and to experiment? For example, like Domnina/Shabalin did in Vancouver 2010 with their “Aboriginal Dance”.
Tiff: I would for sure not be able to put on this dress. But there is an unwritten rule, that the year following the Olympics all try to experiment and to try something new, but closer to the next Olympics move towards more acceptable and conservative programmes.
Jon: In regards to Domnina/Shabalin, I happened to work with their coach, Natalia Linchuck, and she told me about this programme. It had no intend to shock, a lot of it was designed to hide Maxim’s (knee) injury, and this costume was hiding the knee padding, plus the certain moves. About me and Tiffany, this season we also tried to depart from our comfort zone, went to work on our programme with Christopher Dean, to try something new. That was a risk, we never did anything so complex, but in the end it took us to the Grand Prix Final.
Q: Experiments do not always end well, the mentioned Domnina/Shabalin were nearly accused of racism. During this season a lot of discussions were about Elizaveta Tuktamysheva’s exhibition number, and opinions differed.
Jon: Why not leave Liza alone (laughing). I don’t understand why everybody is so alarmed. She is not the first one to undress on the ice.
Tiff: Yes, remember, Pluschenko had that number (sex bomb). That personally does not shock me. Liza is a good looking woman, with a fine figure.
Jon: So let them talk, it’s good. The important part, is that it did not affect Liza. She did it and she’s satisfied. We all have a choice, don’t like - don’t look. There are revealing fotos of women in bathing suites in magazines. In theatres there are also some complex subjects.
Q: This season our world of figure skating had a lot of fights and criticism (negativity). Did you receive any of it (was anything written to you)?
Jon: It might start after this interview (smiles).
Tiff: I am active on social media, and do read the comments people leave. (I read them) even if they are not very positive, because we skate for our fans, and it is important to know what they think.
Jon: There will always be haters. That’s what the coaches told me, and this is what I know tell the kids when I teach master-classes: “don’t read forums”.
Q: During this WC there were several incidents during warm-ups/practices, where skaters collided with each other. Why is it – not paying attention, loss of concentration?
Tiff: I think it is simply an accident (random occurrence). The same happens during training.
There are rules for the selection process (to the team) and everyone knows them.
Q: Before the Worlds there were many arguments regarding the members of the team, especially in Ladies. What do you think, was it fair to create some kind of additional selection process, to take the decision to the Coaches Council, or for example, everything should be decided at Nationals?
Jon: There are rules, they are writing, everyone knows them. Two weeks before the Russian Nationals we skated in the Grand Prix Finals, where even with few top teams’ absences, the level was high. And then we did not skate that well in Saransk, came in 7th. We also hopped in the bottom of our hearts that by chance we’ll be included on the Europeans team. After all we performed well during first part of the season, but at the same time we knew – there are criteria and we did not meet them. We accepted and moved on.
Liza Tuktamysheva is a strong girl, she had plenty of everything in her career. Yes, we have good relationship with her, and it was a bit painful on her behalf, but are certain, that next season she has all the chances to do well.
Q: At the Russian Nationals you had an unpleasant episode – Jon’s shoe-lace broke in the free skate.
Tiff: Yes, we later discussed it between ourselves and understood, that all that could happen and go wrong, all that happened in specifically in Saransk. And we took the time and tried to examine why exactly it happened, for future considerations. Glad that we were able to skate successfully at the Cup of Russia Final and to end the season on a high note.
Q: Yet you had an option of stopping (in FS) and to fix the lace (your ammunition). Why did you not do it?
Jon: For many reasons. We knew this rule, but the lace came loose during an element, we finished it, and had to step into the next one, then finished that one, I could still skate, the lace was still together. And then I thought, we lost so many points already, if we stop, we lose 5 more. Only after the skate I realized that in such cases it’s best to stop immediately, as soon as something happens.
Q: You skated at the Olympics in Korea. What impressions are the strongest – a feeling of festivity, or of negativity because of the (doping issues) situation with the Russian Team?
Tiff: Of course, it felt strange to have to cover all the symbols, especially when you’re surrounded by fans with Russian flags. But at the Olympic village everything was great.
Jon: When Tiff and I became a pair, we had several options what country to represent. We chose the difficult road and to skate for Russia, and of course had hopes of Olympics. It was a little bit disappointing, that it turned out this way, no flag, no hymn, but when we arrived to Korea, we felt that it was a big celebration. Too bad we only came for 3 days, we skated and then left, but it would be nice to stay longer.
Q: There is an opinion, that many are watching ice dance, but very few understand what is happening. Maybe you have an idea how to make what is happening on the ice more understandable to the viewers.
Jon: You know, a lot of thought is given to this issue in the Tech Committee at the ISU. Although during the 6.0 system it was even more difficult. Perhaps some small brochures with just few pages can be handed to the audience, what to expect, what to watch for. Or to show a short instructional video during ice resurfacing.
When choosing a partner, you look at appearance first.
Q: Skaters often say that they concentrate mostly on themselves and do not watch their competitors or something like that. It is hard to believe, especially when others start making mistakes.
Jon: You know, it is all a little lie. One way or another we all watch each other. Even if we are skating last and warming up in the back room, usually there is a television there showing the event, and you do cast an eye on the screen. Or if someone comes into the dressing room and says “something just happened out on the ice”. You can’t physically hide from it. But watching others can be distracting for sure.
Q: It is always interesting how in dance one selects a partner, and how such partnership is formed. What does it look like from the inside?
Tiff: There is a special website, where one can post one’s resume and video. But it is mostly for young, junior skaters, for the beginners.
Jon: On the higher level, it is done through conversations and coaches – word of mouth, phone calls, etc.
Q: What characteristics one looks at first?
Jon: Anthropometric features. Height, weight, age, physical appearance. Level of determination, willingness to relocate, or something in that area. Skating abilities/level can always be worked on.
Strange when one partner pays for all of the expenses of the other.
Q: Elizaveta Khudaiberdieva, a Junior Worlds medalist, told that there is a shortage of men in dance, and that many girls are ready to invite a partner from another country and to fully pay for his living expenses, as long as he skates (with her).
Tiff: Figure skating is a very expensive sport. It’s good that in Russia, once you’re on the team, you receive help. But when I skated in England or in France, I had to pay for everything myself.
Jon: (finding and paying for a partner) is popular in America. Over there the girls do invite boys from different countries, and their parents provide for all, as long as their darling daughter can skate.
Q: (to Jon) Did you have such offers?
Jon: Just once. But I wanted to compete for real, and declined. Yes, it is strange when one partner pays for the other. Especially when it is a young lady (a girl).
Q: But even Khudaiberdieva said, that as of today her skating already cost 9 million rubles. And she is only 16, and still skating in Juniors. Is return on such investment realistic?
Jon: Each one has different goals, different abilities and different demands, therefore it is strange to estimate specific expenses. I think Khudaiberdieva lived a very expensive childhood.
We are open to all, but don’t give our competitors wet kisses.
Q: At the Universade a girl from UAE, Zakhara Lari, made a big splash when she skated in hijab. Do you think they will ever had ice dance teams over there?
Jon: By the way, I know her coach, Alexandra Ievleva, we skated together in Moscow. Will they have dance? Why not, let our sport expand. Then we’ll have competition in Dubai, and get to travel there (smiles).
Q: In other sports wealthy Arab countries actively handing out citizen-ships and passports. Is it possible in Figure Skating?
Jon: Tiff and I had a reverse situation, we could skate for a bunch of countries, we had invitations, but we chose to skate for Russia and not regretting it.
Tiff: I understand those athletes from countries where internal competition is high and it is difficult to make it to big events. In their situations to switch is a right decision.
Q: During mid season the important theme – new programmes. But how does one chooses a choreographer, what is it depends on?
Jon: Each team evaluates the resources. The Federation also does not have limitless resources and often we endure certain expenses ourselves. But we always had plans to work with Christopher Dean, and were happy that we had some help. We will also work with him on a new programme this year.
Q: Your fluent English helps your work?
Jon: Yes, it is a nice advantage when working with English speaking specialists. Same as our ability to speak Russian. The most important part is that we can communicate with many other skaters at tournaments. It makes life easier.
Q: By the way, how are your relationships with your competitors?
Jon: We’re open to all. Naturally, when before we step on the ice, nobody is giving each other wet kisses, and everyone respects each other’s space.
Tiff: As they say, there are no friends on the ice. But off the ice we’re ready to communicate with everybody.
https://www.sport-express.ru/figure...ffani-zagorski-i-dzhonatana-gurreyro-1529327/
“Tuktamysheva is not the first one to strip on the ice. Pluschenko also had a revealing programme”.
Q: In dance Papadakis/Cizerone won the Worlds again with a large advantage. Yet many think that year to year they do pretty much the same type of programmes, their choreography is very similar and it is becoming boring. What is your view on this.
Tiff: They have their own style, they found it and use it.
Jon: It’s a trick question, but I think the French are genius, and this style is what makes them this. They are the founders, and within it they prefect themselves. Maybe of course, it is boring to some, but judges like it and reward them with high scores time after time. While I do not deny that in certain aspects their programmes are similar, but let me repeat, that it works. Although, during the Olympics, let’s say, I was cheering for Virtue/Moir, I always liked them.
Q: In principle, should dancers sometimes make radical changes in their style and to experiment? For example, like Domnina/Shabalin did in Vancouver 2010 with their “Aboriginal Dance”.
Tiff: I would for sure not be able to put on this dress. But there is an unwritten rule, that the year following the Olympics all try to experiment and to try something new, but closer to the next Olympics move towards more acceptable and conservative programmes.
Jon: In regards to Domnina/Shabalin, I happened to work with their coach, Natalia Linchuck, and she told me about this programme. It had no intend to shock, a lot of it was designed to hide Maxim’s (knee) injury, and this costume was hiding the knee padding, plus the certain moves. About me and Tiffany, this season we also tried to depart from our comfort zone, went to work on our programme with Christopher Dean, to try something new. That was a risk, we never did anything so complex, but in the end it took us to the Grand Prix Final.
Q: Experiments do not always end well, the mentioned Domnina/Shabalin were nearly accused of racism. During this season a lot of discussions were about Elizaveta Tuktamysheva’s exhibition number, and opinions differed.
Jon: Why not leave Liza alone (laughing). I don’t understand why everybody is so alarmed. She is not the first one to undress on the ice.
Tiff: Yes, remember, Pluschenko had that number (sex bomb). That personally does not shock me. Liza is a good looking woman, with a fine figure.
Jon: So let them talk, it’s good. The important part, is that it did not affect Liza. She did it and she’s satisfied. We all have a choice, don’t like - don’t look. There are revealing fotos of women in bathing suites in magazines. In theatres there are also some complex subjects.
Q: This season our world of figure skating had a lot of fights and criticism (negativity). Did you receive any of it (was anything written to you)?
Jon: It might start after this interview (smiles).
Tiff: I am active on social media, and do read the comments people leave. (I read them) even if they are not very positive, because we skate for our fans, and it is important to know what they think.
Jon: There will always be haters. That’s what the coaches told me, and this is what I know tell the kids when I teach master-classes: “don’t read forums”.
Q: During this WC there were several incidents during warm-ups/practices, where skaters collided with each other. Why is it – not paying attention, loss of concentration?
Tiff: I think it is simply an accident (random occurrence). The same happens during training.
There are rules for the selection process (to the team) and everyone knows them.
Q: Before the Worlds there were many arguments regarding the members of the team, especially in Ladies. What do you think, was it fair to create some kind of additional selection process, to take the decision to the Coaches Council, or for example, everything should be decided at Nationals?
Jon: There are rules, they are writing, everyone knows them. Two weeks before the Russian Nationals we skated in the Grand Prix Finals, where even with few top teams’ absences, the level was high. And then we did not skate that well in Saransk, came in 7th. We also hopped in the bottom of our hearts that by chance we’ll be included on the Europeans team. After all we performed well during first part of the season, but at the same time we knew – there are criteria and we did not meet them. We accepted and moved on.
Liza Tuktamysheva is a strong girl, she had plenty of everything in her career. Yes, we have good relationship with her, and it was a bit painful on her behalf, but are certain, that next season she has all the chances to do well.
Q: At the Russian Nationals you had an unpleasant episode – Jon’s shoe-lace broke in the free skate.
Tiff: Yes, we later discussed it between ourselves and understood, that all that could happen and go wrong, all that happened in specifically in Saransk. And we took the time and tried to examine why exactly it happened, for future considerations. Glad that we were able to skate successfully at the Cup of Russia Final and to end the season on a high note.
Q: Yet you had an option of stopping (in FS) and to fix the lace (your ammunition). Why did you not do it?
Jon: For many reasons. We knew this rule, but the lace came loose during an element, we finished it, and had to step into the next one, then finished that one, I could still skate, the lace was still together. And then I thought, we lost so many points already, if we stop, we lose 5 more. Only after the skate I realized that in such cases it’s best to stop immediately, as soon as something happens.
Q: You skated at the Olympics in Korea. What impressions are the strongest – a feeling of festivity, or of negativity because of the (doping issues) situation with the Russian Team?
Tiff: Of course, it felt strange to have to cover all the symbols, especially when you’re surrounded by fans with Russian flags. But at the Olympic village everything was great.
Jon: When Tiff and I became a pair, we had several options what country to represent. We chose the difficult road and to skate for Russia, and of course had hopes of Olympics. It was a little bit disappointing, that it turned out this way, no flag, no hymn, but when we arrived to Korea, we felt that it was a big celebration. Too bad we only came for 3 days, we skated and then left, but it would be nice to stay longer.
Q: There is an opinion, that many are watching ice dance, but very few understand what is happening. Maybe you have an idea how to make what is happening on the ice more understandable to the viewers.
Jon: You know, a lot of thought is given to this issue in the Tech Committee at the ISU. Although during the 6.0 system it was even more difficult. Perhaps some small brochures with just few pages can be handed to the audience, what to expect, what to watch for. Or to show a short instructional video during ice resurfacing.
When choosing a partner, you look at appearance first.
Q: Skaters often say that they concentrate mostly on themselves and do not watch their competitors or something like that. It is hard to believe, especially when others start making mistakes.
Jon: You know, it is all a little lie. One way or another we all watch each other. Even if we are skating last and warming up in the back room, usually there is a television there showing the event, and you do cast an eye on the screen. Or if someone comes into the dressing room and says “something just happened out on the ice”. You can’t physically hide from it. But watching others can be distracting for sure.
Q: It is always interesting how in dance one selects a partner, and how such partnership is formed. What does it look like from the inside?
Tiff: There is a special website, where one can post one’s resume and video. But it is mostly for young, junior skaters, for the beginners.
Jon: On the higher level, it is done through conversations and coaches – word of mouth, phone calls, etc.
Q: What characteristics one looks at first?
Jon: Anthropometric features. Height, weight, age, physical appearance. Level of determination, willingness to relocate, or something in that area. Skating abilities/level can always be worked on.
Strange when one partner pays for all of the expenses of the other.
Q: Elizaveta Khudaiberdieva, a Junior Worlds medalist, told that there is a shortage of men in dance, and that many girls are ready to invite a partner from another country and to fully pay for his living expenses, as long as he skates (with her).
Tiff: Figure skating is a very expensive sport. It’s good that in Russia, once you’re on the team, you receive help. But when I skated in England or in France, I had to pay for everything myself.
Jon: (finding and paying for a partner) is popular in America. Over there the girls do invite boys from different countries, and their parents provide for all, as long as their darling daughter can skate.
Q: (to Jon) Did you have such offers?
Jon: Just once. But I wanted to compete for real, and declined. Yes, it is strange when one partner pays for the other. Especially when it is a young lady (a girl).
Q: But even Khudaiberdieva said, that as of today her skating already cost 9 million rubles. And she is only 16, and still skating in Juniors. Is return on such investment realistic?
Jon: Each one has different goals, different abilities and different demands, therefore it is strange to estimate specific expenses. I think Khudaiberdieva lived a very expensive childhood.
We are open to all, but don’t give our competitors wet kisses.
Q: At the Universade a girl from UAE, Zakhara Lari, made a big splash when she skated in hijab. Do you think they will ever had ice dance teams over there?
Jon: By the way, I know her coach, Alexandra Ievleva, we skated together in Moscow. Will they have dance? Why not, let our sport expand. Then we’ll have competition in Dubai, and get to travel there (smiles).
Q: In other sports wealthy Arab countries actively handing out citizen-ships and passports. Is it possible in Figure Skating?
Jon: Tiff and I had a reverse situation, we could skate for a bunch of countries, we had invitations, but we chose to skate for Russia and not regretting it.
Tiff: I understand those athletes from countries where internal competition is high and it is difficult to make it to big events. In their situations to switch is a right decision.
Q: During mid season the important theme – new programmes. But how does one chooses a choreographer, what is it depends on?
Jon: Each team evaluates the resources. The Federation also does not have limitless resources and often we endure certain expenses ourselves. But we always had plans to work with Christopher Dean, and were happy that we had some help. We will also work with him on a new programme this year.
Q: Your fluent English helps your work?
Jon: Yes, it is a nice advantage when working with English speaking specialists. Same as our ability to speak Russian. The most important part is that we can communicate with many other skaters at tournaments. It makes life easier.
Q: By the way, how are your relationships with your competitors?
Jon: We’re open to all. Naturally, when before we step on the ice, nobody is giving each other wet kisses, and everyone respects each other’s space.
Tiff: As they say, there are no friends on the ice. But off the ice we’re ready to communicate with everybody.
