Figure skating: GP series 2018 Favourites
For a post-Olympic season, I have to say many figure skaters are looking really sharp. Not only is Yuzuru wildin'- new ground is being broken in Ladies'. In all disciplines, new and old rivals are stepping up to become contenders in the new quadrennial. It's great to see âolderâ skaters not throwing in the towel, but still forging forward. (Vanessa and Morgan just won their first GPF. Dai is back at 32 â he burnt his suits and bleached his hair). We're so privileged to still have Yuzuru around; despite his injury he's the class of the field. Underlying this push for excellence is the revamped IJS scoring. Emphasizes quality over quantity, the system now aims to widen the creative aspects of FS, sanction errors more harshly and reward more complete skaters (at least in theory *shade*).
Below is my proudly biased list of some standout programs/performances from this seasonâs first half, mainly GP events. Also, ISU rights holders are looking to delete all YT FS fan channels and kill the sport once and for all. Fingers crossed the links are still working.
ICE DANCE (For the record: I miss GOATs Virtue/Moire tremendously.)
1. Tango Romantica Rhythm Dance
Victoria Sinitsina / Nikita Katsalapov âVerano Porteñoâ by Astor Piazzolla
Perhaps the best RD this season. Beautiful composition and choreography: suits the skater's satiny skating skills and the sharp, sensual movements I expect from a tango.
Charlene Guignard/Marco Fabbri âMiedo a la Liberdadâ by Tanghetto
Their technique is like clockwork, smooth and precise; impressive body lines. A true classy tango. With an extra infusion of emotion, their GPF performance really shone. In fact, I could easily make a case for them winning the event outright. :-/
Piper Gilles / Paul Poirier âAngelica's Tangoâ by Piernicola Di Muro
I just love how different, creative and straightforward these two are. Does Paul grow his mustache for the RD only to shave it off for the Free? :)
Special mention: Alex Stepanova / Ivan Bukin âMalagueñaâ by Blast and âCarmenâ by Edith Piaf
Very modern and sizzling. (Sasha's dress is art.) The dance gives off a dramatic Paso Doble feel which then transitions into a Tango. This version still had their signature sit twizzles in it. *cries*
Shiyue Wang / Xinyu Liu âPirates of the Caribbeanâ OST by Hans Zimmer
Unorthodox, but fun and original. Their lifts are stunningly acrobatic. Great edges, too. (This is from Autumn Classic where they hit almost all pattern levels.)
Piper Gilles / Paul Poirier âStarry Starry Nightâ original composition by Govardo
One of their best Dances. A story of the pain and struggle of Vincent Van Gogh and the starry night he famously drew. Poignant and full of beautiful, creative details.
Alex Stepanova / Ivan Bukin âAm I the Oneâ by Beth Hart
Hands down their best program. I love how they wear this rock and modern look. Even if they keep losing levels, their technical improvements finally feel merged with better projection and connection between them. Every second of it is exciting, sexy and hot.
Lilah Fear / Lewis Gibson âBad Girlsâ and âOn the Radioâ by Donna Summer
Welcome to the disco! An unexpected favorite from the Brits. Their lifts pop out with the music and the sliding choreography is badass. (How refreshing to have a Gadbois team without MFL!)
Special mention: Avonley Nguyen / Vadim Kolesnik âDemonsâ by Imagine Dragons & âExperienceâ by Einaudi
A shout-out to this wonderful Junior pair. I'm blown away by their musicality and unapologetic emotional performances. Moreover, they already have superb skating skills and speed. The future of ID looks good.
SINGLES (What is consistent judging?)
Satoko Miyahara âSong for the Little Sparrowâ by Abel KorneziowskiÂ
When you look up âeleganceâ, âmusicalityâ or âsophisticationâ in the dictionary, you find there Satoko. Best skating skills and interpretation of the whole field, in the service of Edith Piaf.
Rika Kihira âClaire de Luneâ by Debussy
We waited a long time for her to skate it clean, but when she finally did, it was magical. The choreo is not exactly pioneering, but Rika's lightness and elegance give it a youthful, ethereal beauty that lights up the ice. Love how unexpected her versatility is. The effortless triple Axel is the cherry on top.
Alyona Kosternaya âDepartureâ by Max Richter
The Superior Junior Lady. Alyona has the ability to interpret the music with her skating, body and eyes. A masterclass in how to hold positions and use arms. I don't like her programs this year. Still, she remains enchanting to watch.
Special mention: Yuna Shiraiwa âAll Aboardâ by Club des Belugas
Quirky, dynamic and full of interesting details.
Kaori Sakamoto âThe Pianoâ OST by Michael Nyman
I love how it sneaks up on you. Kaori struck gold when she teamed up with young choreographer Benoit. He understands her gifts very well: this program gently accentuates her feather-light jumps and flow. The story follows a mute woman in a remote beach town trying to get back her piano, losing a finger along the way (eeks) and nearly drowning before resurfacing: it suits Kaori's quirky personality.
Satoko Miyahara âInvierno Porteñoâ by Astor Piazzolla
Satoko and Tango are a dream team. She doesn't just skate to the music, she lives with it. It's nice to see she attempting to retool her jumping technique, which is no small feat.
Rika Kihira âBeautiful Stormâ by Jennifer Thomas
This disruptive masterpiece is hopefully just a first breath of what is to come from Rika. Her unique bland of dramatic and soft movements conveys a dramatic and awesome storm. It's as if the electrons are passing from the sky through her body in a beautiful interpretation. Her last jump is against silence. And then the thunder strikes... She is already such a well-rounded and charismatic skate. :)
5. Yuzuru Hanyu Short Program âOtoñalâ by Raul Di Blasio
Unfortunately I haven't been watching Men much, except for Yuzuru. I also âdiscoveredâ Kevin Aymoz, a very creative and talented French skater, along the way.
In his short, Yuzu opted for the theme of Autumn as a nostalgic period for reflection and that shows throughout the performance, from the technical elements (his 4S is a tribute to Javi *tears up*) to the details in the choreo, to how he picks up every note. Everything is so genuine and purposeful.
Special mention: Deniss Vasiljevs SP âPapa Was a Rollin' Stoneâ by Norman Whitfield
Those yellow pants are quite a choice. ;)