2017 Four Continents Free Dance

[bwayrose7]

I have to say on further reflection (and sleep) I think the Shibs were much better today than at Nationals or in the GPF. I might have had them a wee bit closer to V/M as (and I don't really care what the judges said) I still think V/M were a tad sloppy. Really still annoyed at the H/D making silly mistakes problem.

Someone in the SD (Sorry.. I don't remember who but it could have been Mrs. P since that is where a lot of smart ID comments come from) said that Piper and Paul's problem with the bobbles (their second GP, the lackluster nationals and yesterday) are because they are doing elements that they are not skilled enough yet to perform with certainty. This would explain why the mistakes are usually Piper's (as in my opinion she is the weaker of the two). Add competition nerves and I think sometimes they are skating too hard. Here is hoping they get it together for worlds.

Also, if, as some you think, Weaver and Poje are being dumped and don't have a chance at a medal at the Olympics I hope Skate Canada considers having them skate either the SD or the FD in the team event. It would personally make me sad to see these two retire (and I assume they will after 2018) without an Olympic medal or a World Championship.

I kinda hope so too. Canada is certain to get a team medal, and since the team event doesn't hold as much prestige as an individual one, it might make sense to have their top medal contenders (including VM) split the event. And it would be, as you say, a nice gesture for a team that's been so close and yet so far. I really admire WP for their consistency over the years and their drive to never give up, even spending most of their career in the shadow of all-time greats. I actually have the same hopes for the American dance teams in the team event: it would be nice to split it between the Shibs and C/B so that both of these accomplished teams can have an Olympic medal. I know that it's not all about what's "nice" but, still.

 

[ancientpeas]

I wouldn't consider that as a bashing of Shibs. I mean, they are just talking the truth. Many of us consider it laughable, too

He said something about Alex's work ethic or manner in the gym. I remember when he said it on TSL. I had a bit of a "really?" moment and then I moved on. To me Alex and every other skater) can be any way they want to be in training, as long as it's not abusive to others, if they can produce the goods.

I don't remember the exact quote but there was definitely a tone to it all. This wasn't from Dave. I don't think David Lease dislikes the Shibs. He just finds them a little pasteurized. I go with my opinion on TSL: It has exactly as much weight as you give it. No more, no less.

 

[Baron Vladimir]

I don't remember the exact quote but there was definitely a tone to it all. This wasn't from Dave. I don't think David Lease dislikes the Shibs. He just finds them a little pasteurized. I go with my opinion on TSL: It has exactly as much weight as you give it. No more, no less.

I was talking only about that one twit. I agree with you that we don't need to read every thing they said as a objective one

 

[ancientpeas]

I kinda hope so too. Canada is certain to get a team medal, and since the team event doesn't hold as much prestige as an individual one, it might make sense to have their top medal contenders (including VM) split the event. And it would be, as you say, a nice gesture for a team that's been so close and yet so far. I really admire WP for their consistency over the years and their drive to never give up, even spending most of their career in the shadow of all-time greats. I actually have the same hopes for the American dance teams in the team event: it would be nice to split it between the Shibs and C/B so that both of these accomplished teams can have an Olympic medal. I know that it's not all about what's "nice" but, still.

EEEKKKK.. you said certain! You said certain. Take it back, take it BACK!



If you include chock and bates then the H/D fans will be devastated. The problem with having 3 top teams is that one will be left out of the mix no matter what. Kind of like Canada with pairs: D/R are a given and then I'd take S/B but an argument could be made for I/M or even MT/M. If I/M start landing those SBS jumps it's going to be one heck of a choice for Skate Canada to make. (provided citizenship problems don't hold them back). I do wish Patrick would skate both LP and SP but he refused 4 years ago so it's extremely doubtful he'd be willing this time. So I'm assuming 2 pairs because of timing, 2 men because of Patrick, one lady and one dance (V/M).

I'm assuming the U.S. will be one pair (Sk/K), 2 dance, 2 women, one man?

Russia will be 2 pairs (T/M, S/K), 2 ladies, 1 man (hopefully Kolyada) and 1 dance (B/S) I guess?

 

[Barb]

I wouldn't consider that as a bashing of Shibs. I mean, they are just talking the truth. Many of us consider it laughable, too

But I just knew they could not overlook it, Sugarpova thought they would not be interested about it. TSL are always posting videos or pictures of performances even of unknown skaters but right now they had nothing to say about the Shibs despite they had a good performance, the only thing they thought worth it to mention was that situation with the american judge.

 

[Mrs. P]

He said something about Alex's work ethic or manner in the gym. I remember when he said it on TSL. I had a bit of a "really?" moment and then I moved on. To me Alex and every other skater) can be any way they want to be in training, as long as it's not abusive to others, if they can produce the goods.

I don't remember the exact quote but there was definitely a tone to it all. This wasn't from Dave. I don't think David Lease dislikes the Shibs. He just finds them a little pasteurized. I go with my opinion on TSL: It has exactly as much weight as you give it. No more, no less.

A few years ago, TSL made a comment on one of their This and That's that made it sound like the Shibs didn't really earn their world berths but rather their parents had considerable influence (financial) with USFS. This was around the time the Shibs were still struggling, but yet did enough to consistently pass Hubbell and Donahue for a Worlds berth to the chagrin of their fans. I think that's why a lot of Shib fans are wary when TSL talk about them.

And I wouldn't be surprised if they held David Lease at arm's length either. I think they're aware of what people say about them.

 

[Chemistry66]

Watching Piper and Paul now on NBCSN and I just can't with Paul's mustache

 

[Baron Vladimir]

But I just knew they could not overlook it, Sugarpova thought they would not be interested about it. TSL are always posting videos or pictures of performances but right now they had nothing to say about the Shibs despite they had a good performance, the only thing they thought worth it to mention was that situation with the american judge.

Yeah, i agree with you on that, they could say that Shibs had a good skating... Sadly, that is not so interesting news like the judge 6 is

 

[ancientpeas]

A few years ago, TSL made a comment on one of their This and That's that made it sound like the Shibs didn't really earn their world berths but rather their parents had considerable influence (financial) with USFS. This was around the time the Shibs were still struggling, but yet did enough to consistently pass Hubbell and Donahue for a Worlds berth to the chagrin of their fans. I think that's why a lot of Shib fans are wary when TSL talk about them.

And I wouldn't be surprised if they held David Lease at arm's length either. I think they're aware of what people say about them.

I never heard that.

But it was definitely not Dave that questioned Alex's attitude. (it might have been more of a hint of Alex's image on twitter and instagram as being very sanitized and made deliberately too vanilla so as to offend no one but not actually reflective of his behaviour)

I get why some people don't like TSL. They have said stuff about skaters I like that makes me kind of shake my head but just like I enjoy talking to folks here who don't share my views (Like people who like Under Pressure for example) I don't mind listening to people criticize things I do like. I'm not personally offended by someone not liking Piper and Paul's disco. It's not like what some poor 18th C playwright must have felt when Ben Jonson literally tore your play apart in the papers or Dorothy Parker took you down with one phrase.

My opinion on criticism of your work is this: If 1 out of 10 people hate what you do they might be wrong, if 9 out of 10 people hate what you do then maybe the problem isn't their negative opinion.

 

[ancientpeas]

Watching Piper and Paul now on NBCSN and I just can't with Paul's mustache

The second most sublime thing in the SD this year: Paul's pornstache.

The first is Sun's Single Ladies and the 3rd is the music cut in V/M's Prince program when it moves from 5 women to Purple Rain.

You can argue with me but really now why would you?

 

[cathlen]

I just started wathcing Eurosport coverage of today. I so love P squared Free Dance this season Really glad they came in fighting mood to the ice today

 

[VIETgrlTerifa]

I dislike TSL's treatment of the Shibs, but it's not like the Shibs need them for anything. They have much more exposure and fans and views than TSL can dream of, and Dave and that unknown opera singer know that. Regarding the tweet, however, I don't think TSL was overtly bashing the Shibs with it, though it's questionable that TSL neglects any other mention of the Shibs. It's true. Both the Shibs and C/B received the same score from Sharon Rogers, which is fine, except her scores were much higher than for V/M. What really is questionable is that score for skating skills. In what universe do V/M deserve a 8.75 in SS? It was blatant nationalism. I also see one judge pressed the button to deduct V/M for "violation of choreography restriction". I wonder which judge that was. She needs to be called out on it.

 

[bramweld]

I'll grant that the movements are similar, however they are EXECUTED far better now then they were two years ago. They have tried to do the quiet-introverted programs before, Memoirs of a Geisha come to mind, but they never could execute the programs to make them powerful. That's the point that No Name Face is making.

This may be so and even if they are improved, it may simply not be to my liking much. And that is my point. So as they say, to each their own (TETO).

 

[ancientpeas]

I dislike TSL's treatment of the Shibs, but it's not like the Shibs need them for anything. They have much more exposure and fans and views than TSL can dream of, and Dave and that unknown opera singer knows that. Regarding the tweet, however, I don't think TSL was overtly bashing the Shibs with it, though it's questionable that TSL neglects any other mention of the Shibs. It's true. Both the Shibs and C/B received the same score from Sharon Rogers, which is fine, except her scores were much higher than for V/M. What really is questionable is that score for skating skills. In what universe do V/M deserve a 8.75 in SS? It was blatant nationalism. She needs to be called out on it.

I believe it was actually the skating protocol that complained about it. the Canadian judge on the other hand had V/M first but by a much greater margin than any of the other judges in total TSS: 81.9, 74.5, 73.8, 72 (V/M, S/S, C/B, H/D) They didn't have W/P or G/P in the graphic.

 

[Sugarpova]

I told you https://twitter.com/SkatingLesson/status/832611137631944704

Not sure I'm gonna check that out
I try to distance myself from this pathetic 'journalism':hopelessness:

 

[keasus]

This may be so and even if they are improved, it may simply not be to my liking much. And that is my point. So as they say, to each their own (TETO).

Exactly. While I recognize the talents of V/M, I can't say that I rewatch their programs, but I will rewatch lower ranked teams over and over again (G/P's free dance from last year, for example).

 

[cathlen]

Why twizzles again WeaPo? It sucks all the more that they would be one place higher if not that....

EDIT: I loved the program otherwise and I only hope it means they will skate it clean at Worlds

 

[Mrs. P]

This may be so and even if they are improved, it may simply not be to my liking much. And that is my point. So as they say, to each their own (TETO).

And that's with me.

 

[cathlen]

I enjoyed C/B. Though I agree with Polish commentator saying they seemed a little cautious in some parts of the program.

 

[bramweld]

I enjoyed C/B. Though I agree with Polish commentator saying they seemed a little cautious in some parts of the program.

Yeah a program like that has to be skated full out, but the thing is they don't have the knees for it, or should I say Madison doesn't have the knees and Evan doesn't have the emotional range for that. I am actually cringing at the number of classical programs we might see next season. :scowl: